Lancaster County

As of June 2026, Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Gettysburg have 2,985 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Lancaster County generates $37K per year. High-performing properties earn $79K/year, while low-performing properties earn $15K/year. This wide disparity suggests that revenue outcomes are highly polarized, as top-tier listings capture significantly higher value despite a broader market contraction in revenue.

Average home prices in Lancaster County vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $161K, 2-bedroom homes average $236K, 3-bedroom properties are around $302K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $420K. These prices reflect median home values across the Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Gettysburg area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Lancaster County, with an average gross yield of 13% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 28%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The gap between average and high yields highlights that profitability is heavily skewed toward a small segment of the market.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lancaster County is 34%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $259, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $69 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Lancaster County, with an average gross yield of 15% and annual revenue of $62K. These properties balance purchase price ($420K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Lancaster County market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Lancaster County area. Lancaster: Moderate. Business privilege license required, zoning compliance needed. Some enforcement through complaints. Harrisburg: Lenient. Business license required, basic safety standards. Minimal active enforcement, many operate informally. York: Lenient. Business license needed, zoning rules apply. Light enforcement, complaint-driven only. Gettysburg: Moderate. Registration required, occupancy limits, parking rules. Moderate enforcement due to tourism focus and neighbor complaints. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Lancaster County Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 6%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics, suggesting that the market is normalizing as listing counts contract in proportion to overall revenue shifts.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 3% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Lancaster County listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (83%), Washing Machine (77%), Heating (69%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Pool, Washing Machine, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 69% more ($70K/year vs $42K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Lancaster County over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Lancaster County is $259, up 19% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $150/night, 2-bedroom properties average $204/night, 3-bedroom properties average $255/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $489/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in May.

Guests in Lancaster County book an average of 37 days in advance, down 20% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 30 days, 2-bedroom: 35 days, 3-bedroom: 38 days, 4+ bedroom: 47 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Lancaster County Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 5%, revenue per listing decreased 6%, occupancy fell 9%, average nightly rates increased 19%, and lead time decreased 20%. These figures reflect a tightening environment where higher pricing strategy struggles to offset declining occupancy and shorter booking windows.

In Lancaster County, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 83% higher occupancy than weekdays.