Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Lancaster County market averaged 3,108 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 2% from a year earlier and up 35% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

An average Lancaster County listing earns $39K/year. High-performing listings earn $86K, while low-performing listings earn $15K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

Median Lancaster County home prices by size are 1-bedroom $162K, 2-bedroom $239K, 3-bedroom $303K, and 4+ bedroom $426K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Lancaster County is 34%, producing RevPAR of $83 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Lancaster County. Lancaster: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, safety inspections needed. Enforcement occurs but not aggressive.
Harrisburg: Lenient. Business privilege license required, basic zoning compliance. Minimal active enforcement.
York: Lenient. Business license needed, zoning rules apply. Light enforcement, many operate informally.
Gettysburg: Moderate. Registration required, occupancy limits, parking rules enforced. Tourist area sees moderate enforcement during peak season. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Lancaster County Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Lancaster County Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has grown 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 26%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and August; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (99%), Heating (98%), Internet (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Pool (+69%), Hot Tub (+66%), Bbq (+48%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Lancaster County is $276, up 21% year-over-year. Rates peak in August and are lowest in March.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Lancaster County book an average of 39 days in advance, down 2% from last year. Booking windows range from 32 days for 1-bedroom listings to 48 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lancaster County?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 88% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Harrisburg	$33.8K 155 listings	15.0% 155 listings
2.Huntingdon & Raystown Lake	$29.8K 61 listings	15.0% 61 listings
3.York	$34.2K 117 listings	13.7% 117 listings
4.Hershey	$46.8K 106 listings	13.5% 106 listings
5.Lancaster City & Suburbs	$40.9K 238 listings	13.1% 238 listings
6.Carlisle & Mechanicsburg	$30.9K 83 listings	12.0% 83 listings
7.Lititz & Elizabethtown	$41.9K 86 listings	11.8% 86 listings
8.Gettysburg	$37.4K 144 listings	11.6% 144 listings
9.Bedford	$28.5K 21 listings	11.6% 21 listings
10.Chambersburg	$28.4K 47 listings	11.1% 47 listings
11.Bird-in-Hand & Strasburg	$37.1K 217 listings	9.5% 217 listings