Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Lexington?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Lexington market averaged 2,200 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 5% from a year earlier and up 34% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Lexington?

Accepted Answer

An average Lexington listing earns $39K/year. High-performing listings earn $80K, while low-performing listings earn $12K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Lexington home prices by size are 1-bedroom $181K, 2-bedroom $180K, 3-bedroom $248K, and 4+ bedroom $349K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Lexington?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Lexington is 35%, producing RevPAR of $86 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Lexington?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Lexington. Lexington: Moderate. Conditional use permit required, owner-occupancy mandate for residential zones, 180-day rental cap for non-owner-occupied. Enforcement exists but inconsistent.
Louisville: Lenient. Business license and health permit required, no owner-occupancy rules. Light enforcement, many operate without permits.
Frankfort: Lenient. Business license needed, minimal restrictions. Very limited enforcement, small market with few active regulations. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Lexington Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Lexington Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 20%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lexington?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in April and June; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Lexington?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (99%), Internet (99%), Heating (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Hot Tub (+87%), Pool (+73%), Washing Machine (+55%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Lexington is $263, up 19% year-over-year. Rates peak in April and are lowest in January.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Lexington book an average of 37 days in advance. Booking windows range from 30 days for 1-bedroom listings to 47 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 66% 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.Frankfort & Franklin Countryside	$36.4K 143 listings	20.3% 143 listings
2.Lawrenceburg Countryside	$46.6K 50 listings	19.2% 50 listings
3.Northeast Lexington	$39.5K 47 listings	17.2% 47 listings
4.Paris & Carlisle Countryside	$39.4K 26 listings	16.0% 26 listings
5.Harrodsburg & Mercer Countryside	$33.5K 53 listings	15.4% 53 listings
6.Morehead & Clearfield Countryside	$24.4K 20 listings	14.7% 20 listings
7.Versailles & Midway Countryside	$36.0K 41 listings	14.3% 41 listings
8.West & Southwest Lexington	$34.4K 50 listings	13.9% 50 listings
9.Georgetown & Scott Countryside	$37.8K 93 listings	12.8% 93 listings
10.Danville & Boyle Countryside	$28.5K 35 listings	12.5% 35 listings
11.South Lexington	$40.4K 63 listings	12.5% 63 listings
12.Downtown & Central Lexington	$28.4K 155 listings	11.9% 155 listings
13.Northwest Lexington & Horse Country	$32.8K 24 listings	11.8% 24 listings
14.East Lexington	$29.7K 21 listings	11.8% 21 listings
15.Southeast Lexington	$40.0K 106 listings	11.6% 106 listings
16.Richmond Countryside	$27.5K 37 listings	10.1% 37 listings