Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Rapid City?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Rapid City market averaged 3,608 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 16% from a year earlier and up 55% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Rapid City?

Accepted Answer

An average Rapid City listing earns $43K/year. High-performing listings earn $75K, while low-performing listings earn $21K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Rapid City home prices by size are 1-bedroom $193K, 2-bedroom $312K, 3-bedroom $367K, and 4+ bedroom $458K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Rapid City?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Rapid City is 31%, producing RevPAR of $90 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Rapid City?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Rapid City. Rapid City: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permits required. Operates under general business licensing and zoning. Minimal enforcement.
Deadwood: Lenient. Business license required, follows general lodging rules. Historic district has preservation requirements but STR-specific enforcement is light.
Spearfish: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. General business license and zoning compliance expected. Limited active enforcement.
Custer: Lenient. Business license needed, basic zoning rules apply. No owner-occupancy or density limits. Minimal STR-specific oversight. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Rapid City Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Rapid City Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 16% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 18%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Rapid City?

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 Rapid City?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (97%), Parking (95%), Heating (95%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Pool (+82%), Washing Machine (+74%), Hot Tub (+63%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Rapid City is $317, up 18% year-over-year. Rates peak in August and are lowest in April.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Rapid City book an average of 44 days in advance, up 4% from last year. Booking windows range from 33 days for 1-bedroom listings to 53 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 47% 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.Box Elder and Pennington Country	$51.8K 63 listings	14.0% 63 listings
2.Rapid City	$41.6K 445 listings	13.6% 445 listings
3.Hill City, Keystone and Central Hills	$48.9K 316 listings	12.1% 316 listings
4.Southern Lawrence Hills	$52.9K 128 listings	11.9% 128 listings
5.Sturgis and Meade Foothills	$43.4K 60 listings	11.9% 60 listings
6.Custer and Southern Hills	$55.8K 160 listings	11.6% 160 listings
7.Northern Lawrence Hills	$43.9K 109 listings	11.4% 109 listings
8.Deadwood and Lead	$30.4K 49 listings	10.5% 49 listings
9.Spearfish	$39.9K 49 listings	10.1% 49 listings