Topeka

As of June 2026, Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan have 759 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Topeka generates $23K per year. High-performing properties earn $45K/year, while low-performing properties earn $9K/year. This wide disparity suggests that revenue outcomes are heavily bifurcated, indicating that top earners successfully capture distinct market segments that average listings fail to penetrate.

Average home prices in Topeka vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $59K, 2-bedroom homes average $151K, 3-bedroom properties are around $232K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $295K. These prices reflect median home values across the Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Topeka, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 21%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The nearly double yield of top properties highlights significant variance in operational efficiency and asset utilization across the local portfolio.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Topeka is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $183, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $46 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Topeka, with an average gross yield of 18% and annual revenue of $13K. These properties balance purchase price ($59K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Topeka market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Topeka area. Topeka: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under standard zoning and business licensing. Minimal enforcement. Lawrence: Moderate. Business license required, owner-occupancy mandate for residential zones, 2-person-per-bedroom occupancy limits. Complaint-driven enforcement. Manhattan: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license and zoning compliance. Light enforcement, mostly complaint-based. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Topeka Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 25%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue per available room amidst rising supply signals that market saturation is beginning to compress per-unit earnings.

Launch around August, 2-3 months before peak fall season (November peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 43% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Topeka listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (90%), Heating (81%), Washing Machine (79%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Bbq, Internet, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 50% more ($48K/year vs $32K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Topeka over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $1K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $777, February: $725, March: $1K, 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 Topeka is $183, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $118/night, 2-bedroom properties average $140/night, 3-bedroom properties average $200/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $314/night. Rates peak in September and are lowest in February.

Guests in Topeka book an average of 28 days in advance, down 25% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 24 days, 2-bedroom: 26 days, 3-bedroom: 29 days, 4+ bedroom: 34 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Topeka Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 5%, revenue per listing decreased 25%, occupancy fell 19%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 25%. These metrics reflect a shift toward shorter booking windows and lower utilization, suggesting a move toward more transient and reactive guest behavior.

In Topeka, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 58% higher occupancy than weekdays.