Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Topeka?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Topeka market averaged 812 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 14% from a year earlier and up 165% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Topeka?

Accepted Answer

An average Topeka listing earns $25K/year. High-performing listings earn $50K, while low-performing listings earn $9K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Topeka home prices by size are 1-bedroom $61K, 2-bedroom $155K, 3-bedroom $236K, and 4+ bedroom $303K.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Topeka is 33%, producing RevPAR of $54 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Topeka?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Topeka. Topeka: Lenient. No specific short-term rental regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general zoning and business license rules. Minimal enforcement.
Lawrence: Moderate. Special use permit required, owner-occupancy mandatory, spacing requirements between rentals. Moderate enforcement with complaint-driven actions.
Manhattan: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Subject to general business licensing and zoning. Light enforcement, hosts operate with minimal oversight. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Topeka Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Topeka Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 14% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 11%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Topeka?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in September and May; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Topeka?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (99%), Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Pool (+71%), Lake Access (+44%), TV (+24%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Topeka is $192, up 16% year-over-year. Rates peak in September and are lowest in February.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Topeka book an average of 30 days in advance, down 6% from last year. Booking windows range from 26 days for 1-bedroom listings to 35 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

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 57% 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.West Topeka	$25.9K 45 listings	16.6% 45 listings
2.Central & East Topeka	$20.8K 26 listings	16.4% 26 listings
3.West Manhattan	$38.2K 53 listings	14.0% 53 listings
4.Central & East Manhattan	$27.2K 105 listings	13.6% 105 listings
5.Topeka Countryside	$30.3K 25 listings	13.1% 25 listings
6.Riley County & Tuttle Creek	$39.1K 29 listings	12.8% 29 listings