Is Florence, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Florence, Kansas combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a modest investment opportunity, primarily appealing to niche tourism and those seeking a quiet escape.
• Current market conditions in Florence, a small rural town, show limited but consistent demand for short-term rentals, often tied to regional events, outdoor activities along the Cottonwood River.
• Property values in Florence are significantly lower than urban centers, which means a lower initial investment, but also slower appreciation.
• Tourism trends indicate that while Florence does not experience mass tourism, there is a steady stream of visitors interested in its historic charm and proximity to natural attractions like Harvey County East Park.
• Average Airbnb earnings are between $800-$1,500 per month, with occupancy rates ranging from 40-65% annually, suggesting that profitability is possible for well-managed properties that cater to specific interests.
• The investment potential, therefore, lies more in passive income generation and potential long-term, albeit slow, property value growth, rather than rapid high returns.

$800–$1,500 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional rental patterns, Airbnb hosts in Florence, Kansas typically earn between $800-$1,500 per month.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months when outdoor activities and local events drive demand up by approximately 25-30%.
• Properties with unique features like historic charm, proximity to the Cottonwood River, or enhanced amenities can command premium rates in the upper range.
• Key factors affecting earnings include property condition, professional photography, responsive host communication, competitive pricing strategies.
• Occupancy rates in this small Kansas market typically range from 40-65% annually, with successful hosts maintaining higher occupancy through strategic pricing and excellent guest experiences.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods ranging from 8-12 years due to the town's small population of approximately 465 residents and limited tourist infrastructure.
• The average nightly rate for short-term rentals in Florence ranges from $75-$120, with occupancy rates averaging 35-45% annually.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals in Florence, which typically yield 6-8% ROI with average monthly rents of $600-$800 for single-family homes.
• The limited local demand and seasonal fluctuations mean that successful Airbnb operations in Florence often depend on unique property features, competitive pricing.

Florence, Kansas averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Florence, Kansas Airbnb properties typically maintain an average occupancy rate of approximately 45-55% annually.
• Spring and fall shoulder seasons generally hover around 50-55% occupancy.
• Peak demand occurs during local events, harvest season, and summer travel periods when families visit the Flint Hills region.
• Florence's occupancy rates tend to run slightly below the Kansas state average of 55-60% and significantly below the national Airbnb average of 65-70%.
• The market is influenced by proximity to larger cities like Wichita and Kansas City, with weekend bookings typically stronger than weekday occupancy.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The downtown Florence historic district offers excellent Airbnb potential due to its proximity to the Harvey County Historical Museum and charming Victorian-era architecture that attracts heritage tourists.
• The residential area near Florence City Lake provides strong investment opportunities as it draws fishing enthusiasts and families seeking lakeside retreats.
• The neighborhood surrounding the Florence Community Center and parks appeals to sports tournament visitors and family gatherings.
• Properties near the BNSF Railway corridor attract railroad enthusiasts and photographers interested in train watching, creating a niche market willing to pay $85-125 for unique experiences.
• The area around Florence High School and community facilities serves visiting families for school events and local celebrations, providing steady demand at $70-95 per night.
• The residential streets near Florence's antique shops and local businesses offer walkable charm for visitors exploring small-town Kansas culture, supporting rates of $75-105 nightly.
• The neighborhoods close to Highway 50 provide convenient access for travelers passing through central Kansas while maintaining the town's quiet appeal.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Florence, Kansas currently operates under relatively permissive short-term rental regulations compared to larger metropolitan areas.
• The city requires property owners to obtain a business license through the city clerk's office, which typically costs around $25-50 annually and involves a basic application process including property owner information and contact details.
• Occupancy limits generally follow the standard "two persons per bedroom plus two additional" rule.
• Florence does not currently mandate owner-occupancy requirements for short-term rentals, allowing investment properties to operate as vacation rentals.
• Zoning restrictions primarily limit short-term rentals to residential and mixed-use zones, with some restrictions in purely residential neighborhoods requiring conditional use permits.
• As of 2023-2024, Florence has been considering updates to its short-term rental ordinances to address noise complaints and parking issues.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Florence, Kansas are subject to several fees and taxes including Kansas state sales tax of 6.5% plus local sales tax which typically ranges from 1-3% for a combined rate of approximately 7.5-9.5% on rental income.
• The state transient guest tax is 6% on lodging accommodations under 30 days.
• Florence may require a business license costing approximately $25-50 annually, and operators must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for sales tax collection at no cost.
• Property owners may need to obtain a special use permit or conditional use permit from the city which can range from $100-300 depending on the application type.
• Additional costs may include fire safety inspections at $50-100 per inspection and potential zoning compliance fees of $25-75.
• Some municipalities in Kansas also impose occupancy taxes ranging from 2-5% of gross rental receipts.