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Find Your Airbnb InvestmentInvesting in Airbnb properties in Kansas, Illinois, presents a modest opportunity, primarily appealing to niche tourism and local event-driven demand rather than robust, year-round tourist traffic. Current market conditions in small, rural Illinois towns like Kansas typically feature lower property values compared to urban or major tourist destinations, which can translate to a lower barrier to entry for investors. However, tourism trends are generally limited, revolving around seasonal agricultural events, local festivals, or visitors with family in the area. Property values are stable but lack the significant appreciation seen in high-growth markets. Investment potential largely hinges on identifying unique local attractions or events that can draw short-term visitors, and carefully managing operational costs to ensure profitability in a market with potentially lower occupancy rates and average daily rates. Therefore, while not a high-yield investment, a well-managed Airbnb in Kansas, Illinois, could offer a steady, albeit modest, return for a patient investor.
Based on available market data, Airbnb hosts in Kansas and Illinois typically earn between $1,200-$3,500 monthly, with Illinois properties generally commanding higher rates due to Chicago's tourism market. Kansas hosts average approximately $1,800-$2,400 per month, while Illinois hosts, particularly near Chicago, can earn $2,500-$4,200 monthly during peak seasons. Seasonal variations show 25-40% higher earnings during summer months (June-August) and holiday periods, with winter months experiencing 15-30% decreases in both states. Illinois properties benefit from year-round urban tourism and business travel, while Kansas relies more heavily on seasonal agricultural tourism and local events. Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to major cities (Chicago significantly boosts Illinois earnings), property type (entire homes outperform shared spaces by 60-80%), amenities like pools or hot tubs (adding 15-25% premium), professional photography (increasing bookings by 20-30%), and dynamic pricing strategies. Rural properties in both states typically earn 30-50% less than urban counterparts, though they may have lower operational costs. Occupancy rates average 55-70% in Illinois and 45-60% in Kansas, with successful hosts maintaining higher rates through competitive pricing, excellent reviews, and strategic marketing during local events and festivals.
Airbnb investments in Kansas, Illinois typically generate ROI between 8-15% annually, with properties in prime locations near attractions or universities achieving the higher end of this range. The average payback period for initial investment ranges from 6-10 years, depending on property acquisition costs and renovation expenses. Kansas Airbnb properties generally outperform traditional long-term rentals by 2-4 percentage points, as short-term rentals can command nightly rates of $80-150 compared to monthly rental yields that typically generate 6-10% annual returns. Properties within 30 minutes of major Kansas attractions or near colleges tend to maintain 60-75% occupancy rates throughout the year, with seasonal fluctuations affecting summer months positively due to tourism and family visits. The Kansas market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to major metropolitan areas, with average investment properties ranging from $100,000-250,000, allowing investors to achieve positive cash flow more quickly than in saturated markets, though the trade-off includes lower absolute revenue potential and dependence on regional economic conditions and seasonal tourism patterns.
Airbnb occupancy rates in Kansas typically average around 45-55% annually, with significant seasonal variations that peak during summer months (June-August) at approximately 65-70% and drop to winter lows of 35-40% during December-February. Spring and fall shoulder seasons generally maintain moderate occupancy rates of 50-60%, with slight upticks during college football season and local festivals. Kansas performs below the national average of approximately 60-65% for short-term rentals, primarily due to its limited tourist attractions compared to coastal or mountain destinations, though it aligns closely with other Midwest agricultural states like Nebraska and Iowa. The state's occupancy rates are particularly strong in urban areas like Kansas City and Wichita, where business travel and events drive demand, while rural properties tend to have lower year-round occupancy but may spike during hunting seasons and agricultural events. Compared to neighboring Illinois, Kansas typically underperforms by 10-15 percentage points, as Illinois benefits from Chicago's robust tourism market and greater population density driving both leisure and business travel demand.
The downtown Kansas area near the historic courthouse and antique district offers strong Airbnb potential due to its walkable charm and proximity to local festivals and events that draw weekend visitors. The neighborhoods surrounding Kansas State University provide consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees, with properties typically commanding premium rates during graduation and football seasons. The residential areas near Riverside Park and the Illinois River offer scenic waterfront appeal that attracts nature enthusiasts and fishing tourists willing to pay higher nightly rates for peaceful retreats. The historic Victorian district features architecturally significant homes that photograph well for social media marketing and appeal to travelers seeking unique, Instagram-worthy accommodations. Properties within walking distance of the main commercial strip benefit from restaurant and shopping proximity while maintaining residential quiet that guests prefer. The newer subdivision areas on the town's outskirts provide larger homes suitable for family reunions and group bookings, often generating higher total revenue despite lower per-person rates. The neighborhoods near the regional medical center create steady demand from medical tourists and visiting family members, offering more predictable occupancy rates throughout the year compared to purely leisure-focused areas.
Short-term rental regulations vary significantly between Kansas and Illinois, with Kansas generally maintaining more lenient state-level oversight while allowing municipalities to establish their own rules, whereas Illinois has implemented more comprehensive statewide regulations since 2021 through the Short-Term Rental Tax Act. In Kansas, most permit requirements and zoning restrictions are determined locally, with cities like Lawrence and Overland Park requiring business licenses and compliance with residential zoning codes, while occupancy limits typically follow standard residential occupancy rules of 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional. Illinois requires hosts to register with the Department of Revenue, obtain local permits where required, and comply with the state's 6% tax on short-term rentals, with occupancy limits generally capped at 2 persons per bedroom and many municipalities like Chicago requiring owner-occupancy for certain property types or limiting the number of non-owner-occupied units. Zoning restrictions in both states commonly prohibit short-term rentals in single-family residential zones unless specifically permitted, with Illinois municipalities like Evanston and Springfield implementing stricter rules including mandatory owner-occupancy requirements and annual registration processes. Recent changes include Illinois expanding tax collection requirements in 2022 and Kansas cities increasingly adopting specific short-term rental ordinances, with registration processes typically requiring proof of insurance, safety compliance, and payment of annual fees ranging from $100-500 depending on the jurisdiction.
Short-term rentals in Kansas and Illinois are subject to various fees and taxes that vary by municipality. In Kansas, most cities impose lodging taxes ranging from 6% to 12%, with Kansas City charging 12.875% total transient guest tax, Wichita at 13.3%, and Topeka around 11.5%. Registration fees typically range from $50 to $200 annually, with annual permit costs between $100 to $500 depending on the city. Illinois has higher tax rates, with Chicago imposing a 4.5% hotel accommodations tax plus a $2.50 per night hotel operators occupation tax, while the state charges 6.25% sales tax plus local taxes that can bring total rates to 15-17% in major cities. Cook County adds an additional 3% hotel tax. Registration fees in Illinois cities typically range from $75 to $300, with annual licensing costs between $150 to $750. Both states may require additional fees for inspections ($50-150), zoning permits ($25-100), and some municipalities charge tourism promotion fees of 1-3% of gross receipts. Business license fees generally range from $25 to $200 annually in both states.
Investing in Airbnb properties in Kansas, Illinois, presents a modest opportunity, primarily appealing to niche tourism and local event-driven demand rather than robust, year-round tourist traffic. Current market conditions in small, rural Illinois towns like Kansas typically feature lower property values compared to urban or major tourist destinations, which can translate to a lower barrier to entry for investors. However, tourism trends are generally limited, revolving around seasonal agricultural events, local festivals, or visitors with family in the area. Property values are stable but lack the significant appreciation seen in high-growth markets. Investment potential largely hinges on identifying unique local attractions or events that can draw short-term visitors, and carefully managing operational costs to ensure profitability in a market with potentially lower occupancy rates and average daily rates. Therefore, while not a high-yield investment, a well-managed Airbnb in Kansas, Illinois, could offer a steady, albeit modest, return for a patient investor.
Based on available market data, Airbnb hosts in Kansas and Illinois typically earn between $1,200-$3,500 monthly, with Illinois properties generally commanding higher rates due to Chicago's tourism market. Kansas hosts average approximately $1,800-$2,400 per month, while Illinois hosts, particularly near Chicago, can earn $2,500-$4,200 monthly during peak seasons. Seasonal variations show 25-40% higher earnings during summer months (June-August) and holiday periods, with winter months experiencing 15-30% decreases in both states. Illinois properties benefit from year-round urban tourism and business travel, while Kansas relies more heavily on seasonal agricultural tourism and local events. Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to major cities (Chicago significantly boosts Illinois earnings), property type (entire homes outperform shared spaces by 60-80%), amenities like pools or hot tubs (adding 15-25% premium), professional photography (increasing bookings by 20-30%), and dynamic pricing strategies. Rural properties in both states typically earn 30-50% less than urban counterparts, though they may have lower operational costs. Occupancy rates average 55-70% in Illinois and 45-60% in Kansas, with successful hosts maintaining higher rates through competitive pricing, excellent reviews, and strategic marketing during local events and festivals.
Airbnb investments in Kansas, Illinois typically generate ROI between 8-15% annually, with properties in prime locations near attractions or universities achieving the higher end of this range. The average payback period for initial investment ranges from 6-10 years, depending on property acquisition costs and renovation expenses. Kansas Airbnb properties generally outperform traditional long-term rentals by 2-4 percentage points, as short-term rentals can command nightly rates of $80-150 compared to monthly rental yields that typically generate 6-10% annual returns. Properties within 30 minutes of major Kansas attractions or near colleges tend to maintain 60-75% occupancy rates throughout the year, with seasonal fluctuations affecting summer months positively due to tourism and family visits. The Kansas market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to major metropolitan areas, with average investment properties ranging from $100,000-250,000, allowing investors to achieve positive cash flow more quickly than in saturated markets, though the trade-off includes lower absolute revenue potential and dependence on regional economic conditions and seasonal tourism patterns.
Airbnb occupancy rates in Kansas typically average around 45-55% annually, with significant seasonal variations that peak during summer months (June-August) at approximately 65-70% and drop to winter lows of 35-40% during December-February. Spring and fall shoulder seasons generally maintain moderate occupancy rates of 50-60%, with slight upticks during college football season and local festivals. Kansas performs below the national average of approximately 60-65% for short-term rentals, primarily due to its limited tourist attractions compared to coastal or mountain destinations, though it aligns closely with other Midwest agricultural states like Nebraska and Iowa. The state's occupancy rates are particularly strong in urban areas like Kansas City and Wichita, where business travel and events drive demand, while rural properties tend to have lower year-round occupancy but may spike during hunting seasons and agricultural events. Compared to neighboring Illinois, Kansas typically underperforms by 10-15 percentage points, as Illinois benefits from Chicago's robust tourism market and greater population density driving both leisure and business travel demand.
The downtown Kansas area near the historic courthouse and antique district offers strong Airbnb potential due to its walkable charm and proximity to local festivals and events that draw weekend visitors. The neighborhoods surrounding Kansas State University provide consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees, with properties typically commanding premium rates during graduation and football seasons. The residential areas near Riverside Park and the Illinois River offer scenic waterfront appeal that attracts nature enthusiasts and fishing tourists willing to pay higher nightly rates for peaceful retreats. The historic Victorian district features architecturally significant homes that photograph well for social media marketing and appeal to travelers seeking unique, Instagram-worthy accommodations. Properties within walking distance of the main commercial strip benefit from restaurant and shopping proximity while maintaining residential quiet that guests prefer. The newer subdivision areas on the town's outskirts provide larger homes suitable for family reunions and group bookings, often generating higher total revenue despite lower per-person rates. The neighborhoods near the regional medical center create steady demand from medical tourists and visiting family members, offering more predictable occupancy rates throughout the year compared to purely leisure-focused areas.
Short-term rental regulations vary significantly between Kansas and Illinois, with Kansas generally maintaining more lenient state-level oversight while allowing municipalities to establish their own rules, whereas Illinois has implemented more comprehensive statewide regulations since 2021 through the Short-Term Rental Tax Act. In Kansas, most permit requirements and zoning restrictions are determined locally, with cities like Lawrence and Overland Park requiring business licenses and compliance with residential zoning codes, while occupancy limits typically follow standard residential occupancy rules of 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional. Illinois requires hosts to register with the Department of Revenue, obtain local permits where required, and comply with the state's 6% tax on short-term rentals, with occupancy limits generally capped at 2 persons per bedroom and many municipalities like Chicago requiring owner-occupancy for certain property types or limiting the number of non-owner-occupied units. Zoning restrictions in both states commonly prohibit short-term rentals in single-family residential zones unless specifically permitted, with Illinois municipalities like Evanston and Springfield implementing stricter rules including mandatory owner-occupancy requirements and annual registration processes. Recent changes include Illinois expanding tax collection requirements in 2022 and Kansas cities increasingly adopting specific short-term rental ordinances, with registration processes typically requiring proof of insurance, safety compliance, and payment of annual fees ranging from $100-500 depending on the jurisdiction.
Short-term rentals in Kansas and Illinois are subject to various fees and taxes that vary by municipality. In Kansas, most cities impose lodging taxes ranging from 6% to 12%, with Kansas City charging 12.875% total transient guest tax, Wichita at 13.3%, and Topeka around 11.5%. Registration fees typically range from $50 to $200 annually, with annual permit costs between $100 to $500 depending on the city. Illinois has higher tax rates, with Chicago imposing a 4.5% hotel accommodations tax plus a $2.50 per night hotel operators occupation tax, while the state charges 6.25% sales tax plus local taxes that can bring total rates to 15-17% in major cities. Cook County adds an additional 3% hotel tax. Registration fees in Illinois cities typically range from $75 to $300, with annual licensing costs between $150 to $750. Both states may require additional fees for inspections ($50-150), zoning permits ($25-100), and some municipalities charge tourism promotion fees of 1-3% of gross receipts. Business license fees generally range from $25 to $200 annually in both states.
* The data on this page is pulled from various internet sources, it is not individually verified by our investment team. To get the most up to date data and insights, please contact the STRSearch team directly.
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To start an Airbnb in Kansas, Illinois, begin by researching local regulations in your specific city as Illinois municipalities have varying short-term rental ordinances - Chicago requires a vacation rental license ($250-$750 annually) and limits rentals to 90 days per year for non-owner occupied properties, while other cities like Evanston and Oak Park have their own permit requirements and zoning restrictions. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from your local municipality, register for Illinois state tax ID for collecting state and local taxes (typically 6.25% state sales tax plus local hotel taxes ranging 2-5%), and ensure compliance with fire safety codes which may require smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Find a suitable property by analyzing market demand using AirDNA or similar platforms, focusing on areas near attractions, universities, or business districts, and ensure the property is zoned for short-term rentals or obtain proper zoning variances. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen essentials, WiFi, TV, and local guidebooks while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic that photographs well. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO with professional photos, competitive pricing based on local market rates ($75-200+ per night depending on location and amenities), and detailed descriptions highlighting nearby attractions and amenities. Manage the property by establishing check-in/check-out procedures, hiring cleaning services, maintaining 24/7 guest communication, collecting and remitting required taxes quarterly to the Illinois Department of Revenue, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while monitoring local regulation changes that may affect your operation.
To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kansas, Illinois, focus on locations within 30 minutes of major attractions like Starved Rock State Park, Illinois Waterway locks, or historic downtown areas in cities like Ottawa, LaSalle, or Peru, as these drive consistent tourism traffic year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and groups comprise the primary market segment in this region. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by at least 40%, typically finding sweet spots in the $150,000-$300,000 purchase range that can command $120-180 per night. Research competition within a 5-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, aiming for markets with fewer than 20 active listings to avoid oversaturation while ensuring sufficient demand exists. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with local property management companies like Awning or RedAwning who understand Illinois Valley tourism patterns, and always verify local zoning laws and STR regulations with municipal offices in target communities, as some areas have implemented recent restrictions on short-term rentals.
To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kansas, Illinois, you must first contact the Kansas City Hall or local municipal office to determine specific zoning requirements, as Kansas typically delegates short-term rental regulations to individual municipalities. Submit an application through the city's planning or licensing department, providing required documents including property deed or lease agreement, proof of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plans, fire safety inspection certificate, and business license registration. Pay applicable fees ranging from $100-500 annually depending on the municipality, plus inspection fees of approximately $75-150. The process typically takes 30-60 days from application submission to permit approval. Kansas-specific requirements often include maintaining a local contact person within 30 miles of the property, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, providing emergency contact information to neighbors, limiting occupancy to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintaining off-street parking for each rental unit, and ensuring compliance with local noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM. Some Kansas municipalities may require additional inspections by fire marshal, health department approval for properties with more than 4 bedrooms, and registration with the state tax department for sales tax collection purposes.
Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Kansas at the state level, with the Kansas Legislature passing legislation in 2021 that generally prohibits local governments from banning STRs outright, though municipalities can still regulate them through zoning, licensing, and safety requirements. In Illinois, STRs are also legal statewide, but local municipalities have significant authority to regulate or restrict them, with cities like Chicago requiring registration and licensing while some suburban communities have implemented more restrictive zoning rules. Kansas specifically allows property owners to operate STRs in residential areas unless local zoning ordinances specifically prohibit them, and the 2021 state law (House Bill 2001) prevents cities and counties from completely banning STRs but permits reasonable regulations regarding occupancy limits, parking, noise, and safety standards. Recent changes in Kansas have favored property owners' rights to operate STRs, while some Kansas cities like Lawrence and Overland Park have implemented registration requirements and occupancy restrictions, but cannot outright prohibit STR operations in areas where they were previously allowed.
The best Airbnb investment areas in Kansas, Illinois include the historic downtown district near the Kaw River waterfront, which attracts tourists visiting the Kansas Museum of History and attending events at the Kansas Expocentre, generating steady rental demand from both leisure travelers and business visitors to state government offices. The University of Kansas area offers strong potential due to consistent demand from visiting families during graduation ceremonies, sporting events, and academic conferences, with properties near the campus commanding premium rates during football and basketball seasons. The Flint Hills region, particularly areas near the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, appeals to eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts seeking authentic prairie experiences, while properties near the Kansas Speedway benefit from NASCAR events and racing tourism. Downtown Lawrence presents opportunities due to its vibrant arts scene, music venues, and proximity to both the university and major highways, attracting weekend visitors and business travelers. The Wichita metropolitan area, though outside the immediate Kansas, Illinois reference, offers industrial and aviation industry business travel demand near major employers like Spirit AeroSystems and Koch Industries.
In Kansas, Airbnb hosts are subject to state transient guest tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, with additional local lodging taxes varying by municipality - for example, Wichita charges 6% and Kansas City charges 12.875% total occupancy tax. Kansas requires hosts to register with the Department of Revenue, collect taxes from guests, and remit monthly if collections exceed $400 or quarterly if less, with payments due by the 25th of the following month. In Illinois, the state Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax is 6% on gross rental receipts, while local taxes vary significantly - Chicago imposes 4.5% hotel tax plus 2.9% hotel accommodation tax for a total of 7.4% local tax on top of state tax. Illinois hosts must register with the Department of Revenue, collect taxes at booking, and file returns monthly with payment due by the 20th of the following month. Both states generally exempt stays of 30 days or longer from occupancy taxes, and some rural jurisdictions may have lower or no local lodging taxes. Airbnb automatically collects and remits these taxes in most major cities in both states as of 2019-2023, but hosts remain responsible for compliance in areas where automatic collection isn't available and must verify their local requirements with municipal tax authorities.
The total cost to start an Airbnb in Kansas, Illinois would be approximately $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in Kansas communities like Overland Park or Lawrence. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations cost $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary by municipality but generally range $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection costs $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total approximately $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves, property management software subscriptions, and marketing expenses total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add another $5,000-$10,000 to initial capital requirements.
Airbnb properties in Kansas and Illinois show varying profitability depending on location and property type, with Illinois generally outperforming Kansas due to higher tourism demand and rental rates. In Illinois, Chicago properties average $75-120 per night with annual revenues of $25,000-45,000, while expenses including cleaning fees ($50-75), property management (10-20%), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance typically consume 40-60% of gross revenue, yielding profit margins of 15-35%. Kansas markets like Wichita and Kansas City average $45-85 per night with annual revenues of $15,000-30,000, facing similar expense ratios but lower absolute profits due to reduced demand and pricing power. Success factors include proximity to attractions (Navy Pier in Chicago, Kansas Speedway), professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings. Properties near universities like University of Illinois or University of Kansas show consistent 70-80% occupancy rates during academic years. Lake properties in Illinois and Kansas lake regions command premium rates of $150-250 per night during summer months. Overall, Illinois properties typically achieve 12-25% annual returns on investment while Kansas properties average 8-18%, with urban locations and unique amenities being key profitability drivers in both states.
Airbnb investments in Kansas and Illinois typically generate annual ROI of 8-15% in Kansas markets like Wichita and Kansas City suburbs, with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 12-18% due to lower property acquisition costs averaging $150,000-$250,000 and strong demand from business travelers and university visitors. Illinois markets, particularly Chicago neighborhoods and areas near Northwestern University or University of Illinois, show annual ROI of 10-20% with cash-on-cash returns of 15-25%, driven by higher nightly rates of $80-$150 compared to Kansas's $60-$120, though initial investments are typically higher at $200,000-$400,000. Kansas properties generally reach profitability within 18-24 months due to lower operating costs and property taxes, while Illinois investments typically achieve positive cash flow within 12-18 months in high-demand areas like Lincoln Park or Champaign-Urbana, with both markets benefiting from consistent occupancy rates of 65-75% annually when properties are well-managed and strategically located near major attractions, universities, or business districts.
STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties across multiple markets including Kansas and Illinois. In Kansas, local real estate agents like those at RE/MAX Associates and Keller Williams Realty have developed expertise in Airbnb investment properties, particularly in Kansas City and Wichita markets, while companies like BiggerPockets and Roofstock offer national services for finding cash-flowing rental properties since 2012 and 2015 respectively. For Illinois markets, Chicago-based firms such as @properties and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage have agents specializing in short-term rental investments, while national services like Mashvisor (founded 2014) and AirDNA (established 2015) provide market analysis and property identification tools. Additional services include RedAwning, which has been helping investors identify vacation rental opportunities since 2009, and local property management companies like AvantStay and RedAwning that also assist with property acquisition in both states, focusing on markets like Chicago, Springfield, Kansas City, and Topeka where short-term rental regulations are favorable for investors.
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