Kansas City’s short-term rental market stands out for its high gross yields and accessible entry points. The city’s top-performing zip codes cluster near downtown and the urban core, driven by affordable home values (often under $200,000 in the best-yielding zips) and a steady stream of visitors drawn by sports, music, and convention events.

Across the ranked set, gross yields range from a leading 17.5% in 64109 to 6.4% in the upscale 64112. Entry prices span from $184,000 to $425,000, offering options for every budget.

Recent data shows Kansas City outperforming the US median for both occupancy (52% vs 45%) and gross yield (11.6% vs 8.8%), despite a citywide dip in occupancy and a sharp rise in ADR over the past year. Investors should note the market’s resilience.

Even as occupancy softened, ADRs climbed, and active-operator median revenue is $28,689, a strong signal that well-managed listings can still deliver. If you want to target the city’s best-performing zips, connect with a Kansas City short-term rental agent to get started.

The Best Kansas City Zip Codes for Airbnb, Ranked by Yield

Data as of August 5, 2026. Each listing’s annual revenue is computed from its own ADR × occupancy × 365 on trailing 12-month data, gross before expenses. Table figures are medians for each zip code. Multiplying ADR by occupancy will not reproduce the revenue figure, as each metric is calculated independently.

Gross yield divides the median revenue by the median home value (Zillow ZHVI). See methodology for details. The active-operator revenue benchmark filters to listings with sustained booking activity, this is the figure a committed buyer should use for underwriting.

1. 64109: Kansas City’s highest yield and fastest payback

64109 leads Kansas City’s short-term rental market for a reason. It pairs the city’s highest gross yield (17.5%) with the lowest median home value on this list ($184,024). That combination means investors face a short payback period. In fact, 64109 stands out, as it takes just 5.9 years of gross active-operator revenue to recoup the median purchase price.

Occupancy here peaks at 75% in March, with a trough of just 30% in January, creating a pronounced spring surge. Spring brings in 33% of annual revenue, the highest seasonal share among these zips. The area’s most common property type is the 1-bedroom, which sees 34 active listings and a median annual revenue of $12,038. While ADR is a modest $122, well below the US median, the yield advantage more than compensates.

64109’s performance is in the 95th percentile nationally for gross yield. Investors should note that occupancy has dropped 44% year-over-year, while ADR has nearly doubled, up 91%. For a deeper look at property types and revenue splits, the 64109 analytics page breaks down the full picture.

Who it fits. Buyers seeking the fastest payback and maximum yield on a budget-friendly entry point.

2. 64105: Downtown’s high ADR and resilient demand

Downtown Kansas City, covered by 64105, is a classic urban core play. The area’s $205 median ADR is the highest among the top zips, and occupancy is a solid 53%. That combination delivers a 16.3% gross yield, with annual revenue for active operators at $31,336. The median home value sits at $194,413, making it accessible compared to other downtowns nationwide.

Seasonality here is driven by fall events, with occupancy peaking at 64% in October and dipping to 35% in January. The revenue mix is balanced, with spring and summer each contributing about a quarter of the annual total. The most common property is a 1-bedroom, generating $23,713 per year at a $196 ADR. The payback period is 6.2 years of gross revenue, a strong showing for a downtown zip.

64105 is in the 94th percentile nationally for yield. Occupancy is down 30% year-over-year, but ADR has surged 45%, and listing counts have dropped by nearly a third. To see how these trends are playing out at the street level, the 64105 analytics dashboard offers granular details.

Who it fits. Investors who want a walkable, event-driven location with high nightly rates and a proven revenue track record.

3. 64106: River Market’s occupancy leader

Revenue in 64106 is shaped by a winter and spring surge, each season contributing 30% to the annual total, and February stands out with a 67% occupancy peak at a $263 ADR.

January’s occupancy low of 45% is less severe than many other markets, helping maintain reliable cash flow even during typical off-peak months. This steady seasonal performance is a key driver behind the area’s 16.1% gross yield, which lands in the 93rd percentile among 501 US markets and well above the national median of 8.8%.

Operators in 64106 see annual active-operator revenues of $35,087 on just 32 full-time listings, reflecting a competitive environment where consistent bookings are achievable. The payback period sits at 6.2 years, signaling an efficient path to recouping the median $217,282 home price, especially with occupancy rates that outpace the US median by 15 points.

The recent 6% dip in occupancy, offset by a dramatic 52% ADR jump, suggests some softening in demand but also pricing power during peak months, likely due to the neighborhood’s central location and appeal to urban travelers. For further details on property types and booking dynamics, the 64106 analytics page offers a comprehensive breakdown.

Who it fits. Buyers looking for steady occupancy and strong year-round performance in a historic, centrally located neighborhood.

4. 64108: Midtown’s premium rates and steady returns

Midtown’s 64108 zip code, which includes Union Hill and the Crossroads, offers a 13.4% gross yield. What sets it apart is a premium $237 ADR, the highest of any zip on this list, and a median home value of $295,058. Annual revenue for active operators is $38,501, and the payback period is 7.7 years, longer than the downtown core but still attractive for a premium location.

Occupancy peaks at 62% in August, with a trough of 50% in February. The revenue mix is balanced across all seasons, with both winter and fall contributing 27% each. The most common property is a 2-bedroom, earning $24,444 per year at a $215 ADR. Year-over-year, occupancy has held nearly steady (down just 3%), while ADR rose 26% and listings dipped slightly.

64108’s yield is in the 86th percentile nationally, and its steady booking pattern makes it a fit for investors who value consistency. For a closer look at property-level returns, the 64108 analytics dashboard details the underlying trends.

Who it fits. Buyers seeking premium nightly rates and a balanced, all-season revenue flow in a central location.

5. 64114: South Kansas City’s occupancy standout

Booking patterns in 64114 show that guests consistently fill calendars, with occupancy peaking at 85% in September and remaining robust through the spring, which delivers 29% of annual revenue.

This seasonal strength, along with fall’s 27% revenue share, ensures that cash flow remains steady for most of the year, even as January occupancy dips to 50%. The market’s median occupancy rate of 68% stands out well above the US median of 45%, placing it in the 82nd percentile for gross yield among 501 US markets.

Active operators in 64114 see annual revenue of $37,909, and the eight-year payback period signals a relatively quick return for buyers compared to many suburban markets. Despite an average daily rate of $175, which is below the national median, the high booking volume offsets the lower price point, supporting strong yields.

This dynamic is partly driven by the area’s appeal to families and longer-stay guests, keeping occupancy high despite an 8% year-over-year drop in bookings and a 16% reduction in listings. Meanwhile, ADR’s 72% surge over the past year suggests operators are successfully raising rates to balance softer demand and fewer competitors.

64114 is in the 82nd percentile nationally for yield. Those wanting to see how property types perform here can dig into the 64114 analytics details for more context.

Who it fits. Investors prioritizing high occupancy and consistent cash flow in a family-friendly, suburban-feeling area.

6. 64110: University district’s affordable entry and steady bookings

Student-driven demand underpins 64110’s strong short-term rental performance, with occupancy peaking at 62% in August and dipping to 43% in January. Spring and winter together generate over half the area’s annual revenue, reflecting steady bookings during both the academic year and holiday breaks. The median gross yield here stands at 12.3%, placing the district in the 80th percentile nationwide and well above the US median of 8.8%.

Active-operator revenue of $30,905 supports a payback period of about 8.2 years, a manageable horizon for investors seeking stable returns with a lower entry price. The area’s 68 full-time listings are dominated by 1-bedrooms, which earn $15,535 annually, while 3-bedrooms command the highest income at $22,211.

This bedroom mix aligns with the needs of students and visiting families, explaining the solid booking base despite a recent 31% drop in occupancy and a 7% decrease in listings. The sharp 72% jump in average daily rate suggests operators are compensating for softer demand with higher prices, likely due to constrained supply and continued appeal for university visitors.

With a yield in the 80th percentile nationally, 64110 is a fit for buyers seeking a lower entry price and a steady, education-driven guest base. The 64110 analytics dashboard provides more on property mix and revenue by season.

Who it fits. Buyers looking for affordable properties near universities and a reliable, student-driven booking base.

7. 64111: Westport’s large inventory and urban flexibility

Urban investors will note that 64111 stands out for its unusually high number of full-time listings, 212 active properties, making it Kansas City’s largest short-term rental cluster. Occupancy here peaks at 71% in August, fueled by summer events and nightlife, but drops to 42% in January as winter demand wanes. The spring season is crucial, contributing 28% of the year’s revenue, while summer follows at 25%, reflecting steady visitor interest outside of the winter lull.

Gross yield in 64111 sits at 10.9%, placing it in the 71st percentile among 501 US markets and well above the national median of 8.8%. The average daily rate of $158 beats the city median but trails the US median, suggesting that high occupancy, not premium rates, drives performance. With a payback period of roughly 9.5 years at current active-operator revenue, investors get a relatively quick path to recouping capital.

The strong presence of 1-bedroom units (98 listings) indicates a market geared toward solo travelers and couples, but the highest returns come from 3-bedrooms, which earn nearly $28,000 annually. This bedroom mix, combined with a 22% year-over-year occupancy drop and a 51% surge in ADR, shows that while demand has softened, pricing power remains strong as competition tightens and supply falls by a fifth.

64111 is in the 71st percentile nationally for yield. For a closer look at how property size affects returns, the 64111 analytics page offers detailed breakdowns.

Who it fits. Buyers seeking flexibility and scale in a lively, urban neighborhood with a proven track record for short-term rentals.

8. 64133: East side’s budget play with strong spring peak

Affordability shapes the 64133 investment landscape, with a median home price of $216,435 and the lowest average daily rate ($100) among Kansas City’s top short-term rental zones. Occupancy reaches its high point in August at 79%, but drops sharply to just 25% in January, underscoring the pronounced seasonality that investors must navigate. Revenue is heavily weighted to spring, which delivers 31% of annual earnings, while fall follows at 26%, making calendar management and targeted pricing strategies essential for maximizing returns.

Gross yield here lands at the 60th percentile among 501 US markets, outperforming the national median of 8.8% and offering a relatively strong 55% occupancy compared to the US’s 45% median. The payback period of roughly 11 years reflects both the area’s attractive entry price and its modest nightly rates.

Most listings are one-bedroom units (27 out of 43), generating $10,450 per year at a $39 ADR, so investors should underwrite conservatively and expect limited upside from larger properties. Recent momentum shows a 40% drop in occupancy and a 7% reduction in listings, but ADR has surged 61%, likely due to operators raising rates in response to softer demand and fewer competitors.

64133’s yield sits at the 60th percentile nationally. Investors interested in a lower-cost entry and strong spring performance can explore more on the 64133 analytics dashboard.

Who it fits. Buyers seeking a budget-friendly entry point and who can optimize for strong spring demand.

9. 64112: Country Club Plaza’s upscale, low-yield option

Price sensitivity shapes the investment calculus in 64112, where the median home value of $424,835 is the highest among Kansas City’s short-term rental markets. Gross yield lands at 6.4%, placing the Plaza in just the 23rd percentile nationally and well below the US median of 8.8%. The extended payback period of 16 years underscores the premium required for entry, as investors here trade off immediate returns for location cachet and the area’s long-term appreciation potential.

Seasonality is pronounced, with occupancy surging to 75% in August but dropping sharply to just 26% in January, which translates to spring and summer accounting for 58% of yearly revenue. The active operator revenue of $26,577 trails the city’s highest earners, reflecting both the area’s premium pricing and its slower winter months.

Momentum has shifted. Year-over-year, occupancy has fallen 35% while ADR jumped 38% and active listings declined 18%, signaling a softening in demand that’s partially offset by higher nightly rates and reduced competition.

Underwriting here is shaped by the dominance of 1-bedroom units (42 listings), which earn $18,946 annually at a $162 ADR. However, 2-bedrooms deliver the highest total revenue, suggesting that slightly larger units may offer a better balance of nightly rate and occupancy. The 64112 analytics page provides further details on property mix and seasonality.

Who it fits. Buyers prioritizing prestige, long-term value, and Plaza amenities over short-term yield.

How to read these rankings before you buy

Gross yield is a quick way to compare markets, showing annual revenue as a percentage of purchase price. However, it does not account for expenses, taxes, or regulatory costs, which can vary by property and zip code. The headline revenue figure averages all listings, while the active-operator benchmark filters to properties with sustained bookings, this is the number that best reflects what a committed investor can expect.

It’s important to remember that yield can be driven by both high ADR and low home values, and that seasonality, property size, and guest demand patterns all affect actual returns. Always underwrite at the property level, as neighborhood averages may not capture block-by-block variation or the impact of local competition.

How to Act on This

Kansas City’s top short-term rental zips offer a range of options, from downtown walkability to suburban stability and university-driven demand. When evaluating a property, consider not just the gross yield but also occupancy trends, seasonality, and the property type that performs best in each area. Many successful operators here focus on 1- and 2-bedroom units, but larger homes can outperform in family-oriented neighborhoods.

Local regulation is active. Kansas City requires annual short-term rental registration and compliance with zoning rules. The city imposes a 7.5% Transient Boarding and Accommodation Tax on gross receipts, plus a $3 per room per night occupancy fee. Always verify the current permitting requirements and tax rates before purchasing, as enforcement and rules have evolved since 2023.

Finally, Kansas City’s market rewards hands-on management and dynamic pricing, especially as occupancy softens and ADRs fluctuate. If you want expert help sourcing compliant, high-performing properties, connect with a local short-term rental agent to get matched with on-the-ground expertise.