Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Rapid City, South Dakota, United States
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Rapid City? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Rapid City:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Rapid City?
The short-term rental market in Rapid City shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $3,026 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $5,070 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $7,918+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $1,685
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Rapid City
The market in Rapid City shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 51% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 70% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 84%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 28%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Rapid City
Daily rates in Rapid City vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $193 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $295 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $424+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $126
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Rapid City
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue peaks at $6198.73 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 71.71%
- Daily rates average $268.83
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3831.14 per month
- Occupancy maintains 49.78%
- Daily rates hold at $232.94
Low Season (November, December, January)
- Revenue drops to $1819.93 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 32.95%
- Daily rates adjust to $204.95
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Rapid City in 2025?
Yes! Rapid City demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 50% and strong monthly revenue averaging $3831 and As a mature market with 606 active listings, there's strong demand despite the competition. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Rapid City
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Rapid City | The heart of Rapid City with a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for hosting tourists near shops, cafes, and restaurants. | Main Street Square, City of Presidents, Rapid City Arts Council, Chapel in the Hills, Dahl Arts Center |
| Mount Rushmore Area | Close proximity to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, attracting visitors year-round. | Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Black Hills region, Custer State Park, Keystone |
| Badlands National Park | A unique and stunning natural landscape that draws outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. | Badlands National Park, Notch Trail, Wall Drug, Pinnacles Overlook, Sage Creek Rim Road |
| Historic Westside | A neighborhood rich in history and character, offering a more local experience and providing access to cultural sites. | Black Hills Roundup, West Boulevard Historic District, Rapid City Historical Society, Pioneer Park, Dataw's Ice Cream |
| Rapid City Regional Airport Area | Ideal for business travelers and those looking for convenience and accessibility. | Rapid City Regional Airport, Casino Air, Black Hills Airport, Shopping Centers, Dining Options |
| Elk Vale | A quieter suburban area that is a short drive from downtown, suitable for families and longer stays. | Elk Vale Park, Rapid City Public Library, Shopping and Dining, Local Parks, Nearby Golf Courses |
| Pactola Lake | A scenic area great for vacations, attracting nature lovers and water enthusiasts. | Pactola Lake, Fishing and boating, Black Hills National Forest, Hiking trails, Picnic areas |
| Box Elder | A growing community close to Rapid City that offers affordable lodging options and access to military installations. | Ellsworth Air Force Base, Box Elder Park, Shopping Centers, Dining Options, Local Events |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Rapid City?
We recommend checking directly with Rapid City's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Rapid City
Spectacular Home with Incredible Views
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
lNDOOR POOL! The FUN house
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Rapid City Home Near Parks & Hiking!
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Luxurious Historic Home - The Barney House
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Modern Home-Garage-Scenic Patio
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Cabin-Style 3BR | Dog Friendly
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Rapid City
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J&J Hospitality | 21 | $1,121,047 | 1361 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Evolve | 22 | $968,633 | 600 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Adam & Saunta | 11 | $649,093 | 1056 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Thomas | 38 | $610,175 | 5516 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Julie | 15 | $533,372 | 411 | 4.78/5.0 |
| JAckie | 7 | $469,216 | 452 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Heidi | 9 | $411,306 | 110 | 4.37/5.0 |
| Lana | 6 | $359,787 | 560 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Michael | 5 | $341,290 | 325 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Jennifer | 6 | $301,857 | 1333 | 4.84/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Rapid City
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (94.2%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 79.5% of inventory
- Strong specialty sector (17.1%) combining boutique hotels, unique stays, and outdoor accommodations indicates market maturity and premium opportunities
- Untapped potential in others, boutique & hotels, unique stays segments (5.4% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 606 properties in Rapid City shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 24.8% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 48.8% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (24.8%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (8.6%)
- Market concentration: 48.8% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 606 properties in Rapid City reveals that 8+ guests properties dominate the market, representing 31.2% of all listings. The average property accommodates 5.4 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 8+ guests and 4 guests make up 49.8% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 8+ guests (31.2% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (0.3% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 5.4 guests per property
- Market concentration: 49.8% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 606 properties in Rapid City, the most common availability pattern is 181-270 days (40.9% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 91-180 days (39.8% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 181-270 days (40.9%)
- Most common booking duration: 91-180 days (39.8%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 68.6%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 34.0%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
187 listings
33.3% of total
2 Nights
266 listings
47.4% of total
3 Nights
59 listings
10.5% of total
4-6 Nights
15 listings
2.7% of total
7-29 Nights
10 listings
1.8% of total
30+ Nights
24 listings
4.3% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 80.7%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 2.7% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (4.3%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 91.2% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Super Strict 30 Days
4 listings
0.7% of total
Flexible
85 listings
15.5% of total
Moderate
93 listings
16.9% of total
Firm
177 listings
32.2% of total
Strict
190 listings
34.6% of total
Key Insights
- Strict is the preferred policy at 34.6% of listings
- Stricter policies (Firm & Strict) dominate at 66.8% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Strict policies
- Super Strict 30 Days policies are least common at 0.7% of listings
Recommendations
- The market supports stricter policies, with 66.8% using Firm or Strict terms
- Strong market preference for Strict policies suggests this should be your baseline
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Jun, Jul, May, averaging 86 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Feb, Dec, Jan, averaging 37 days
- Summer shows the longest average booking window at 84 days, while Winter has the shortest at 37 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Summer bookings at least 84 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Winter to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Feb-Jan when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Rapid City
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Rapid City:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 95.4% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: Canada (1.6%) and United Kingdom (0.7%)
- English is the top language at 84.4%, followed by Spanish (9.8%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 8.0%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Sioux Falls and Denver markets
- Develop localized content for Canada and United Kingdom
- Prioritize English and Spanish language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Rapid City. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder House Pass | 113 | $7,158 | $608.55 | 42% |
| Nemo | 24 | $3,850 | $359.56 | 52% |
| Black Hawk | 21 | $3,732 | $295.31 | 46% |
| Lead | 486 | $3,614 | $352.39 | 38% |
| Deadwood | 134 | $3,269 | $381.39 | 41% |
| Hot Springs | 73 | $3,177 | $323.90 | 43% |
| Whitewood | 32 | $3,152 | $326.06 | 43% |
| Keystone | 89 | $3,132 | $252.35 | 58% |
| Custer | 264 | $3,105 | $273.09 | 52% |
| North Spearfish | 20 | $3,038 | $237.19 | 46% |
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