Ames, IA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Ames Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ames, IA stands out as a college-town STR market where relatively affordable home values pair with above-average revenue-to-price ratios. With 65 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $200, and a 36% occupancy rate that edges past the Iowa state average of 33%, the market delivers roughly $26,392 in annual revenue per listing. The combination of Iowa State University events, football weekends, and family visits creates concentrated demand spikes that savvy operators can capitalize on.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ames short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Ames

Ames attracts STR investors because its strong revenue-to-price ratio and university-driven demand create recurring booking opportunities at a lower entry cost than many metro markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ames represents an attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with seasonal cash-flow swings. Monthly revenue ranges from roughly $1,081 in January to $3,654 in August — a more than threefold spread that underscores the market's dependence on university-driven demand in late summer and fall. The ROI score of 66 out of 100 reflects strong revenue relative to property costs, tempered by a supply/demand balance that sits below average amid rapid listing growth. Operators who price aggressively around football weekends, move-in periods, and graduation should outperform the market average handily."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ames

Average revenue by month in Ames

Ames shows pronounced seasonality: August leads at $3,654 in average monthly revenue, while January bottoms out at $1,081 — a gap of nearly $2,600. The summer-through-fall corridor (June–November) consistently outperforms, aligning with Iowa State's academic calendar and football season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ames

Supply in Ames is fairly balanced, with 3-bedroom listings slightly leading at 17, followed closely by 1-bedrooms (16) and 2-bedrooms (14), while 4-bedroom properties number just 11. The relatively thin supply of larger homes could represent an opportunity given their substantially higher revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ames

ADR climbs steeply with size in Ames — from $80 for 1-bedroom units to $299 for 4-bedroom homes, nearly a 4x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($145) to 3-bedrooms ($187) is more modest, suggesting the biggest pricing leverage comes at the 4-bedroom tier where group and family accommodations command top dollar.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ames

Two-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $78 per available night, well above 3-bedrooms ($58) and 4-bedrooms ($51), despite the latter's much higher ADR. This reflects the 2-bedroom category's superior 54% occupancy, which more than compensates for its lower nightly rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ames

Occupancy rates vary dramatically by size: 2-bedroom listings fill 54% of available nights, far outpacing 1-bedrooms (39%), 3-bedrooms (31%), and 4-bedrooms (17%). Investors targeting larger properties should expect highly concentrated bookings around events rather than steady cash flow throughout the year.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ames

Four-bedroom listings are the top monthly earners at $3,930, roughly double the $2,140 and $2,103 generated by 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom units respectively. One-bedroom properties trail significantly at $1,054, making them better suited for investors seeking lower entry costs than maximum revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ames

Annual revenue potential is most compelling for 4-bedroom properties at $47,165 — nearly double the $25,688 and $25,242 earned by 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom listings. However, investors should weigh this against the lower occupancy and higher carrying costs of larger homes, making 2-bedrooms an attractive middle ground for consistent returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ames

Kitchen and parking dominate at 97% penetration, effectively making them table stakes for any Ames listing. Self check-in (88%), washer (83%), and workspace (79%) are also near-universal, signaling that guests — likely visiting families and academics — expect home-like convenience and flexibility during their stay.

Understanding Ames's ROI Score: 66/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Ames earns a 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band. The score is buoyed by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — annual revenue of $26,392 against home values of $421,090 compares favorably to many Iowa markets — though a below-average supply/demand balance, driven by 120% listing growth, tempers the outlook. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and realistic seasonal budgeting to validate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ames

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Ames. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

The City of Ames, Iowa may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Ames Planning and Housing Department, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in college-town markets like Ames can include occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and minimum-stay rules during certain periods. Investors should also review any applicable HOA covenants or zoning overlays, as these can limit or prohibit short-term rentals in specific neighborhoods.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Iowa are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel/motel tax on bookings. Many platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Iowa Department of Revenue and local authorities to ensure full compliance.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Ames can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ames is likely to see continued demand tied to the Iowa State academic calendar, athletic events, and graduation seasons, keeping peak-month revenues in the $2,900–$3,650 range. The 120% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could temper occupancy gains if supply outpaces demand. We estimate ADR may hold steady or tick up 1–3% as hosts refine pricing around high-demand weekends, though off-season months like January and February will likely remain softer, averaging closer to $1,100. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget conservatively for the quieter winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ames, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ames?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ames is currently 36%, which slightly exceeds the Iowa state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 54%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 17%. Seasonal factors tied to the Iowa State University calendar play a major role in these fluctuations.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ames?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Ames earn approximately $2,199 per month and $26,392 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 4-bedroom listings average $47,165 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in around $12,656. Peak months like August can yield over $3,600, whereas January averages closer to $1,081.

Is Ames a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ames scores 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, thanks to moderate home values around $421,090 combined with consistent university-driven demand. Investors should be prepared for meaningful seasonality and monitor the growing supply of listings, which has increased 120% year over year.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Ames?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ames is $200, which is below the Iowa state average of $265. ADR scales sharply with property size — 1-bedroom units average $80, while 4-bedroom homes command $299 per night. This pricing spread reflects the premium guests are willing to pay for larger group-friendly accommodations, particularly during events.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ames?

Short-term rentals operate in Ames, but local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning and safety standards. Rules can change, so prospective investors should contact the City of Ames directly and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ames?

Peak season in Ames runs from roughly June through October, driven largely by the Iowa State University academic calendar, football season, and summer events. August is the highest-earning month at an average of $3,654, followed by October at $3,036 and September at $2,937. The quietest months are January and February, when average revenue dips below $1,100.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ames?

There are currently 65 active Airbnb listings in Ames as of April 2026. The listing count has grown 120% year over year, indicating rapidly rising investor interest. Supply is relatively evenly distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom listings slightly leading at 17, followed by 1-bedrooms at 16, 2-bedrooms at 14, and 4-bedrooms at 11.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ames?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ames are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is managed.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Ames, IA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity data across active listings to guide property setup decisions
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots, which may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current requirements before purchasing.