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

Ankeny Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ankeny, Iowa presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity for investors looking at a smaller suburban market near Des Moines. With 39 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $29,652, the market remains compact enough that well-positioned properties can stand out. An ADR of $182 sits below the Iowa state average of $265, but strong year-over-year listing growth of 118% signals rising investor interest and growing traveler demand in this rapidly expanding Des Moines suburb.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Ankeny

Ankeny's blend of suburban growth, proximity to the Des Moines metro, and a still-small STR supply make it a compelling market for investors seeking early-mover advantages.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 65 out of 100, Ankeny lands in the "Attractive Opportunity" range—a market where the numbers work but require strategic execution. Revenue is heavily seasonal: July tops out at $3,526 per month while January dips to just $1,380, creating a spread that investors need to plan around. Four-bedroom properties dominate both supply and performance, making them the clear workhorse configuration. The market's small size and rapid growth suggest opportunity, though investors should pair these data-driven insights with on-the-ground research into local demand drivers and regulatory direction."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ankeny

Average revenue by month in Ankeny

Ankeny displays pronounced seasonality, with July leading at $3,526 in average monthly revenue and January bottoming out at $1,380—a spread of over $2,100. The summer months (June–August) consistently outperform, while the first quarter represents the softest earning period, signaling that investors should budget conservatively for winter cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ankeny

Four-bedroom properties dominate Ankeny's supply with 15 of the 39 active listings, followed by 10 one-bedroom units and just 5 two-bedroom properties. The scarcity of 2-bedroom listings relative to demand could represent a niche opportunity for investors looking to enter a less crowded segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ankeny

ADR scales sharply with size in Ankeny: 1-bedroom listings average $68, 2-bedrooms command $100, and 4-bedroom homes reach $262 per night. The jump from 2 to 4 bedrooms represents a 162% premium, suggesting that larger properties capture significantly higher nightly rates driven by group and family bookings.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ankeny

Revenue per available night tells a clear story—4-bedroom properties lead at $82, more than double the $34 RevPAN for 2-bedroom units, while 1-bedrooms lag considerably at just $13. This gap underscores that larger properties in Ankeny not only charge more but also convert available nights into revenue far more effectively.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ankeny

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 35%, outpacing 4-bedroom properties at 31% and 1-bedroom units at just 20%. The relatively strong occupancy for 2-bedrooms, combined with limited supply in that segment, suggests these mid-size properties may offer the most consistent booking activity for cash-flow-focused investors.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ankeny

Four-bedroom homes generate the highest average monthly revenue at $3,544, roughly 74% more than 2-bedroom properties at $2,036 and over four times the $786 earned by 1-bedroom listings. The revenue gap between 1-bedroom and larger units is substantial enough that smaller properties may struggle to justify operating costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ankeny

Annual revenue potential ranges from $9,439 for 1-bedroom units to $42,538 for 4-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms landing at $24,443. Given Ankeny's average home value of $468,248, 4-bedroom homes offer the strongest revenue-to-investment ratio, though investors should weigh higher acquisition costs and maintenance against that top-line performance.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ankeny

Parking (97%) and a kitchen (95%) are near-universal in Ankeny listings, reflecting the suburban, family-oriented nature of the market. Self check-in (80%), a backyard (72%), and a dedicated workspace (72%) round out the top amenities, suggesting guests expect home-like conveniences and that listings without these basics may struggle to compete.

Understanding Ankeny's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Ankeny's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, indicating a market where revenue potential and property costs are reasonably aligned. All four calculation factors—Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance—rate at average levels, pointing to a balanced but not exceptional market that rewards smart property selection and operational execution. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and a close look at seasonal cash-flow planning to ensure the investment pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ankeny

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ankeny, Iowa may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Ankeny and Polk County, as regulations in growing suburban markets can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Iowa communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA rules may also apply in many of Ankeny's newer residential developments, so investors should review any covenants before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Iowa imposes state sales tax and local hotel/motel taxes on short-term rental stays, and Ankeny hosts should confirm their obligations with Polk County as well. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators are responsible for ensuring full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ankeny's STR market is likely to continue expanding alongside the city's residential and commercial growth. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months will remain the revenue peak, with June through August driving monthly earnings above $3,300, while winter months may settle in the $1,400–$1,900 range. Occupancy rates could edge modestly higher as the market matures—estimates point to market-wide occupancy stabilizing around 28–32%. Investors entering now may benefit from relatively low competition before supply catches up to demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ankeny, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ankeny?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ankeny is currently 27%, which trails the Iowa state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—2-bedroom units lead at 35%, while 1-bedroom listings average just 20%. Investors targeting higher occupancy should consider mid-size properties and competitive pricing strategies to capture more bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ankeny?

Airbnb hosts in Ankeny earn an average of $2,471 per month or roughly $29,652 annually based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary dramatically by property size: 4-bedroom listings average $42,538 per year, 2-bedroom properties bring in about $24,443, and 1-bedroom units average $9,439. Seasonal fluctuations also play a significant role, with summer months generating two to three times the revenue of winter months.

Is Ankeny a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ankeny scores a 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from a small supply of only 39 active listings, rapid growth (118% year-over-year increase in listings), and solid revenue potential for larger properties. However, occupancy sits below the state average and revenue is seasonal, so investors should plan for leaner winter months and focus on property types that have demonstrated stronger performance, particularly 4-bedroom homes.

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

The average daily rate in Ankeny is $182, which is below the Iowa state average of $265. Rates scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $68 per night, 2-bedroom properties command $100, and 4-bedroom homes reach $262 per night. The premium for larger properties reflects the family and group travel demand common in suburban markets near Des Moines.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ankeny?

Short-term rentals do operate in Ankeny, Iowa, with 39 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registrations. Investors should check directly with the City of Ankeny and Polk County for the most current rules regarding STR permits, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ankeny?

Peak season in Ankeny runs from June through August, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $3,526. The summer months benefit from travel to the Des Moines metro area, outdoor activities, and events. The slowest months are January and February, averaging $1,380 and $1,499 respectively, meaning hosts should budget for a notable seasonal dip during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ankeny?

There are currently 39 active Airbnb listings in Ankeny as of April 2026. The market has seen explosive growth with a 118% year-over-year increase in listings. By property size, 4-bedroom homes make up the largest segment with 15 listings, followed by 10 one-bedroom units and 5 two-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ankeny?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ankeny 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

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 Ankeny and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns covering bedroom-count distribution, rates, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.