Arnolds Park, IA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Arnolds Park Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Arnolds Park sits on the shores of West Okoboji Lake in Iowa's Lakes Region, making it a classic seasonal vacation destination with sharply concentrated summer demand. With 102 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $337 — well above the $265 Iowa state average — and annual revenue averaging $34,057, the market commands premium nightly pricing but faces a significant occupancy challenge at just 20% year-round. Investors who time acquisitions and pricing strategy around the June–August peak can capture strong summer cash flow, though the deep off-season requires realistic expectations about annual yield.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Arnolds Park 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 Arnolds Park

Arnolds Park attracts investor attention because of its premium lakefront ADR and explosive summer revenue, though tight seasonality and rising supply require careful deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Arnolds Park presents a competitive but narrowly seasonal opportunity. The market's strength is concentrated almost entirely in June through August, when monthly revenues can reach $5,700–$10,269 — a dramatic contrast to the $592–$961 range seen in winter months. With an ROI score of 47 out of 100 and below-average marks on revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance, the numbers suggest that high home values (averaging $883,766) make it difficult for most properties to pencil out on STR income alone. Investors with existing equity or a hybrid personal-use strategy may find the market more compelling than those seeking pure cash-flow plays."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Arnolds Park

Average revenue by month in Arnolds Park

Arnolds Park exhibits extreme seasonality: July leads at $10,269 in average monthly revenue — over 17 times February's low of $592 — with June ($5,700) and August ($6,598) forming the core earning window. The November-through-April stretch averages under $1,000 per month, meaning investors should expect roughly 75–80% of annual income to arrive in a three-month summer window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Arnolds Park

Three-bedroom properties dominate the market with 57 of 102 total listings (56%), followed by 21 four-bedroom units. One- and two-bedroom listings are comparatively scarce at 9 and 8 respectively, which could signal either limited demand for smaller units in this family-vacation market or a potential niche opportunity for budget-conscious travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Arnolds Park

ADR climbs steadily with size, from $185 for 1-bedroom listings to $389 for 4-bedroom properties. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($247) to 3 bedrooms ($345) — a $98 increase — represents the largest absolute premium, suggesting that the extra bedroom meaningfully unlocks higher pricing power in this family-oriented lake market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Arnolds Park

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $102, nearly four times the $23 earned by 1-bedroom units and well above the 3-bedroom figure of $62. This gap underscores how larger homes not only command higher nightly rates but also capture better occupancy, making them the most efficient earners per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Arnolds Park

Occupancy rates are low across all sizes but scale noticeably upward: 4-bedroom units lead at 26%, while 2-bedroom properties sit at the bottom at 11%. The pattern suggests that larger groups visiting for lake vacations book more consistently, while smaller units may struggle to compete for the limited off-season demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Arnolds Park

Four-bedroom listings top monthly revenue at $3,645, outpacing 3-bedroom units ($2,695) by roughly 35%. Two-bedroom properties lag significantly at $1,481 per month — less than half of a 4-bedroom — highlighting the revenue concentration in larger, family-sized accommodations in this lake market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Arnolds Park

Annual revenue ranges from $17,780 for 2-bedroom properties to $43,750 for 4-bedroom units, a spread of nearly $26,000. Given the high average home values in Arnolds Park ($883,766), the 4-bedroom tier at $43,750 offers the strongest absolute return potential, though investors should carefully evaluate whether it sufficiently offsets acquisition costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Arnolds Park

Kitchens and parking are near-universal at 98%, while BBQ grills (85%), washers (84%), and self check-in (78%) round out the top tier — reflecting a market geared toward self-sufficient family vacationers. Lake access and pools each appear in 53% of listings, suggesting these are differentiating amenities rather than baseline expectations, and adding them could provide a competitive edge.

Understanding Arnolds Park's ROI Score: 47/100

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

Arnolds Park's ROI score of 47 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where strong investor interest meets challenging fundamentals. Below-average ratings on revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance point to the core tension: premium nightly rates and summer demand are real, but high home prices and low year-round occupancy make it difficult for most properties to deliver compelling cash-on-cash returns. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling — especially around off-season carrying costs — will help investors identify whether a specific deal can outperform the market-wide averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Arnolds Park

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Arnolds Park, Iowa, should verify whether a short-term rental permit or registration is required by the City of Arnolds Park or Dickinson County before listing a property. Contacting local zoning and planning offices is the most reliable way to confirm current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in lakeside Iowa communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during peak season, noise ordinances, parking mandates (especially near the waterfront), and rules imposed by homeowners' associations. Investors should review any applicable HOA covenants carefully, as lake-area properties often carry additional community restrictions.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Iowa are typically subject to state sales tax and local hotel/motel taxes, which may be collected and remitted automatically by platforms like Airbnb. Investors should confirm the specific rate with the Iowa Department of Revenue and Dickinson County to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Arnolds Park's summer-driven demand cycle is unlikely to shift materially — expect July to remain the revenue anchor with monthly averages near $10,000+, while winter months may hover around $600–$1,000. Listing growth of 105% year-over-year signals rising investor interest and could compress occupancy further if demand doesn't keep pace. ADR may hold steady or edge up 1–3% given the premium lakefront appeal, but overall annual occupancy is likely to remain in the 18–22% range barring a significant expansion of shoulder-season events or amenities. Investors should budget conservatively for 8–9 months of light revenue and treat the summer surge as the core income driver."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Arnolds Park, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Arnolds Park?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Arnolds Park is currently 20%, which falls below the Iowa state average of 33%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature — demand surges during the summer lake season and drops significantly in colder months. Larger properties (4 bedrooms) tend to fare better at 26% occupancy, while 1- and 2-bedroom units average 11–13%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Arnolds Park?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Arnolds Park earn approximately $2,838 per month and $34,057 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies substantially by property size — 4-bedroom listings lead at roughly $3,645 per month ($43,750 annually), while 2-bedroom units average just $1,481 per month ($17,780 annually). The bulk of annual income is earned between June and August, with July alone averaging over $10,200.

Is Arnolds Park a good market for Airbnb investment?

Arnolds Park carries an ROI score of 47 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' tier. The market offers premium nightly rates ($337 ADR) driven by lakefront vacation demand, but high average home values ($883,766), low year-round occupancy (20%), and rapid supply growth (105% year-over-year) make deal selection critical. Investors who can secure properties below the market average cost or who plan to use the home personally during the off-season may find stronger returns.

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

The average daily rate in Arnolds Park is $337, which is 27% above the Iowa state average of $265. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $185 per night, 2-bedrooms average $247, 3-bedrooms average $345, and 4-bedroom properties command $389 per night. These rates reflect the premium guests are willing to pay for lakefront vacation accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Arnolds Park?

Short-term rentals operate in Arnolds Park, as evidenced by the 102 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, investors should verify any permit, registration, or zoning requirements with the City of Arnolds Park and Dickinson County before purchasing or listing a property. Local regulations can change, so consulting with a local real estate attorney or the city's planning department is always recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Arnolds Park?

Peak season in Arnolds Park runs from June through August, coinciding with the summer lake recreation season. July is the clear standout, with average monthly revenue reaching approximately $10,269 — roughly 17 times higher than February's $592 average. September offers a moderate shoulder season at $2,855, but revenue drops sharply from October through April.

How many Airbnbs are there in Arnolds Park?

There are currently 102 active Airbnb listings in Arnolds Park as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 105% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 57 listings, followed by 21 four-bedroom units, 9 one-bedroom units, and 8 two-bedroom listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Arnolds Park?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Arnolds Park 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 remainder 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 the Arnolds Park market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Revenue estimates by month and property size derived from historical booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 as of April 2026; actual market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before any investment decision.