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

Boone Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Boone, IA is a compact short-term rental market with just 20 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $18,144 per property. With an ADR of $174 — well below the $265 Iowa state average — and occupancy sitting at 18% versus 33% statewide, the market demands careful deal sourcing. That said, the 155% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, and the small supply base means well-positioned properties can still capture meaningful share during peak months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Boone 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 Boone

Investors consider Boone for its low entry costs relative to Iowa averages and its emerging STR supply, though the market requires disciplined deal selection given below-average occupancy and revenue-to-price metrics.

Expert Market Assessment

"Boone presents a competitive but challenging opportunity for STR investors. Revenue peaks sharply from May through October — August tops the calendar at $2,357 in average monthly revenue — while winter months like January drop to just $703, creating a pronounced seasonal swing. The below-average occupancy (18% vs. 33% statewide) and a revenue-to-price ratio that lags broader benchmarks mean that generating strong returns here will depend on acquiring properties at the right price point and executing a sharp operational strategy during the warmer months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Boone

Average revenue by month in Boone

Boone's revenue cycle is heavily seasonal, with August ($2,357) marking the peak and January ($703) the trough — a spread of more than 3x. The warm months from May through October consistently outperform, making summer-focused pricing and availability optimization essential for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Boone

Supply in Boone is concentrated in smaller properties, with 7 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom listings accounting for the majority of the 20 active listings. Larger property configurations appear underrepresented, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer more space to group travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Boone

ADR scales modestly from $84 for 1-bedroom units to $106 for 2-bedroom properties, a 26% premium for the added bedroom. Given the relatively small jump, investors should weigh whether the higher acquisition and furnishing costs of a 2-bedroom justify the incremental nightly rate.

Average RevPAN by property size in Boone

One-bedroom listings lead on RevPAN at $24 compared to $14 for 2-bedroom properties, driven primarily by their significantly higher occupancy rate. This suggests that smaller units are more efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Boone

One-bedroom listings maintain a 29% occupancy rate — more than double the 14% seen by 2-bedroom properties. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, the smaller configuration offers more reliable booking activity, though both segments fall below Iowa's 33% state average.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Boone

Despite lower occupancy, 2-bedroom listings earn $1,389 per month on average versus $732 for 1-bedroom units, thanks to their higher nightly rate and presumably longer or higher-value bookings. Investors weighing total monthly income over efficiency may find the 2-bedroom configuration more appealing.

Average annual revenue by property size in Boone

Two-bedroom properties generate roughly $16,669 annually, nearly double the $8,791 earned by 1-bedroom units. When weighed against average home values and acquisition costs, the 2-bedroom configuration offers stronger gross revenue potential, though the lower occupancy rate warrants careful cash-flow modeling.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Boone

Kitchens (100%), self check-in (95%), and parking (90%) are virtually standard across Boone's listings, signaling a guest base that expects independent, car-friendly stays. Laundry facilities and a dedicated workspace each appear in 75% of listings, suggesting many hosts cater to longer stays or remote workers — a differentiation opportunity for properties that add outdoor features like patios or BBQ grills.

Understanding Boone'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

Boone's ROI Score of 47 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, indicating that while there is genuine investor interest and demand, returns are not guaranteed without disciplined property selection. All four calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — range from below average to average, reflecting a market where margins are tighter than in higher-scoring areas. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to identify the deals that can still perform.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Boone

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Boone, Iowa may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Boone and the State of Iowa before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA rules that could limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Because this is a smaller market, zoning classifications can also play a significant role in whether STR activity is permitted in a given neighborhood.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Iowa are typically subject to state sales tax and local hotel/motel taxes on their bookings. Many platforms like Airbnb collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm compliance with both state and Boone-specific obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Boone's STR market is likely to remain seasonally driven, with summer months (June through August) continuing to generate the bulk of annual revenue. The rapid 155% growth in active listings suggests increasing competition, which could put downward pressure on occupancy rates unless local demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy hovering in the 15–22% range on an annual basis, with ADRs potentially holding steady or edging up 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies. Selective property acquisition — particularly targeting underserved configurations — will be key to outperforming market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Boone, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Boone?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Boone is currently 18%, which sits below the Iowa state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average 29% while 2-bedroom listings come in at around 14%. Seasonality plays a major role, with summer months driving the highest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Boone?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Boone earn approximately $1,512 per month and $18,144 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $8,791 annually, while 2-bedroom properties bring in roughly $16,669. Peak-season months like August can push monthly income to $2,357 or more.

Is Boone a good market for Airbnb investment?

Boone carries an ROI Score of 47 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. While investor interest and demand are growing — reflected in 155% year-over-year listing growth — the market's below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability mean that successful investing here requires selective deal sourcing, strong peak-season pricing, and careful cost management.

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

The average daily rate in Boone is $174, which is below the Iowa state average of $265. Rates break down by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $84 per night, while 2-bedroom listings command around $106. These rates reflect a more budget-friendly market that appeals to cost-conscious travelers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Boone?

Short-term rentals may be operated in Boone, IA, but hosts should verify that they meet all local permitting, zoning, and registration requirements. Regulations can vary, so it's important to check with the City of Boone and the State of Iowa for the most current rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Boone?

Peak season in Boone runs from May through October, with August generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,357. June and July are also strong months, averaging $2,068 and $2,129 respectively. The winter months from January through April represent the off-season, with January being the slowest at $703 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Boone?

As of April 2026, there are 20 active Airbnb listings in Boone. The market has seen significant growth, with a 155% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is split between 1-bedroom listings (7 properties) and 2-bedroom listings (6 properties), with the remaining listings in other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Boone?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Boone 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the 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 by market
• Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Average home values sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data compiled from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers 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 and market conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.