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

Burlington Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Burlington, Iowa presents an intriguing opportunity for short-term rental investors drawn to affordable property prices and a growing market. With average home values around $246,484 and annual STR revenue averaging $18,384, the revenue-to-price ratio is competitive for a smaller Midwestern market. The listing count has surged 77% year over year — a sign of rising investor interest — though the market remains compact with just 24 active Airbnb listings.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Burlington 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 Burlington

Affordable entry costs paired with above-average market growth make Burlington worth a closer look for investors seeking yield in a compact, emerging STR market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Burlington earns an ROI score of 69 out of 100 — an "Attractive Opportunity" rating that reflects a balanced profile rather than a standout in any single metric. The market's strongest suit is its growth trend, rated above average, which aligns with the 77% year-over-year jump in listings. Seasonality is pronounced: October leads at $2,269 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out at $572, so cash-flow planning should account for a roughly 4x swing between peak and trough months. For investors comfortable with seasonal variability and a smaller market footprint, Burlington offers a genuinely affordable entry point with room to grow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Burlington

Average revenue by month in Burlington

Burlington shows strong seasonality, with October ($2,269) and July ($2,186) delivering the highest monthly revenue and January ($572) marking the clear low point. The roughly 4x spread between peak and trough months means investors should plan for meaningful cash-flow variability and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize the busy June-through-November corridor.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Burlington

Supply is spread fairly evenly across 1-bedroom (9 listings), 3-bedroom (8 listings), and 2-bedroom (6 listings) properties in this 24-listing market. The slight underrepresentation of 2-bedroom units relative to other sizes could signal a niche worth exploring, particularly given their solid occupancy performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Burlington

ADR scales substantially with size — 3-bedroom listings command $162 per night, roughly 84% more than 1-bedrooms at $88, with 2-bedrooms in between at $109. The premium jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms ($53 per night) suggests that larger properties capture disproportionately higher nightly rates in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Burlington

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $37, followed closely by 2-bedrooms at $33, while 1-bedrooms lag significantly at $19. This gap indicates that despite similar occupancy levels, larger properties extract meaningfully more revenue per available night due to their ADR advantage.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Burlington

Two-bedroom units achieve the highest occupancy at 31%, outpacing both 3-bedrooms (23%) and 1-bedrooms (22%) by a notable margin. For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and cash-flow predictability, 2-bedroom properties offer the steadiest demand profile in Burlington.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Burlington

Three-bedroom listings dominate monthly earnings at $2,320 — nearly double the $1,227 that 2-bedrooms generate and more than twice the $962 from 1-bedroom units. This revenue premium makes 3-bedroom properties the clear top earner, though investors should weigh higher acquisition and operating costs against the revenue uplift.

Average annual revenue by property size in Burlington

Annual revenue tells a compelling story for larger units: 3-bedrooms generate $27,849 compared to $14,730 for 2-bedrooms and $11,553 for 1-bedrooms. When paired with Burlington's average home value of $246,484, a well-positioned 3-bedroom property could offer the strongest return potential in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Burlington

Kitchens and parking are universal at 100% of listings, while self check-in and washer access (both 88%) are near-standard — signaling that guests in Burlington expect a practical, home-like experience. A workspace is offered by 71% of hosts, suggesting a segment of extended-stay or remote-work travelers that investors can target with dedicated office setups.

Understanding Burlington's ROI Score: 69/100

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

Burlington's ROI score of 69 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where affordable property values create a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio even with moderate occupancy. The above-average market growth trend is the standout factor, while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rate as average — suggesting the market is still maturing. Pairing this data with up-to-date local regulatory research and a conservative underwriting approach will help investors gauge whether Burlington fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Burlington

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

Permit Requirements

Burlington, Iowa may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Burlington and the Iowa Department of Revenue before launching operations.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Burlington can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Homeowners association rules may also apply to certain properties, and any local permit caps or zoning overlays should be confirmed with the city directly.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Burlington's STR market is expected to continue its upward trajectory given the above-average market growth trend identified in the ROI analysis. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue could concentrate in the summer-through-fall window, with monthly averages potentially reaching $2,000–$2,300 during peak months. Occupancy, currently at 25% against a 33% state average, may tighten modestly as demand catches up to the recent supply expansion — though investors should plan conservatively for softer winter months when revenue can dip below $700."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Burlington, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Burlington?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Burlington is currently 25%, which trails the Iowa state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size — 2-bedroom units lead at 31%, while 1-bedrooms sit at 22% and 3-bedrooms at 23%. These figures reflect the market's seasonal nature and relatively small listing base.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Burlington?

Burlington Airbnb hosts earn an average of $1,532 per month or approximately $18,384 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $2,320 monthly ($27,849 annually), 2-bedrooms bring in about $1,227 monthly ($14,730 annually), and 1-bedrooms average $962 monthly ($11,553 annually).

Is Burlington a good market for Airbnb investment?

Burlington scores 69 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from affordable property values averaging $246,484, above-average growth trends, and low competition with just 24 active listings. Investors should be prepared for seasonal revenue swings and occupancy below the state average, but the favorable price-to-revenue dynamics make it worth evaluating — especially for 3-bedroom properties.

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

The average daily rate in Burlington is $120, which is well below the Iowa state average of $265. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedrooms average $88, 2-bedrooms command $109, and 3-bedrooms reach $162 per night. The lower ADR reflects Burlington's affordability as a destination and keeps guest expectations accessible.

Are short-term rentals legal in Burlington?

Short-term rentals operate in Burlington, Iowa, as evidenced by the 24 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and hosts may need permits, registrations, or compliance with zoning rules. Investors should check directly with the City of Burlington and relevant Iowa state agencies for the most current requirements before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Burlington?

Peak season in Burlington runs from roughly June through November, with October delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,269 and July close behind at $2,186. The shoulder months of May ($1,383) and September ($1,580) also perform respectably. Winter is the slowest period, with January averaging just $572 — so investors should budget for lean months early in the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Burlington?

There are currently 24 active Airbnb listings in Burlington as of April 2026. The market is split across three main property sizes: 9 one-bedroom units, 6 two-bedroom units, and 8 three-bedroom units. Notably, listings have grown 77% year over year, signaling increasing interest from both hosts and guests.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Burlington?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Burlington 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 still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 Burlington, IA market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity distribution across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.