Clear Lake, IA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Clear Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Clear Lake, Iowa presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity driven by strong seasonal lake-tourism demand and a growing listing base. With an average annual revenue of $28,014 across 62 active listings and a market that has seen 94% year-over-year listing growth, the area is clearly gaining traction among STR investors. While occupancy sits at 22% — below the Iowa state average of 33% — the pronounced summer peak and competitive daily rates suggest a vacation-rental market with concentrated earning potential during warmer months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake

Clear Lake attracts STR investors because of its seasonal lake-tourism appeal, growing market momentum, and the potential for larger properties to deliver outsized returns relative to the competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Clear Lake represents a moderately attractive STR investment with a pronounced seasonal character. Revenue swings dramatically from a January low of $1,391 to a July peak of $3,889, meaning investors need to plan for lean winter months when cash flow thins considerably. The market's ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability, balanced by above-average growth trends. Larger properties — particularly 4-bedroom homes — significantly outperform smaller units, so investors targeting this market may find the strongest returns by catering to family and group travelers seeking lakefront experiences."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Clear Lake

Average revenue by month in Clear Lake

Clear Lake's revenue is heavily seasonal, peaking in July at $3,889 and bottoming out in January at $1,391 — a spread of nearly $2,500. The June–August window accounts for a disproportionate share of annual income, making summer pricing strategy critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Clear Lake

Supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom (19 listings) and 3-bedroom (20 listings) properties, which together make up roughly 63% of the market. One-bedroom units are notably scarce at just 6 listings, which could represent either limited demand for smaller accommodations or a niche opportunity for budget-friendly lakeside stays.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Clear Lake

ADR nearly triples from $121 for 1-bedroom listings to $349 for 4-bedroom properties, reflecting strong group-travel pricing power. The jump from 2-bedroom ($164) to 3-bedroom ($238) is particularly notable, suggesting guests are willing to pay a significant premium for the extra space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Clear Lake

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $80, more than double the $32 earned by 1-bedroom units. This gap indicates that despite slightly lower occupancy, larger homes convert their higher nightly rates into substantially better revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Clear Lake

Occupancy ranges from 20% for 3-bedroom properties to 27% for 1-bedroom units, with all sizes sitting well below the Iowa state average of 33%. The relatively narrow occupancy spread across sizes suggests that seasonality — rather than property configuration — is the dominant factor in booking patterns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Clear Lake

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $1,121 for 1-bedroom listings to $3,990 for 4-bedroom homes. The 4-bedroom tier earns more than double the 2-bedroom average of $1,909, making larger properties the clear revenue leaders in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Clear Lake

Four-bedroom properties stand out with $47,884 in average annual revenue — nearly 3.6 times the $13,452 generated by 1-bedroom units. For investors targeting the strongest return potential in Clear Lake, larger homes oriented toward family and group travel offer the most compelling top-line performance.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Clear Lake

Parking is universal (100%) and kitchen, washer, and dryer availability all exceed 95%, establishing these as baseline expectations for guests. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (82%), BBQ grills (68%), and backyards (61%) are also prevalent, while lake access (40%) and waterfront positioning (11%) represent differentiators that can command premium pricing.

Understanding Clear Lake's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Clear Lake's ROI Score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with solid seasonal revenue potential balanced against some headwinds. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both score as average, while market growth trends rate above average — a sign the area is gaining momentum. However, the supply/demand balance sits below average, likely driven by the 94% surge in new listings; investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow plan before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Clear Lake

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Clear Lake, Iowa may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with city authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Clear Lake and review any applicable Iowa state regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in lakeside Iowa communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations — particularly important in a market where 100% of listings advertise parking. HOA rules may also apply to certain properties near the lake, so reviewing covenants before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Iowa imposes state sales tax and local hotel/motel taxes on short-term rental stays, and Clear Lake may levy its own lodging or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Clear Lake's STR market is expected to benefit from continued interest in lakeside getaways across the Upper Midwest. Monthly revenue data suggests summer months will remain the primary revenue driver, with July and August alone capable of generating $3,700–$3,900 per listing. Occupancy may face some downward pressure as the supply of listings nearly doubled year-over-year, though above-average market growth trends could help absorb the new inventory. Investors should anticipate ADR holding steady or rising modestly by 1–3% as the market matures and hosts optimize pricing strategies for peak weekends."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Clear Lake, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clear Lake?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Clear Lake is currently 22%, which falls below the Iowa state average of 33%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature — lakeside vacation destinations typically see occupancy concentrated in the summer months while winter demand drops off significantly. One-bedroom properties lead with 27% occupancy, while 3-bedroom units sit at 20%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Clear Lake?

Airbnb hosts in Clear Lake earn an average of $2,334 per month and approximately $28,014 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $13,452 annually, while 4-bedroom properties generate roughly $47,884 per year. Summer months are by far the strongest revenue period, with July averaging $3,889 per listing.

Is Clear Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Clear Lake earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average growth trends and strong summer demand driven by lake tourism. However, investors should account for a pronounced off-season and a supply-demand balance that currently leans slightly unfavorable due to rapid listing growth (94% year-over-year). Larger properties targeting families and groups tend to deliver the strongest returns.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Clear Lake is $234, which is slightly below the Iowa state average of $265. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $121 per night, 2-bedrooms average $164, 3-bedrooms come in at $238, and 4-bedroom properties command $349 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Clear Lake?

Short-term rentals operate in Clear Lake, Iowa, with 62 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning rules. Investors should consult the City of Clear Lake and review any applicable Iowa state laws to ensure full compliance before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Clear Lake?

Peak season in Clear Lake runs from June through August, driven by summer lake tourism and outdoor recreation. July is the single strongest month, with average listing revenue reaching $3,889, followed closely by August at $3,720 and June at $3,252. The off-season — roughly November through February — sees monthly revenue dip to between $1,391 and $1,870, so investors should plan for significant seasonal cash flow variation.

How many Airbnbs are there in Clear Lake?

There are currently 62 active Airbnb listings in Clear Lake as of April 2026. The market has experienced rapid growth, with a 94% increase in active listings year-over-year. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom (19 listings) and 3-bedroom (20 listings) properties, with fewer 1-bedroom (6) and 4-bedroom (11) options.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Clear Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Clear Lake 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month draws on its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively a host manages their listing.

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 Clear Lake and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for supply, pricing, and revenue analysis
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index

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 the date noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Clear Lake and Iowa authorities before purchasing.