Des Moines, IA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Des Moines Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Des Moines presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors, combining above-average revenue relative to property prices with manageable acquisition costs averaging $293,341. With 256 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,647, the market offers a favorable revenue-to-price ratio that stands out among Midwestern metros. The city's convention scene, Iowa State Fair draw, and steady business travel create a diversified demand base worth exploring.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Des Moines 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 Des Moines

Des Moines attracts STR investors with its strong revenue-to-price ratio and a diversified demand profile spanning business travel, events, and regional tourism.

Expert Market Assessment

"Des Moines earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with a ROI score of 67 out of 100, reflecting its strong revenue-to-price fundamentals paired with average occupancy and growth dynamics. Revenue shows clear seasonality — July peaks at $2,573 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $1,008 — so investors should plan cash reserves for the quieter winter months. The market's 137% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest, which could compress returns if demand doesn't keep pace. That said, the affordable entry point and solid summer performance make Des Moines a compelling option for investors comfortable navigating a seasonal Midwest market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Des Moines

Average revenue by month in Des Moines

Des Moines shows pronounced seasonality, with July ($2,573) and June ($2,460) delivering peak revenue while January ($1,008) marks the low point — a roughly 2.5x spread that investors should factor into cash-flow planning. The shoulder months of September through November hold relatively steady around $1,800–$1,913, softening the winter dip somewhat.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Des Moines

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 88 active listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 67. Larger properties (5 bedrooms and 6+ bedrooms) are notably scarce with only 7 and 5 listings respectively, signaling potential opportunity for investors willing to operate bigger homes where competition is thin.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Des Moines

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $87 for studios and 1-bedrooms to $373 for 6+ bedroom properties — a 4.3x premium. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($127) to 3 bedrooms ($202) is particularly sharp, suggesting 3-bedroom properties offer a strong rate-to-cost sweet spot for many investors.

Average RevPAN by property size in Des Moines

Six-plus bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $84 per available night, followed closely by 4-bedroom units at $73, while 1-bedroom listings trail at just $31. Notably, 5-bedroom properties underperform at $45 RevPAN despite their higher ADR, likely due to their low 18% occupancy rate, making 4-bedroom configurations the more efficient earner among larger homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Des Moines

Studios and 1-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 38% and 37% respectively, offering more consistent booking flow. Occupancy drops off for mid-size and larger properties, with 5-bedroom units at just 18% — investors in bigger homes should expect lumpier income and plan reserves accordingly.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Des Moines

Monthly revenue scales clearly with property size, from $1,065 for 1-bedroom listings up to $4,073 for 6+ bedroom homes. Four-bedroom properties hit a compelling middle ground at $2,929 per month, nearly tripling 1-bedroom earnings while facing far less competition than smaller units.

Average annual revenue by property size in Des Moines

Annualized, 6+ bedroom properties top the market at $48,887, and 4-bedroom homes deliver a strong $35,148 — both well above the market-wide average of $21,647. One-bedroom units earn roughly $12,789 annually, underscoring that investors willing to scale up property size can capture substantially higher gross revenue in Des Moines.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Des Moines

Kitchens (98%) and parking (96%) are near-universal expectations among Des Moines guests, reflecting a market oriented toward self-sufficient, car-dependent stays. A workspace is offered by 70% of listings — likely catering to business travelers — while premium amenities like hot tubs (7%) and pools (4%) remain rare differentiators that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Des Moines's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Des Moines scores 67 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band — above the threshold where returns begin to look compelling for most STR strategies. The score is anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential relative to the ~$293K average home price is stronger than many comparable markets, while occupancy stability, growth trends, and supply/demand dynamics all register as average. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of seasonal cash-flow swings before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Des Moines

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

Permit Requirements

The city of Des Moines, Iowa may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Des Moines city clerk or planning department, as local STR regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Iowa markets like Des Moines can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Iowa are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel/motel tax obligations. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with Iowa's Department of Revenue and any Des Moines-specific tax requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Des Moines is expected to see continued seasonal demand patterns with summer months sustaining the strongest booking activity. ADR could edge up 2–4% as the market matures, though occupancy is likely to hover in the 30–35% range given the rapid 137% year-over-year growth in active listings. Investors entering with well-positioned properties — particularly larger homes that command higher nightly rates — should be able to capture above-market returns, though the expanding supply warrants careful pricing strategy. We estimate revenue stability will hold as the city's event calendar and corporate travel pipeline remain consistent demand anchors."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Des Moines, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Des Moines?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Des Moines currently sits at 32%, which is just below the Iowa state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with studios and 1-bedroom units achieving the highest rates (37–38%), while larger 5-bedroom properties average around 18%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, with summer months driving the strongest demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Des Moines?

Airbnb hosts in Des Moines earn an average of $1,803 per month or approximately $21,647 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies considerably by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $1,065 per month, while 6+ bedroom properties can earn upward of $4,073 monthly. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $2,500 on average.

Is Des Moines a good market for Airbnb investment?

Des Moines scores 67 out of 100 on the Rabbu ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market's standout feature is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning hosts earn relatively well compared to property acquisition costs averaging $293,341. While occupancy and growth trends are average, the affordable entry point and diversified demand from business travel and events make it a worthwhile market for investors seeking Midwestern STR opportunities.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Des Moines is $143, which is well below the Iowa state average of $265. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios and 1-bedroom units average $87 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $373 per night. This pricing spread highlights the revenue advantage of investing in larger properties in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Des Moines?

Short-term rentals operate in Des Moines, with 256 active Airbnb listings currently on the platform. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and tax compliance can change, so prospective investors should consult the City of Des Moines directly to confirm current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Des Moines?

Peak season for Airbnb in Des Moines runs from May through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $2,573 in revenue. The Iowa State Fair in August and warm-weather events drive strong summer demand. The slowest months are January and February, when average monthly revenue drops to $1,008–$1,094, creating a roughly 2.5x spread between peak and off-peak earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Des Moines?

As of April 2026, there are 256 active Airbnb listings in Des Moines. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 137% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 88 listings, followed by 2-bedroom properties at 67 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Des Moines?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Des Moines 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 remaining data 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 and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN benchmarks across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data for competitive positioning analysis
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.