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

Fairfield Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fairfield, IA is a small but growing short-term rental market with 24 active Airbnb listings and year-over-year listing growth of 106%, signaling rising investor interest. Average annual revenue sits at $14,895 against an average home value of $248,417, and while the ADR of $116 is well below Iowa's $265 state average, the market's affordability keeps the entry barrier low. Occupancy at 34% is roughly in line with the state average, though seasonal swings are pronounced — making property selection and pricing strategy especially important here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fairfield 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 Fairfield

Fairfield appeals to investors seeking low-cost entry into a small Iowa market where rising listing counts suggest untapped demand, though selective deal sourcing is needed to achieve meaningful returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fairfield represents a competitive but selective opportunity for STR investors. The ROI score of 41 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price performance and below-average occupancy stability, meaning returns hinge on smart property selection and active management during slower months. Seasonality is a defining characteristic — revenue peaks in June and July at $1,830, then drops sharply to around $502 in January, so investors need to plan for a roughly 3.6x swing between best and worst months. For those willing to operate lean and target the right property type, the low entry cost and growing supply suggest there's room to build a viable STR business."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fairfield

Average revenue by month in Fairfield

Fairfield shows strong seasonality, with June and July each peaking at $1,830 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out at just $502 — a spread of more than $1,300 that investors should factor into cash-flow planning. The shoulder months of April through May and September through December hover between roughly $1,056 and $1,483, providing moderate but not negligible income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fairfield

The market's supply is concentrated in one-bedroom (10 listings) and two-bedroom (7 listings) properties, with no larger configurations currently tracked. This tight inventory in a small market could mean opportunity for investors willing to bring differentiated or larger properties to Fairfield.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fairfield

Two-bedroom properties command $114 per night — a 52% premium over one-bedroom units at $75 — suggesting the step-up in nightly rate more than justifies the incremental investment in a second bedroom. Both tiers remain well below the Iowa state ADR average, keeping guest price sensitivity in check.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fairfield

Revenue per available night is $37 for two-bedroom units and $33 for one-bedrooms, a relatively narrow gap that reflects the trade-off between higher ADR and lower occupancy in the two-bedroom segment. Still, the two-bedroom edge translates into meaningfully higher monthly and annual revenue totals.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fairfield

One-bedroom listings fill at a notably higher rate of 44% compared to 32% for two-bedroom properties, indicating stronger and more consistent demand for smaller units. However, the lower occupancy on two-bedrooms is more than offset by their higher nightly rate when it comes to total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fairfield

Two-bedroom properties earn $1,553 per month on average — roughly 2.5 times the $612 that one-bedroom listings generate — making them the clear revenue leader in this small market. Investors targeting Fairfield should weigh this significant gap when evaluating acquisition opportunities.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fairfield

At $18,639 in average annual revenue, two-bedroom units outpace one-bedrooms ($7,348) by more than $11,000 per year, representing the strongest return configuration available in the Fairfield market. Against an average home value of $248,417, investors should underwrite carefully to ensure the revenue covers carrying costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fairfield

Every listing in Fairfield offers a kitchen and nearly all (96%) provide parking, signaling that guests expect home-like convenience and easy vehicle access — consistent with a small Midwestern market. Washer/dryer availability at 88% and workspace at 71% further suggest demand from longer-stay or remote-work travelers, while premium amenities like hot tubs and EV chargers remain rare at just 4%.

Understanding Fairfield's ROI Score: 41/100

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

Fairfield's ROI score of 41 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has potential but requires more deliberate deal sourcing and operational planning. The revenue-to-price ratio is average and occupancy stability registers below average, so consistent cash flow isn't automatic — investors will benefit from targeting two-bedroom properties and optimizing for peak season. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a realistic off-season budget will be essential for making a sound investment decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fairfield

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Fairfield, Iowa should verify whether a short-term rental permit or business registration is required by the city before listing a property. Contacting the City of Fairfield's planning or zoning department and reviewing Jefferson County ordinances is the best way to confirm current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small Iowa markets may include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. Investors should also check for any HOA covenants or deed restrictions that could limit short-term rental use on specific properties.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fairfield's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor awareness increases, but demand signals remain moderate with occupancy hovering around 30–38% depending on season. Revenue could see a modest 1–3% uptick if operators capitalize on summer peaks — June and July already generate roughly $1,830 per month — while winter months will likely stay soft. Investors should plan for meaningful off-season revenue dips and budget accordingly, as the market's growth trend and supply-demand balance are both tracking at average levels."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fairfield, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fairfield?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Fairfield is currently 34%, which is roughly on par with the Iowa state average of 33%. One-bedroom units tend to fill more consistently at 44% occupancy, while two-bedroom properties average 32%. Seasonal variation is notable, so actual monthly occupancy can range significantly depending on the time of year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fairfield?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Fairfield earns approximately $1,241 per month or $14,895 per year. Two-bedroom properties significantly outperform, averaging $1,553 monthly ($18,639 annually), while one-bedroom listings average $612 monthly ($7,348 annually). Peak months like June and July can push monthly revenue to around $1,830, while January dips to roughly $502.

Is Fairfield a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fairfield scores 41 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers affordable entry with average home values around $248,417 and growing investor interest reflected in 106% year-over-year listing growth. However, below-average occupancy stability and pronounced seasonality mean investors will need to be strategic about property type and pricing to generate consistent returns. Two-bedroom properties offer the strongest revenue potential relative to the market.

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

The average daily rate in Fairfield is $116, which is significantly below Iowa's state average of $265. When broken down by property size, one-bedroom listings average $75 per night while two-bedroom properties command $114 per night. The lower ADR reflects Fairfield's small-market pricing but also contributes to the market's affordability advantage for investors.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fairfield?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Fairfield, IA, as evidenced by the 24 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations can vary and may change over time. Prospective hosts should verify current regulations with the City of Fairfield and Jefferson County before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fairfield?

Peak season in Fairfield runs from June through August, with June and July both averaging around $1,830 in monthly revenue — the highest of the year. September through November remains moderately productive at $1,260–$1,483 per month. The slowest period is January through March, when average monthly revenue drops to between $502 and $690.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fairfield?

As of April 2026, there are 24 active Airbnb listings in Fairfield. The market has seen significant growth with 106% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is concentrated in smaller property types, with 10 one-bedroom and 7 two-bedroom listings making up the majority of the inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fairfield?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Fairfield are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. 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 into 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 Fairfield, IA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and supply distribution across bedroom configurations

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 and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with city and county authorities before purchasing.