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

Lansing Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lansing, Iowa sits along the Upper Mississippi River corridor, drawing seasonal visitors who come for fishing, river recreation, and scenic bluff country. With just 30 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $22,300, this is a small but focused market where individual properties can carve out meaningful share. The average daily rate of $214 undercuts Iowa's $265 state average, yet revenue-to-price ratios remain in line with broader norms — suggesting entry costs haven't outpaced what the market can earn. Investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality will find a market with limited competition and room to differentiate.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lansing 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 Lansing

Lansing's appeal rests on its small supply base, scenic Mississippi River setting, and property costs that allow revenue-to-price ratios to stay competitive despite modest occupancy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lansing presents a moderate opportunity shaped by strong seasonality and a compact competitive set. July revenue peaks at $3,454 per listing — more than triple the February low of $1,056 — so cash-flow planning around the off-season is non-negotiable. Occupancy at 19% sits well below Iowa's 33% state average, which is the market's most notable soft spot and reflects its leisure-driven, seasonal character. Still, properties that target the right guest profile — families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking river access and space — can outperform the averages, particularly in the 3- and 4-bedroom segments where RevPAN and total revenue are strongest."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lansing

Average revenue by month in Lansing

Lansing's revenue cycle peaks sharply in July at $3,454 and bottoms out in February at $1,056, creating a roughly 3.3× spread that underscores the market's summer-dependent demand pattern. October's $2,133 provides a secondary bump, suggesting fall tourism offers a meaningful revenue bridge before the winter slowdown.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lansing

Supply in Lansing is remarkably balanced, with 6–7 listings in each bedroom category from 1 to 4 bedrooms. This even distribution means no single property size is dramatically oversaturated, though investors targeting underserved niches may need to look at 5+ bedroom configurations or unique property types to stand out.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lansing

ADR climbs steadily from $105 for 1-bedroom listings to $251 for 4-bedroom properties, nearly a 2.4× premium. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($149) to 3 bedrooms ($215) is particularly steep — a 44% increase — suggesting the 3-bedroom tier hits a pricing sweet spot where groups are willing to pay meaningfully more for added space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lansing

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $40, edging out 2-bedrooms ($35) and notably outperforming 4-bedrooms ($30) despite the latter's higher ADR. This signals that 3-bedroom units hit the best balance of rate and occupancy, making them the most efficient earners on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lansing

Occupancy is highest for 1- and 2-bedroom properties at 23% and 24%, respectively, while 4-bedroom listings lag at just 12%. The drop-off for larger units suggests that while they command premium rates, they face stiffer competition for a smaller pool of group bookings — making pricing agility critical for maintaining cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lansing

Four-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $2,731, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at $2,067, while 1-bedroom units bring in just $731. The gap between the smallest and largest configurations is nearly 4×, making a strong case that investors targeting higher gross revenue in Lansing should focus on properties with three or more bedrooms.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lansing

Annual revenue ranges from $8,775 for 1-bedroom listings to $32,775 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms earning $24,812. Given average home values of $481,980, the 4-bedroom tier's ~6.8% gross revenue yield offers the most compelling top-line return, though investors should weigh this against the segment's lower 12% occupancy rate.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lansing

Kitchen and parking each appear in 97% of Lansing listings, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. BBQ grills (87%), self check-in (80%), and outdoor furniture (77%) round out the top amenities — reflecting a guest base oriented toward outdoor recreation and self-sufficient stays. Waterfront access (17%) and hot tubs (13%) remain rare, presenting a potential edge for properties that can offer them.

Understanding Lansing's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Lansing's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, indicating a market where revenue potential and property costs are reasonably aligned but certain fundamentals need monitoring. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both rate as average, while occupancy stability comes in below average — a direct reflection of the steep seasonal swings between summer peaks and winter lows. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and realistic cash-flow modeling that accounts for several months of reduced bookings each year.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lansing

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

Permit Requirements

Lansing, Iowa may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local business permit or registration; investors should verify current requirements with the City of Lansing and Allamakee County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in small Iowa towns can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and rules set by homeowner associations. Some communities also impose minimum-stay requirements or caps on the number of permitted rentals in a given area, so due diligence with local authorities is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Iowa are typically subject to the state's hotel and motel tax as well as any applicable local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations for county or city-level assessments directly.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lansing's STR market is likely to see continued summer-driven demand, with July and August remaining the revenue pillars. Active listing counts grew 57% year-over-year, so supply is expanding — investors entering now should plan pricing strategies that account for both rising competition and the market's roughly three-to-one spread between peak and off-peak revenue. We estimate ADR could hold steady or tick up 1–3% as hosts add amenities to differentiate, but occupancy may face modest pressure if new supply isn't met with proportional demand growth. Building a winter strategy around holiday weekends and fall foliage traffic could help smooth out the softer months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lansing, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lansing?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lansing is currently 19%, which is below Iowa's 33% state average. This reflects the market's seasonal nature — demand concentrates heavily in the summer months while winter sees significantly fewer bookings. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 24% and 4-bedroom properties trailing at 12%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lansing?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Lansing earn approximately $1,858 per month or $22,300 annually based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $8,775 per year, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $32,775 annually. Seasonality plays a major role, with July revenues averaging $3,454 compared to about $1,056 in February.

Is Lansing a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lansing earns an ROI score of 56 out of 100 — categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity" — thanks to a balanced revenue-to-price ratio and limited competition across just 30 active listings. The main trade-off is below-average occupancy stability, so investors should plan for pronounced seasonal swings. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) tend to generate the highest returns, and hosts who optimize for summer peak season while building strategies for shoulder months are best positioned to succeed.

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

The average daily rate in Lansing is $214, which comes in below Iowa's $265 state average. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $105 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $149, 3-bedrooms at $215, and 4-bedroom properties command $251 per night. This pricing structure gives investors in larger properties a clear rate premium to work with.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lansing?

Short-term rentals operate in Lansing, Iowa, as evidenced by the 30 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, specific permit requirements, zoning rules, and any local restrictions can change over time. Prospective investors should contact the City of Lansing and Allamakee County directly to confirm current licensing, registration, and compliance requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lansing?

Peak season in Lansing runs through the summer months, with July leading the pack at $3,454 in average monthly revenue. June ($2,455) and August ($2,734) also deliver strong performance. October sees a notable bump to $2,133, likely driven by fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenues dip to $1,116 and $1,056, respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lansing?

As of April 2026, there are 30 active Airbnb listings in Lansing. Supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes: 6 one-bedroom, 6 two-bedroom, 7 three-bedroom, and 6 four-bedroom listings. Notably, the market has experienced 57% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lansing?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lansing 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, drop 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 rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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, occupancy rates, and average daily rates for the Lansing market
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, ADR, RevPAN, occupancy, and revenue
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings
• Home value benchmarks 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, property quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.