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

Marion Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Marion, IA is a compact short-term rental market with just 13 active Airbnb listings, yet it punches above its weight on key performance indicators. The market's 47% average occupancy rate significantly outpaces Iowa's 33% state average, while the $146 ADR—though below the state average of $265—pairs well with substantially lower property costs. With average annual revenue of $25,676 against a home value of roughly $410,438, Marion offers investors a modest but steady income stream in a market where above-average occupancy stability and favorable supply/demand dynamics create room for growth.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Marion 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 Marion

Marion appeals to investors seeking a low-competition Iowa market where strong occupancy and favorable supply/demand dynamics offset a moderate ADR.

Expert Market Assessment

"Marion presents an attractive but measured opportunity for STR investors. The market's ROI score of 68 out of 100 reflects healthy occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance, offset by an average revenue-to-price ratio that keeps overall returns moderate rather than exceptional. Seasonality is a defining factor—revenue climbs from roughly $1,399 in January to a July peak of $2,928, creating a spread that rewards hosts who price dynamically and optimize for the May-through-September window. With only 13 active listings, there's genuine scarcity value here, though the small market size also means demand can fluctuate noticeably with just a few new entrants."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Marion

Average revenue by month in Marion

Marion shows clear seasonality, with July leading at $2,928 and January at the bottom with $1,399—a spread of over $1,500 between peak and trough. The strongest earning window runs May through September, while the winter months from November through February represent the softest period for STR revenue.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Marion

The reported supply in Marion is concentrated entirely among 2-bedroom properties, with 5 active listings at that size. This extremely narrow size distribution could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer larger or smaller configurations to capture underserved demand segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Marion

Two-bedroom listings in Marion command an average daily rate of $128, below the market-wide ADR of $146 which includes all property types. This suggests that non-2-bedroom properties in the market may be achieving higher nightly rates, though data is limited to the 2-bedroom segment for size-specific breakdowns.

Average RevPAN by property size in Marion

Two-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $76, which exceeds the overall market average of $69. This indicates that 2-bedroom listings benefit from a combination of competitive pricing and strong occupancy to generate above-average revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Marion

Two-bedroom listings enjoy a robust 59% occupancy rate, well above the market-wide average of 47%. This strong occupancy suggests that 2-bedroom units are particularly well-suited to the demand profile in Marion, offering investors more reliable cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Marion

Two-bedroom properties generate an average of $1,793 per month, which falls below the market-wide average of $2,139. This gap suggests that larger or uniquely positioned properties in the market are pulling the overall average higher, and investors targeting 2-bedroom units should calibrate expectations accordingly.

Average annual revenue by property size in Marion

At $21,523 per year, 2-bedroom listings earn roughly 84% of the market-wide annual average of $25,676. While this still represents meaningful income, investors seeking the highest revenue potential may want to explore whether larger property sizes—currently underrepresented in the data—could deliver stronger annual returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Marion

Kitchens are universal across Marion's listings at 100%, while washer, dryer, and self check-in each appear in 92% of properties—signaling these are baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Amenities like workspaces (77%) and parking (85%) reflect demand from practical, potentially business-oriented travelers, and pet-friendliness (39%) could serve as a competitive edge for listings that offer it.

Understanding Marion's ROI Score: 68/100

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

Marion's ROI score of 68 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance that keeps competition manageable. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend rate as average, meaning returns are solid but not exceptional without careful property selection and pricing optimization. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal revenue model before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Marion

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Marion, Iowa may need to obtain a local business permit or register their property with city authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Marion and Linn County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in Iowa communities include occupancy limits, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA rules that could prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also enforce minimum stay requirements or cap the number of rental permits issued, so it's important to review all applicable local and community-level regulations.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Marion's short-term rental market is likely to see continued demand, particularly through the summer months when revenue peaks near $2,900. With 39% year-over-year listing growth, new supply is entering the market, though above-average supply/demand balance suggests absorption remains healthy. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold steady or tick up by 1–3%, while occupancy should remain in the 45–50% range market-wide given current demand patterns. Seasonal softness from November through February will persist, so budgeting for lower-revenue winter months is prudent."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Marion, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Marion?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Marion is currently 47%, which is significantly higher than Iowa's state average of 33%. This above-average occupancy suggests consistent guest demand relative to available supply, making it a favorable indicator for hosts looking to maintain steady bookings throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Marion?

Airbnb hosts in Marion earn an average of $2,139 per month and approximately $25,676 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking performance. Revenue varies by season, with peak summer months like July generating around $2,928 and quieter winter months like January closer to $1,399. Individual results depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Marion a good market for Airbnb investment?

Marion earns an ROI score of 68 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a healthy supply/demand balance, with only 13 active listings competing for guest demand. While the revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values around $410,438, the low competition and strong occupancy make it a compelling option for investors who can optimize pricing through seasonal peaks.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Marion is $146, which is below Iowa's state average of $265. This lower ADR reflects the market's positioning as an affordable Midwestern destination rather than a luxury or resort market. However, the higher-than-average occupancy rate helps compensate, producing a RevPAN of $69 per available night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Marion?

Short-term rentals do operate in Marion, Iowa, with 13 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations, permit requirements, and zoning rules can change, so prospective hosts should verify the current legal status with the City of Marion and Linn County before purchasing or listing a property. HOA restrictions may also apply depending on the specific neighborhood.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Marion?

Peak season for Airbnb in Marion runs from May through September, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,928. June and August also perform well at $2,732 and $2,518 respectively. The off-peak period spans November through February, when monthly revenue dips to the $1,399–$1,733 range. Understanding this seasonal pattern is key to setting realistic income expectations.

How many Airbnbs are there in Marion?

There are currently 13 active Airbnb listings in Marion as of April 2026. This represents a 39% increase year-over-year, indicating growing investor interest in the market. The small supply base means new listings can make a noticeable impact on the competitive landscape.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Marion?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Marion 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 results 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 for Marion, IA and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics based on trailing 12-month performance
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from actual booking data of comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns showing supply distribution, pricing, and revenue by bedroom count
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 market conditions may have shifted since the reporting period. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change—always verify with local authorities before investing.