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

Urbandale Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Urbandale, IA is a compact but active short-term rental market with just 24 listings generating an average annual revenue of $33,977 per property. With a 43% occupancy rate that handily beats Iowa's 33% state average and an ADR of $189, the market demonstrates solid demand relative to its size. The small supply base and strong year-over-year listing growth of 150% suggest rising investor interest in this Des Moines suburb, though property values averaging $518,423 mean careful underwriting is essential.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Urbandale 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 Urbandale

Urbandale's above-state-average occupancy and manageable competition make it a compelling option for investors seeking suburban STR exposure near a major Iowa metro.

Expert Market Assessment

"Urbandale presents an attractive but measured opportunity for STR investors willing to do their homework on acquisition costs. The market's seasonality is pronounced — revenue swings from a low of $1,581 in January to a peak of $4,040 in July, meaning investors need to plan for leaner winter months. With average home values at $518,423 and annual revenue around $33,977, the revenue-to-price ratio sits at an average level, so maximizing occupancy and nightly rates will be critical to strong returns. The low listing count and rising demand indicators suggest this market hasn't yet reached saturation, offering a window for early movers to establish a foothold."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Urbandale

Average revenue by month in Urbandale

Urbandale shows clear seasonality, with July ($4,040) and June ($3,863) delivering peak revenue and January ($1,581) marking the low point — a spread of roughly $2,460 between the best and worst months. Investors should budget for the winter dip while capitalizing on a strong five-month stretch from May through September.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Urbandale

The available data shows all 11 reported listings by size fall in the 4-bedroom category, suggesting that larger homes dominate Urbandale's STR supply. This concentration may signal opportunity for investors considering smaller property types that could serve a different guest segment with less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Urbandale

Four-bedroom properties in Urbandale command an average daily rate of $254, a meaningful premium over the market-wide ADR of $189. This higher rate reflects the pricing power that larger, group-friendly homes carry in a suburban market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Urbandale

Four-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $103, exceeding the market-wide average of $82 by about 26%. This indicates that despite moderate occupancy, the higher nightly rates of larger homes translate into stronger per-night revenue generation.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Urbandale

Four-bedroom properties maintain a 40% occupancy rate, slightly below the overall market average of 43%. While this is typical for larger properties that attract fewer but longer-duration bookings, investors should factor in occasional vacancies when projecting cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Urbandale

Four-bedroom homes in Urbandale generate an average of $3,357 per month, which outpaces the market-wide average of $2,831 by approximately 19%. This premium makes larger properties the clear revenue leaders in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Urbandale

At $40,285 in average annual revenue, 4-bedroom properties outperform the market average of $33,977, offering the strongest return potential among tracked property sizes. Against an average home value of $518,423, investors should run their own cap rate and cash-on-cash calculations to determine viability.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Urbandale

Parking (100%), full kitchens (96%), and washer/dryer access (96%) are near-universal in Urbandale's listings, signaling that guests expect a home-like experience. A dedicated workspace in 79% of listings and pet-friendliness in 75% further suggest a guest profile that includes remote workers and families — amenities worth prioritizing for competitive positioning.

Understanding Urbandale'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

Urbandale's ROI Score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where demand and revenue show promise but growth trends lag behind top-performing markets. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the market growth trend scores below average — a reminder that rapid listing growth hasn't yet translated into proven long-term trajectory. Investors should pair these metrics with a close review of local regulations and property-level financials to confirm the numbers work for their specific acquisition.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Urbandale

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Urbandale, Iowa may need to obtain a permit or business registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Urbandale and Polk County, as local ordinances can change and may include specific application procedures.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Iowa suburbs like Urbandale can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants are particularly relevant here given the suburban character of the market, and investors should confirm that any planned rental property is not subject to association restrictions that prohibit or limit short-term leasing.

Tax Obligations

Iowa imposes state sales tax and local hotel/motel taxes on short-term rental stays, and Urbandale operators should expect to collect and remit these obligations. Major booking platforms like Airbnb often handle tax collection in many Iowa jurisdictions, but hosts should confirm coverage and any additional local levies with a tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Urbandale's short-term rental market is expected to see continued demand driven by summer travel and proximity to Des Moines metro amenities, with peak monthly revenues likely sustaining in the $3,800–$4,100 range during June through August. Occupancy rates may settle around 40–45% annually, and ADR could see modest increases of 2–4% as the supply base matures. The rapid growth in active listings signals more competition ahead, so investors entering now should focus on differentiation through property quality and amenity mix to maintain pricing power."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Urbandale, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Urbandale?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Urbandale is currently 43%, which is notably higher than Iowa's state average of 33%. This suggests healthier-than-typical demand for short-term rentals in the area, likely supported by Urbandale's proximity to the Des Moines metro and its appeal to both leisure and business travelers.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Urbandale?

Airbnb hosts in Urbandale earn an average of $2,831 per month and approximately $33,977 per year, based on the trailing 12 months of booking data from active listings. Revenue peaks during summer months — July averages around $4,040 — while winter months like January dip to about $1,581. Individual results will vary depending on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is managed.

Is Urbandale a good market for Airbnb investment?

Urbandale scores a 56 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-state-average occupancy and a relatively small competitive supply of just 24 active listings. However, with average home values at $518,423 and average annual revenue of $33,977, investors should carefully evaluate whether their acquisition price and financing structure support positive cash flow.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Urbandale is $189, which comes in below Iowa's statewide average of $265. While the lower ADR may initially seem like a drawback, it's paired with a significantly higher occupancy rate (43% vs. 33% statewide), which helps drive competitive revenue per available night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Urbandale?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Urbandale, IA, though operators may be required to obtain local permits or registrations. Regulations can vary and are subject to change, so prospective investors should check with the City of Urbandale and consult local zoning and HOA rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Urbandale?

Peak season for Airbnb in Urbandale runs from May through August, with July being the top-earning month at an average of $4,040 in revenue. June and August are close behind at $3,863 and $3,846, respectively. The shoulder months of September through November remain productive in the $2,800–$3,000 range, while January and February represent the softest period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Urbandale?

As of April 2026, there are 24 active Airbnb listings in Urbandale. This is a relatively small supply base, which has grown significantly — up 150% year-over-year — indicating increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Urbandale?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Urbandale 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market

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 performance and market conditions that may have shifted since the analysis date. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.