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

West Des Moines Short-Term Rental Market Overview

West Des Moines presents a compelling niche opportunity for short-term rental investors, with an average occupancy rate of 37% that outpaces the Iowa state average of 33% and a market-wide ADR of $167—well below the $265 state average, signaling an affordable entry point for hosts. With just 56 active Airbnb listings, the market remains relatively small, and average annual revenue of $23,343 per listing reflects modest but steady demand likely driven by corporate travel and suburban visitor traffic in the greater Des Moines metro. The ROI score of 59 out of 100 places West Des Moines in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier, supported by above-average occupancy stability.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the West 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 West Des Moines

Investors are drawn to West Des Moines for its affordable property prices relative to the metro area, stable occupancy that beats state averages, and the suburban demand profile that supports consistent midweek bookings.

Expert Market Assessment

"West Des Moines earns its "Attractive Opportunity" designation through a combination of above-average occupancy stability and a manageable competitive landscape of just 56 active listings. Seasonality is pronounced—July peaks at $2,773 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $1,089—so investors should budget for leaner winter months while capitalizing on the strong May-through-August corridor. The supply/demand balance is the softest factor in the ROI calculation, rated below average, which suggests the recent 106% year-over-year listing growth could tighten margins if it continues unchecked. That said, the market still offers a realistic path to positive cash flow, particularly for larger properties that command premium rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in West Des Moines

Average revenue by month in West Des Moines

West Des Moines shows strong seasonality, with July topping the chart at $2,773 and January bottoming out at $1,089—a peak-to-trough spread of roughly $1,684. The May-through-October window consistently generates above-average revenue, giving investors six months of solid performance to offset the quieter winter stretch.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in West Des Moines

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 19 listings, followed closely by 2-bedrooms at 17, while 3- and 4-bedroom properties total just 16 combined. The relative scarcity of larger homes could represent an opportunity for investors willing to target the higher-revenue segments of the market.

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

ADR scales sharply with size in West Des Moines: 1-bedrooms average $90 per night while 4-bedrooms command $236, a 162% premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($114) to 3-bedroom ($176) is particularly steep, suggesting strong pricing power for properties that can accommodate families or groups.

Average RevPAN by property size in West Des Moines

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $66, followed by 3-bedrooms at $49, while 2-bedrooms lag at $39 despite having more listings. This pattern confirms that larger properties generate superior revenue per available night even with lower occupancy rates, making them appealing from a yield perspective.

Average occupancy rates by property size in West Des Moines

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 50%, significantly ahead of 2-bedrooms at 34% and both 3- and 4-bedrooms at 28%. While smaller units stay fuller—offering more predictable cash flow—the lower occupancy of larger properties is more than compensated by their higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in West Des Moines

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $1,495 for 1-bedrooms up to $2,903 for 4-bedroom listings—nearly double. Even 3-bedroom properties at $2,369 per month significantly outperform the market average of $1,945, making mid-size and larger homes the revenue leaders.

Average annual revenue by property size in West Des Moines

Four-bedroom properties generate the highest annual revenue at $34,845, nearly twice the $17,947 earned by 1-bedroom listings. For investors weighing return potential against acquisition cost, the 3-bedroom tier at $28,428 annually may offer a strong middle ground with lower purchase prices than the largest homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in West Des Moines

Kitchens, in-unit laundry, and parking are near-universal at 98–100% of listings, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. A dedicated workspace appears in 86% of listings—unusually high and likely reflecting the market's corporate travel demand—while amenities like hot tubs (9%) and pools (41%) remain potential ways to stand out.

Understanding West Des Moines's ROI Score: 59/100

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

West Des Moines earns an ROI score of 59 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band where healthy demand fundamentals meet reasonable property values. The score is bolstered by above-average occupancy stability—the market's strongest factor—while the revenue-to-price ratio and growth trend land at average, and the supply/demand balance rates below average due to recent listing growth. Investors should pair this score with their own due diligence on local regulations and property-level financials to build a complete picture.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in West Des Moines

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in West Des Moines, Iowa may be required to obtain a permit or business registration before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of West Des Moines and the State of Iowa, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Iowa communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and permit caps. HOA rules may also impose additional limitations on short-term rentals, so reviewing any applicable covenants is essential before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Iowa are generally subject to state and local hotel/motel taxes, as well as sales tax on lodging. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Iowa Department of Revenue and local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, West Des Moines is expected to maintain its current demand trajectory, with occupancy rates likely holding in the 35–40% range given the market's above-average stability. Summer months (June through August) should continue to anchor annual performance, and modest ADR growth of 2–4% is a reasonable estimate if listing supply stays near current levels. The 106% year-over-year growth in active listings is worth monitoring—if new supply outpaces demand, RevPAN could face some pressure, though the market's relatively low listing count provides a buffer for now."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in West Des Moines, IA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in West Des Moines?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in West Des Moines is currently 37%, which is above the Iowa state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size—1-bedroom listings lead at 50%, while 3- and 4-bedroom properties average around 28%. This above-average occupancy rate contributes to the market's reputation for stable demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in West Des Moines?

Airbnb hosts in West Des Moines earn an average of $1,945 per month and approximately $23,343 per year based on trailing 12-month historical data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $17,947 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $34,845 per year. Peak summer months can generate over $2,700 per month on average.

Is West Des Moines a good market for Airbnb investment?

West Des Moines scores 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a relatively small competitive set of 56 listings. Investors should be aware that the supply/demand balance is rated below average due to recent listing growth, but the affordable ADR of $167 and strong summer performance make it a viable market for the right property and strategy.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in West Des Moines is $167, which is notably lower than the Iowa state average of $265. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $90 per night, 2-bedrooms command $114, 3-bedrooms reach $176, and 4-bedroom properties lead at $236 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in West Des Moines?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in West Des Moines, Iowa, though operators may need to obtain permits or a business registration. Local regulations regarding zoning, occupancy limits, and tax obligations can change, so investors should verify current rules with the City of West Des Moines and consult with local legal counsel before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in West Des Moines?

Peak season in West Des Moines runs from May through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $2,773 in revenue. June and August are close behind at $2,651 and $2,644 respectively. The off-peak period spans January through March, when monthly revenue drops to the $1,089–$1,495 range—a spread of roughly $1,700 between the best and weakest months.

How many Airbnbs are there in West Des Moines?

As of April 2026, there are 56 active Airbnb listings in West Des Moines. The supply is weighted toward smaller units, with 19 one-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom listings making up the majority. Larger properties (3- and 4-bedroom) total 16 listings, representing a smaller but higher-earning segment of the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in West Des Moines?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for West Des Moines 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, drops regional outliers, and rolls 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Average home values sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before purchasing.