Top 11 Airbnb Markets in Iowa

Iowa may be best known for its rolling cornfields, but the Hawkeye State also boasts bustling college towns, scenic riverfronts, and growing metro areas—each offering unique opportunities for short-term rental (STR) investors. From the cultural draw of Des Moines to outdoor havens like Decorah, these are the highest-ranked Airbnb markets across Iowa, based on AirDNA’s proprietary data.

What Is AirDNA’s Market Score?

Market Score is a proprietary metric that ranks how attractive a location is for short-term rental investment. Each score is calculated from five weighted factors:

• Investability
• Rental Demand
• Revenue Growth
• Seasonality
• Regulation

Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher numbers signaling stronger overall market health. AirDNA also provides individual scores for each of the five pillars, allowing STR stakeholders to zero in on what matters most to their strategy.

Understanding Markets vs. Submarkets

This list focuses largely on submarkets—smaller, well-defined areas within larger regions—rather than broad metro zones. Why does that matter?

• Markets are larger geographic areas, such as an entire city or metro region.
• Submarkets are more granular locations like individual towns, neighborhoods, or lake communities.

Drilling down to the submarket level helps investors spot high-performing pockets that might be masked inside a broader metro average.

Airbnb Market Overview in Iowa

Iowa’s STR landscape is evolving quickly, driven by a mix of business travel, college tourism, and outdoor recreation. While Des Moines anchors the state with steady urban demand, college-adjacent hubs like Cedar Rapids and Decorah attract year-round visitors. At the same time, river towns such as Dubuque and Bellevue provide seasonal appeal and historic charm. Whether you’re aiming for consistent occupancy or peak-season profits, Iowa offers a spectrum of opportunities for both new and seasoned hosts.

Top 11 Airbnb Markets in Iowa (Ranked by Market Score)

11. Davenport

Market Score: 64.85

Average Annual Revenue: $23,741

Davenport, part of the Quad Cities on the Mississippi River, blends riverfront entertainment with a growing arts scene. Its affordability and event-driven tourism make it a solid option for value-oriented investors.

10. Moravia

Market Score: 65.61

Average Annual Revenue: $19,603

Moravia borders Rathbun Lake, a regional favorite for boating and fishing. Low property prices combined with seasonal lake traffic offer promising cash-on-cash returns for investors willing to manage fluctuations.

9. Sioux Center

Market Score: 67.75

Average Annual Revenue: $24,339

Sioux Center benefits from its college population and agricultural events, fostering consistent mid-week and weekend stays. Limited STR supply keeps competition in check.

8. Bellevue

Market Score: 73.47

Average Annual Revenue: $23,715

Situated along the Mississippi River, Bellevue is known for picturesque bluffs and historic sites. Its scenic location supports both summer tourists and fall foliage seekers.

7. Sioux City

Market Score: 77.03

Average Annual Revenue: $20,658

As a regional business hub with a revitalized downtown, Sioux City draws corporate travelers during the week and event-goers on weekends. Moderate home prices add to its investment appeal.

6. Decorah

Market Score: 78.56

Average Annual Revenue: $32,155

Decorah is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, famed for trout streams, bike trails, and local breweries. Its strong leisure demand and boutique vibe translate into higher average daily rates (ADRs).

5. Dubuque

Market Score: 82.43

Average Annual Revenue: $27,830

Dubuque’s riverfront casinos, historical attractions, and growing tech sector fuel a balanced mix of leisure and business travel, supporting healthy occupancy throughout the year.

4. Des Moines

Market Score: 82.76

Average Annual Revenue: $25,910

Iowa’s capital city offers continuous demand from government, corporate, and convention travel. A vibrant arts and dining scene further boosts weekend bookings.

3. Ankeny

Market Score: 87.33

Average Annual Revenue: $32,832

One of the fastest-growing suburbs of Des Moines, Ankeny attracts families, business travelers, and sports-tournament traffic. Strong population growth and limited hotel supply enhance its STR potential.

2. West Des Moines

Market Score: 94.66

Average Annual Revenue: $32,083

West Des Moines combines upscale shopping, corporate campuses, and easy interstate access. High household incomes in the area support premium nightly rates and consistent occupancy.

1. Cedar Rapids

Market Score: 95.19

Average Annual Revenue: $22,897

Cedar Rapids tops the list thanks to a diverse economy spanning manufacturing, tech, and healthcare. Steady business travel, a lively arts scene, and affordable housing costs create a well-rounded STR market with room for growth.

Should You Invest in Iowa?

Iowa’s blend of stable economic drivers, affordable real estate, and diversified tourism make it an underrated gem for short-term rental investors. Metro centers such as Des Moines and Cedar Rapids provide year-round business demand, while riverfront and outdoor destinations like Dubuque, Bellevue, and Decorah capture seasonal leisure traffic.

For investors seeking lower acquisition costs and less competition, emerging submarkets like Moravia and Sioux Center may offer attractive entry points. Meanwhile, high-growth suburbs such as West Des Moines and Ankeny can deliver robust ADRs and quick appreciation.

With relatively favorable regulations and a steady inflow of both business and leisure travelers, Iowa stands out as a balanced, opportunity-rich state for STR expansion.