8 tracked markets
Source: BNBCalc market metadata · Reviewed by Parker Place, CTO of BNBCalc.com · Data updated July 10, 2026
Dubuque is the top Iowa short-term rental market across Airbnb and Vrbo by gross yield, with 16.1% gross yield, $42,320 in average annual revenue, and 832 active listings.
Top gross yield
16.1%
Dubuque
Median gross yield
13.1%
8 markets with yield data
Median annual revenue
$30.1K
Average listing revenue
Tracked markets
8
Statewide market coverage
Filter market rankings
Default rankings show all bedrooms at the average performance tier.
Bedroom count
Performance tier
#1
In Dubuque, short-term rental investors can expect a 13.3% gross yield and an annual revenue of $34,694. However, the low 30% occupancy rate across 786 active listings means that maintaining the $279 average daily rate requires a highly targeted approach to attract consistent guest bookings.
Yield
16.1%
Revenue
$42.3K
Listings
832
#2
The Spencer short-term rental market offers a solid 12.7% gross yield and a high average daily rate of $289. However, with a very low occupancy rate of 23% across 202 active listings, investors must carefully evaluate demand patterns to secure the average annual revenue of $25,786.
Yield
15.5%
Revenue
$32.1K
Listings
220
#3
Waterloo offers short-term rental investors a strong 11.7% gross yield and a moderate average daily rate of $201 across 251 active listings. However, a low occupancy rate of 32% means buyers must implement smart pricing strategies to successfully reach the market's annual revenue potential of $25,125.
Yield
14.0%
Revenue
$30.8K
Listings
254
#4
Investors targeting Iowa City will find a stable market with 552 active listings generating a gross yield of 12.4% and an average daily rate of $191. The market supports a 40% occupancy rate and an annual revenue of $28,850, offering a moderate but reliable entry point for short-term rental buyers.
Yield
13.8%
Revenue
$32.6K
Listings
585
#5
Ames presents a niche opportunity for short-term rental buyers, featuring 202 active listings and a gross yield of 12.3%. Although the average daily rate is a solid $211, the low occupancy rate of 29% limits the average annual revenue to $23,644 for local operators.
Yield
12.3%
Revenue
$24.1K
Listings
206
#6
The Davenport short-term rental market presents a compelling 10.6% gross yield and a moderate average daily rate of $170 for prospective buyers. With 323 active listings generating $23,974 in annual revenue, investors should note the 37% occupancy rate when projecting their potential cash flow and portfolio growth.
Yield
12.2%
Revenue
$27.8K
Listings
324
#7
In Sioux City, a low-density market of just 128 active listings allows short-term rental investors to capture an 8.1% gross yield. However, buyers must budget carefully for a low occupancy rate of 28% and a modest annual revenue of $18,278 based on a $181 ADR.
Yield
9.4%
Revenue
$21.5K
Listings
132
#8
The Des Moines short-term rental market provides investors with an 8.0% gross yield and a steady occupancy rate of 35%. While the annual revenue of $25,520 and ADR of $181 are modest, the 677 active listings suggest a moderately sized market with room for strategic operators.
Yield
9.2%
Revenue
$29.5K
Listings
696
Every market below links to its full BNBCalc market page. Rankings use gross yield first, then annual revenue when yield is missing.
Active listings are Airbnb and Vrbo listings observed as active in the selected market metadata segment. The all-bedrooms view uses all active listings in that market; bedroom filters use the active listing count for the selected bedroom group.
| Rank | Market | Gross yield | Annual revenue | Monthly revenue | ADR | Occupancy | Listings | Purchase price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dubuque | 16.1% | $42,320 | $3,527 | $281 | 34% | 832 | $263,296 |
| #2 | Spencer | 15.5% | $32,115 | $2,676 | $293 | 27% | 220 | $207,135 |
| #3 | Waterloo | 14.0% | $30,781 | $2,565 | $196 | 37% | 254 | $219,706 |
| #4 | Iowa City | 13.8% | $32,564 | $2,714 | $177 | 45% | 585 | $236,307 |
| #5 | Ames | 12.3% | $24,106 | $2,009 | $194 | 31% | 206 | $195,636 |
| #6 | Davenport | 12.2% | $27,757 | $2,313 | $166 | 41% | 324 | $228,379 |
| #7 | Sioux City | 9.4% | $21,521 | $1,793 | $168 | 34% | 132 | $228,651 |
| #8 | Des Moines | 9.2% | $29,493 | $2,458 | $178 | 40% | 696 | $320,760 |
For US markets, BNBCalc ranks state market pages by gross yield: annual Airbnb and Vrbo short-term rental revenue divided by estimated property value. Gross yield is a fast way to compare market-level opportunity before operating expenses, financing, taxes, insurance, seasonality, and local rules.
Annual revenue uses ADR, adjusted occupancy, and estimated cleaning revenue when cleaning and stay data exists.
ADR is nightly-only and excludes cleaning fees and other guest fees.
Occupancy is adjusted occupancy of bookable nights, excluding host-blocked nights.
Gross yield uses annual revenue divided by estimated property value; it does not include operating expenses, financing, taxes, or local regulation risk.