Ames

As of May 2026, Ames, Des Moines have 349 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 0% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Ames generates $24K per year. High-performing properties earn $44K/year, while low-performing properties earn $10K/year. The substantial revenue spread suggests that market performance is heavily polarized, indicating that top-tier listings capture disproportionate demand despite stagnant supply growth.

Average home prices in Ames vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $100K, 2-bedroom homes average $121K, 3-bedroom properties are around $203K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $245K. These prices reflect median home values across the Ames, Des Moines area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Ames, with an average gross yield of 12% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 23%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield variance highlights that even with flat revenue trends, elite assets maintain strong profitability relative to the broader market average.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Ames is 29%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $211, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $46 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Ames, with an average gross yield of 14% and annual revenue of $20K. These properties balance purchase price ($121K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Ames market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Ames area. Ames: Moderate. Conditional use permit required, annual registration, occupancy limits. Standard enforcement through complaints. Des Moines: Lenient. Business license and registration required, zoning compliance needed. Light enforcement, many hosts operate informally with minimal oversight. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Ames Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 0% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 29%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. Stagnant inventory coupled with declining revenue metrics points toward an adjustment phase where existing properties face lower utilization despite the lack of new competition.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 11% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Ames listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (93%), Tv (91%), Washing Machine (81%), Heating (77%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Bbq, Lake Access, Washing Machine, with Bbq properties earning approximately 41% more ($44K/year vs $31K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Ames over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $1K, December: $1K, January: $703, February: $606, March: $903, April: $1K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Ames is $211, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $118/night, 2-bedroom properties average $166/night, 3-bedroom properties average $239/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $360/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in January.

Guests in Ames book an average of 30 days in advance, down 23% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 25 days, 2-bedroom: 27 days, 3-bedroom: 32 days, 4+ bedroom: 36 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Ames Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 0%, revenue per listing decreased 29%, occupancy fell 20%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 23%. These shifts reveal a tightening environment where owners are raising rates to offset volume losses, signaling higher friction in securing bookings.

In Ames, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 56% higher occupancy than weekdays.