Des Moines, IA
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Overview
Annual Rev
$30.2k
12 mo avg
↑1%
from prior 12 mo
Occupancy rate
40%
12 mo avg
↓6%
from prior 12 mo
Avg daily rate
$179
12 mo avg
↑15%
from prior 12 mo
Lead time
34 days
12 mo avg
↓2 days
from prior 12 mo
Revpar
$60
12 mo avg
↓8%
from prior 12 mo
Methodology note: Figures reflect Des Moines market data as of September 2026. Data covers Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com listings. Values are seasonally influenced; rounding applied for readability.
Revenue per listing by bedroom
Bedroom count:
0
1
2
3
4+
Short-term rental supply growth
Performance metrics by bedroom
Bedrooms
Annual Rev
Avg. Zestimate
Gross yield
Supply
Amenity revenue impact
| Amenity | Est. revenue impact |
|---|---|
| Hot Tub | +15% $4,532/yr |
| Bicycles | 🔒 +8% · $••••/yr Revenue lift and listing count available in Markets |
| Pool | 🔒 +8% · $••••/yr Revenue lift and listing count available in Markets |
| Barbecue | 🔒 +7% · $••••/yr Revenue lift and listing count available in Markets |
| Lake Access | 🔒 +7% · $••••/yr Revenue lift and listing count available in Markets |
| Sauna | 🔒 +7% · $••••/yr Revenue lift and listing count available in Markets |
| TV | 🔒 +7% · $••••/yr Revenue lift and listing count available in Markets |
| EV Charger | 🔒 +5% · $••••/yr Revenue lift and listing count available in Markets |
| Heating | 🔒 +4% · $••••/yr Revenue lift and listing count available in Markets |
| Pets Allowed | 🔒 +3% · $•••/yr Revenue lift and listing count available in Markets |
Nightly rate by day of week
Occupancy rate by day of week
Listings by channel
Listings by rental type
Listings by amenities
Listings by size
4+ bedrooms (0%)
Listings by availability
Length of stay by bedroom
1 bedroom (5.5 nights)
3 bedrooms (5.1 nights)
2 bedrooms (4.8 nights)
4+ bedrooms (4.0 nights)
Cleaning fee by bedroom
4+ bedrooms ($142)
3 bedrooms ($116)
2 bedrooms ($79)
1 bedroom ($64)
Professional host share
Professionally managed (68%)
Independent hosts (32%)
Housing market signals
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Over the 12 months ending August 2026, the Des Moines market averaged 1,262 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 19% from a year earlier and up 57% over two years.
An average Des Moines listing earns $28K/year. High-performing listings earn $51K, while low-performing listings earn $11K.
Median Des Moines home prices by size are 1-bedroom $138K, 2-bedroom $219K, 3-bedroom $308K, and 4+ bedroom $391K.
Average gross yield is 9%, reaching 16% for high-performing listings. Gross yield excludes financing and operating costs, so net profitability varies by property.
Average occupancy in Des Moines is 35%, producing RevPAR of $58 per available night.
4+ bedroom listings have the highest average gross yield at 12%. They average $48K/year in revenue against a $391K median purchase price.
Rules vary across Des Moines. Des Moines: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permits required. Zoning rules apply but minimal enforcement. Many hosts operate freely. Ames: Moderate. Rental permit required, 3-unrelated-person rule applies. Some enforcement through complaints but not proactive. West Des Moines: Lenient. No STR-specific regulations. General business license and zoning compliance expected. Light enforcement, complaint-driven only. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.
The Des Moines Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 19% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 7%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.
RevPAR is highest in August and July; it is lowest in January and February.
The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (97%), TV (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Hot Tub (+74%), Heating (+49%), TV (+39%).
Average daily rate in Des Moines is $192, up 19% year-over-year. Rates peak in August and are lowest in January.
Guests in Des Moines book an average of 35 days in advance, up 8% from last year. Booking windows range from 29 days for 1-bedroom listings to 42 days for 4+ bedroom listings.
Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekend occupancy is 65% higher than weekday occupancy.