Polk County

As of May 2026, Hot Springs, Mena, Mount Ida have 1,028 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 4% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Polk County generates $25K per year. High-performing properties earn $53K/year, while low-performing properties earn $11K/year. This wide disparity suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to property-specific performance rather than broad market trends, as the top tier captures significantly more revenue despite a 24% occupancy average.

Average home prices in Polk County vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $0, 2-bedroom homes average $140K, 3-bedroom properties are around $215K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $288K. These prices reflect median home values across the Hot Springs, Mena, Mount Ida area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Polk County, with an average gross yield of 14% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 30%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The gap between average and high yields highlights that top-tier assets are successfully decoupling from broader revenue declines in the region.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Polk County is 24%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $224, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $53 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Polk County, with an average gross yield of 17% and annual revenue of $24K. These properties balance purchase price ($140K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Polk County market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Polk County area. Hot Springs: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general business licensing and zoning. Minimal enforcement. Mena: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license may apply. Very light oversight, hosts operate freely. Mount Ida: Lenient. No STR-specific rules or registration. General zoning and tax compliance expected. Minimal to no active enforcement. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Polk County Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 11%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue relative to modest supply growth suggests that the market is absorbing new inventory while facing pressure on per-unit earnings.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 20% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Polk County listings include: Air Conditioning (95%), Kitchen (94%), Tv (75%), Washing Machine (70%), Heating (62%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Lake Access, Washing Machine, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 63% more ($55K/year vs $34K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Polk County over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $623, February: $744, March: $2K, April: $2K. 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 Polk County is $224, up 14% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $143/night, 2-bedroom properties average $198/night, 3-bedroom properties average $256/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $431/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in Polk County book an average of 30 days in advance, down 15% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 25 days, 2-bedroom: 28 days, 3-bedroom: 31 days, 4+ bedroom: 41 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Polk County Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 4%, revenue per listing decreased 11%, occupancy fell 19%, average nightly rates increased 14%, and lead time decreased 15%. These metrics reflect a shift toward a more reactive market environment where increased pricing power is currently being offset by lower utilization rates.

In Polk County, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 84% higher occupancy than weekdays.