Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Polk County market averaged 1,059 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 6% from a year earlier and up 64% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

An average Polk County listing earns $26K/year. High-performing listings earn $54K, while low-performing listings earn $11K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

Median Polk County home prices by size are 2-bedroom $145K, 3-bedroom $220K, and 4+ bedroom $292K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Polk County is 24%, producing RevPAR of $59 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Polk County. Hot Springs: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general business licensing and zoning. Minimal enforcement.
Mena: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinances. Standard business license may apply. Very light oversight, hosts operate freely.
Mount Ida: Lenient. No STR-specific regulations. General lodging tax collection expected. Minimal enforcement, largely unregulated market. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Polk County Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Polk County Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 11%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and June; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Heating (97%), TV (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Lake Access (+61%), Hot Tub (+39%), Bbq (+38%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Polk County is $233, up 14% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Polk County book an average of 31 days in advance. Booking windows range from 25 days for 1-bedroom listings to 42 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Polk County?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 97% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.