Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Waterloo?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Waterloo market averaged 403 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 1% from a year earlier and up 164% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Waterloo?

Accepted Answer

An average Waterloo listing earns $28K/year. High-performing listings earn $53K, while low-performing listings earn $13K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Waterloo home prices by size are 1-bedroom $76K, 2-bedroom $154K, 3-bedroom $216K, and 4+ bedroom $260K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Waterloo?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Waterloo is 34%, producing RevPAR of $60 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Waterloo?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Waterloo. Waterloo: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or licensing requirements. Operates under general zoning and business rules. Minimal enforcement.
Cedar Falls: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Must comply with basic zoning and obtain business license. Light enforcement, few active STRs.
Cedar Rapids: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance needed, safety inspections. Some enforcement of zoning violations but not aggressive monitoring. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Waterloo Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Waterloo Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has grown 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 16%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Waterloo?

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 Waterloo?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (99%), Air Conditioning (98%), Heating (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Air Conditioning (+60%), Bbq (+36%), Heating (+27%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Waterloo is $208, up 15% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Waterloo book an average of 34 days in advance, down 7% from last year. Booking windows range from 31 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 Waterloo?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 82% 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.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Waterloo and Surrounding Countryside	$27.8K 45 listings	16.1% 45 listings
2.South Cedar Falls and University Area	$30.2K 21 listings	11.6% 21 listings
3.Decorah	$27.6K 64 listings	10.6% 64 listings
4.Winneshiek Countryside	$31.4K 29 listings	10.1% 29 listings