Ankeny, Iowa Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Ankeny, Iowa? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $25,742 per year — at a $209 nightly rate, 41.0% occupancy, and a $88 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 56 active listings, Ankeny is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 47.4% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Ankeny?
In Ankeny, the headline Airbnb metrics are $25,742 in average annual revenue,41.0% occupancy, $209 ADR, and $88 in RevPAR, and guests book about 56 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Ankeny?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Ankeny is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Ankeny is typically August, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Ankeny across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,743+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,910 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,315 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $972, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Ankeny
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Ankeny?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Ankeny STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Junesees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Ankeny:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 78%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 61% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 42%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 21% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Ankeny
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Ankeny?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Ankeny involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Ankeny typically peaks in December and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $387+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $256 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $163 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $79 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Ankeny
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Ankeny?
RevPAR in Ankeny is currently $88. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $31 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $80 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $123 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $185 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Ankeny
RevPAR Insights for Ankeny
- The average RevPAR in Ankeny is $88. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($185) and bottom 25% ($31) is $154, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jun and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Ankeny benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $80, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $123+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Ankeny?
Ankeny's peak Airbnb season falls in August, June, July, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (August, June, July)
- Revenue averages $3,972 per month
- Occupancy rates average 54.1%
- Daily rates average $195
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,595 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 42.6%
- Daily rates hold near $190
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,867 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 33.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $194
Seasonality Insights for Ankeny
- Airbnb seasonality in Ankeny is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Ankeny's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $4,058, occupancy reaching 58.0%, and ADRs peaking at $206.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,631, occupancy could drop to 30.2%, and ADRs may adjust to $170.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Ankeny.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Ankeny, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Ankeny?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Ankeny, Iowa, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Ankeny to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Ankeny?
Ankeny is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Ankeny | The central business district with a mix of residential and commercial establishments, ideal for travelers seeking access to local shops and restaurants. | Ankeny Art Center, Parks and trails, Local shops and eateries |
| Ankeny Farms | A suburban area with family-friendly amenities, parks, and close proximity to schools, making it attractive for families and extended stays. | Ankeny Farmers Market, Buckley Park, Saylorville Lake |
| Prairie Trail | A modern community with new developments, parks, and recreational facilities, popular among young professionals and families. | Prairie Trail Central Park, Community events, Recreational trails |
| Highland Park | A quieter residential area with established neighborhoods, ideal for those seeking a peaceful stay while being close to city amenities. | Highland Park trails, Family-friendly parks, Local eateries |
| Lake Ankeny | A scenic area for those who appreciate waterfront views and outdoor activities, appealing to nature lovers and recreational visitors. | Lake Ankeny Park, Fishing and boating, Paved walking trails |
| DMACC Ankeny Campus | Attracts students and visitors associated with the local community college, offering opportunities for short-term rentals. | DMACC events, Local arts, Parks nearby |
| Northview Park | A community park area that offers recreational amenities, appealing to families and those looking for outdoor activities. | Playgrounds, Sports fields, Picnic areas |
| Heritage Park | A charming area known for its historic homes and peaceful ambiance, ideal for those looking for a quaint local experience. | Historic homes, Walking trails, Local events |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Ankeny offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Ankeny?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Ankeny
- The Ankeny Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 71.4% of the 56 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Ankeny, House properties are the most common (83.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 83.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
Ankeny Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Ankeny
- The dominant room capacity in Ankeny is 4 bedrooms listings, making up 30.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 4 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 44.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Ankeny, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 51.8% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Ankeny.
Ankeny Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Ankeny
- The most common guest capacity trend in Ankeny vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (39.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Ankeny STR market, accounting for 51.8% of listings.
- 55.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Ankeny.
- On average, properties in Ankeny are equipped to host 4.8 guests.
How Do Listings in Ankeny Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Ankeny can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Ankeny
- At 25.9 photos per listing on average, Ankeny hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 19.6% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Ankeny averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Ankeny?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Ankeny
- Essential amenities in Ankeny that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, TV, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Coffee maker, Hot water, Essentials are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Ankeny: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, TV, Heating.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, TV, Heating.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Coffee maker or Hot water to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Ankeny to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Ankeny?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Ankeny, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kitchen | 85.7% | $28,305 | $10,362 | 173.2% |
Hair dryer | 83.9% | $28,638 | $10,616 | 169.8% |
Board games | 46.4% | $36,767 | $16,187 | 127.1% |
Ethernet connection | 14.3% | $48,921 | $21,878 | 123.6% |
Toaster | 62.5% | $32,286 | $14,835 | 117.6% |
Washer | 66.1% | $31,376 | $14,770 | 112.4% |
Exterior security cameras on property | 35.7% | $38,062 | $18,897 | 101.4% |
Hot water | 89.3% | $27,206 | $13,535 | 101.0% |
Barbecue utensils | 28.6% | $39,990 | $20,042 | 99.5% |
Hot tub | 8.9% | $45,609 | $23,794 | 91.7% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Ankeny
- Kitchen tops the revenue impact list with a 173.2% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $28,305 vs. $10,362 without it.
- Kitchen, Hair dryer, Hot water — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Ankeny STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Ankeny. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsAnkeny Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Ankeny
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Ankeny consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), often arriving from nearby Omaha, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.7%) and DC (0.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (85%) followed by Spanish (6.5%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Omaha and Minneapolis.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Ankeny?
Listings in Ankeny average 4.92 out of 5 overall, with about 101.8 reviews per active listing and 60.7% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Ankeny
- With an overall rating of 4.92, Ankeny listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.98), while Value (4.88) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 60.7% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Ankeny Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Ankeny
- The most common availability pattern in Ankeny falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 42.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 75.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Ankeny (30.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 32.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Ankeny?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Ankeny
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Ankeny is 56 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 98 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 26 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (71 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (35 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (56 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Ankeny.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 98 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 71 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Ankeny averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Ankeny?
Guests in Ankeny stay about 3.4 nights on average, generating roughly 1,654 reservations and 29.5 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Ankeny
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Ankeny
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 29.5 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Dec (5.4 nights) and shorten in Oct (2.2 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Ankeny Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
26 listings
46.4% of total
2 Nights
14 listings
25% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
1.8% of total
4-6 Nights
2 listings
3.6% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
1.8% of total
30+ Nights
12 listings
21.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Ankeny is 1 Night, adopted by 46.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (71.4%) of the Ankeny Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (21.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Ankeny, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 46.4% of Ankeny hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 21.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Ankeny.
Ankeny Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
1 listings
1.8% of total
Flexible
13 listings
23.2% of total
Moderate
23 listings
41.1% of total
Firm
13 listings
23.2% of total
Strict
6 listings
10.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Ankeny
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Ankeny is Moderate, used by 41.1% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (64.3%) and stricter (33.9%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 41.1% market standard in Ankeny.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 10.7% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Ankeny.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Ankeny?
Cleaning fees in Ankeny are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Ankeny
- 82.1% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Ankeny. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $100 is close to the median ($100), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 9.9% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Ankeny median of $100. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Ankeny Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Ankenybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Spacious Family-Friendly - Game Room & Fenced Yard
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Historic Home on 4 Acres - Hot Tub, Pool, Tiki Bar
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Upscale Home Near Parks and Trails, I-35 Access
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Unique suburban paradise with pond access
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Wooded culdesac home
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
•Vibrant 4 bedroom house 2 king beds in Ankeny•
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Ankeny?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Ankeny based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abby And Jeff | 1 | $87,329 | 82 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Ella | 2 | $77,503 | 322 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Emily | 1 | $77,006 | 183 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Matt | 1 | $70,447 | 153 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Amy | 1 | $67,799 | 113 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Deb And Mark | 5 | $67,050 | 822 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Krista | 1 | $62,491 | 3 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Matt | 1 | $62,348 | 238 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Garrett And Tiffani | 1 | $52,305 | 48 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Elisabeth | 1 | $52,000 | 30 | 4.93/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Ankeny.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Ankeny?
Ankeny is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Ankeny
- With 73.2% Superhosts, Ankeny has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 3.6% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 3.6% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 64.3% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 25.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Ankeny averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Ankeny
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Ankeny, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amy | 1 | $67,799 | $467 | 36.9% | 4.97/5 |
| Garrett And Tiffani | 1 | $52,305 | $320 | 42.3% | 4.92/5 |
Management Company Insights for Ankeny
- The leading management company, Amy, operates 1 listings with $67,799 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Ankeny.
- Top managers average 1 properties each, suggesting professional management in Ankeny still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.95/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 3.6% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Ankeny's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Ankeny Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with West Des Moines, Ankeny has 8 percentage points lower occupancy and about $13 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urbandale | 33 | $2,880 | $304.37 | 44% |
| West Des Moines | 103 | $2,526 | $195.57 | 49% |
| Windsor Heights | 11 | $2,187 | $178.46 | 47% |
| Winterset | 14 | $2,159 | $167.23 | 48% |
| Ames | 104 | $2,130 | $220.81 | 39% |
| Altoona | 13 | $1,947 | $222.54 | 38% |
| Pella | 47 | $1,937 | $187.17 | 41% |
| Bethany | 14 | $1,934 | $198.45 | 35% |
| Waukee | 30 | $1,918 | $182.40 | 41% |
| Waverly | 23 | $1,816 | $170.03 | 43% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Ankeny
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Ankeny.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ankeny?
Ankeny hosts earn about $25,742 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $209 and RevPAR of $88. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Ankeny, Iowa, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Ankeny market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ankeny?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ankeny is 41.0%. August is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Ankeny?
Listings in Ankeny average $209 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Ankeny?
Ankeny currently has about 56 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Ankeny?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Ankeny as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Ankeny?
RevPAR in Ankeny is about $88. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Ankeny?
At 41.0% occupancy, Ankeny can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $25,742, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Ankeny?
The average booking lead time in Ankeny is about 56 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Ankeny?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Ankeny include Downtown Ankeny, Ankeny Farms, Prairie Trail. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Ankeny?
entire_home listings make up 71.4% of the active supply in Ankeny. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Ankeny compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Urbandale posts $34,565 in average annual revenue with 43.6% occupancy, compared to Ankeny's $25,742 and 41.0%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Ankeny?
The average Airbnb stay length in Ankeny is about 3.4 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Ankeny?
Airbnb listings in Ankeny average 4.92 out of 5 overall. About 60.7% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Ankeny?
Kitchen and Hair dryer are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Ankeny. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Ankeny?
Yes. About 82.1% of active Airbnb listings in Ankeny charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $100. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Ankeny?
A 73.2% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.