Decorah, Iowa Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Decorah, Iowa? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $24,954 per year — at a $209 nightly rate, 39.2% occupancy, and a $82 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 160 active listings, Decorah is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 37.9% 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 Decorah?
In Decorah, the headline Airbnb metrics are $24,954 in average annual revenue,39.2% occupancy, $209 ADR, and $82 in RevPAR, and guests book about 76 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Decorah?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Decorah 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 Decorah is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Decorah across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,130+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,334 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,023 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,137, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Decorah
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Decorah?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Decorah STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees 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 Decorah:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 73%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 56% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 37%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 21% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Decorah
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Decorah?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Decorah involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Decorah typically peaks in June 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 $327+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $247 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $171 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $135 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Decorah
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Decorah?
RevPAR in Decorah is currently $82. 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 $42 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $69 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $104 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $155 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Decorah
RevPAR Insights for Decorah
- The average RevPAR in Decorah is $82. 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% ($155) and bottom 25% ($42) is $113, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul 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 Decorah benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $69, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $104+ 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 Decorah?
Decorah's peak Airbnb season falls in July, October, August, 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 (July, October, August)
- Revenue averages $3,357 per month
- Occupancy rates average 51.2%
- Daily rates average $210
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,604 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 41.0%
- Daily rates hold near $207
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,552 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 26.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $205
Seasonality Insights for Decorah
- Airbnb seasonality in Decorah 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 Decorah's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,588, occupancy reaching 54.9%, and ADRs peaking at $213.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,497, occupancy could drop to 22.9%, and ADRs may adjust to $197.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Decorah need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
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 Decorah, 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 Decorah?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Decorah, 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 Decorah 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 Decorah?
Decorah 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 Decorah | The heart of Decorah, offering a charming small-town vibe with local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Ideal for visitors wanting to explore local history and community events. | Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Decorah Fish Hatchery, Decorah City Park, local breweries and cafes |
| Cedar Heights | A quiet residential neighborhood close to nature trails and parks. Great for families and those looking for a peaceful getaway while still being near the town's attractions. | Dunning's Spring Park, Harmon's Hill, Pulpit Rock Park, Decorah Nature Center |
| Luther College Area | Home to the well-known Lutheran college, this area attracts visitors for events, sports, and performances. Perfect for hosting parents and alumni visiting for college events. | Luther College, Trout Run Trail, The Center for the Arts, local eateries |
| Upper Iowa River | Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this area provides water activities and beautiful scenic views. Attracts visitors for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. | Upper Iowa River, Ice Cave Hill Park, The Decorah River Trail |
| East Side Neighborhoods | A residential area close to schools and parks, suitable for families and long-term stays. Offers easy access to community events and local living. | Parks and Recreation facilities, local shops, nearby schools and playgrounds |
| North Decorah | A family-friendly area known for its spacious homes and proximity to public amenities. Great for travelers looking for a home-like environment. | local schools, grocery stores, quiet neighborhoods |
| Rural Decorah | For those seeking a rural retreat, this area boasts beautiful landscapes and tranquility. Ideal for nature lovers and those wanting to escape the city hustle. | scenic drives, farming experiences, local farm shops |
| Decorah Public Library Area | A cultural hub that provides access to community resources and events. Perfect for book lovers and those interested in local culture. | Decorah Public Library, community events, local arts and crafts |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Decorah 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 Decorah?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Decorah
- The Decorah Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 97.5% of the 160 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Decorah, House properties are the most common (43.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 43.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, unique stays (combined 3.1%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Decorah Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Decorah
- The dominant room capacity in Decorah is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 34.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 63.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Decorah, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 28.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Decorah.
Decorah Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Decorah
- The most common guest capacity trend in Decorah vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (26.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the Decorah STR market, accounting for 51.3% of listings.
- 50.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Decorah.
- On average, properties in Decorah are equipped to host 5.0 guests.
How Do Listings in Decorah Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Decorah 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 Decorah
- At 23.3 photos per listing on average, Decorah hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 20.0% 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 Decorah averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Decorah?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Decorah
- Essential amenities in Decorah that guests expect include: Heating, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, Refrigerator, Coffee maker are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Decorah: Heating, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or Refrigerator 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 Decorah to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Decorah?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Decorah, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wifi | 95.0% | $25,938 | $6,267 | 313.9% |
Hair dryer | 83.1% | $27,657 | $11,641 | 137.6% |
Hot tubHigh opportunity | 3.8% | $51,390 | $23,924 | 114.8% |
Blender | 15.0% | $45,482 | $21,332 | 113.2% |
Rice maker | 3.8% | $45,147 | $24,168 | 86.8% |
Crib | 4.4% | $44,061 | $24,080 | 83.0% |
Children’s dinnerware | 10.6% | $41,933 | $22,936 | 82.8% |
Outlet covers | 6.3% | $43,357 | $23,728 | 82.7% |
EV charger | 3.1% | $42,816 | $24,378 | 75.6% |
Indoor fireplace | 19.4% | $37,502 | $21,939 | 70.9% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Decorah
- Wifi tops the revenue impact list with a 313.9% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $25,938 vs. $6,267 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Hot tub — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Wifi, Hair dryer — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Hot tub — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Decorah.
- 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 Decorah STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Decorah. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsDecorah Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Decorah
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Decorah consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), often arriving from nearby Minneapolis, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.6%) and United Kingdom (0.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (82.4%) followed by Spanish (8.4%).
- 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 Minneapolis and Des Moines.
- 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 Decorah?
Listings in Decorah average 4.92 out of 5 overall, with about 98.5 reviews per active listing and 69.4% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Decorah
- With an overall rating of 4.92, Decorah listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.97), while Value (4.83) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 69.4% 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.
Decorah Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Decorah
- The most common availability pattern in Decorah falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 39.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 76.9% 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 Decorah (40%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 25.0% 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 Decorah?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Decorah
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Decorah is 76 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 111 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 46 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (78 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (62 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (76 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Decorah.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 111 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 78 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Decorah averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Decorah?
Guests in Decorah stay about 3.5 nights on average, generating roughly 4,859 reservations and 30.4 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 Decorah
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Decorah
- 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 30.4 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 Aug (4 nights) and shorten in May (2.7 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.
Decorah Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
62 listings
38.8% of total
2 Nights
68 listings
42.5% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
0.6% of total
4-6 Nights
4 listings
2.5% of total
30+ Nights
25 listings
15.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Decorah is 2 Nights, adopted by 42.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (81.3%) of the Decorah Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (15.6%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Decorah, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 42.5% of Decorah hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 15.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Decorah.
Decorah Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
6 listings
3.8% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
2 listings
1.3% of total
Flexible
33 listings
20.6% of total
Moderate
64 listings
40% of total
Firm
45 listings
28.1% of total
Strict
10 listings
6.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Decorah
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Decorah is Moderate, used by 40% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (60.6%) and stricter (34.4%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (6.3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 40% market standard in Decorah.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 6.3% 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 Decorah.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Decorah?
Cleaning fees in Decorah 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 Decorah
- 75.0% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Decorah. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $62 is close to the median ($50), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 8.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Decorah median of $50. 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 Decorah Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Decorahbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Over 3600 sqft house in gorgeous Decorah, Iowa!!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
The Carriage House at Walnut Hill Farm
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
In the ❤️ of downtown! Perfect for larger groups.
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Decorah Lodge -outdoor hot tub on private creek
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
'Cozy' Home
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Rustic Acres Cabin & Springs
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 Decorah?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Decorah 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brent | 11 | $305,106 | 96 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Jackson | 3 | $188,610 | 281 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Jessica | 8 | $142,322 | 157 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Shanyn | 5 | $133,047 | 17 | 4.73/5.0 |
| Diana | 1 | $110,364 | 65 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Nancy | 1 | $100,691 | 72 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Jessica | 1 | $95,711 | 88 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Kaleen | 3 | $91,554 | 199 | 4.96/5.0 |
| The Raasch Family | 3 | $88,202 | 58 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Craig | 2 | $78,119 | 353 | 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 Decorah.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Decorah?
Decorah is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Decorah
- With 85.6% Superhosts, Decorah has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 4.4% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 3.1% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 82.5% 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 41.3% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Decorah averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Decorah
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Decorah, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 3 | $188,610 | $289 | 56.7% | 4.97/5 |
| Jessica | 8 | $142,322 | $141 | 43.9% | 4.91/5 |
| Shanyn | 5 | $133,047 | $537 | 21.4% | 4.73/5 |
Management Company Insights for Decorah
- The leading management company, Jackson, operates 3 listings with $188,610 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Decorah.
- Top managers average 5 properties each, suggesting professional management in Decorah still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.87/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 4.4% 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 Decorah's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Decorah 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 Cottage Grove, Decorah has 12 percentage points lower occupancy and about $3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings | 14 | $6,506 | $504.44 | 45% |
| Town of Germantown | 65 | $5,325 | $550.23 | 37% |
| East Galena Township | 43 | $4,227 | $354.72 | 39% |
| Town of Trenton | 11 | $3,992 | $338.64 | 47% |
| Guilford Township | 287 | $3,870 | $378.30 | 35% |
| Town of Freeman | 15 | $3,584 | $258.54 | 50% |
| Hudson | 16 | $3,381 | $410.64 | 48% |
| Town of Necedah | 24 | $3,307 | $318.18 | 34% |
| Town of Lafayette | 39 | $3,263 | $334.19 | 37% |
| Cottage Grove | 15 | $2,973 | $206.05 | 51% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Decorah
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Decorah.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Decorah?
Decorah hosts earn about $24,954 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $209 and RevPAR of $82. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Decorah, Iowa, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Decorah market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Decorah?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Decorah is 39.2%. July 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 Decorah?
Listings in Decorah 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 Decorah?
Decorah currently has about 160 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 Decorah?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Decorah 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 Decorah?
RevPAR in Decorah is about $82. 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 Decorah?
Occupancy of 39.2% means Decorah is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $24,954, 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 Decorah?
The average booking lead time in Decorah is about 76 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 Decorah?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Decorah include Downtown Decorah, Cedar Heights, Luther College Area. 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 Decorah?
entire_home listings make up 97.5% of the active supply in Decorah. 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 Decorah compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Hastings posts $78,078 in average annual revenue with 45.2% occupancy, compared to Decorah's $24,954 and 39.2%. 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 Decorah?
The average Airbnb stay length in Decorah is about 3.5 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 Decorah?
Airbnb listings in Decorah average 4.92 out of 5 overall. About 69.4% 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 Decorah?
Wifi and Hair dryer are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Decorah. 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 Decorah?
Yes. About 75.0% of active Airbnb listings in Decorah charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $62. 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 Decorah?
A 85.6% 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.