Waukee, Iowa Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Waukee, Iowa? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $23,017 per year — at a $182 nightly rate, 41.1% occupancy, and a $81 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With just 30 active listings, Waukee is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 500.0% and nightly rates have risen, creating an environment where the most bookable listings stand to capture outsized share. Hosts who pair competitive pricing with strong guest experience are well-positioned to convert the growing traveler base into consistent bookings.
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 Waukee?
In Waukee, the headline Airbnb metrics are $23,017 in average annual revenue,41.1% occupancy, $182 ADR, and $81 in RevPAR, and guests book about 44 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Waukee?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Waukee 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 Waukee is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Waukee across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,451+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,616 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,207 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $964, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Waukee
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Waukee?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Waukee STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while December 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 Waukee:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 75%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 65% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 43%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 23% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Waukee
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Waukee?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Waukee involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Waukee typically peaks in August 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 $455+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $248 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $129 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $95 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Waukee
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Waukee?
RevPAR in Waukee is currently $81. 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 $37 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $69 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $103 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $150 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Waukee
RevPAR Insights for Waukee
- The average RevPAR in Waukee is $81. 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% ($150) and bottom 25% ($37) is $113, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jun and bottoms out in Feb, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Waukee 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 $103+ 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 Waukee?
Waukee's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, November. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $3,304 per month
- Occupancy rates average 50.7%
- Daily rates average $204
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,688 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 44.1%
- Daily rates hold near $192
Low Season (January, February, November)
- Revenue drops to average $2,151 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 37.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $193
Seasonality Insights for Waukee
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Waukee shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Waukee's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,390, occupancy reaching 55.3%, and ADRs peaking at $207.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,760, occupancy could drop to 31.1%, and ADRs may adjust to $176.
- 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 Waukee.
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.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Waukee seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Waukee?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Waukee, 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 Waukee to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 3% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Waukee?
With a compact short-term rental market, Waukee gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Kettlestone | A rapidly developing area known for its mixed-use development and family-friendly amenities. Investors can capitalize on its proximity to schools and parks, making it attractive for families renting vacation homes. | Kettlestone Park, Waukee Family YMCA, Kettlestone Plaza, Waukee High School, Parks and Trails |
| Waukee Town Center | The heart of Waukee with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Ideal for short-term rentals due to its vibrant community atmosphere and events throughout the year. | Waukee Community Center, Various restaurants and cafes, Waukee Farmers Market, Public events and festivals |
| Beaverbrooke | A suburban neighborhood that appeals to families looking for a quiet place to stay near urban amenities. Its parks and schools make it a family-friendly destination for Airbnb guests. | Beaverbrooke Park, Elementary Schools, Community events, Nearby shopping areas |
| Waukee School District | Known for its highly-rated school system, making it appealing for families traveling for sports or educational purposes. Properties in this area can attract guests during school events or holidays. | Waukee High School sports facilities, Educational events, Community activities |
| Lakeview | A scenic area that offers recreational activities and access to nearby lakes. Great for nature-loving travelers and families seeking outdoor activities. | Lakeview Park, Hiking and biking trails, Fishing spots, Picnic areas |
| West Des Moines | Adjacent to Waukee, it's an affluent suburb with a lot of amenities and attractions that draw in business travelers and tourists alike. | Jordan Creek Town Center, Several golf courses, Restaurants and nightlife, Shopping centers |
| Glen Oaks | A prestigious neighborhood that offers a peaceful environment with luxury homes. Attractive for travelers seeking a quiet, upscale retreat close to Waukee. | Glen Oaks Country Club, Nearby shopping and dining, Nature trails, Parks |
| Nowhere (Outskirts) | The outskirts offer a rural escape for those looking for alternative experiences outside of the hustle of urban areas. Perfect for unique stays or farm-style experiences. | Open farmland, Rural landscapes, Local farms and markets, Peaceful retreats |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Waukee 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 Waukee?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Waukee
- The Waukee Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 86.7% of the 30 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Waukee, House properties are the most common (50%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 50% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique (combined 3.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Waukee Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Waukee
- The dominant room capacity in Waukee is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 36.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 53.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Waukee, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 33.3% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Waukee.
Waukee Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Waukee
- The most common guest capacity trend in Waukee vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (26.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 4 guests dominate the Waukee STR market, accounting for 40.0% of listings.
- 40.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Waukee.
- On average, properties in Waukee are equipped to host 4.5 guests.
How Do Listings in Waukee Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Waukee 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 Waukee
- At 31.8 photos per listing on average, Waukee hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 10.0% 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 Waukee averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Waukee?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Waukee
- Essential amenities in Waukee that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, Carbon monoxide alarm, Washer. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Dishes and silverware, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Waukee: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, Carbon monoxide alarm, Washer.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Kitchen, Carbon monoxide alarm, Washer.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Dishes and silverware 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 Waukee to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Waukee?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Waukee, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Coffee maker | 76.7% | $28,055 | $6,464 | 334.0% |
Coffee | 56.7% | $33,790 | $8,930 | 278.4% |
Backyard | 36.7% | $41,464 | $12,338 | 236.1% |
Baking sheet | 56.7% | $31,550 | $11,859 | 166.0% |
Board games | 26.7% | $42,386 | $15,974 | 165.3% |
Bathtub | 60.0% | $29,878 | $12,726 | 134.8% |
Cleaning before checkout | 23.3% | $39,574 | $17,978 | 120.1% |
High chair | 16.7% | $42,042 | $19,212 | 118.8% |
Stove | 46.7% | $32,287 | $14,907 | 116.6% |
Books and reading material | 26.7% | $37,685 | $17,684 | 113.1% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Waukee
- Coffee maker tops the revenue impact list with a 334.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $28,055 vs. $6,464 without it.
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 Waukee STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Waukee. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsWaukee Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Waukee
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Waukee consists of primarily domestic travelers (100%), 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 99.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (99.6%) and France (0.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (82.4%) followed by Spanish (8.8%).
- 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 Cedar Rapids.
- 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 Waukee?
Listings in Waukee average 4.9 out of 5 overall, with about 44.8 reviews per active listing and 40.0% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Waukee
- With an overall rating of 4.9, Waukee listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.95), while Value (4.9) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 40.0% 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.
Waukee Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Waukee
- The most common availability pattern in Waukee falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 46.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 73.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Waukee (33.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 26.7% 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 Waukee?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Waukee
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Waukee is 44 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 79 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 23 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (64 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (33 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (44 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Waukee.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 79 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 64 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Waukee averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Waukee?
Guests in Waukee stay about 8.8 nights on average, generating roughly 694 reservations and 23.1 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 Waukee
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Waukee
- Longer stays mean fewer turnovers and lower cleaning costs per revenue dollar. This pattern also opens the door to monthly discount strategies that attract remote workers and extended-stay travelers.
- At 23.1 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 Jun (9.9 nights) and shorten in Dec (2.8 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- 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.
Waukee Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
7 listings
23.3% of total
2 Nights
7 listings
23.3% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
3.3% of total
7-29 Nights
10 listings
33.3% of total
30+ Nights
5 listings
16.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Waukee is 7-29 Nights, adopted by 33.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (16.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Waukee, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 7-29 Nights minimum stay, as 33.3% of Waukee hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 23.3% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 16.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Waukee.
Waukee Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
1 listings
3.3% of total
Flexible
11 listings
36.7% of total
Moderate
5 listings
16.7% of total
Firm
4 listings
13.3% of total
Strict
9 listings
30% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Waukee
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Waukee is Flexible, used by 36.7% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (53.4%) and stricter (43.3%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 36.7% market standard in Waukee.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Waukee.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Waukee?
Cleaning fees in Waukee 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 Waukee
- About 63.3% of Waukee listings charge a cleaning fee — a mixed market where some hosts absorb the cost into nightly rates while others break it out.
- The average cleaning fee of $131 is close to the median ($126), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 9.8% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Waukee median of $126. 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 Waukee Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Waukeebased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Luxury Getaway! The University
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Waukee Guest House - Close to everything in DSM
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
•5 bedroom 2 full bath stay in Paradise King bed•
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Home in Waukee
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
New Neoteric Neighborly Notable 3 Car Garage/Pool
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
The Silverbirch Escape
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 Waukee?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Waukee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica | 1 | $107,118 | 15 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Joseph | 1 | $72,717 | 125 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Matt | 1 | $54,910 | 189 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Trisha | 1 | $51,937 | 63 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Ryan | 2 | $51,839 | 128 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Kevin | 7 | $51,399 | 17 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Midwest Hospitality | 1 | $43,895 | 18 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Benjamin | 1 | $43,158 | 41 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Lisa | 1 | $39,056 | 58 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Evolve | 2 | $27,045 | 8 | 4.50/5.0 |
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 Waukee.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Waukee?
Waukee is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Waukee
- With 56.7% Superhosts, Waukee has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 3.3% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 3.3% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 63.3% 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 26.7% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Waukee averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Waukee
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Waukee, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolve | 2 | $27,045 | $312 | 28.1% | 4.50/5 |
Management Company Insights for Waukee
- The leading management company, Evolve, operates 2 listings with $27,045 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Waukee.
- Top managers average 2 properties each, suggesting professional management in Waukee still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.5/5 in guest ratings — suggesting room for quality improvement even among larger operators.
Recommendations
- With only 3.3% 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 Waukee's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Waukee 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, Waukee has 8 percentage points lower occupancy and about $13 lower 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% |
| Ankeny | 56 | $2,145 | $209.02 | 41% |
| 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% |
| Waverly | 23 | $1,816 | $170.03 | 43% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Waukee
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Waukee.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waukee?
Waukee hosts earn about $23,017 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $182 and RevPAR of $81. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Waukee, Iowa, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Waukee market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waukee?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waukee is 41.1%. July is the strongest month and February 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 Waukee?
Listings in Waukee average $182 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 Waukee?
Waukee currently has about 30 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 Waukee?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Waukee as Low. The dataset also shows about 3.3% 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 Waukee?
RevPAR in Waukee is about $81. 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 Waukee?
At 41.1% occupancy, Waukee 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 $23,017, 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 Waukee?
The average booking lead time in Waukee is about 44 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Waukee?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Waukee include Kettlestone, Waukee Town Center, Beaverbrooke. 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 Waukee?
entire_home listings make up 86.7% of the active supply in Waukee. 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 Waukee compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Urbandale posts $34,565 in average annual revenue with 43.6% occupancy, compared to Waukee's $23,017 and 41.1%. 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 Waukee?
The average Airbnb stay length in Waukee is about 8.8 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 Waukee?
Airbnb listings in Waukee average 4.9 out of 5 overall. About 40.0% 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 Waukee?
Coffee maker and Coffee are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Waukee. 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 Waukee?
Yes. About 63.3% of active Airbnb listings in Waukee charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $131. 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 Waukee?
A 56.7% 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.