Waverly, Iowa Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Waverly, Iowa? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $21,791 per year — at a $170 nightly rate, 43.4% occupancy, and a $79 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With just 23 active listings, Waverly is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 360.0% 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 Waverly?
In Waverly, the headline Airbnb metrics are $21,791 in average annual revenue,43.4% occupancy, $170 ADR, and $79 in RevPAR, and guests book about 41 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Waverly?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Waverly 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 Waverly is typically July, while April often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Waverly across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,866+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,486 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,155 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,341, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Waverly
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Waverly?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Waverly STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while April 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 Waverly:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 73%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 57% 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 29% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Waverly
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Waverly?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Waverly involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Waverly 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 $254+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $201 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $146 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $119 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Waverly
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Waverly?
RevPAR in Waverly is currently $79. 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 $50 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $68 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $93 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $133 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Waverly
RevPAR Insights for Waverly
- The average RevPAR in Waverly is $79. 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% ($133) and bottom 25% ($50) is $83, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Jun and bottoms out in Apr, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Waverly benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $68, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $93+ 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 Waverly?
Waverly's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is March, April, December. 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 $3,159 per month
- Occupancy rates average 53.7%
- Daily rates average $171
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,577 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 44.8%
- Daily rates hold near $168
Low Season (March, April, December)
- Revenue drops to average $1,873 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 34.3%
- Daily rates adjust to average $162
Seasonality Insights for Waverly
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Waverly 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 Waverly's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,229, occupancy reaching 57.5%, and ADRs peaking at $175.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,497, occupancy could drop to 29.6%, and ADRs may adjust to $158.
- 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 Waverly.
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 Waverly seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Waverly?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Waverly, 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 Waverly 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 Waverly?
With a compact short-term rental market, Waverly 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Waverly Historic District | Charming area with well-preserved architecture and a strong sense of community. Great for travelers interested in history and local culture, with easy access to local shops and cafes. | Waverly Heritage Days, The Waverly Public Library, The Cedar Valley Trails |
| Pine Lake Park | A beautiful natural area perfect for outdoor activities and family gatherings. Popular among nature lovers who enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping. | Pine Lake, Hiking Trails, Picnic Areas, Fishing Spots |
| Waverly Golf Course | Ideal for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a leisurely getaway. Attracts visitors looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. | 18-hole Golf Course, Driving Range, Clubhouse |
| Cedar River | Scenic area along the river suitable for kayaking and fishing. Popular for its tranquil environment and natural beauty, attracting outdoor adventurers. | Kayaking, Fishing, Cedar River Bike Trail |
| Local Breweries | Waverly has a growing craft beer scene, making it attractive to beer enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy local breweries and tastings without traveling far. | Waverly Brew, Local Beer Tastings, Brewery Tours |
| Waverly Community Center | A hub for events, classes, and local gatherings, making it appealing for visitors looking to engage with the local community and participate in activities. | Art Classes, Fitness Programs, Community Events |
| University of Northern Iowa - Waverly Campus | Attracts students and visitors involved with the university, enhancing opportunities for short-term rentals for families visiting students. | Campus Tours, University Events, Cultural Activities |
| Cultural Arts District | A vibrant area with galleries, theaters, and cultural events. Appeals to those interested in arts and entertainment offerings of the local scene. | Waverly Arts Council, Local Art Galleries, Live Performances |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Waverly 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 Waverly?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Waverly
- The Waverly Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 100% of the 23 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Waverly, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (56.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 39.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like unique stays (combined 4.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Waverly Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Waverly
- The dominant room capacity in Waverly is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 47.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 69.5% of the active Airbnb listings in Waverly, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 56.5% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Waverly.
Waverly Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Waverly
- The most common guest capacity trend in Waverly vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (26.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Waverly STR market, accounting for 43.5% of listings.
- 60.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Waverly.
- On average, properties in Waverly are equipped to host 5.7 guests.
How Do Listings in Waverly Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Waverly 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 Waverly
- At 22.1 photos per listing on average, Waverly hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 26.1% 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 Waverly averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Waverly?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Waverly
- Essential amenities in Waverly that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, TV, Carbon monoxide alarm, Heating, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Fire extinguisher, Kitchen, Washer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Waverly: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, TV, Carbon monoxide alarm, Heating, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Carbon monoxide alarm, Heating, Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Fire extinguisher or Kitchen 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 Waverly to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Waverly?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Waverly, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toaster | 65.2% | $28,943 | $8,382 | 245.3% |
Pack ’n play/Travel crib | 30.4% | $42,552 | $12,708 | 234.8% |
Indoor fireplace | 26.1% | $44,435 | $13,799 | 222.0% |
Microwave | 78.3% | $25,602 | $8,072 | 217.2% |
First aid kit | 56.5% | $30,775 | $10,112 | 204.3% |
BBQ grill | 30.4% | $40,403 | $13,649 | 196.0% |
Coffee maker | 73.9% | $26,312 | $8,983 | 192.9% |
Bed linens | 73.9% | $26,199 | $9,303 | 181.6% |
Cooking basics | 73.9% | $26,187 | $9,337 | 180.5% |
Children’s books and toys | 21.7% | $43,397 | $15,790 | 174.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Waverly
- Toaster tops the revenue impact list with a 245.3% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $28,943 vs. $8,382 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 Waverly STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Waverly. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsWaverly Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Waverly
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Waverly 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 99.0% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (99%) and Brazil (0.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (78.5%) followed by Spanish (12.7%).
- 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 Waverly.
- 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 Waverly?
Listings in Waverly average 4.94 out of 5 overall, with about 64.6 reviews per active listing and 60.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Waverly
- With an overall rating of 4.94, Waverly listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.97), while Value (4.9) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 60.9% 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.
Waverly Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Waverly
- The most common availability pattern in Waverly falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 56.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 91.3% 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 Waverly (60.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 13.0% 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 Waverly?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Waverly
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Waverly is 41 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 76 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 22 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (55 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (31 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (41 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Waverly.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 76 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 55 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Waverly averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Waverly?
Guests in Waverly stay about 7.9 nights on average, generating roughly 647 reservations and 28.1 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Waverly
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Waverly
- 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 28.1 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 Jul (6.5 nights) and shorten in Nov (1.9 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.
Waverly Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
4 listings
17.4% of total
2 Nights
5 listings
21.7% of total
4-6 Nights
8 listings
34.8% of total
30+ Nights
6 listings
26.1% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Waverly is 4-6 Nights, adopted by 34.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (26.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Waverly, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 4-6 Nights minimum stay, as 34.8% of Waverly hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 17.4% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 26.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Waverly.
Waverly Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
3 listings
13% of total
Moderate
4 listings
17.4% of total
Firm
11 listings
47.8% of total
Strict
5 listings
21.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Waverly
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Waverly is Firm, used by 47.8% of listings.
- A majority (69.5%) of hosts in Waverly utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 47.8% market standard in Waverly.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Waverly.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Waverly?
Cleaning fees in Waverly 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 Waverly
- 95.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Waverly. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($159) and median ($125) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 9.7% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Waverly median of $125. 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 Waverly Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Waverlybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Stunning Home! HotTub, Arcade-Spring Rates!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Game Room + Patio: 'Bremer House Waverly Rental'
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Charming Home+Hot Tub+Kids Room+Walk to Downtown
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
*NEW* Riverfront Escape + Hot Tub + Pool Table
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Ultimate Waterfront Retreat w/Private Beach & Dock
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Private and Relaxing Acreage in West Waverly
Entire Place • 2 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 Waverly?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Waverly 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 2 | $87,866 | 192 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Judy | 2 | $76,887 | 482 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Evolve | 1 | $62,506 | 48 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Brent | 6 | $52,997 | 28 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Kris | 2 | $37,506 | 221 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Jennifer | 1 | $37,487 | 29 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Maddie | 1 | $28,377 | 140 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Timothy | 2 | $28,002 | 90 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Haley | 1 | $27,912 | 42 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Brooke | 1 | $18,075 | 163 | 4.71/5.0 |
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 Waverly.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Waverly?
Waverly is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Waverly
- With 87.0% Superhosts, Waverly has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 4.3% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 4.3% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 78.3% 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 30.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Waverly averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Waverly
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Waverly, 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 | 1 | $62,506 | $415 | 39.9% | 5.00/5 |
Management Company Insights for Waverly
- The leading management company, Evolve, operates 1 listings with $62,506 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Waverly.
- Top managers average 1 properties each, suggesting professional management in Waverly still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 5/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 4.3% 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 Waverly's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Waverly 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 Town of Campbell, Waverly has 8 percentage points lower occupancy and about $7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town of Freeman | 15 | $3,584 | $258.54 | 50% |
| University Heights | 12 | $2,948 | $358.69 | 46% |
| Urbandale | 33 | $2,880 | $304.37 | 44% |
| Dorchester | 11 | $2,816 | $250.53 | 42% |
| De Soto | 29 | $2,700 | $225.76 | 40% |
| Brownsville | 11 | $2,665 | $250.92 | 44% |
| Delhi | 11 | $2,631 | $389.34 | 31% |
| Dyersville | 19 | $2,547 | $254.24 | 36% |
| Town of Campbell | 12 | $2,538 | $176.62 | 51% |
| West Des Moines | 103 | $2,526 | $195.57 | 49% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Waverly
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Waverly.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waverly?
Waverly hosts earn about $21,791 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $170 and RevPAR of $79. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Waverly, Iowa, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Waverly market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waverly?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waverly is 43.4%. July is the strongest month and April 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 Waverly?
Listings in Waverly average $170 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 Waverly?
Waverly currently has about 23 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 Waverly?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Waverly 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 Waverly?
RevPAR in Waverly is about $79. 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 Waverly?
At 43.4% occupancy, Waverly 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 $21,791, 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 Waverly?
The average booking lead time in Waverly is about 41 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 Waverly?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Waverly include Waverly Historic District, Pine Lake Park, Waverly Golf Course. 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 Waverly?
entire_home listings make up 100.0% of the active supply in Waverly. 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 Waverly compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Town of Freeman posts $43,003 in average annual revenue with 50.0% occupancy, compared to Waverly's $21,791 and 43.4%. 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 Waverly?
The average Airbnb stay length in Waverly is about 7.9 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 Waverly?
Airbnb listings in Waverly average 4.94 out of 5 overall. About 60.9% 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 Waverly?
Toaster and Pack ’n play/Travel crib are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Waverly. 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 Waverly?
Yes. About 95.7% of active Airbnb listings in Waverly charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $159. 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 Waverly?
A 87.0% 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.