Decorah Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Iowa, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Decorah in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Decorah, Iowa, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Decorah, based on AirROI data from November 2024 to October 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 160 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Decorah, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Decorah Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Decorah Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Decorah (2025)
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 February 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 $5,192+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,403 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,024 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,130, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Decorah
Decorah Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
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 February 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 76%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 59% 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 20% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Decorah
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Decorah (2025)
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 May and dips lowest during February. 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 $339+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $253 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $174 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $135 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Decorah
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Decorah (2025)
Peak Season (July, August, June)
- Revenue averages $3,283 per month
- Occupancy rates average 50.7%
- Daily rates average $212
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,596 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 40.0%
- Daily rates hold near $213
Low Season (January, February, April)
- Revenue drops to average $1,980 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 32.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $210
Seasonality Insights for Decorah
- The Airbnb seasonality in Decorah shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Decorah's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,551, occupancy reaching a high of 54.8%, and ADRs peaking at $220.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,641, occupancy could drop to 31.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $207.
- 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 Decorah.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Decorah seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Decorah (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Decorah? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| 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 |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Decorah (2025)
While Decorah, Iowa, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. 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, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Decorah (2025)
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
In the ❤️ of downtown! Perfect for larger groups.
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Decorah Lodge -outdoor hot tub on private creek
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
The Carriage House at Walnut Hill Farm
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
'Koselig' 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.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Decorah (2025)
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 | $273,187 | 71 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Amy And Jackson | 3 | $168,263 | 248 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Shanyn | 5 | $129,118 | 17 | 4.73/5.0 |
| Jessica | 7 | $125,983 | 112 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Diana | 1 | $102,058 | 62 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Jessica | 1 | $96,722 | 86 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Gabby | 1 | $89,616 | 79 | 4.77/5.0 |
| Nancy | 1 | $86,510 | 70 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Erik | 1 | $85,544 | 58 | 4.95/5.0 |
| The Raasch Family | 3 | $76,648 | 46 | 4.94/5.0 |
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.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Decorah STR Market Data (2025)
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 Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
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 (43.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 43.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique, unique stays (combined 8.1%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Decorah Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): 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 64.4% 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 (2025)
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 (25.6%). 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 50.6% of listings.
- 49.4% 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.
Decorah Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): 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 42.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 75.6% 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 (35.6%), 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.
Decorah Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
61 listings
38.1% of total
2 Nights
65 listings
40.6% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
0.6% of total
4-6 Nights
5 listings
3.1% of total
30+ Nights
28 listings
17.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Decorah is 2 Nights, adopted by 40.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (78.7%) of the Decorah Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (17.5%) 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 40.6% of Decorah hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 17.5% 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 (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
6 listings
3.8% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
2 listings
1.3% of total
Flexible
34 listings
21.3% of total
Moderate
62 listings
38.8% of total
Firm
46 listings
28.7% 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 38.8% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (60.1%) and stricter (35.0%) 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 38.8% 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.
Decorah STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Decorah
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Decorah is 69 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 114 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 33 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (74 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (47 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (69 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 114 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 74 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Decorah averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Decorah (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Decorah
- Essential amenities in Decorah that guests expect include: Smoke alarm, Heating, Air conditioning. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Wifi, Free parking on premises, Coffee maker are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Decorah: Smoke alarm, Heating, Air conditioning.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm, Heating, Air conditioning.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Wifi or Free parking on premises 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.
Decorah Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Decorah
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Decorah consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), 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 98.3% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.3%) and United Kingdom (0.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (84%) followed by Spanish (8.1%).
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings | 14 | $7,078 | $475.07 | 46% |
| Town of Germantown | 68 | $5,475 | $536.09 | 37% |
| Hudson | 17 | $4,198 | $462.89 | 49% |
| East Galena Township | 45 | $3,950 | $346.48 | 39% |
| Guilford Township | 296 | $3,901 | $375.94 | 36% |
| Town of Trenton | 11 | $3,741 | $328.36 | 44% |
| Town of Freeman | 15 | $3,627 | $263.13 | 50% |
| Town of Necedah | 24 | $3,536 | $315.41 | 35% |
| Town of Lafayette | 40 | $3,407 | $333.01 | 37% |
| Fountain City | 14 | $3,230 | $218.37 | 45% |