Waterloo, Illinois Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Waterloo, Illinois? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $19,398 per year — at a $153 nightly rate, 37.2% occupancy, and a $60 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With just 20 active listings, Waterloo is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 122.2% year over year, and the market is recalibrating around a new competitive baseline. This is the stage where hosts who invest in amenities, guest experience, and dynamic pricing build durable advantages that compound as the market matures.
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.
Table of Contents [hide] [show]
What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Waterloo?
In Waterloo, the headline Airbnb metrics are $19,398 in average annual revenue,37.2% occupancy, $153 ADR, and $60 in RevPAR, and guests book about 42 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Waterloo?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Waterloo 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 Waterloo is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Waterloo across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,939+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,899 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,583 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $756, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Waterloo
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Waterloo?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Waterloo STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Waterloo:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 68%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 54% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 35%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 22% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Waterloo
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Waterloo?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Waterloo involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Waterloo typically peaks in March 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 $259+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $194 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $139 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $104 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Waterloo
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Waterloo?
RevPAR in Waterloo is currently $60. 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 $28 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $49 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $79 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $111 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Waterloo
RevPAR Insights for Waterloo
- The average RevPAR in Waterloo is $60. 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% ($111) and bottom 25% ($28) is $84, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Waterloo benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $49, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $79+ 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.
Get Live Waterloo Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Waterloo?
Waterloo's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, March, April. 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 $2,401 per month
- Occupancy rates average 47.3%
- Daily rates average $152
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,857 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 36.5%
- Daily rates hold near $156
Low Season (January, March, April)
- Revenue drops to average $1,600 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 31.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $161
Seasonality Insights for Waterloo
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Waterloo 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 Waterloo's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $2,561, occupancy reaching 51.6%, and ADRs peaking at $174.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,468, occupancy could drop to 24.9%, and ADRs may adjust to $139.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Waterloo need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Waterloo seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Waterloo?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Waterloo, Illinois, 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo?
With a compact short-term rental market, Waterloo 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Waterloo | The heart of the city with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Popular for both business travelers and tourists visiting local attractions. | Waterloo Historical Society, Waterloo Cinema, Public Square, Waterloo Parks, local shops and cafes |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites Area | Close to I-55, this area attracts visitors looking for convenient and comfortable accommodation options for family visits and events. | Fairfield Inn, shopping centers, restaurants, nearby parks, easy highway access |
| Waterloo Community Park | A large park that offers recreational opportunities and is close to residential neighborhoods, making it appealing for families and outdoor enthusiasts. | Community Pool, playground, sports fields, walking trails, picnic areas |
| Waterloo's Historic District | Charming area with historic homes and a quaint atmosphere that appeals to those interested in local history and architecture. | Historic Homes Tour, local museums, quaint shops, culinary experiences |
| Columbia, IL (nearby) | A short drive from Waterloo, Columbia offers additional lodging options and local attractions, drawing in visitors who want a quieter stay. | Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, local wineries, parks, shopping centers |
| Wine Country Ridge | This area is known for its vineyards and wineries, making it a popular choice for wine enthusiasts and those looking for a unique getaway experience. | local wineries, wine tours, scenic views, tasting events, vineyard dining |
| Lakeview Area | A peaceful area with beautiful lakes and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors looking for a relaxing stay in nature. | Lakeview Park, fishing, boating, nature trails |
| Civic Center Area | Home to various civic events and community activities, providing both convenience and accessibility for guests attending local events or conferences. | Civic Center events, local fairs, community activities, centralized location |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Waterloo 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 Waterloo?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Waterloo
- The Waterloo Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 60% of the 20 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- However, a notable 40% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Waterloo, House properties are the most common (45%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 45% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 35% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Waterloo Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Waterloo
- The dominant room capacity in Waterloo is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 45% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 70.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Waterloo, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
Waterloo Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Waterloo
- The most common guest capacity trend in Waterloo vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (25%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Waterloo STR market, accounting for 50.0% of listings.
- 40.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Waterloo.
- On average, properties in Waterloo are equipped to host 4.5 guests.
How Do Listings in Waterloo Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Waterloo 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 Waterloo
- At 28.3 photos per listing on average, Waterloo 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 Waterloo averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Waterloo?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Waterloo
- Essential amenities in Waterloo that guests expect include: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, Hangers, Hair dryer, Free parking on premises, Carbon monoxide alarm, First aid kit. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Waterloo: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, Hangers, Hair dryer, Free parking on premises, Carbon monoxide alarm, First aid kit.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Hangers, Hair dryer, Free parking on premises, Carbon monoxide alarm, First aid kit.
- 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 Waterloo to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Waterloo?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Waterloo, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Refrigerator | 55.0% | $29,422 | $7,147 | 311.7% |
Cooking basics | 55.0% | $28,347 | $8,461 | 235.0% |
Kitchen | 65.0% | $25,663 | $7,764 | 230.5% |
Oven | 55.0% | $27,710 | $9,240 | 199.9% |
Outdoor furniture | 55.0% | $27,710 | $9,240 | 199.9% |
Stove | 55.0% | $27,710 | $9,240 | 199.9% |
Body soap | 70.0% | $24,165 | $8,278 | 191.9% |
Extra pillows and blankets | 60.0% | $26,113 | $9,327 | 180.0% |
Private entrance | 50.0% | $28,416 | $10,381 | 173.7% |
Coffee | 50.0% | $28,416 | $10,381 | 173.7% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Waterloo
- Refrigerator tops the revenue impact list with a 311.7% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $29,422 vs. $7,147 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 Waterloo STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Waterloo. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsWaterloo Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Waterloo
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Waterloo consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), often arriving from nearby St. Louis, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or German.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.6%) and Mexico (0.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (92.9%) followed by German (3.6%).
- 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 St. Louis and Waterloo.
- 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 Waterloo?
Listings in Waterloo average 4.93 out of 5 overall, with about 58.6 reviews per active listing and 75.0% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Waterloo
- With an overall rating of 4.93, Waterloo 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 (4.91) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 75.0% 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.
Waterloo Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Waterloo
- The most common availability pattern in Waterloo falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 45% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 80.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Waterloo (45%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 20.0% 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 Waterloo?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Waterloo
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Waterloo is 42 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 64 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 19 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (54 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 (42 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Waterloo.
- For October stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 64 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 54 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Waterloo averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Waterloo?
Guests in Waterloo stay about 3.2 nights on average, generating roughly 557 reservations and 27.9 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 Waterloo
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Waterloo
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 27.9 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 Jan (4.1 nights) and shorten in Sep (2.4 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Waterloo Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
13 listings
65% of total
2 Nights
3 listings
15% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
5% of total
30+ Nights
3 listings
15% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Waterloo is 1 Night, adopted by 65% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (80.0%) of the Waterloo Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (15%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Waterloo, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 65% of Waterloo hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 15% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Waterloo.
Waterloo Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
9 listings
45% of total
Moderate
4 listings
20% of total
Firm
7 listings
35% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Waterloo
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Waterloo is Flexible, used by 45% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (65.0%) and stricter (35.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 45% market standard in Waterloo.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Waterloo.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Waterloo?
Cleaning fees in Waterloo 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 Waterloo
- 95.0% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Waterloo. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($279) and median ($60) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 8.3% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Waterloo median of $60. 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 Waterloo Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Waterloobased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Large Historic Loft with Rooftop & Shuffleboard
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
3 bedrooms with hot tub, fireplace. Walk to town.
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Doc's Farmhouse, Historic Home (built in 1844)
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Cozy 1953 Countryside Log Cabin Minutes to STL
Entire Place • N/A
The Hugh/Walking Distance to Waterloo Downtown
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
The Brickhouse
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 Waterloo?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Waterloo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rika | 2 | $74,852 | 221 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Waterloo Suites | 6 | $52,817 | 142 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Christy | 2 | $50,911 | 238 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Sarah | 1 | $50,846 | 39 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Lisa | 1 | $40,693 | 54 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Taylor | 2 | $34,477 | 141 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Patrick | 1 | $27,658 | 85 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Jerrod | 1 | $23,558 | 81 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Tim | 1 | $20,649 | 30 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Anthony | 1 | $8,824 | 84 | 4.73/5.0 |
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 Waterloo.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Waterloo?
Waterloo is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Waterloo
- With 90.0% Superhosts, Waterloo has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 0.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 80.0% 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 45.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Waterloo averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Waterloo's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Waterloo 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 Maryland Heights, Waterloo has 17 percentage points lower occupancy and about $66 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wright City | 13 | $4,253 | $471.22 | 36% |
| Innsbrook | 197 | $4,228 | $434.35 | 35% |
| Ste. Genevieve | 13 | $3,803 | $392.99 | 35% |
| Creve Coeur | 10 | $3,280 | $289.73 | 44% |
| Makanda | 19 | $3,132 | $256.10 | 50% |
| Harvester | 14 | $3,088 | $234.92 | 47% |
| Maryland Heights | 19 | $2,997 | $218.87 | 54% |
| O’Fallon | 35 | $2,994 | $244.78 | 49% |
| Saint Charles | 157 | $2,946 | $220.80 | 49% |
| Wentzville | 19 | $2,814 | $202.03 | 49% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Waterloo
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Waterloo.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waterloo?
Waterloo hosts earn about $19,398 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $153 and RevPAR of $60. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Waterloo, Illinois, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Waterloo market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waterloo?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waterloo is 37.2%. July is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Waterloo?
Listings in Waterloo average $153 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 Waterloo?
Waterloo currently has about 20 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 Waterloo?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Waterloo 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 Waterloo?
RevPAR in Waterloo is about $60. 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 Waterloo?
Occupancy of 37.2% means Waterloo is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $19,398, 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 Waterloo?
The average booking lead time in Waterloo is about 42 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 Waterloo?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Waterloo include Downtown Waterloo, Fairfield Inn & Suites Area, Waterloo Community Park. 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 Waterloo?
entire_home listings make up 60.0% of the active supply in Waterloo. 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 Waterloo compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Wright City posts $51,034 in average annual revenue with 35.5% occupancy, compared to Waterloo's $19,398 and 37.2%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Waterloo?
The average Airbnb stay length in Waterloo is about 3.2 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 Waterloo?
Airbnb listings in Waterloo average 4.93 out of 5 overall. About 75.0% 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 Waterloo?
Refrigerator and Cooking basics are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Waterloo. 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 Waterloo?
Yes. About 95.0% of active Airbnb listings in Waterloo charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $279. 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 Waterloo?
A 90.0% 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.