The Gathering House Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 5.00 - Revenue
- $118,890
- Occupancy
- 33.2%
- Daily rate
- $860
Airbnb market data · 202612 months to September 2026
Ames, IA Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Ames brought in $25,787 over the 12 months through September 2026, about 11% more than the Iowa average of $23,238.
The short answer
Ames Airbnb Market at a Glance
Rates in Ames run ahead of the Iowa average, with bookings close to it. Listings averaged $232 a night and were booked on 39% of available nights, against $210 and 41% for the Iowa average.
Timing matters: in August, usually the best month, the average listing earns about 2.2 times as much as in February, usually the slowest.
With 126 active listings, Ames is the ninth-largest of 40 Iowa markets AirROI tracks. From a year earlier, average revenue rose 7% while the number of active listings grew 40%.
Browse the live Ames Airbnb market See Every Ames ListingRevenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Ames?
Gross bookings per Ames listing averaged $25,787 over the 12 months to September 2026 (Iowa average: $23,238), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
In a typical year, the average Ames listing brings in $4,250 in August, its best month, and $1,900 in February, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 34% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
In a typical month, a top-quarter listing earns at least 3.5 times as much as a bottom-quarter one.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $5,790+ a month, about 2.6 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $3,940 or more, roughly $1,700 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $2,240 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $1,100 or less, about half of the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
August earns about 2.2 times what February does
Average revenue per active listing, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average $2,800 $4,440 $1,720
Each point is one month as recorded, averaged over the listings active in it. The best and slowest months in the text average each calendar month over the past two years, so they can differ from the highest and lowest points here.
Ames Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the September 2026 data. September's figures are still coming in, so the rows run to August.
August 2026 led on revenue, nightly rate and bookings alike.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | RevPAR | Booking Lead Time | Avg. Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | $2,997 | 43.7% | $230 | $100 | 97 days | 4 nights |
| Oct 2025 | $3,337 | 41.7% | $231 | $108 | 81 days | 2.6 nights |
| Nov 2025 | $2,664 | 40.9% | $231 | $89 | 64 days | 3.6 nights |
| Dec 2025 | $2,328 | 35.2% | $223 | $75 | 52 days | 4.2 nights |
| Jan 2026 | $2,205 | 35.7% | $210 | $71 | 28 days | 6.4 nights |
| Feb 2026 | $1,723 | 33.1% | $212 | $62 | 38 days | 4.5 nights |
| Mar 2026 | $2,250 | 37.2% | $211 | $73 | 36 days | 5.1 nights |
| Apr 2026 | $2,137 | 34.3% | $216 | $71 | 84 days | 3.1 nights |
| May 2026 | $3,574 | 42.4% | $254 | $115 | 91 days | 3.3 nights |
| Jun 2026 | $3,356 | 48.5% | $238 | $112 | 33 days | 4.6 nights |
| Jul 2026 | $3,549 | 42.1% | $259 | $114 | 59 days | 5 nights |
| Aug 2026 | $4,437 | 53.6% | $261 | $143 | 59 days | 5.2 nights |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month of the 12. RevPAR is the month's revenue spread over its nights, booked or not. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in, and length of stay the nights per booking, for stays in that month.
The typical Ames listing earns about $2,240 a month, but one property can land well above or below that. The Airbnb revenue calculator gives a range for a specific address, built from the comparable listings around it.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Ames Profitable?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Ames Airbnb took in $25,787 in the 12 months to September 2026, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about $1,370 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money. A listing in the top quarter leaves about $2,430 a month.
Cleaning it yourself keeps the $2,890 a year guests pay in cleaning fees, for about $1,610 a month. Handing the listing to a co-host at about 10% of nightly bookings still leaves about $1,180 a month.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any HOA or condo fees.
Ames Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Nightly bookings | $22,897 | $40,280 |
| Cleaning fees guests pay11% of Ames bookings | $2,890 | $5,080 |
| Gross bookings | $25,787 | $45,360 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's feeAbout 14%: 15.5% for the 85% of Ames listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest | −$3,510 | −$6,180 |
| Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; $0 if you clean yourself | −$2,890 | −$5,080 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −$1,290 | −$2,270 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −$520 | −$910 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −$770 | −$1,360 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −$260 | −$260 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −$130 | −$130 |
| Management$0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | $0 | $0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | $0 | $0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | $0 | $0 |
| Total running costsAbout 25% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee | −$9,370 | −$16,190 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | $16,417about $1,370 a month | $29,170about $2,430 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, HOA or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Ames Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Ames's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one Ames home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How Ames's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Ames listings are booked on 58% or more of their nights, against 39% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of $195 adds about $1,940 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge $295 a night or more, against a median of $195. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about $2,290 a year.
- Open for the busy months. In a typical year, August brings the average listing about $4,250, against $1,900 in February, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
- Reviews that stand out. Ames listings average 4.86 stars, and 67% carry Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge, which guests can filter for.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about $3,780 a month, against $2,150 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Ames?
Ames listings were booked on 39% of the nights they were open over the past year, 2 percentage points below the Iowa average (41%) and 2 points below the U.S. average (41%). In a typical year, occupancy climbs to 56% in August and falls to 35% in January.
The busiest tenth of listings are booked about four times as often as the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 75%+ of open nights, 36 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 58% or more, roughly four nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 39% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 19% or less, under two nights a week.
August is usually the busiest month in Ames, January the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average 42% 58% 33%
The 12-month rate of 39% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in Ames?
The average nightly rate in Ames, known as ADR (average daily rate), was $232 over the past year, about 10% above the Iowa average of $210 and about 28% below the U.S. average of $320. In a typical year, rates peak in May and August at about $250 and bottom out in September and November at about $200.
Prices span a wide range: the top 10% charge about 3.6 times the rate of the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge $455+ a night, about 2.4 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge $295 or more, about $100 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about $195 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge $130 or less, about two-thirds of the median.
August rates run 24% above September's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average $218 $261 $169
The 12-month ADR of $232 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Ames?
RevPAR, or revenue per available night, divides a listing's income by every night it was open to book, so it rises with both price and bookings. In Ames it averaged $91 over the past year, from about $65 in a typical January to about $137 in a typical August.
Per open night, by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $160+ per open night, about twice the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $118 or more, about $40 a night above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $79 per open night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $43 or less, about 55% of the median.
August RevPAR is about 2.1 times January's
Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average $92 $143 $58
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Ames
Ames has one high season, May through August, which makes it a moderately seasonal market. Business is slowest from November to April. A listing earns about 81% more a month in June through August than in December through February.
Average revenue by month in Ames
Average revenue per active listing, each calendar month averaged over the past two years
Monthly average $2,800 $4,250 $1,900
Revenue by month in Ames in numbers
| Month | Season | Revenue per listing |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low season | $2,000 |
| February | Low season | $1,900 |
| March | Low season | $2,270 |
| April | Low season | $2,290 |
| May | High season | $3,090 |
| June | High season | $3,440 |
| July | High season | $3,670 |
| August | High season | $4,250 |
| September | Shoulder season | $2,840 |
| October | Shoulder season | $2,930 |
| November | Low season | $2,530 |
| December | Low season | $2,370 |
| Season | Revenue per month | Occupancy | Nightly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| High seasonMay–August | $3,610 | 48% | $242 |
| Shoulder seasonSeptember–October | $2,880 | 42% | $200 |
| Low seasonNovember–April | $2,230 | 38% | $208 |
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Ames?
Guests book Ames stays 62 days ahead on average (about nine weeks), so guests here plan well ahead. May stays are booked furthest out, about 108 days ahead, and January stays closest to arrival, about 25 days. A typical May booking is made in late January.
May stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay, September 2024 to August 2026
Monthly average 62 days 124 days 23 days
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in Ames
None of the 126 active listings in Ames display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
Registration, permit, zoning and occupancy-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the city or county before buying or listing in Ames.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Ames
AirROI's area guide picks eight Ames neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Downtown Ames, ISU Campus Area and North Ames. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Ames | The cultural and commercial heart of Ames, offering a mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Ideal for travelers looking for accessibility to local attractions and amenities. | Reiman Gardens, Ames City Hall, Furman Aquatic Center, Historic Main Street, Octagon Center for the Arts |
| ISU Campus Area | Proximity to Iowa State University makes this area popular with students, faculty, and visitors attending university events. Strong demand for short-term rentals year-round. | Iowa State University, Hilton Coliseum, Jack Trice Stadium, Brunnier Art Museum, Reiman Gardens |
| North Ames | A residential area with parks and family-friendly amenities. Attractive for families visiting or relocating to Ames, and has a quieter atmosphere. | Ames Middle School, Beyer Park, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, North River Valley Trail |
| South Ames | Known for its suburban charm and close-knit community feel, South Ames hosts several parks and is ideal for longer stays. | Brookside Park, Ames Golf and Country Club, Ames Public Library, South River Valley Trail |
| East Ames | A developing area with new shopping complexes and residential developments. Great for guests looking to be near amenities without the hustle of downtown. | Ames Mall, Gateway Hills Park, East Lincoln Way |
| West Ames | A quieter area with ample residential facilities and parks. Attractive for guests who prefer a more laid-back environment but with quick access to the city. | Basset Creek Park, Sawyer School, Ames Roller Hockey |
| Ames Industrial Park | Ideal for business travelers and corporate guests, due to its proximity to various companies and business centers in the industrial area. | Ames Industrial Park, Business Innovation Zone |
| Story City | Just a short drive from Ames, this charming community offers a quiet escape with local shops and parks, appealing to guests who want a small-town feel close to Ames. | Story City Carousel, Story City Historical Society, Pioneer Park |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Listings
Ames Airbnb Listings by Type and Size
Entire homes make up 86% of listings in Ames, ahead of private rooms at 7%. Houses are the most common property type at 69%, about 3.5 times the share of apartments and condos (20%).
Listings by room type
Ames Airbnb listings by room type
- Entire home 86%
- Private room 7%
- Hotel room 7%
Room types in numbers
| Room type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Entire home | 85.7% | 108 |
| Private room | 7.1% | 9 |
| Hotel room | 7.1% | 9 |
Listings by property type
Ames Airbnb listings by property type
- House 69%
- Apartment/Condo 20%
- Hotel/Boutique 7%
- Cabin/Outdoor 2%
- Others 2%
Property types in numbers
| Property type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| House | 69.0% | 87 |
| Apartment/Condo | 19.8% | 25 |
| Hotel/Boutique | 7.1% | 9 |
| Cabin/Outdoor | 2.4% | 3 |
| Others | 1.6% | 2 |
How Many Bedrooms Do Airbnb Listings in Ames Have?
Most Ames homes are built for groups: 66% of entire homes have three or more bedrooms, and three-bedroom homes are the most common size (33%). Shares are of the 107 entire homes that give a bedroom count; rented rooms are left out.
Ames entire homes by number of bedrooms
Entire homes with each number of bedrooms, of those with a bedroom count on file
4%
10%
20%
33%
21%
12%
Bedroom counts in numbers
| Bedrooms | Share of entire homes with a bedroom count | Entire homes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 3.7% | 4 |
| 1 bedroom | 10.3% | 11 |
| 2 bedrooms | 19.6% | 21 |
| 3 bedrooms | 32.7% | 35 |
| 4 bedrooms | 21.5% | 23 |
| 5+ bedrooms | 12.1% | 13 |
What Each Home Size Earns in Ames
A typical one-bedroom home in Ames earned $12,000 over the past year, against $32,300 for a home with five or more bedrooms.
| Home size | Listings | Typical annual revenue (median) | Average annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | 11 | $12,000 | $15,500 | $102 | 48% |
| 2 bedrooms | 21 | $24,800 | $23,000 | $175 | 44% |
| 3 bedrooms | 35 | $28,200 | $28,000 | $264 | 39% |
| 4 bedrooms | 23 | $34,000 | $37,100 | $304 | 40% |
| 5+ bedrooms | 13 | $32,300 | $44,900 | $427 | 35% |
How Many Guests Do Airbnbs in Ames Sleep?
Ames is a group-trip market: 42% of listings sleep eight or more guests, about three times the share of the next most common size, four guests (14%). Shares are of the 118 listings with a guest capacity on file (94% of the market).
Ames listings by guest capacity
Share of listings by the number of guests they sleep, of those with a capacity on file
1%
13%
5%
14%
4%
14%
6%
42%
Guest capacity in numbers
| Guest capacity | Share of listings with a capacity on file | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 guest | 0.8% | 1 |
| 2 guests | 12.7% | 15 |
| 3 guests | 5.1% | 6 |
| 4 guests | 14.4% | 17 |
| 5 guests | 4.2% | 5 |
| 6 guests | 14.4% | 17 |
| 7 guests | 5.9% | 7 |
| 8+ guests | 42.4% | 50 |
How Ames Airbnb Listings Are Set Up
Ames hosts set up an average of 3.5 beds per listing, close to one bed per bedroom. About a third of listings (33%) show their exact location on the listing map; the rest show an approximate area.
- Photos per listing
- 13
- Beds per listing
- 3.5
- Show exact location
- 33%
What Amenities Do Airbnb Listings in Ames Offer?
Free on-site parking is close to standard in Ames: 95% of listings offer it, and 65% have a backyard.
Share of Ames listings with each common amenity
Airbnb Amenities Linked to Higher Revenue in Ames
Listings in Ames with a backyard earned about twice as much a year, on average, as those without: $31,000 against $16,100. The gap is smaller for exercise equipment (about 75% more) and a barbecue grill (about 75% more). Bigger, professionally run homes tend to carry more amenities, so these gaps reflect the kind of listing as much as the feature itself.
Revenue gap for Ames listings with each amenity
How much more listings with the amenity earned in a year than those without, and the share of listings that have it
Revenue by amenity in numbers
| Amenity | Listings with it | Avg. revenue with | Avg. revenue without | Revenue gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard | 65% | $31,000 | $16,100 | +92% |
| Exercise equipment | 10% | $42,000 | $24,100 | +74% |
| BBQ grill | 47% | $33,300 | $19,200 | +73% |
| Free street parking | 53% | $31,800 | $19,000 | +67% |
| Patio or balcony | 46% | $32,800 | $19,800 | +65% |
| Outdoor furniture | 43% | $33,000 | $20,400 | +61% |
| Smart lock | 25% | $35,600 | $22,400 | +59% |
| Hot tub | 11% | $35,600 | $24,600 | +45% |
| Fire pit | 30% | $31,600 | $23,300 | +36% |
| Dedicated workspace | 63% | $28,400 | $21,300 | +33% |
Guests
Who Books Airbnbs in Ames?
Ames draws mostly domestic guests: 98% of those who left reviews live in the United States. No single city dominates: Minneapolis is the largest source outside Ames, at about 2% of reviews.
98% of Ames guests are domestic
Where guests who left reviews live
- Domestic 98%
- International 2%
Where Ames guests come from: top cities
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin cities in numbers
| Origin city | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 2.3% |
| Chicago | 2.2% |
| Ames | 1.7% |
| Des Moines | 1.4% |
| Saint Paul | 1.3% |
Where Ames guests come from: top countries
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin countries in numbers
| Origin country | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| United States | 98.1% |
| Puerto Rico | 0.2% |
| Brazil | 0.2% |
| Canada | 0.2% |
Languages spoken by Ames guests
Share of guests who left reviews
Top languages in numbers
| Language | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| English | 80.5% |
| Spanish | 9.4% |
| French | 2.7% |
| Chinese | 1.2% |
| German | 1.0% |
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Ames?
Ames Airbnbs average 4.86 stars, and 67% of listings hold Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge. The category scores are tightly bunched, and value for money is the lowest, at 4.81.
Check-in scores highest in Ames; value is lowest
Average guest rating out of 5 by category; the bars start at 4.0
Category scores in numbers
| Category | Average rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 4.89 |
| Cleanliness | 4.86 |
| Communication | 4.93 |
| Location | 4.92 |
| Check-in | 4.94 |
| Value | 4.81 |
Booking patterns
How Guests Book in Ames: Stays, Rules and Fees
About eight in ten Ames listings are open to guests more than 180 days a year, but only 19% are booked or blocked that many days. The most common booked-or-blocked total is 91 to 180 days a year, covering 40% of listings; blocked nights include any the host closes off.
Days a year Ames listings are open to guests
Share of listings by days a year
- 271-366 days 42%
- 181-270 days 39%
- 91-180 days 19%
Open days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 42.1% | 53 |
| 181-270 days | 38.9% | 49 |
| 91-180 days | 19.0% | 24 |
Days a year Ames listings are booked or blocked
Share of listings by days a year
- 181-270 days 19%
- 91-180 days 40%
- 31-90 days 24%
- 1-30 days 17%
Booked or blocked days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 181-270 days | 19.0% | 24 |
| 91-180 days | 40.5% | 51 |
| 31-90 days | 23.8% | 30 |
| 1-30 days | 16.7% | 21 |
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Ames?
The average Ames booking lasts 4.4 nights, longest in January and shortest in October. Listings took about 26 bookings each over the year, some 3,290 in all. More than half of listings that give a check-in time set it at 3 p.m., with check-out usually at 11 a.m.
Average length of stay by month in Ames
Average nights per booking, by month of stay
Average 4.3 nights 6.2 nights 2.3 nights
Two-year average by calendar month.
Ames Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements
More than nine in ten listings in Ames accept stays of one or two nights.
Minimum stay set by Ames listings
Share of listings by the shortest stay they accept, from one night to 30 or more
What Cancellation Policies Do Airbnb Hosts Use in Ames?
Firm is the most common cancellation policy in Ames, used by 37% of listings; it refunds guests in full only if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in. Hosts here lean flexible: more than half of listings offer Flexible or Moderate terms, against 37% on Firm or stricter ones.
Cancellation policies of Ames listings, from most to least flexible
Share of listings by the policy they use
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Ames?
About eight in ten Ames listings charge a cleaning fee. The typical fee is about $103. Spread over the average stay of 4.4 nights, that adds roughly $25 a night to what guests pay. For listings that charge one, cleaning fees make up about 11% of gross revenue.
- Median cleaning fee
- $103
- Average cleaning fee
- $110
- Listings charging a fee
- 80.2%
- Share of gross revenue
- 11.2%
Top earners
Top-Earning Airbnbs and Hosts in Ames
The top-grossing Airbnb in Ames, a five-bedroom home, took in $119,000 over the past year, about 4.6 times the city's average of $25,800. Four of the six listings below have five or more bedrooms; the other two have four bedrooms.
The Gathering House Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 5.00 
A Renovated Gathering House Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.97 - Revenue
- $101,193
- Occupancy
- 42.0%
- Daily rate
- $579
Luxury Ames Getaway! Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 5.00 - Revenue
- $81,594
- Occupancy
- 34.4%
- Daily rate
- $590
6bd/3ba Family Friendly Retreat Entire home · 6 bedrooms Rated 4.98 - Revenue
- $79,308
- Occupancy
- 53.4%
- Daily rate
- $376
Downtown | Firepit | Walkable | Near ISU Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.96 - Revenue
- $75,369
- Occupancy
- 51.3%
- Daily rate
- $374
5 Bedroom Downtown Charmer | Outdoor Oasis Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.92 - Revenue
- $72,074
- Occupancy
- 56.9%
- Daily rate
- $392
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Ames?
Sam is the top-grossing host in Ames, with $338,000 in bookings across 12 listings over the past year. Together, the ten top-grossing hosts run 26% of the market's 126 listings.
| # | Host | Listings | Gross revenue | Per listing | Avg. rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam | 12 | $337,718 | $28,143 | 4.88/5 | |
| Allan | 2 | $220,083 | $110,042 | 4.99/5 | |
| Mark D. | 4 | $125,361 | $31,340 | 4.85/5 | |
| 4 | Katie | 3 | $120,195 | $40,065 | 4.96/5 |
| 5 | Alexis | 2 | $88,399 | $44,200 | 4.91/5 |
| 6 | Heath | 1 | $79,308 | $79,308 | 4.98/5 |
| 7 | Ashley | 2 | $77,918 | $38,959 | 4.98/5 |
| 8 | Vector | 4 | $77,527 | $19,382 | 4.71/5 |
| 9 | Austin | 1 | $75,369 | $75,369 | 4.96/5 |
| 10 | Gina | 2 | $72,671 | $36,336 | 4.97/5 |
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Ames?
Only 13% of Ames listings are classed as professionally managed, though 40% of listings have a co-host. Three-quarters of listings are run by Superhosts, so a strong review record is the norm here rather than an edge. Airbnb's Simplified Pricing, where the host pays the whole service fee and guests see one price with no separate Airbnb charge, covers 85% of listings.
- Superhosts
- 75.4%
- Professional management
- 13.5%
- Cohosted listings
- 39.7%
- Instant Book enabled
- 38.9%
- Simplified Pricing
- 84.9%
Nearby markets
Ames vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the seven nearby markets in the table, all within 91 km, Urbandale (45 km away, 48 listings) earned the most per listing, about 30% more than Ames. Urbandale and West Des Moines were the busiest, each booked on 45% of nights against 39% in Ames.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boone 20 km | 52 | $11,454 | $121 | 38% |
| Ankeny 33 km | 74 | $27,669 | $217 | 41% |
| Urbandale 45 km | 48 | $33,589 | $278 | 45% |
| Des Moines 48 km | 611 | $20,178 | $172 | 41% |
| Waukee 51 km | 34 | $23,011 | $200 | 41% |
| West Des Moines 52 km | 117 | $30,521 | $217 | 45% |
| Pella 91 km | 57 | $23,477 | $198 | 41% |
Other Airbnb Markets in Iowa
- Cedar Rapids Airbnb data 222 listings
- Arnolds Park Airbnb data 206 listings
- Dubuque Airbnb data 197 listings
- Iowa City Airbnb data 167 listings
- Decorah Airbnb data 159 listings
- Davenport Airbnb data 154 listings
- Clear Lake Airbnb data 130 listings
- Cedar Falls Airbnb data 108 listings
See all 40 Iowa Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to Ames
Markets elsewhere in the United States with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Ames:
- Conroe Airbnb data TX · $234/night · 38.8%
- Stanardsville Airbnb data VA · $230/night · 38.7%
- Jasper Airbnb data AR · $230/night · 39.1%
- Indianapolis Airbnb data IN · $228/night · 38.9%
- Waco Airbnb data TX · $227/night · 38.8%
- Santa Clarita Airbnb data CA · $235/night · 39.2%
FAQ
Ames Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ames?
An active Ames Airbnb grossed $25,787 on average in the 12 months to September 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 126 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in $3,940 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Ames?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Ames listings earn between $1,100 and $3,940 in a typical month, and the top tenth $5,790 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb income calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ames?
Listings in Ames were booked on 39% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 41% for the Iowa average. August is usually the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Ames?
The average booked night in Ames cost $232 before fees. Half of listings charge between $130 and $295, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Ames?
None of the active Ames listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and occupancy-tax rules with the city or county before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in Ames?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Ames Airbnb grossed $25,787 in the 12 months to September 2026, 11% above the Iowa average of $23,238. Run by its owner, with the cleaning fee covering the cleaner and everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, $16,417 a year (about $1,370 a month) is left before the mortgage or rent. A home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit, and a listing at the top-quarter mark leaves about $2,430 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb calculator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Ames?
August usually pays best, averaging $4,250 per active listing over the past two years, and February usually pays least. The month-by-month table above shows how the latest 12 months played out.
What is the Airbnb RevPAR in Ames?
Each night a Ames listing was open to book earned $91 on average over the past year, booked or not. That figure, revenue per available night (RevPAR), folds price and occupancy into one number; the top 10% of listings made $160 or more.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Ames?
Ames stays were booked 62 days (about nine weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so a listing that opens its calendar late misses many bookings.
How long do guests stay at Airbnbs in Ames?
The average Ames Airbnb stay lasted 4.4 nights over the past year. A listing took 26 reservations over the year on average.
How are Airbnbs in Ames rated?
Guests rate Ames Airbnbs 4.86 out of 5 on average. Guests score check-in highest and value lowest.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Ames?
Downtown Ames, ISU Campus Area and North Ames draw the most short-term rental interest in Ames. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Ames?
AirROI counted 126 active Airbnb listings in Ames as of September 2026. The closest tracked market is Boone, 20 km away.
How much are Airbnb cleaning fees in Ames?
In Ames, about eight in ten listings add a cleaning fee, and the typical fee is about $103.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 126 active Airbnb listings in Ames from October 2025 to September 2026 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. Money figures are in U.S. dollars. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.