Albert Lea, MN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Albert Lea Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Albert Lea, MN presents a compelling entry point for short-term rental investors looking for favorable revenue-to-price dynamics in a small-market setting. With average home values around $299,143 and annual STR revenue averaging $13,517, the market earns a 73/100 ROI score — placing it in "Attractive Opportunity" territory. The supply is lean at just 14 active Airbnb listings, and year-over-year listing growth of 133% suggests rising investor interest, though the base remains small enough to avoid saturation concerns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Albert Lea short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Albert Lea

Investors are drawn to Albert Lea for its low property acquisition costs relative to STR revenue potential, limited competition, and natural amenities that support seasonal leisure demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"Albert Lea represents a moderate-opportunity market best suited for investors comfortable with strong seasonality and a smaller guest pool. Revenue peaks sharply in July at $1,658 per month and dips to $723 in April, so cash-flow planning around these swings is important. The favorable revenue-to-price ratio and above-average supply/demand balance provide a solid foundation, but the 13% occupancy rate highlights the need for proactive pricing and marketing strategies to maximize bookable nights throughout the year."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Albert Lea

Average revenue by month in Albert Lea

Albert Lea shows pronounced seasonality, with July leading at $1,658 in average monthly revenue and April bottoming out at $723 — a spread of nearly $935. The summer months (May–August) consistently outperform, making this a market where investors should plan for leaner winter and early-spring earnings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Albert Lea

Property-size breakdowns are not currently available for Albert Lea due to the small number of active listings. With only 14 total listings in the market, size-specific supply data is limited.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Albert Lea

ADR data by property size is not currently available for Albert Lea. The market-wide average daily rate of $193 serves as the primary benchmark for investors evaluating nightly pricing potential.

Average RevPAN by property size in Albert Lea

RevPAN breakdowns by bedroom count are not available for this market at this time. The overall market RevPAN of $24 reflects the combination of a $193 ADR and 13% occupancy rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Albert Lea

Occupancy data segmented by property size is not currently available for Albert Lea. The market-wide average of 13% indicates significant room for improvement, especially for hosts who actively manage pricing and listing visibility.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Albert Lea

Monthly revenue by property size is not yet broken out for Albert Lea given the small listing count. The market-level average of $1,126 per month provides the best available revenue benchmark for investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Albert Lea

Annual revenue data by bedroom count is unavailable for this market. At the aggregate level, Albert Lea listings average $13,517 per year, which paired with $299,143 average home values yields a revenue-to-price ratio that Rabbu rates above average.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Albert Lea

Every active listing in Albert Lea offers a kitchen, self check-in, and a washer — making these table-stakes amenities for any new entrant. Lake access (50%) and waterfront location (36%) appear in a significant share of listings, signaling that proximity to water is a key differentiator and a strong draw for the leisure guests this market attracts.

Understanding Albert Lea's ROI Score: 73/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Albert Lea's ROI score of 73 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income potential relative to property costs is stronger here than in many comparable markets. Occupancy stability and market growth trend score as average, reflecting steady but not exceptional demand patterns. Investors should pair these data points with local regulatory research and on-the-ground property evaluation to build a complete investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Albert Lea

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Albert Lea. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Investors considering short-term rentals in Albert Lea, Minnesota should verify whether the city requires an STR permit, business license, or registration before listing a property. Local requirements can change, so contacting the City of Albert Lea's planning or licensing department directly is the best way to confirm current rules.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Minnesota communities may include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and signage rules. HOA covenants and neighborhood-specific deed restrictions can also apply, so reviewing these before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Minnesota are generally subject to state sales tax and local lodging taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some or all of these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm the specific tax rates and filing requirements with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and Freeborn County.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Albert Lea can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Albert Lea's STR market is likely to see continued seasonal demand concentrated in the summer months, with July historically delivering the strongest revenue. Occupancy currently sits at 13%, well below the Minnesota state average of 40%, so investors should target incremental gains — even a 3–5 percentage point improvement through better pricing and amenity positioning could meaningfully boost returns. The above-average supply/demand balance and revenue-to-price ratio suggest there's room for well-managed properties to outperform the market average, particularly if summer tourism and lake-related travel hold steady or grow modestly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Albert Lea, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Albert Lea?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Albert Lea is currently 13%, which is notably below the Minnesota state average of 40%. This lower figure reflects the seasonal nature of the market, where demand concentrates heavily in the warmer months. Investors who optimize pricing and minimum-stay strategies may be able to push individual property occupancy above the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Albert Lea?

Based on trailing 12-month data, Airbnb hosts in Albert Lea earn an average of $1,126 per month, which works out to approximately $13,517 per year. Revenue varies significantly by season — July is the highest-earning month at $1,658, while April is the softest at $723. Individual results depend on property quality, pricing approach, and guest experience.

Is Albert Lea a good market for Airbnb investment?

Albert Lea scores a 73 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market's standout strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential is strong relative to what you'd pay for a property. With only 14 active listings and a favorable supply/demand balance, there's room for new entrants — though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations and a 13% average occupancy rate when building their financial models.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Albert Lea?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Albert Lea is $193, which is significantly lower than the Minnesota state average of $429. This more accessible price point aligns with the market's character as a smaller, leisure-oriented destination rather than a metro or resort hub. The lower ADR is offset in part by lower property acquisition costs.

Are short-term rentals legal in Albert Lea?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Albert Lea, MN, though specific licensing, zoning, or permit requirements may apply. Regulations can vary and change over time, so prospective hosts should check directly with the City of Albert Lea and review any applicable HOA or neighborhood restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Albert Lea?

Peak season for Airbnb in Albert Lea runs from May through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $1,658. June and August also perform well at $1,401 and $1,373 respectively. The shoulder months of September through November hold up reasonably well, while April tends to be the softest month of the year at $723.

How many Airbnbs are there in Albert Lea?

As of April 2026, there are 14 active Airbnb listings in Albert Lea. This is a small supply base, though it has grown 133% year over year — albeit from a very low starting point. The limited inventory means well-positioned properties can stand out and capture a meaningful share of local demand.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Albert Lea?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Albert Lea are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Albert Lea market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night metrics
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors, seasonal shifts, and local regulation changes. Investors should independently verify local STR regulations, tax obligations, and zoning requirements before purchasing or listing a property.