Appleton, WI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Appleton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Appleton, WI presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 63 out of 100, driven by above-average occupancy stability and encouraging market growth trends. With 108 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $28,310 and average home values around $399,251, the revenue-to-price ratio offers a reasonable entry point for investors seeking Midwest markets. Seasonal demand peaks in the summer months provide strong earning potential, while the relatively modest supply keeps competition manageable.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Appleton

Appleton's combination of affordable home prices, above-average occupancy stability, and growing market demand makes it a compelling option for STR investors seeking steady returns in a smaller Midwest market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Appleton rates as an attractive opportunity for STR investment, supported by healthy demand fundamentals and a favorable revenue-to-price relationship. Seasonality is pronounced — July leads at $4,454 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $1,220 — so investors should plan for leaner winter months when budgeting cash flow. The 87% year-over-year listing growth does signal a supply-demand imbalance worth monitoring, though the market's above-average occupancy stability suggests underlying demand remains resilient. Three-bedroom properties stand out as particularly efficient, delivering the highest RevPAN at $73 with solid occupancy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Appleton

Average revenue by month in Appleton

Appleton's revenue cycle peaks sharply in July at $4,454 and bottoms out in January at $1,220, representing a nearly 3.7x swing between the strongest and weakest months. The summer-to-fall corridor (June–October) consistently outperforms, while the first quarter is notably soft — investors should budget for this seasonal spread when modeling cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Appleton

Two-bedroom listings dominate Appleton's supply with 42 of the 108 active properties, followed by 31 three-bedroom units. Four-bedroom homes are the most underrepresented at just 14 listings, which could signal a less competitive niche for investors willing to acquire larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Appleton

ADR in Appleton climbs steadily from $87 for 1-bedroom units to $213 for 4-bedroom properties, though the jump from 3-bedroom ($202) to 4-bedroom is only $11. The most significant rate premium comes between 2 and 3 bedrooms, where ADR increases by $71, suggesting the mid-size sweet spot offers strong pricing power relative to incremental cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Appleton

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $73, outperforming even 4-bedroom units ($54) thanks to a better blend of strong ADR and solid occupancy. One-bedroom listings trail at $29, making them the least efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Appleton

Occupancy rates are remarkably flat across 1- through 3-bedroom properties, hovering between 34% and 36%, which points to consistent demand across most property sizes. The notable exception is 4-bedroom homes at just 25% occupancy, suggesting larger units face more difficulty staying booked despite commanding higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Appleton

Monthly revenue scales with size, from $1,436 for 1-bedroom units up to $3,388 for 4-bedroom properties. Three-bedroom listings earn $2,567 per month and represent an appealing middle ground — they pull in meaningful revenue without the occupancy challenges that drag down 4-bedroom performance.

Average annual revenue by property size in Appleton

Four-bedroom properties top the annual revenue chart at $40,666, but the 3-bedroom segment at $30,810 may offer better return potential given its superior RevPAN and occupancy profile. One-bedroom listings at $17,238 annually are best suited for investors targeting lower acquisition costs with modest but steady income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Appleton

Kitchens (94%), parking (93%), and in-unit laundry (88–89%) are near-universal in Appleton's listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience in this Midwest market. Standout differentiators are relatively rare — hot tubs appear in only 5% of listings and gyms in just 3% — suggesting that adding premium amenities could help a property stand out from competitors.

Understanding Appleton's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Appleton's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property costs align reasonably well. Above-average marks for occupancy stability and market growth trend are encouraging, though the below-average supply-demand balance — driven by 87% year-over-year listing growth — warrants close attention as new inventory could pressure rates. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a careful analysis of acquisition costs in their target neighborhoods.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Appleton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Appleton, Wisconsin may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Appleton and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Wisconsin municipalities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA restrictions that may prohibit or limit rentals. Some cities also impose caps on the total number of STR permits issued, so checking local zoning rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin requires STR operators to collect and remit state sales tax and local room tax on short-term lodging. Platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to avoid any gaps.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Appleton's STR market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, supported by above-average growth trends and steady occupancy. The strong summer seasonality — with July revenue reaching $4,454 — suggests ADR could see modest increases of 2–5% during peak months as demand firms up. Occupancy rates may settle in the 33–36% range annually, with winter months remaining softer. Investors should anticipate continued supply growth given the 87% year-over-year increase in active listings, which could temper gains if demand doesn't keep pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Appleton, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Appleton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Appleton is currently 34%, which trails the Wisconsin state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom listings leading at 36% and 4-bedroom properties lagging at 25%. Despite being slightly below the state benchmark, Appleton's occupancy stability is rated above average, meaning it tends to hold steadier across seasons than many competing markets.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Appleton?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Appleton earn approximately $2,359 per month or $28,310 per year based on trailing 12-month historical booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average $17,238 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can reach around $40,666. Summer months are the strongest earning period, with July averaging $4,454 in monthly revenue.

Is Appleton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Appleton scores 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends, though the supply-demand balance is rated below average due to rapid listing growth (87% year-over-year). With average home values around $399,251 and annual revenues near $28,310, investors can achieve a reasonable yield, particularly with 3-bedroom properties that deliver the best RevPAN.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Appleton is $167, which is well below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR scales with property size, starting at $87 for 1-bedroom units and climbing to $213 for 4-bedroom homes. The lower ADR compared to the state average reflects Appleton's position as a mid-sized Midwest market rather than a premium tourist destination, but it also means lower guest price sensitivity and more consistent bookings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Appleton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Appleton, Wisconsin, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with city authorities. Wisconsin state law also requires STR operators to collect applicable taxes. Regulations can change, so investors should check directly with the City of Appleton's planning or licensing department and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for the most current requirements before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Appleton?

Peak season in Appleton runs from June through September, with July being the strongest month at $4,454 in average revenue — more than triple the January low of $1,220. The summer surge likely reflects increased travel to Fox Valley attractions and regional events. October through December form a secondary shoulder season with revenues between $2,400 and $2,700, while January through April represents the softest period for bookings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Appleton?

Appleton currently has 108 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with an 87% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 42 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (31), 1-bedrooms (18), and 4-bedrooms (14).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Appleton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Appleton 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is managed.

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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and competitive advantages

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data is sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow as of the dates indicated; market conditions may have changed since the last update. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making any investment decision.