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

Ashland Short-Term Rental Market Overview

With just 22 active listings and an ROI score of 82 out of 100, Ashland, WI presents a standout opportunity for short-term rental investors looking at smaller northern Wisconsin markets. Average home values sit at $307,180 — well below many popular lake destinations — while the above-average revenue-to-price ratio signals that rental income holds up strongly relative to acquisition costs. The market's pronounced summer seasonality, with August revenue peaking at $6,488 per listing, reflects Ashland's draw as a gateway to Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ashland 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 Ashland

Ashland's favorable revenue-to-price ratio, limited competition, and Lake Superior tourism appeal make it an attractive entry point for STR investors seeking high-yield small markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ashland earns a "Standout Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and encouraging market growth trends. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: August pulls in roughly seven times the revenue of January, so investors should plan cash reserves for the quieter winter stretch from November through March. The tight supply of 22 listings, split mainly between 1- and 2-bedroom properties, means well-positioned hosts can capture outsized share during the June–October window when monthly revenue consistently exceeds $3,000. For investors comfortable with seasonal cash-flow swings, the combination of low acquisition costs and strong summer performance creates a compelling proposition."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ashland

Average revenue by month in Ashland

Ashland displays dramatic seasonality, with August ($6,488) earning more than seven times what January ($887) generates. The peak earning window from June through October accounts for the lion's share of annual income, making cash-flow planning essential for investors targeting this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ashland

The market's 22 listings skew heavily toward smaller properties, with 1-bedroom units (7 listings) and 2-bedroom units (5 listings) making up the tracked inventory. The absence of larger 3+ bedroom properties in the data may signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer more space to groups and families visiting the Lake Superior area.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ashland

ADR scales from $144 for 1-bedroom listings to $190 for 2-bedroom properties — a 32% premium for an additional bedroom. Given relatively modest acquisition cost differences between small property sizes, the 2-bedroom configuration offers a solid rate uplift without requiring a substantially larger investment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ashland

RevPAN is closely matched across property sizes, with 2-bedroom units at $70 per available night versus $67 for 1-bedroom listings. This narrow gap suggests that both configurations generate comparable nightly yield after factoring in occupancy, giving investors flexibility in their property selection.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ashland

One-bedroom properties lead with 47% occupancy, 10 percentage points above the 37% rate for 2-bedroom units. Higher occupancy for smaller units points to steadier demand at the lower price point, which can provide more consistent cash flow through softer months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ashland

Monthly revenue is remarkably close between property types — 1-bedroom listings average $3,386 and 2-bedroom units bring in $3,286. The 1-bedroom's higher occupancy effectively offsets the 2-bedroom's rate premium, making total monthly earnings nearly equivalent across both sizes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ashland

One-bedroom properties edge ahead slightly at $40,638 in annual revenue compared to $39,432 for 2-bedroom listings. Both configurations comfortably outperform the market-wide average of $32,497, suggesting that well-managed properties at either size can generate solid returns relative to Ashland's average home values.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ashland

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, reflecting the rural, car-dependent nature of the Ashland market. Outdoor-oriented amenities — backyards (55%), BBQ grills (55%), and outdoor furniture (55%) — along with practical features like kitchens (86%) and self check-in (68%) set the baseline guest expectation, while lake access (18%) and waterfront positioning (9%) represent premium differentiators that could command higher rates.

Understanding Ashland's ROI Score: 82/100

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

Ashland's ROI score of 82 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning rental income is particularly strong relative to what you'd pay to acquire property here. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average, reflecting the market's seasonal nature and recent listing growth, while the above-average market growth trend underscores rising investor interest. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research will help ensure the numbers translate into real-world returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ashland

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ashland, WI should verify whether a local permit, license, or registration is required before listing a property. Wisconsin state law governs tourist rooming houses, and hosts are encouraged to check with both the City of Ashland and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules can also impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the number of STR permits issued in a given area — investors should confirm all applicable restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit state sales tax and local room tax on stays of less than 30 days. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should verify their obligations with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and Ashland County to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ashland's summer-driven demand should continue to anchor performance, with July and August likely sustaining ADRs in the $180–$200+ range for 2-bedroom properties. Listing growth of 240% year-over-year suggests rising investor interest, but at only 22 total listings the market remains undersupplied — a dynamic that could support modest ADR increases of 2–5% during peak months. Shoulder seasons in May and September may see incremental gains as outdoor recreation tourism extends, though winter months are expected to remain soft with monthly revenues closer to $900–$1,700. Investors should monitor how supply additions affect occupancy as the market matures."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ashland, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ashland?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Ashland is currently 35%, slightly below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom units average 47% while 2-bedroom properties come in at 37%. The lower overall figure reflects the market's pronounced seasonality, with peak summer months driving much higher occupancy than the quieter winter period.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ashland?

Ashland Airbnb hosts earn an average of $2,708 per month, translating to approximately $32,497 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by season — August tops the chart at $6,488 per listing while January dips to around $887. One-bedroom properties average $40,638 annually, while 2-bedroom units generate about $39,432.

Is Ashland a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ashland scores 82 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Standout Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning rental income is strong relative to the $307,180 average home value. Limited supply of just 22 listings and growing demand make it an appealing option, though investors should account for significant seasonal revenue swings between summer and winter.

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

The average daily rate in Ashland is $181, which is well below the Wisconsin state average of $368. This reflects the market's smaller-town positioning and property mix. One-bedroom listings average $144 per night, while 2-bedroom properties command $190 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ashland?

Short-term rentals operate in Ashland, WI, but hosts should verify local permit and licensing requirements with the City of Ashland and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Wisconsin regulates tourist rooming houses at the state level, and additional local ordinances may apply. It's always advisable to confirm current regulations before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ashland?

Peak season in Ashland runs from June through October, driven by Lake Superior and Apostle Islands tourism. August is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $6,488 per listing, followed by July at $5,549. The off-peak season spans November through March, when monthly revenues typically fall between $887 and $1,701.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ashland?

As of April 2026, there are 22 active Airbnb listings in Ashland. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 7 one-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom listings making up the reported inventory. Year-over-year listing growth of 240% indicates the market is expanding quickly, though it remains very small in absolute terms.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ashland?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ashland 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 remainder into 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 data. 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 by market
• Occupancy rate, average daily rate, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Average home values sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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. Local regulations and permit requirements may change; always verify current rules with the City of Ashland and the State of Wisconsin before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.