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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

73 / 100

Baraboo offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Baraboo Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Baraboo, WI sits at the doorstep of Devil's Lake State Park and the Wisconsin Dells corridor, giving it a reliable stream of leisure travelers that fuels short-term rental demand. With an average annual revenue of $48,736, an ADR of $278, and home values averaging $415,252, the revenue-to-price ratio ranks above average for the state. The market is compact—just 68 active listings—which keeps competition manageable while still offering enough data to gauge performance with confidence.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 68
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $368 state avg. $278
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 38% state avg. 32%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $90
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,061
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $48,736

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

Why Investors Consider Baraboo

Baraboo appeals to investors seeking a favorable revenue-to-price ratio in a leisure-driven Wisconsin market where supply remains limited and summer demand is pronounced.

Key investment factors

  • Above-average revenue-to-price ratio relative to property costs around $415,252
  • Small, manageable supply of just 68 active listings reduces direct competition
  • Proximity to Devil's Lake State Park and the Wisconsin Dells drives consistent summer tourism
  • 5-bedroom properties generate strong annual revenue of $81,878, rewarding larger investments
  • Above-average occupancy stability provides more predictable cash-flow patterns

Expert Market Assessment

"Baraboo presents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who understand its seasonal rhythm. Peak months in July and August deliver roughly three times the revenue of the slowest period in November, so annual cash-flow planning needs to account for meaningful off-season softness. That said, the above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy patterns make this a compelling market for investors willing to optimize pricing around the summer surge and shoulder-season weekends. Larger properties—particularly 3- and 5-bedroom homes—are the standout performers and merit the closest attention."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Baraboo'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

Factor Baraboo Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Above average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Below average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Baraboo'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 and above-average occupancy stability—two factors that together account for 70% of the score weight. The below-average market growth trend is the main drag, indicating that while current economics are favorable, the pace of improvement is slower than peer markets. Investors should pair this score with a thorough review of local STR regulations and seasonal cash-flow modeling before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Baraboo

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Baraboo, WI should verify whether the city or Sauk County requires a short-term rental permit, license, or registration before listing a property. Wisconsin state law also requires tourist rooming house licenses for most STR operators, so checking with both local and state authorities is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Wisconsin STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit rentals. Investors should review any applicable zoning overlays and neighborhood-specific rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Wisconsin are generally subject to state and local room taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Baraboo

Financing an Airbnb investment in Baraboo requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Baraboo Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Summer months will continue to drive the bulk of revenue, with July and August likely sustaining monthly averages near $7,300. Over the next 12–18 months, ADR could see modest gains of 1–3% as the market matures, though occupancy may hover in the 30–35% range given the strong seasonal skew. Investors who price strategically during shoulder months (May, September, October) could capture incremental revenue, but the market's growth trend is below average, so expectations should be tempered with realistic cash-flow planning."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Baraboo, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Baraboo?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Baraboo is currently 32%, which falls below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units leading at 37% and 4-bedroom properties trailing at 27%. The seasonal nature of the market means occupancy spikes significantly during summer months.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Baraboo?
Airbnb hosts in Baraboo earn an average of $4,061 per month and approximately $48,736 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary widely by property size—1-bedroom listings average around $22,743 annually, while 5-bedroom properties pull in roughly $81,878. Summer months like July and August are the highest earners, with averages exceeding $7,300 per month.
Is Baraboo a good market for Airbnb investment?
Baraboo scores a 73 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy, though growth trends are below average. With average home values of $415,252 and annual revenue near $48,736, the fundamentals are solid for investors who can manage the seasonal cash-flow cycle.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Baraboo?
The average daily rate in Baraboo is $278, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR scales significantly with property size, ranging from $149 for 1-bedroom listings to $527 for 5-bedroom properties. This pricing structure rewards investors who target larger homes that can accommodate groups and families.
Are short-term rentals legal in Baraboo?
Short-term rentals operate in Baraboo, with 68 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, Wisconsin requires tourist rooming house licenses for most STR operations, and there may be additional local permit or registration requirements. Investors should verify current regulations with Baraboo city officials and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue before purchasing.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Baraboo?
Peak season in Baraboo runs from June through August, with July and August generating the highest revenue at approximately $7,307 and $7,331 per month, respectively. June also performs well at $5,142. The slowest months are November ($2,332) and April ($2,440), making this a market with a pronounced summer-driven demand cycle.
How many Airbnbs are there in Baraboo?
There are currently 68 active Airbnb listings in Baraboo as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across property sizes, with 1-bedroom (19 listings) and 3-bedroom (18 listings) units being the most common. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant, so monitoring supply trends is important for new investors.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Baraboo?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Baraboo are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the property 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 metrics with state-level benchmarks
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Property value estimates sourced from 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations can materially affect returns and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

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