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

Bayfield Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bayfield, WI, is a small lakeside market on the shores of Lake Superior that punches above its weight for short-term rental investors. With an ROI score of 74 out of 100 and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, this market offers compelling yield potential despite its compact size of just 61 active Airbnb listings. Average annual revenue sits at $36,159 against an average home value of $490,726, and the market's sharp summer seasonality creates concentrated earning windows that dedicated hosts can capitalize on.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bayfield 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 Bayfield

Bayfield appeals to investors seeking a tourism-driven lakefront market with above-average revenue relative to property prices and stable seasonal demand patterns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bayfield represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who understand and plan for its pronounced seasonality. Revenue swings dramatically from a low of roughly $959 in April to a peak of $6,632 in August, so annual cash-flow projections hinge on capturing those three to four strong summer months. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability score well, though the below-average supply/demand balance suggests recent listing growth may be outpacing demand gains — a factor worth monitoring. For investors comfortable with a concentrated earning season and a lakefront leisure market, Bayfield offers genuine return potential that many larger, more saturated destinations can't match."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bayfield

Average revenue by month in Bayfield

Bayfield's revenue cycle is steeply seasonal, with August ($6,632) and July ($6,554) generating more than four times the revenue of the weakest months like April ($959) and March ($1,398). Investors should plan for roughly 60–70% of annual income to arrive between June and October, making disciplined off-season pricing and expense management essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bayfield

One-bedroom units dominate the market with 41 of 61 active listings (67%), while two-bedroom properties account for just 8. This heavy concentration in smaller units could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer larger accommodations, particularly given the revenue premium two-bedroom properties command.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bayfield

ADR scales modestly from $213 for one-bedroom listings to $255 for two-bedroom properties — a roughly 20% premium for the additional bedroom. This step-up is meaningful when paired with the higher revenue potential of two-bedroom units, suggesting the incremental acquisition or renovation cost may be well justified.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bayfield

Two-bedroom listings generate $65 in RevPAN compared to $57 for one-bedroom units, a 14% advantage that reflects both higher nightly rates and comparable occupancy. This makes two-bedroom properties the more efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis in Bayfield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bayfield

Occupancy rates are nearly identical across property sizes, with one-bedroom units at 27% and two-bedroom properties at 26%. This parity means the revenue advantage of larger units stems almost entirely from higher nightly rates rather than more bookings, which simplifies the investment comparison between sizes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bayfield

Two-bedroom properties average $4,240 per month — nearly 69% more than the $2,512 that one-bedroom listings earn. This substantial gap makes the case for targeting two-bedroom inventory in Bayfield, especially given the limited supply of larger units currently on the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bayfield

On an annual basis, two-bedroom listings generate roughly $50,886 compared to $30,147 for one-bedroom units, a difference of over $20,000. For investors evaluating return potential, the two-bedroom configuration offers the strongest revenue profile in this market by a wide margin.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bayfield

Parking leads the amenity list at 97% prevalence, reflecting Bayfield's car-dependent, rural character, while self check-in and outdoor furniture each appear in 75% of listings. Notably, lake access (28%) and waterfront positioning (26%) are relatively uncommon, suggesting that listings offering direct water access could command meaningful premiums in this lakeside tourism market.

Understanding Bayfield's ROI Score: 74/100

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

Bayfield's ROI score of 74 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy patterns. Market growth trends also rate above average, though the supply/demand balance scores below average — likely reflecting recent listing growth that's outpacing demand increases. Investors should pair these quantitative signals with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to fully evaluate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bayfield

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bayfield, Wisconsin, should verify whether a local STR permit or registration is required through the City of Bayfield and Bayfield County. Wisconsin state law also governs tourist rooming houses, so investors are encouraged to confirm compliance with both municipal and state-level requirements before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small Wisconsin resort communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and minimum-stay rules during certain seasons. HOA or neighborhood covenants may impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any deed restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state sales tax and a local room tax on short-term rentals, and Bayfield County may levy its own tourism or occupancy tax as well. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state taxes on behalf of hosts, but local tax obligations may require separate registration and filing.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bayfield's summer-driven demand should continue anchoring revenue, with July and August historically generating over $6,500 per month per listing. We estimate ADR could edge up 2–4% as the supply of listings grows and competition pushes hosts to improve property quality. Occupancy may remain in the 25–30% range on an annual basis given the pronounced off-season, though shoulder months like June, September, and October could see incremental gains as travelers seek extended fall-color and early-summer getaways. Investors should plan their cash-flow models around this steep seasonal curve rather than expecting even monthly returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bayfield, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bayfield?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bayfield is currently 26%, which falls below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This lower annual figure reflects Bayfield's strong seasonal nature — occupancy surges during the summer tourism months and drops significantly in the off-season. Investors should factor this seasonal pattern into their financial projections and pricing strategies.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bayfield?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Bayfield earns approximately $3,013 per month or $36,159 per year. However, revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer: August leads at $6,632, while April dips to just $959. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform significantly, averaging $50,886 annually compared to $30,147 for one-bedroom units.

Is Bayfield a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bayfield scores a 74 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, stable occupancy patterns, and positive growth trends. The main consideration is its sharp seasonality — the bulk of revenue is earned between June and October — so investors need to be comfortable with uneven monthly cash flow. With only 61 active listings, there's also limited competition for hosts who differentiate their property.

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

The current average daily rate in Bayfield is $231, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR varies by property size: one-bedroom listings average $213 per night, while two-bedroom properties command $255. These rates reflect the market's positioning as a charming lakeside getaway rather than a luxury resort destination, and there may be room to push rates higher during peak summer weeks.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bayfield?

Short-term rentals do operate in Bayfield, as evidenced by the 61 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, Wisconsin regulates tourist rooming houses at the state level, and the City of Bayfield or Bayfield County may have additional local permit or licensing requirements. Prospective investors should verify current rules directly with local authorities and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bayfield?

Peak season in Bayfield runs from June through September, with July and August standing out as the highest-earning months at $6,554 and $6,632 in average revenue, respectively. October also performs well at $3,530, likely driven by fall foliage tourism. The off-season spans roughly November through April, when monthly revenue can drop below $2,000 — with April being the softest month at just $959.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bayfield?

As of April 2026, there are 61 active Airbnb listings in Bayfield. The market is dominated by one-bedroom properties, which account for 41 of those listings, with 8 two-bedroom units making up the remainder of the tracked supply. This relatively small inventory means the market is compact, and individual listing quality and positioning can meaningfully impact performance.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bayfield?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bayfield 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 roll the results 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 for the Bayfield market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.