Bigfork, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bigfork Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bigfork, MT sits on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake and draws visitors with its proximity to Glacier National Park, lakefront recreation, and a charming small-town arts scene. With 78 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $290, and an average annual revenue of $40,466, this is a highly seasonal market where summer months drive the bulk of returns. However, an average occupancy rate of just 25%—well below the 47% Montana state average—and home values averaging over $1.4 million create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio that warrants careful property-level analysis before investing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bigfork 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 Bigfork

Bigfork appeals to investors drawn by Montana's outdoor recreation economy and Flathead Lake's appeal, though the numbers currently favor only well-positioned, premium properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bigfork currently presents limited investment potential, reflected in its ROI score of 28 out of 100. The market is heavily seasonal: July revenue averages $9,620 per listing while November drops to just $950, creating a nearly 10:1 peak-to-trough spread that makes consistent cash flow difficult. With home values averaging $1,408,042 and annual revenue at $40,466, the revenue-to-price ratio sits well below what most STR investors target. That said, niche opportunities may exist for investors who can acquire lakefront or larger properties at favorable prices, particularly those that can capture the premium summer demand Bigfork reliably generates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bigfork

Average revenue by month in Bigfork

Bigfork's revenue cycle is extremely seasonal, peaking sharply in July at $9,620 and dropping to a low of $950 in November—a roughly 10:1 spread that underscores how dependent this market is on summer tourism. The shoulder months of June ($5,163) and September ($4,173) provide meaningful but more modest income, while November through April yields well under $2,000 per month.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bigfork

One-bedroom listings dominate supply at 26 of the 78 active listings, followed by 2-bedroom units at 20 and 3-bedroom properties at 14. Larger 4-bedroom homes represent just 8 listings, which—combined with their higher revenue potential—may signal reduced competition and more pricing power for investors who target that size.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bigfork

ADR scales steeply with property size, jumping from $137 for studios to $310 for 2-bedrooms and reaching $467 for 4-bedroom properties. The biggest rate jump occurs between 1-bedroom ($157) and 2-bedroom ($310) listings, suggesting the premium-to-cost trade-off is particularly strong at the 2-bedroom level.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bigfork

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $118, significantly outpacing 3-bedroom ($75) and 4-bedroom ($49) units despite their higher nightly rates, thanks to a much stronger occupancy rate. Studios lag far behind at just $17 RevPAN, indicating they struggle to fill enough nights to justify their presence in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bigfork

Two-bedroom properties lead the market with 38% occupancy, followed by 1-bedrooms at 27%, while 3-bedroom (18%) and 4-bedroom (11%) properties see considerably lower fill rates. The steep drop-off for larger units suggests that while they command premium rates, consistent bookings are harder to secure, making cash-flow predictability a concern for those configurations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bigfork

Four-bedroom properties are the top monthly earners at $6,239, followed by 3-bedrooms at $4,658 and 2-bedrooms at $3,725, while 1-bedroom listings generate just $1,794 per month. The revenue premium for larger homes is substantial, though it comes paired with lower occupancy—investors should weigh whether fewer but higher-value bookings align with their operating model.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bigfork

Annual revenue ranges from $21,538 for 1-bedroom listings up to $74,873 for 4-bedroom properties, making larger homes the clear leaders in total revenue. However, given Bigfork's high home values, even the $74,873 earned by 4-bedroom units may struggle to deliver attractive yields without a favorable acquisition price.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bigfork

Kitchens (99%) and parking (95%) are virtually universal among Bigfork listings, reflecting the self-service, car-dependent nature of this rural Montana market. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (68%), BBQ grills (60%), and backyards (53%) dominate the middle tier, while premium differentiators like lake access (36%), waterfront (21%), and hot tubs (18%) are rarer—offering a potential competitive edge for listings that include them.

Understanding Bigfork's ROI Score: 28/100

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

Bigfork's ROI score of 28 out of 100 places it in the "Limited" investment band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio—average annual revenue of $40,466 against home values exceeding $1.4 million creates a steep hurdle for positive returns. Occupancy stability is average, but both market growth trend and supply/demand balance score below average, with a 167% surge in new listings compressing the opportunity set. Investors interested in this market should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and target differentiated properties that can outperform the market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bigfork

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bigfork, Montana may be required to obtain permits or register with Flathead County or the state of Montana before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with local planning and zoning authorities, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STRs in Montana communities include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain subdivisions, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Montana imposes a lodging facility use tax on short-term rentals, and Flathead County may levy additional local resort or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with the Montana Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bigfork's performance will continue to hinge on its pronounced summer season, with July and August likely accounting for the lion's share of annual income. Active listings surged 167% year over year, which could put downward pressure on occupancy and ADR unless visitor demand grows proportionally. Investors should anticipate occupancy staying in the 23–28% range on an annualized basis, with modest ADR adjustments possible as new supply competes for a finite pool of summer tourists. Any meaningful improvement in returns will likely depend on differentiated properties—particularly those offering lake access, waterfront views, or larger configurations that command premium nightly rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bigfork, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bigfork?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bigfork is currently 25%, which is notably below the Montana state average of 47%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 38%, while studios and 4-bedroom properties see much lower fill rates at 13% and 11% respectively. The low overall occupancy is driven by Bigfork's extreme seasonality, with summer months seeing far more bookings than the rest of the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bigfork?

Airbnb hosts in Bigfork earn an average of $3,372 per month and approximately $40,466 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies dramatically by property size—1-bedroom listings average $21,538 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $74,873. Keep in mind that income is heavily concentrated in summer, with July alone averaging $9,620 compared to just $950 in November.

Is Bigfork a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bigfork currently carries an ROI score of 28 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential based on current market conditions. The primary challenge is the mismatch between high home values (averaging $1,408,042) and relatively modest annual revenue ($40,466), resulting in a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Additionally, a 167% year-over-year increase in active listings is adding competitive pressure. That said, well-differentiated properties—especially those with lake access, waterfront positioning, or 3–4 bedrooms—may still find viable returns if acquired at the right price.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Bigfork is $290, which is below the Montana state average of $443. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $137 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $467. The relatively lower market-wide ADR reflects the prevalence of smaller units in the local supply mix, with 1- and 2-bedroom listings making up the majority of inventory.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bigfork?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Bigfork, Montana area, as evidenced by the 78 active Airbnb listings currently operating in the market. However, operators may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities, and regulations can vary depending on zoning, HOA covenants, and county ordinances. Investors should verify the latest requirements with Flathead County and the state of Montana before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bigfork?

Peak season in Bigfork runs from June through August, coinciding with warm weather, Flathead Lake recreation, and proximity to Glacier National Park. July is the highest-earning month by a wide margin, with average revenue of $9,620 per listing, followed by August at $8,006 and June at $5,163. The shoulder months of May and September also see moderate activity, while November through April represents the off-season with monthly revenues between $950 and $1,916.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bigfork?

There are currently 78 active Airbnb listings in Bigfork as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by smaller properties, with 1-bedroom units making up the largest segment at 26 listings, followed by 2-bedroom properties at 20. Notably, active listings grew 167% year over year, indicating a significant increase in supply entering this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bigfork?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bigfork 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently and naturally reflects seasonal peaks (like July's $9,620 average) and slower months (like November's $950) because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, location, 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 Bigfork market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics

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 performance and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.