Brainerd, MN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Brainerd Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Brainerd, MN earns an ROI score of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Standout Opportunity tier for short-term rental investors. With an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and average annual revenue of $51,748 against home values around $464,266, the numbers point to a lake-country market where seasonal tourism translates into meaningful returns. A compact supply of just 54 active listings keeps competition manageable, though the heavily seasonal revenue curve — peaking above $11,000 per month in summer — means investors should plan cash reserves for quieter winter months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Brainerd 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 Brainerd

Brainerd's strong revenue-to-price ratio, limited existing supply, and deep-rooted lake tourism make it appealing for investors seeking seasonal cash flow from Minnesota's most popular lake region.

Expert Market Assessment

"Brainerd represents a compelling seasonal opportunity rather than a year-round cash-flow play. Revenue concentration in June through August — where monthly averages surge from roughly $3,300 in May to over $11,000 in July and August — underscores how tightly this market is tied to Minnesota's lake season. The favorable revenue-to-price ratio and manageable listing count work in an investor's favor, but occupancy at 28% (well below the 40% state average) reflects the off-season drag. Investors who can weather five to six slower months and capitalize on a powerful summer peak will find Brainerd's overall return profile hard to match at this price point."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Brainerd

Average revenue by month in Brainerd

Brainerd's revenue curve is steeply seasonal: August leads at $11,353, followed closely by July at $11,073, while April bottoms out at just $1,650. The nearly 7x spread between peak and trough months means investors should expect roughly 60–70% of annual income to land in the June–August window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Brainerd

Supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties (15 each), with 2-bedrooms at 12 and only 6 one-bedroom units. The limited 1-bedroom inventory could represent a niche opportunity for smaller, affordable listings that appeal to couples or solo travelers during shoulder seasons.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Brainerd

ADR jumps sharply with size — 4-bedroom properties command $376 per night versus $157 for 2-bedrooms, a 139% premium. Interestingly, 1-bedroom units ($170) outprice 2-bedrooms, suggesting that well-positioned smaller properties can punch above their weight on nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Brainerd

Four-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $112, well ahead of 1-bedrooms at $76 and 3-bedrooms at $61. Two-bedroom properties lag at $41, indicating that mid-size units face the toughest revenue-per-night economics in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Brainerd

One-bedroom units lead occupancy at 45%, significantly above the market average of 28% and nearly double the 23% rate for 3-bedroom properties. The 4-bedroom category maintains a respectable 30% occupancy, which combined with its high ADR explains its strong revenue position.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Brainerd

Four-bedroom properties generate the most monthly revenue at $6,303 on average, followed by 3-bedrooms at $4,190. Two-bedroom units trail at $1,768, making them the least productive configuration — less than a third of what 4-bedroom homes earn monthly.

Average annual revenue by property size in Brainerd

Annualized, 4-bedroom properties lead at $75,644 — roughly 3.6x the $21,216 generated by 2-bedroom listings. For investors targeting the best absolute return in Brainerd, larger lakefront homes clearly offer the strongest revenue potential, though acquisition costs will be proportionally higher.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Brainerd

Kitchens (96%), self check-in (93%), and parking (91%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient cabin and lake-house stays. Notably, 61% of listings offer lake access and 54% are waterfront — signaling that proximity to water is a defining competitive advantage in this market.

Understanding Brainerd's ROI Score: 80/100

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

Brainerd's ROI score of 80 out of 100 lands it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects strong seasonal earnings relative to current home values. Occupancy stability and market growth trends score as average, while supply/demand balance rates below average — a flag worth monitoring given the 113% year-over-year increase in active listings. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for winter lulls will give investors the most complete picture.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Brainerd

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Brainerd and the State of Minnesota may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits, register their property, or meet specific licensing requirements. Investors should verify current rules directly with Brainerd city offices and Crow Wing County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Minnesota lake communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements (especially during peak season), noise ordinances, parking mandates, and septic or wastewater capacity rules for waterfront properties. HOA covenants in lakefront subdivisions may impose additional limits or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions early is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Minnesota are generally subject to state sales tax and may owe local lodging or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm with the Minnesota Department of Revenue that all obligations are covered.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Brainerd's summer demand is expected to remain the primary revenue engine, with July and August likely continuing to deliver monthly averages in the $10,000–$11,500 range for the market overall. Active listings grew 113% year-over-year, which could moderate per-listing occupancy if supply continues expanding at that pace — we estimate occupancy may settle in the 25–30% annual range unless new demand drivers emerge. ADR could see modest upward pressure in the 2–4% range given rising property values and sustained interest in Minnesota lake getaways, but investors should budget conservatively for the November-through-April stretch where monthly revenue dips below $2,500."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Brainerd, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Brainerd?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Brainerd is currently 28%, compared to the Minnesota state average of 40%. This lower figure reflects the market's pronounced seasonality — summer months drive the bulk of bookings while winter sees significantly reduced demand. Property size matters too: 1-bedroom units lead at 45% occupancy, while 3-bedroom units sit at 23%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Brainerd?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Brainerd earn approximately $4,312 per month and $51,748 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 4-bedroom listings average $75,644 annually, while 2-bedroom properties come in around $21,216. Revenue is also heavily seasonal, with August averaging $11,353 and January dropping to about $1,662.

Is Brainerd a good market for Airbnb investment?

Brainerd scores 80 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a Standout Opportunity designation. Its above-average revenue-to-price ratio is a key strength, particularly given average home values around $464,266. The market is best suited for investors comfortable with seasonal revenue patterns — summer months can be extremely lucrative, but winter income is modest. Careful property selection, especially waterfront or lake-access homes, can help maximize returns.

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

The average daily rate in Brainerd is $298, which is below the Minnesota state average of $429. Rates scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $170 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $376. The lower market-wide ADR relative to the state reflects Brainerd's mix of smaller cabin-style properties alongside larger lakefront homes.

Are short-term rentals legal in Brainerd?

Short-term rentals can be operated in the Brainerd area, but investors should verify specific permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with the City of Brainerd and Crow Wing County. Regulations can change, and lakefront properties in particular may be subject to additional rules around septic capacity, occupancy limits, and HOA restrictions. Consulting local authorities before purchasing is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Brainerd?

Peak season in Brainerd runs from June through August, aligning with Minnesota's warm-weather lake season. July and August are the highest-revenue months, averaging $11,073 and $11,353 respectively — roughly 6 to 7 times the revenue of January ($1,662). September and October offer a secondary shoulder season with averages around $3,400–$4,700 before demand drops off into winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Brainerd?

As of April 2026, there are 54 active Airbnb listings in Brainerd. The supply is relatively evenly distributed: 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties each account for 15 listings, 2-bedrooms represent 12, and 1-bedrooms make up 6. Year-over-year listing growth has been 113%, so the supply landscape is expanding quickly.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Brainerd?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Brainerd 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 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 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 Brainerd market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size and month
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual averages
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings

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 averages and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results may shift as supply, demand, and regulations evolve. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.