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

Chetek Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Chetek, WI is a small lakeside market that punches above its weight for short-term rental investors, earning an ROI score of 67 out of 100 — classified as an "Attractive Opportunity." With an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and average home values around $429,395, the market offers a compelling entry point relative to what hosts are actually earning. The supply remains tight at just 32 active Airbnb listings, and year-over-year listing growth of 108% signals rising investor interest in this Wisconsin lake country destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Chetek 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 Chetek

Investors are drawn to Chetek for its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics and the consistent draw of Wisconsin lake country tourism during warmer months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Chetek presents a moderately strong opportunity for investors who are comfortable with pronounced seasonality. Summer months — particularly June through August — drive the bulk of annual revenue, with August alone averaging $6,416 per listing. The off-season from November through April sees revenue drop sharply, sometimes below $500/month, which means cash-flow planning is essential. For investors targeting lake-vacation markets with manageable acquisition costs and limited competition, Chetek checks several important boxes while requiring realistic expectations about winter performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Chetek

Average revenue by month in Chetek

Chetek's revenue profile is intensely seasonal, with August ($6,416) and July ($6,109) generating more than 13x the revenue of March ($468), the slowest month. Investors should expect roughly 65% of annual revenue to be concentrated between June and September, making summer performance critical to overall returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Chetek

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 12 of 32 active listings, followed by one-bedrooms (8) and two-bedrooms (6). The relatively low count of two-bedroom listings compared to demand metrics could signal a supply gap worth exploring for investors seeking less competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Chetek

ADR climbs sharply with size: one-bedrooms average $144/night, two-bedrooms $165, and three-bedrooms command $273 — nearly double the one-bedroom rate. The jump from two to three bedrooms is especially steep, suggesting families and larger groups are willing to pay a significant premium for more space in this lake market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Chetek

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $66, followed closely by two-bedrooms at $57, while one-bedrooms lag at just $22. This indicates that larger units generate meaningfully more revenue per available night even after factoring in occupancy differences, making them stronger performers on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Chetek

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 35%, well ahead of three-bedrooms (24%) and one-bedrooms (15%). The stronger occupancy for two-bedrooms, combined with their limited supply, suggests they offer the most consistent booking activity and may provide steadier cash flow than other sizes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Chetek

Three-bedroom units top monthly revenue at $3,077, followed by two-bedrooms at $2,386 and one-bedrooms at $1,782. The gap between sizes is notable — stepping up from a one-bedroom to a three-bedroom adds roughly $1,300/month in average revenue, which may justify the higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Chetek

Annual revenue ranges from $21,390 for one-bedroom properties to $36,932 for three-bedrooms, a spread of over $15,500. Three-bedroom configurations offer the strongest top-line potential in Chetek, though investors should weigh this against higher purchase prices and seasonal vacancy to determine the best fit for their return targets.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Chetek

Kitchen and parking are virtually universal at 97% of listings, while lake-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (84%), backyards (81%), and lake access (75%) dominate — clearly reflecting the market's identity as a lakefront vacation destination. Investors entering this market should consider waterfront access and outdoor living spaces as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators.

Understanding Chetek's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Chetek's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income hosts are generating relative to property acquisition costs is favorable compared to many Wisconsin markets. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, reflecting the seasonal nature of a lake market with a still-small but growing inventory. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and a clear strategy for managing off-season cash flow.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Chetek

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Chetek, Wisconsin may be required to obtain a permit or register with local authorities, and the state of Wisconsin requires tourist rooming house licenses for properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Chetek and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Wisconsin lake communities can include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants and waterfront-specific rules may also apply, so it's important to review any deed restrictions or association bylaws before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state sales tax and a local room tax on short-term rental income, and Chetek or Barron County may levy additional tourism or lodging taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Chetek's deeply seasonal revenue pattern — peaking in July and August at over $6,000/month — suggests continued strong summer demand driven by lake recreation and vacationers. ADR could see modest increases in the range of 2–5% as supply remains limited and the market matures. Winter months will likely remain soft, with revenue dipping below $1,000, so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. Overall occupancy is estimated to hold steady around 20–25% on an annualized basis, reflecting the market's seasonal character rather than weak demand during peak periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Chetek, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chetek?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chetek is currently 22%, which is below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy surges during the summer lake season and drops significantly in the colder months. Two-bedroom properties tend to perform best on occupancy, averaging 35%, while one-bedroom units average around 15%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Chetek?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Chetek earn approximately $2,379 per month or $28,555 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: three-bedroom properties lead at roughly $36,932 annually, while one-bedroom units average around $21,390 per year. Summer months like July and August are the primary revenue drivers, each generating over $6,000 on average.

Is Chetek a good market for Airbnb investment?

Chetek scores 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential relative to property costs is favorable compared to many other markets. The main consideration is seasonality — the vast majority of revenue is concentrated in the summer months, so investors need to plan for slower winter cash flow. With only 32 active listings and growing interest, there's still room for well-positioned properties to capture demand.

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

The average daily rate in Chetek is $248, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom units average $144/night, two-bedrooms average $165/night, and three-bedroom properties command roughly $273/night. The lower market-wide ADR reflects Chetek's positioning as an accessible lake getaway rather than a luxury destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Chetek?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Chetek, WI, though operators typically need to comply with Wisconsin's tourist rooming house licensing requirements and any local ordinances. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Chetek, Barron County, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for the most current permit and licensing rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Chetek?

Peak season in Chetek runs from June through August, with August being the single highest-earning month at an average of $6,416 in revenue per listing. July follows closely at $6,109. The shoulder months of May and September also show meaningful activity ($1,911 and $2,457 respectively), while the winter months from December through March are the slowest, with March averaging just $468.

How many Airbnbs are there in Chetek?

As of April 2026, there are 32 active Airbnb listings in Chetek. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 12 listings, followed by one-bedroom units (8 listings) and two-bedroom properties (6 listings). Year-over-year listing growth stands at 108%, indicating the market is expanding as more investors recognize its potential.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Chetek?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Chetek 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 aggregate the results 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. 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 Chetek, WI 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
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Local short-term rental regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before investing.