Columbia Falls, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Columbia Falls Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Columbia Falls, MT sits at the western gateway to Glacier National Park, making it a magnet for summer tourism that drives outsized seasonal revenue. With 118 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $228, and annual revenue averaging $51,765, the market offers meaningful income potential — though occupancy at 38% sits below the Montana state average of 47%. The ROI score of 63 out of 100 reflects an attractive opportunity anchored by above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Columbia Falls 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 Columbia Falls

Proximity to Glacier National Park creates a powerful demand driver that, combined with above-average occupancy stability and reasonable supply levels, gives Columbia Falls genuine appeal for STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Columbia Falls presents a genuinely attractive opportunity for investors who can capitalize on its dramatic seasonality. July revenue of $12,309 dwarfs the November low of $1,213 — a tenfold swing that rewards hosts who price aggressively during peak months and manage costs carefully in the off-season. The market's occupancy stability scores above average, suggesting that well-positioned listings maintain steadier bookings than the headline 38% average might imply. Investors willing to target 3- or 4-bedroom properties stand to earn $71,865–$83,451 annually, which meaningfully outpaces the market-wide average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Columbia Falls

Average revenue by month in Columbia Falls

Revenue in Columbia Falls is heavily summer-weighted, peaking at $12,309 in July and dropping to a low of $1,213 in November — nearly a 10x spread. Investors should expect roughly 55% of annual income to concentrate in the June–August window, making aggressive summer pricing and cost management during the off-season critical to profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Columbia Falls

Two-bedroom properties dominate the Columbia Falls supply with 43 of 118 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 31. With only 5 four-bedroom listings on the market, larger properties represent a notably underserved segment that could offer less competition and stronger pricing power for investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Columbia Falls

ADR scales steadily from $102 for studios to $356 for 4-bedroom properties, with each additional bedroom adding roughly $40–$85 in nightly rate. The jump from 3-bedroom ($271) to 4-bedroom ($356) is particularly steep, suggesting a premium for group-sized properties in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Columbia Falls

Revenue per available night climbs consistently with size, from $27 for studios to $145 for 4-bedroom properties. Three- and 4-bedroom units deliver the strongest RevPAN at $113 and $145 respectively, reflecting both higher nightly rates and solid occupancy that together produce meaningfully better per-night returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Columbia Falls

Occupancy rises from 26% for studios to a peak of 42% for 3-bedroom units, with 4-bedrooms close behind at 41%. The relatively tight spread between 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom occupancy (40–42%) suggests stable demand for family- and group-sized accommodations, while studios lag significantly and may struggle to fill consistently.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Columbia Falls

Monthly revenue roughly triples from studios ($1,919) to 4-bedroom properties ($6,954), with the biggest percentage jump occurring between 2-bedroom ($4,090) and 3-bedroom ($5,988) listings. For investors weighing acquisition costs against income, the 3-bedroom tier offers a compelling revenue step-up at $5,988 per month.

Average annual revenue by property size in Columbia Falls

Annual revenue ranges from $23,033 for studios to $83,451 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms earning $71,865 — nearly three times the studio figure. Given the limited 4-bedroom supply and their top-of-market $83,451 annual revenue, larger properties present the strongest gross income potential for investors willing to take on higher acquisition costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Columbia Falls

Parking (98%) and a full kitchen (98%) are essentially table stakes in Columbia Falls, while self check-in (89%) and BBQ grills (80%) round out the top tier. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios, backyards, and outdoor furniture are common, reflecting guest expectations for a mountain-town experience — and hot tubs at 30% may represent a differentiating upgrade opportunity.

Understanding Columbia Falls's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Columbia Falls earns an ROI score of 63 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band. The market's strongest factor is above-average occupancy stability, which helps offset its average revenue-to-price ratio — important context given home values averaging $902,580. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and seasonal cash-flow modeling to ensure the summer-heavy revenue pattern aligns with their financing and operating costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbia Falls

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Columbia Falls, Montana may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Columbia Falls and Flathead County, as regulations can change with local ordinances.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Montana STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking standards, and potential HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of active permits, so checking availability before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Montana are typically subject to a state lodging facility use tax and may owe local resort or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but owners should confirm their full obligations with the Montana Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Columbia Falls is likely to see continued summer-driven demand as Glacier National Park tourism remains robust. Peak-season months (June through August) should keep revenue concentrated, with July alone historically generating over $12,000 in average monthly revenue. ADR may see modest increases in the range of 2–4% for larger properties as traveler preferences lean toward group-friendly accommodations. Shoulder-season occupancy could benefit from growing interest in fall foliage and early spring recreation, though the winter soft period from November through April will continue to compress annual averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Columbia Falls, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbia Falls?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Columbia Falls is currently 38%, which falls below the Montana state average of 47%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios average around 26%, while 3-bedroom properties reach approximately 42%. The strong seasonality driven by Glacier National Park tourism means summer months see substantially higher occupancy than the annual average suggests.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Columbia Falls?

Airbnb hosts in Columbia Falls earn an average of $4,313 per month and $51,765 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings scale considerably with property size: studios average about $23,033 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $83,451. Peak summer months like July can generate over $12,000 in a single month, offsetting slower winter periods.

Is Columbia Falls a good market for Airbnb investment?

Columbia Falls scores 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics, though its revenue-to-price ratio and growth trend are rated average. Its proximity to Glacier National Park creates reliable summer demand, but investors should plan for significant off-season revenue dips and average home values around $902,580.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Columbia Falls is $228, which is well below the Montana state average of $443. ADR ranges from $102 for studios to $356 for 4-bedroom properties. This relatively moderate pricing reflects the market's mix of property sizes and positions Columbia Falls as a more accessible destination compared to higher-end Montana resort markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Columbia Falls?

Short-term rentals operate in Columbia Falls, with 118 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations, permit requirements, and zoning restrictions may apply and can evolve over time. Prospective investors should consult the City of Columbia Falls, Flathead County, and any applicable HOA rules to ensure full compliance before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Columbia Falls?

Peak season in Columbia Falls runs from June through August, coinciding with Glacier National Park's busiest visitor months. July is the standout month with average revenue reaching $12,309, followed by August at $10,243 and June at $6,606. The off-peak period stretches from late October through April, with November averaging just $1,213 — the lowest month of the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Columbia Falls?

There are currently 118 active Airbnb listings in Columbia Falls as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom properties (43 listings), followed by 1-bedroom units (31 listings) and 3-bedroom homes (23 listings). Notably, only 5 four-bedroom properties are active, which may represent an opportunity for investors targeting larger group accommodations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Columbia Falls?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Columbia Falls 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, since 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 Columbia Falls and surrounding markets
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and competitive positioning

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 may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be verified independently before investing.