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

Duluth Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Duluth 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 strong occupancy stability, this Lake Superior gateway delivers meaningful returns relative to its $426,106 average home value. The market's 245 active listings generate an average of $46,975 in annual revenue, and a pronounced summer peak — July tops $6,794 per month — signals robust seasonal tourism demand that savvy operators can capitalize on.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Duluth 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 Duluth

Duluth's combination of affordable home prices relative to revenue potential, stable occupancy patterns, and strong seasonal tourism makes it a compelling market for STR investors seeking above-average yield.

Expert Market Assessment

"Duluth presents a strong investment opportunity anchored by seasonal tourism that peaks sharply in summer — July revenue averages nearly three times what hosts earn in November. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is a key differentiator, meaning investors can achieve meaningful yield without the high entry costs typical of premier resort destinations. Occupancy stability adds another layer of confidence, though the below-average market growth trend and rapid listing expansion suggest the competitive landscape is shifting. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for peak-season pricing will be best positioned to capture the strongest returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Duluth

Average revenue by month in Duluth

Duluth's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $6,794 and bottoming out in November at $2,316 — a spread of nearly $4,500. The June-through-August corridor accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making summer optimization critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Duluth

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 83 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 74, while 5-bedroom homes are scarce with just 9 listings. The limited supply of larger properties — combined with their significantly higher revenue — may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire 3+ bedroom homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Duluth

ADR scales steeply with size, jumping from $140 for studios to $545 for 5-bedroom properties — nearly a 4x increase. The most notable premium jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($220) and 3-bedrooms ($309), suggesting the move to a larger property delivers outsized pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Duluth

RevPAN climbs consistently from $42 for studios to $107 for 5-bedroom properties, indicating that larger homes generate more revenue per available night even after accounting for their lower occupancy rates. The 3-bedroom ($85) and 4-bedroom ($91) tiers offer a compelling balance between RevPAN performance and acquisition complexity.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Duluth

Smaller properties fill more consistently, with 1-bedrooms leading at 33% occupancy and studios close behind at 30%, while 5-bedroom homes average just 20%. For investors prioritizing steady bookings over peak-night revenue, smaller units offer more reliable cash-flow patterns throughout the year.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Duluth

Five-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $8,028, followed by 3-bedrooms at $5,475 — notably outperforming 4-bedrooms ($4,862), which suggests that the 4-bedroom segment may face stiffer competition or pricing challenges. Studios and 1-bedrooms trail significantly at $1,985 and $2,248, respectively.

Average annual revenue by property size in Duluth

Annual revenue ranges from $23,820 for studios to $96,344 for 5-bedroom homes, with 3-bedrooms earning a solid $65,709 that may offer the best return potential when factoring in lower acquisition and operating costs. The 4-bedroom tier at $58,354 underperforms 3-bedrooms, making it a category investors should underwrite carefully before committing.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Duluth

Parking (96%), kitchen (94%), and self check-in (89%) are near-universal expectations in Duluth, while lake access (28%) and waterfront location (27%) serve as meaningful differentiators. The prevalence of outdoor amenities like patios (60%), outdoor furniture (51%), and BBQ grills (43%) reflects a guest base drawn to Duluth's natural setting and outdoor lifestyle.

Understanding Duluth'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

Duluth's ROI score of 80 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability — two factors that together account for 70% of the score. The below-average market growth trend tempers the outlook somewhat, signaling that rapid supply additions could intensify competition. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to validate whether individual deals meet their return thresholds.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Duluth

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Duluth, Minnesota may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Duluth's planning or licensing department and check for any state-level STR registration obligations in Minnesota.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Duluth can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and potential caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones. HOA or condo association rules may impose additional limitations, so investors should review all applicable covenants before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Minnesota are typically subject to state sales tax, local lodging taxes, and potentially a tourism-related surcharge. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligation with both the Minnesota Department of Revenue and the City of Duluth.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Duluth's summer-driven demand cycle should continue to anchor revenue, with peak-season ADRs likely holding steady or edging up 1–3% as the region's outdoor recreation profile remains a strong draw. The 152% year-over-year growth in active listings warrants attention — while demand appears healthy, rapid supply expansion could compress occupancy rates from their current 29% market average. Off-season months like November and April will likely remain soft, so investors should model conservatively and plan for revenue dips below $2,400 during those windows. Overall, Duluth's fundamentals still favor well-positioned properties, particularly larger homes that command premium nightly rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Duluth, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Duluth?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Duluth is currently 29%, which falls below the Minnesota state average of 40%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with studios and 1-bedroom units achieving the highest rates at 30% and 33% respectively, while larger 5-bedroom properties average around 20%. The lower overall occupancy reflects Duluth's heavily seasonal demand pattern, where summer months see substantially more bookings than the winter shoulder season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Duluth?

Airbnb hosts in Duluth earn an average of $3,914 per month and approximately $46,975 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies widely by property size — 5-bedroom homes lead with an average of $8,028 per month ($96,344 annually), while studios bring in roughly $1,985 per month ($23,820 annually). Monthly earnings also fluctuate with the seasons, ranging from a low of about $2,316 in November to a high of $6,794 in July.

Is Duluth a good market for Airbnb investment?

Duluth scores 80 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a Standout Opportunity rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential is strong relative to property costs averaging $426,106. Occupancy stability is also rated above average. However, investors should note that market growth trends are below average and listing supply has grown 152% year-over-year, so careful property selection and competitive pricing strategies are important for long-term success.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Duluth is $248, which is notably lower than the Minnesota state average of $429. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $140 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $545 per night. This pricing structure means investors targeting larger, group-friendly properties can capture substantially higher nightly rates, though occupancy tends to decrease as property size increases.

Are short-term rentals legal in Duluth?

Short-term rentals operate in Duluth, with 245 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or adherence to specific zoning rules. Investors should contact the City of Duluth's planning or licensing department and review Minnesota state requirements before purchasing a property for short-term rental use, as regulations can change and may vary by neighborhood or property type.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Duluth?

Peak season in Duluth runs from June through August, driven by summer tourism along Lake Superior. July is the strongest month with average revenue reaching $6,794, followed closely by August at $6,524 and June at $5,165. The shoulder months of May and September also perform well at $3,886 and $4,584 respectively. The slowest months are November ($2,316) and April ($2,373), creating a roughly 3:1 ratio between peak and off-peak earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Duluth?

Duluth currently has 245 active Airbnb listings. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom (83 listings) and 2-bedroom (74 listings) properties, which together account for about 64% of the market. Larger properties are less common, with only 38 three-bedroom, 30 four-bedroom, and 9 five-bedroom listings. Notably, the number of active listings has grown 152% year-over-year, indicating significant new supply entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Duluth?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Duluth 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls 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 (like July's $6,794 average) and slower months (like November's $2,316) 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 Duluth market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates 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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.