Ellison Bay, WI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Ellison Bay Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ellison Bay, WI is a small but compelling Door County market where short-term rental properties generate an average of $78,021 in annual revenue across just 19 active listings. The combination of an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and strong seasonal demand — with summer months pushing monthly revenue past $15,000 — makes this a market worth serious consideration for investors targeting vacation-rental destinations. While occupancy sits at 20% overall (well below the 38% Wisconsin state average), the concentrated peak-season earnings and limited supply create a dynamic where top-performing properties can deliver outsized returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ellison Bay 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 Ellison Bay

Investors are drawn to Ellison Bay for its favorable revenue-to-property-value ratio and the intense seasonal demand that Door County generates each summer.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ellison Bay presents an attractive but seasonal investment opportunity that rewards patient operators who can weather quiet winters. The market's ROI score of 69 out of 100 reflects solid fundamentals — particularly the above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability — tempered by below-average market growth trends. Revenue swings dramatically from winter lows around $1,973 (February) to summer highs near $15,044 (August), so cash-flow planning around this pronounced seasonality is essential. For investors comfortable with a vacation-market rhythm and willing to invest in the right property configuration, this corner of Door County holds genuine income potential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ellison Bay

Average revenue by month in Ellison Bay

Ellison Bay displays extreme seasonality, with August ($15,044) and July ($15,012) generating roughly seven times the revenue of the slowest month, February ($1,973). The strong October showing at $8,694 extends the profitable window beyond traditional summer, giving investors about five months of meaningful income from June through October.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ellison Bay

The market's 19 listings are concentrated in 3-bedroom (7 listings) and 4-bedroom (5 listings) configurations, with only these two sizes reporting enough data for comparison. This tight supply across limited property types means there may be opportunities for investors who can offer differentiated sizes or configurations not yet well-represented.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ellison Bay

ADR jumps roughly 24% from 3-bedroom properties ($317) to 4-bedroom homes ($394), a premium that reflects the added space and guest capacity valued by vacationing families and groups. The $77 nightly price difference makes 4-bedroom properties particularly interesting given Door County's appeal to larger parties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ellison Bay

Four-bedroom properties deliver $78 in RevPAN compared to $53 for 3-bedroom units, a 47% advantage that accounts for both pricing power and slightly higher occupancy. This gap suggests that investors targeting larger homes capture meaningfully more revenue per available night, making the incremental acquisition cost worth evaluating.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ellison Bay

Occupancy rates are modest across both tracked sizes, with 4-bedroom properties at 20% and 3-bedroom units at 17%, reflecting the market's seasonal nature rather than weak demand. Investors should view these annual averages in context — summer occupancy is likely significantly higher, while winter months pull the overall figure down.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ellison Bay

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $8,349 compared to $6,101 for 3-bedroom homes, a roughly 37% premium that underscores the earning advantage of larger vacation rentals. This $2,248 monthly gap adds up to a meaningful annual difference that can influence which property size pencils out best against local acquisition costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ellison Bay

At $100,199 in average annual revenue, 4-bedroom properties in Ellison Bay cross the six-figure threshold and outperform 3-bedroom homes ($73,215) by nearly $27,000 per year. Against the market's average home value of $801,004, the 4-bedroom configuration offers the stronger gross yield and may justify the higher purchase price for income-focused investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ellison Bay

Every listing in Ellison Bay offers parking (100%), and roughly 90% include a kitchen, washer, and dryer — table-stakes amenities for vacation homes in rural Door County. Outdoor features like patios (84%), BBQ grills (74%), and backyards (68%) dominate, signaling that guests expect a nature-oriented retreat experience, while differentiators like hot tubs (37%) and lake access (21%) remain less common and could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Ellison Bay's ROI Score: 69/100

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

Ellison Bay's ROI score of 69 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive 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 weighting. The below-average market growth trend is worth monitoring, especially given the 145% year-over-year jump in listings, and investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research to fully understand the operating environment before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ellison Bay

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ellison Bay and throughout Door County, Wisconsin may need to obtain a Tourist Rooming House license through the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Investors should verify current permit requirements with both the Town of Liberty Grove (which encompasses Ellison Bay) and Wisconsin state authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Wisconsin vacation-rental markets include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise and parking regulations, and potential minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons. HOA covenants in residential areas may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the total number of STR permits issued, so prospective hosts should confirm availability early in the process.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state sales tax and a room tax on short-term rental income, and Door County may levy an additional local room tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to ensure compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"With active listings growing 145% year-over-year, Ellison Bay's STR supply is expanding rapidly, which could moderate per-listing revenue if demand doesn't keep pace. That said, Door County's enduring appeal as a Midwest vacation destination suggests summer demand will remain robust, and we estimate peak-month revenues in the $9,000–$15,000 range should hold steady over the next 12–18 months. ADR may face slight downward pressure as new inventory enters the market, though investors who differentiate with premium amenities — hot tubs, lake access, and waterfront positioning — are likely to maintain pricing power. Occupancy during the November–April off-season will likely remain soft, so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ellison Bay, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ellison Bay?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Ellison Bay is currently 20%, which is below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This lower figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy surges during the summer months when Door County tourism peaks, then drops significantly during the colder months. Investors should expect a concentrated booking window rather than year-round demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ellison Bay?

Airbnb hosts in Ellison Bay earn an average of $6,501 per month and approximately $78,021 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size, with 4-bedroom homes averaging $100,199 annually compared to $73,215 for 3-bedroom properties. Summer months are the primary revenue drivers, with July and August each generating over $15,000 on average.

Is Ellison Bay a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ellison Bay scores 69 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, classified as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy patterns relative to its seasonal nature. However, the below-average market growth trend and rapid supply expansion (145% year-over-year listing growth) are factors to monitor. Investors who acquire the right property and manage the off-season thoughtfully can find meaningful returns here.

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

The average daily rate in Ellison Bay is $343, slightly below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR varies by property size — 3-bedroom homes average $317 per night while 4-bedroom properties command $394. These rates reflect the premium that vacation guests are willing to pay for Door County getaways, particularly during peak summer season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ellison Bay?

Short-term rentals are permitted in the Ellison Bay area, though operators may need to secure a Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license and comply with local regulations. Rules can vary by jurisdiction within Door County, so investors should check with both state and local authorities for the most current permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ellison Bay?

Peak season in Ellison Bay runs from June through October, with July and August being the standout months — each averaging over $15,000 in revenue. June and September also perform well at roughly $9,400–$9,500. The off-season from November through April sees significantly lower activity, with monthly revenues ranging from approximately $1,973 to $3,202.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ellison Bay?

As of April 2026, there are 19 active Airbnb listings in Ellison Bay. The market is small but has grown substantially, with a 145% year-over-year increase in listings. The current inventory is split primarily between 3-bedroom properties (7 listings) and 4-bedroom properties (5 listings), with the remainder in other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ellison Bay?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ellison Bay 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. Because each month is calculated using its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Ellison Bay and surrounding markets
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Annual and monthly revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value benchmarks from Zillow Home Value Index for ROI context

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current requirements with municipal and state authorities before purchasing.