Forest Lake, MN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Forest Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

With just 14 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $56,772 per property, Forest Lake, MN presents a compact but compelling short-term rental opportunity. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance suggest that early movers can capture meaningful returns, particularly during the lucrative summer months when monthly revenue more than doubles the winter baseline. An ADR of $348 — below the $429 Minnesota state average — positions Forest Lake as an accessible entry point for investors targeting lakefront leisure demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Forest Lake 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 Forest Lake

Forest Lake's lakefront appeal, limited supply, and strong revenue-to-price ratio make it a noteworthy option for investors seeking a niche Minnesota market with seasonal upside.

Expert Market Assessment

"Forest Lake earns a "Standout Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 76 out of 100, driven primarily by its strong revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance. The market's pronounced seasonality — August revenue of $8,066 is roughly three times the March low of $2,699 — means investors need to plan for meaningful cash-flow swings between peak and off-peak periods. That said, the combination of lakefront appeal, limited competition from only 14 listings, and home values around $593K creates a setup where well-managed properties can deliver attractive annual yields. Occupancy stability is average at 31%, so pricing strategy during shoulder months will be key to maximizing returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Forest Lake

Average revenue by month in Forest Lake

Forest Lake exhibits strong seasonality, with August ($8,066) and July ($7,254) delivering peak revenue that's roughly 2.5–3x higher than the winter low in March ($2,699). The spread between the best and worst months exceeds $5,300, underscoring the importance of summer bookings to annual performance and the need for off-season pricing strategies.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Forest Lake

Property size distribution data is not currently available for Forest Lake. With only 14 total listings, investors should evaluate the competitive landscape at a property level to identify underserved bedroom configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Forest Lake

ADR breakdowns by property size are not available for this market at this time. The overall market ADR of $348 provides a useful baseline, and investors should compare individual property rates against this benchmark when evaluating potential acquisitions.

Average RevPAN by property size in Forest Lake

RevPAN data by property size is not currently published for Forest Lake. The market-wide RevPAN of $108 reflects the combined effect of a $348 ADR and 31% occupancy, suggesting that improvements in occupancy could meaningfully boost per-night revenue yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Forest Lake

Occupancy breakdowns by bedroom count are not yet available for this market. The overall 31% average occupancy rate — below Minnesota's 40% state average — indicates seasonal concentration and potential upside for hosts who can attract bookings outside the summer peak.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Forest Lake

Monthly revenue data segmented by property size is not currently available for Forest Lake. The $4,731 market-wide monthly average gives investors a useful starting point, though larger lakefront properties likely command significantly more during peak months.

Average annual revenue by property size in Forest Lake

Annual revenue by property size is not yet reported for this market. At the market level, the $56,772 average annual figure against a $592,573 average home value yields an approximate gross revenue-to-price ratio of about 9.6%, which the ROI scoring identifies as above average.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Forest Lake

Parking and a full kitchen are universal across Forest Lake listings (100%), while BBQ grills, self check-in, patios, and outdoor furniture appear in 93% of properties — reflecting the market's outdoor, lakeside leisure orientation. Lake access (79%) and waterfront (71%) are also highly prevalent, signaling that guests strongly expect water-related amenities and investors without lakefront proximity may face a competitive disadvantage.

Understanding Forest Lake's ROI Score: 76/100

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

Forest Lake's ROI score of 76 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, reflecting an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance that together account for the majority of the score. Occupancy stability is rated average and market growth trends below average, which temper the overall outlook slightly — the rapid rise in new listings (191% YoY) could eventually pressure both occupancy and rates. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of seasonal cash-flow variability before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Forest Lake

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Forest Lake, Minnesota may need to obtain a local permit or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Forest Lake and Washington County, as municipal STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Minnesota markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may also apply, especially in lakefront developments, so it's important to review any covenants before purchasing. Some municipalities also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued in a given area.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Minnesota are typically subject to state sales tax and local lodging or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional to ensure compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate Forest Lake's summer peak (July–August) will continue to anchor annual performance, with ADR likely holding steady or rising modestly by 1–3% as the small supply base limits competitive pressure. Occupancy, currently at 31% on an annualized basis, could improve slightly if new listings don't outpace demand — though the 191% year-over-year growth in active listings bears watching. Shoulder months like May and September should benefit from growing awareness of the market, though winter months will likely remain soft with revenues in the $2,700–$3,600 range. Investors should plan cash reserves to cover the quieter November-through-March stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Forest Lake, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Forest Lake?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Forest Lake is currently 31%, which falls below the Minnesota state average of 40%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings and winter months seeing significantly lower demand. Investors can improve occupancy by offering competitive pricing during shoulder seasons and ensuring listings are optimized with in-demand amenities like lake access and outdoor living spaces.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Forest Lake?

Airbnb hosts in Forest Lake earn an average of $4,731 per month, which translates to approximately $56,772 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by season — August leads at $8,066 per month while March dips to $2,699. Individual results depend on property quality, location relative to the lake, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Forest Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Forest Lake scores 76 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a "Standout Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance, with only 14 active listings competing for guest demand. While occupancy stability is average and market growth trends are below average, the limited supply and lakefront appeal create a promising environment for investors willing to manage seasonal cash-flow fluctuations.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Forest Lake is $348, which is below the Minnesota state average of $429. This lower ADR can work in investors' favor by keeping nightly rates accessible to a broader guest audience, particularly families and groups seeking lake getaways. With 71% of listings offering waterfront access, there may be room to push rates higher on premium properties during peak summer months.

Are short-term rentals legal in Forest Lake?

Short-term rentals do operate in Forest Lake, MN, as evidenced by 14 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, STR regulations can vary at the city and county level in Minnesota, and requirements may include permits, registrations, or compliance with zoning rules. Prospective investors should contact the City of Forest Lake directly and consult local ordinances to confirm current legality and any conditions that apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Forest Lake?

Peak season in Forest Lake runs from June through August, with August being the highest-revenue month at $8,066 in average monthly revenue. July follows closely at $7,254. This summer peak aligns with the area's lakefront and outdoor recreation appeal. Demand tapers in the fall and winter, with March representing the lowest point at $2,699. Investors should budget accordingly for the seasonal swing.

How many Airbnbs are there in Forest Lake?

As of April 2026, there are 14 active Airbnb listings in Forest Lake, MN. This is a relatively small market, which has seen notable year-over-year growth of 191% in listing count. The limited supply means less competition for bookings, but the rapid growth rate suggests other investors are recognizing the market's potential, so timing your entry matters.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Forest Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Forest Lake 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 into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors 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 the Forest Lake market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends derived from comparable listings
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and property characteristic data across active listings

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.