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

Hayward Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hayward, WI is a classic Northwoods vacation destination where summer lake tourism drives pronounced seasonal revenue spikes — July listings average $7,844 per month, nearly ten times the April low of $792. With 126 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $274, and annual revenue around $38,594, the market rewards investors who can capture peak-season demand while managing cash flow through quieter shoulder months. Higher-than-average home values ($629,146) relative to revenue mean deal sourcing and property selection are critical to making the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Hayward 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 Hayward

Hayward appeals to investors seeking a proven vacation-rental market anchored by lake recreation and Northwoods tourism, though selective deal sourcing is essential given elevated home prices relative to achievable revenue.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hayward represents a competitive opportunity that rewards careful property selection and hands-on revenue management. Seasonality is the defining feature: the June-through-September window generates roughly two-thirds of annual income, with July and August each clearing $7,000+. Average occupancy sits at 30%, well below the 38% Wisconsin state average, reflecting the reality that many cabins sit empty during spring mud season and parts of fall. For investors willing to target larger lakefront homes and price aggressively during peak weeks, the revenue ceiling is meaningfully higher than the market average suggests."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hayward

Average revenue by month in Hayward

Hayward displays extreme seasonality, with July ($7,844) and August ($7,307) generating roughly ten times the revenue of the slowest month, April ($792). Investors should budget for a concentrated earning window from June through September and plan for minimal income during the spring shoulder season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hayward

Two- and three-bedroom properties dominate Hayward's supply with 36 and 33 listings respectively, making up over half the market. Larger homes with 5+ bedrooms total only 13 listings, suggesting relatively thin competition in the segment that generates the highest per-property revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hayward

ADR in Hayward scales dramatically with property size, climbing from $157 for 1-bedroom units to $701 for 6+ bedroom homes — a nearly 4.5× premium. The sharpest jump occurs between 4 bedrooms ($349) and 5 bedrooms ($541), indicating groups are willing to pay a steep premium for extra capacity in this vacation market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hayward

Revenue per available night peaks at $144 for 6+ bedroom properties and $106 for 5-bedroom homes, well above the market average of $82. Interestingly, 1-bedroom units ($74) outperform 2-bedroom ($58) and 3-bedroom ($73) listings on RevPAN thanks to their higher occupancy, making them a potential value play for investors seeking lower acquisition costs.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hayward

Occupancy drops steadily as bedroom count increases: 1-bedroom listings lead at 47%, while 4- and 5-bedroom properties hover around 20–24%. This pattern means larger properties earn their revenue through high nightly rates during peak weeks rather than consistent year-round bookings, which investors should factor into cash-flow planning.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hayward

Six-plus bedroom homes lead monthly revenue at $8,215, followed by 5-bedroom properties at $7,374 — both more than double the market average of $3,216. Mid-range 2- and 3-bedroom listings cluster between $2,855 and $3,012, offering more modest but more accessible entry points for first-time STR investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hayward

Annual revenue potential in Hayward ranges from $28,971 for 1-bedroom listings to $98,585 for 6+ bedroom homes, creating a wide spread that rewards investors willing to take on larger properties. Five-bedroom cabins at $88,495 annually represent a compelling sweet spot, offering nearly double the revenue of 4-bedroom homes ($45,447) with only two more units of supply to compete against.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hayward

Parking (98%), a kitchen (93%), and a BBQ grill (84%) are near-universal in Hayward, reflecting guest expectations for a self-sufficient cabin experience. Waterfront access (62%) and lake access (60%) appear on the majority of listings, underscoring that proximity to water is a core driver of bookings — investors without lakefront positioning may need to compensate with aggressive pricing or standout amenities.

Understanding Hayward's ROI Score: 47/100

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

Hayward's ROI Score of 47 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning that while investor interest and vacation demand are real, the math isn't automatic — revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are both average, and market growth trend and supply/demand balance rate below average. This suggests the market is best suited for investors who can source properties at favorable prices and optimize for the intense summer season rather than relying on broad market tailwinds. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for low off-season occupancy will be essential before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hayward

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Hayward and Sawyer County in Wisconsin may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local tourist rooming house license, which is administered at the county or municipal level. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Wisconsin vacation-rental markets include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise ordinances, minimum parking requirements, and septic system capacity rules for lakefront properties. HOA covenants in certain lakeside developments may impose additional limits on rental frequency or guest counts, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchase is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state sales tax and a room tax on short-term rentals, and Sawyer County or the municipality of Hayward may levy an additional local room tax. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm whether any local obligations require separate filing.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hayward's extreme summer seasonality is unlikely to shift significantly, so investors should plan for the bulk of returns arriving between June and September. ADR may see modest upward pressure in the 1–3% range during peak months as supply growth levels off, though the below-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance suggest new inventory could keep occupancy in the 28–32% annual range. Winter weekends tied to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing offer incremental revenue, but estimates indicate they won't substantially close the gap with summer earnings. Investors who optimize pricing dynamically and target lakefront properties are best positioned to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hayward, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hayward?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Hayward is currently 30%, compared to the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This lower figure reflects the market's heavy seasonality — summer months see much higher fill rates, while spring and late fall are considerably quieter. One-bedroom units lead at 47% occupancy, likely because they appeal to couples on quick getaways year-round, while larger properties tend to book primarily during peak vacation weeks.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hayward?

On average, Hayward Airbnb hosts earn approximately $3,216 per month and $38,594 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. That said, revenue varies significantly by property size: 5-bedroom homes average $88,495 annually and 6+ bedroom properties reach roughly $98,585, while 1-bedroom units average closer to $28,971. Peak summer months like July ($7,844) dramatically outpace slower periods like April ($792).

Is Hayward a good market for Airbnb investment?

Hayward carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 47 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, but market growth and supply/demand balance are below average. This means Hayward can work well for investors who find the right property — particularly larger lakefront cabins — but the combination of elevated home values ($629,146 average) and strong seasonality requires careful underwriting to ensure positive cash flow year-round.

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

The average daily rate in Hayward is $274, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. However, ADR scales sharply with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $157 per night while 6+ bedroom properties command $701. For investors targeting the premium cabin segment, nightly rates well above the market average are achievable, especially during peak summer months.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hayward?

Short-term rentals do operate in Hayward, WI, with 126 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. Wisconsin requires tourist rooming houses to be licensed, and local permits or registration may also be necessary through Sawyer County or the Town of Hayward. We recommend checking with local authorities and reviewing any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hayward?

Peak season in Hayward runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at $7,844 in average revenue per listing, followed closely by August at $7,307. September ($3,654) and June ($4,362) serve as strong shoulder months. The slowest period is April, when average revenue drops to just $792. This pronounced summer peak is driven by Hayward's reputation as a Northwoods lake destination.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hayward?

There are currently 126 active Airbnb listings in Hayward as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom (36 listings) and 3-bedroom (33 listings) properties, with 4-bedroom homes also well represented at 26 listings. Larger properties with 5 or more bedrooms are relatively scarce (13 total), which may signal an opportunity for investors targeting the high-revenue group-cabin segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hayward?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Hayward 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 results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, seasonal peaks and slower periods are naturally reflected in the data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Hayward, 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 Hayward, WI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing performance
• Monthly and annual revenue figures derived from 12 months of historical booking data
• Property-level amenity and bedroom-count breakdowns across active listings
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal and county authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.