Helena, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Helena Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Helena, Montana's capital city, offers a competitive short-term rental landscape where 130 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $24,986. With an ADR of $165—well below the $443 state average—and occupancy sitting at 29% versus the 47% state benchmark, the market rewards operators who price strategically and target seasonal demand peaks. Strong summer months and above-average occupancy stability suggest a reliable, if modest, income stream for investors willing to source deals carefully in a market where home values average $642,708.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Helena 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 Helena

Helena attracts STR investors with its state-capital demand drivers and above-average occupancy stability, though tighter competition and higher home prices require disciplined deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Helena presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors—solid enough for those who can navigate rising competition but not a slam-dunk for passive income seekers. Seasonality is pronounced: July revenue of $3,468 is more than three times the January figure of $1,031, so cash-flow planning needs to account for lean winter months. The ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance, tempered by above-average occupancy stability and average market growth. Investors targeting larger properties and optimizing for the May-through-September peak will be best positioned to generate meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Helena

Average revenue by month in Helena

Helena's revenue curve is sharply seasonal, peaking at $3,468 in July and bottoming out at $1,031 in January—a spread of nearly 3.4x. The core earning window runs May through September, accounting for the majority of annual income, so investors should budget for significantly leaner returns during the winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Helena

One-bedroom listings dominate Helena's supply with 52 of the 130 active properties, while 4-bedroom homes represent just 8 listings. The scarcity of larger properties, combined with their stronger revenue metrics, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire 3- or 4-bedroom homes in this market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Helena

ADR climbs steadily from $102 for 1-bedroom units to $263 for 4-bedroom properties, representing a 158% premium for the largest size category. The jump from 2-bedroom ($153) to 3-bedroom ($226) is particularly notable at nearly $73, suggesting 3-bedroom properties offer a strong price-per-bedroom value proposition for guests.

Average RevPAN by property size in Helena

Revenue per available night scales consistently with size, from $34 for 1-bedroom listings to $77 for 4-bedroom properties. Four-bedroom units more than double the RevPAN of 1-bedrooms despite only modestly higher occupancy, making them the clear efficiency leaders when factoring both rate and fill rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Helena

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across sizes, ranging from 23% for 3-bedroom units to 34% for 1-bedroom listings, with 4-bedrooms achieving a respectable 30%. The tighter occupancy spread means revenue differences between property sizes are driven more by nightly rate than by how often properties are booked.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Helena

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,476 for 1-bedroom units to $3,844 for 4-bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering $500–$1,000 in additional monthly income. Investors eyeing the 4-bedroom segment can expect roughly 2.6 times the monthly revenue of a 1-bedroom, though acquisition and operating costs will also be higher.

Average annual revenue by property size in Helena

Four-bedroom properties lead Helena's market with $46,127 in average annual revenue, while 1-bedroom units earn $17,713—a gap of over $28,000. Three-bedroom listings at $34,025 annually may offer the best balance of revenue potential and manageable acquisition cost for investors seeking strong returns without the highest price tier.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Helena

Parking (99%) and a kitchen (95%) are near-universal in Helena's listings, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent Montana market where extended stays are common. Self check-in (85%), laundry facilities (70–73%), and a dedicated workspace (63%) round out the top amenities, while differentiators like hot tubs and waterfront access remain rare at just 6% each—presenting a potential competitive edge for listings that offer them.

Understanding Helena's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Helena's ROI Score of 51 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, signaling that profitable deals exist but require sharper analysis. Above-average occupancy stability is the market's standout strength, while below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance reflect the challenge of generating returns against $642,708 average home values and a rapidly expanding listing count. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types—particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes—that outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Helena

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

Permit Requirements

Helena, Montana may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Helena and Lewis and Clark County, as regulations can evolve quickly in growing markets.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Montana cities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA-level prohibitions. Investors should review any applicable zoning overlays and homeowner association covenants before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Montana does not impose a statewide sales tax, but short-term rental operators in Helena are generally subject to a state lodging facility use tax and may owe local resort or tourism taxes. Major booking platforms often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, though investors should confirm compliance with the Montana Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Helena's STR market is expected to follow its established seasonal cadence, with peak revenues concentrated from June through August and softer months running January through April. Active listing counts have grown 107% year-over-year, which could put downward pressure on occupancy and ADR unless demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate ADR holding steady or edging up 1–3% during peak season, while off-season occupancy may settle in the 20–25% range. Selective property choices—particularly larger units that command higher RevPAN—will likely outperform in this increasingly competitive environment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Helena, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Helena?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Helena is currently 29%, which falls below the Montana state average of 47%. That said, occupancy stability in Helena scores above average, meaning the rate tends to hold relatively steady rather than swinging wildly month to month. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 34% and 3-bedroom listings sitting at 23%. Investors can improve occupancy through competitive pricing, strong amenity packages, and targeting the robust summer travel season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Helena?

Airbnb hosts in Helena earn an average of $2,082 per month and approximately $24,986 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average $17,713 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in around $46,127 per year. Seasonality plays a major role—July is the top-earning month at $3,468, while January drops to about $1,031. Individual results depend on factors like location, listing quality, pricing strategy, and guest reviews.

Is Helena a good market for Airbnb investment?

Helena earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 51 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers above-average occupancy stability, which is a plus for predictable cash flow, but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values around $642,708. Rising competition—active listings have grown 107% year-over-year—means investors need to be selective about property type and location. Larger properties tend to perform better, with 4-bedroom units generating nearly $46,127 annually. For investors who source the right deal and operate efficiently, Helena can be a viable market, but it rewards careful analysis over impulse buying.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Helena is $165, which is substantially lower than the Montana state average of $443. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $102 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $153, 3-bedrooms at $226, and 4-bedroom properties command $263. Helena's lower ADR relative to resort-heavy Montana markets reflects its role as a capital city rather than a pure vacation destination, but the trade-off is more consistent demand from government and business travelers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Helena?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Helena, Montana, though operators may need to obtain applicable business licenses or permits from the city. Regulations can include zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and tax registration requirements. Montana imposes a lodging facility use tax on short-term rentals, and there may be additional local obligations. We recommend consulting the City of Helena's planning department and the Montana Department of Revenue for the most current rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Helena?

Peak season for Airbnb in Helena runs from June through August, with July topping the charts at $3,468 in average monthly revenue. June ($3,271) and August ($3,052) are close behind. The shoulder months of May ($2,324) and September ($2,373) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest period is January through April, when monthly revenue ranges from roughly $1,031 to $1,564. Investors should plan for this seasonal rhythm and ensure they have the financial cushion to cover expenses during the quieter winter months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Helena?

Helena currently has 130 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 107% year-over-year. The supply is weighted toward smaller properties: 1-bedroom listings account for 52 of the total, followed by 36 two-bedroom, 27 three-bedroom, and 8 four-bedroom properties. This rapid supply growth is worth monitoring, as it can put pressure on occupancy rates and pricing power if demand doesn't keep pace.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Helena?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Helena are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July at $3,468) and slower months (like January at $1,031). This approach anchors the numbers to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts. 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 Helena and surrounding zip codes
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value data from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking

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 current snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Local STR regulations and tax requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with Helena and Montana authorities before purchasing.