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

Herbster Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Herbster, Wisconsin is a small but high-performing short-term rental market nestled along the shores of Lake Superior. With just 17 active Airbnb listings, average annual revenue of $49,243, and occupancy running at 42% — beating the state average of 38% — this micro-market punches well above its weight. A 95 out of 100 ROI score reflects above-average performance across every key factor, making Herbster a compelling destination for investors seeking nature-driven vacation rental income with limited competition.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Herbster 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 Herbster

Limited supply of just 17 listings combined with above-average occupancy and strong revenue-to-price dynamics make Herbster a standout micro-market for vacation rental investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Herbster represents a standout opportunity for short-term rental investment, driven by an exceptionally tight supply-demand balance and revenue metrics that consistently outperform state averages. Seasonality is the primary consideration — July and August account for the lion's share of annual income, while April dips to roughly $1,303 per month — but the spread is partially offset by respectable shoulder-season and winter bookings. With all four ROI calculation factors rated above average, this market rewards investors who can optimize pricing around the summer surge and maintain steady bookings through the quieter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Herbster

Average revenue by month in Herbster

Revenue in Herbster follows a sharp seasonal curve, peaking at $9,034 in August and dropping to a low of $1,303 in April — a spread of nearly 7x. The June-through-October window accounts for the bulk of annual income, so effective dynamic pricing during these months is critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Herbster

All reported listings in Herbster with size data are 2-bedroom properties, with 10 of the 17 total listings falling into this category. The absence of other bedroom counts in the data may signal an opportunity for investors to differentiate with larger or smaller configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Herbster

Two-bedroom properties in Herbster command an average daily rate of $179, which sits below the market-wide ADR of $222. This gap suggests that the remaining unlisted-size properties may be pulling the overall average up, potentially indicating higher rates for larger or uniquely positioned homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in Herbster

Two-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of $61, reflecting the combined effect of a $179 ADR and 34% occupancy for that segment. This sits below the market-wide RevPAN of $93, hinting that non-2-bedroom properties may deliver stronger per-night revenue after accounting for fill rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Herbster

Two-bedroom properties average 34% occupancy, trailing the market-wide average of 42%. Investors targeting this property size should factor in the lower fill rate when modeling cash flow, while recognizing that other property configurations in Herbster may be capturing a larger share of bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Herbster

A 2-bedroom listing in Herbster generates an average of $3,693 per month, which is slightly below the market-wide monthly average of $4,103. This suggests that properties with different configurations — potentially with more bedrooms or unique features like waterfront access — may be earning a premium.

Average annual revenue by property size in Herbster

Two-bedroom properties bring in approximately $44,320 annually, compared to the market average of $49,243. While still a meaningful revenue figure relative to acquisition costs, the data implies that investors willing to acquire or build out larger or more distinctive properties could capture additional upside.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Herbster

Parking and a kitchen are universal (100%) across Herbster listings, while BBQ grills (94%), patios or balconies (82%), and outdoor furniture (82%) signal that guests expect a full outdoor living experience. Waterfront access appears in 59% of listings, reinforcing Lake Superior's central role in driving bookings — investors without direct water access should compensate with strong outdoor amenity packages.

Understanding Herbster's ROI Score: 95/100

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

Herbster's ROI score of 95 out of 100 places it firmly in the Standout Opportunity tier, reflecting above-average performance across all four calculation factors: revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. This combination is rare — most markets show weakness in at least one area — and underscores the strength of Herbster's fundamentals for short-term rental investors. As always, pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and property-level underwriting will help ensure the score translates into real-world returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Herbster

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Herbster and Bayfield County, Wisconsin may need to obtain a tourist rooming house license through the county or state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements during peak periods, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and potential HOA covenants in certain developments. Wisconsin communities have varying levels of local regulation, so confirming the specific rules for Herbster is an essential step in the due diligence process.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Wisconsin are typically subject to state sales tax and local room tax obligations. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm compliance with both state and Bayfield County tax requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Herbster's pronounced summer peak — with July and August revenues exceeding $8,900 per month — suggests sustained demand from outdoor recreation travelers, while the shoulder months of June, September, and October also deliver solid returns above $4,800. Over the next 12–18 months, ADR could see modest gains in the 2–5% range as supply remains tight and the area's Lake Superior appeal continues drawing visitors. Occupancy is estimated to hold steady around 40–45%, with the biggest upside potential during the warmer months. Investors entering now benefit from a market where demand growth is outpacing the small supply base."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Herbster, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Herbster?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Herbster is currently 42%, which exceeds the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This above-average occupancy is notable given Herbster's seasonal climate and small listing count, reflecting strong demand relative to supply, particularly during the warmer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Herbster?

Airbnb hosts in Herbster earn an average of $4,103 per month and approximately $49,243 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue is highly seasonal, with peak months like July and August generating over $8,900, while slower months such as April may bring in around $1,303.

Is Herbster a good market for Airbnb investment?

Herbster scores 95 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Standout Opportunity tier. Key strengths include an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, stable occupancy, positive market growth trends, and favorable supply/demand balance. The limited competition of just 17 active listings adds to its appeal, though investors should plan for seasonal revenue fluctuations.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Herbster is $222, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. This lower ADR reflects the area's cabin and cottage-style properties, but is more than offset by solid occupancy, delivering a revenue per available night (RevPAN) of $93.

Are short-term rentals legal in Herbster?

Short-term rentals operate in Herbster, Wisconsin, with 17 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. Operators may need a tourist rooming house license through Bayfield County or the state. We recommend consulting local authorities to confirm current licensing, zoning, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Herbster?

Peak season in Herbster runs from June through September, with July and August being the highest-earning months at $8,926 and $9,034 in average revenue, respectively. The shoulder months of June ($5,139) and September ($5,692) also perform well, while April tends to be the quietest month at approximately $1,303.

How many Airbnbs are there in Herbster?

There are currently 17 active Airbnb listings in Herbster as of April 2026. This small supply base creates limited competition, which can benefit hosts through stronger pricing power and higher occupancy, especially during the peak summer travel season.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Herbster?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Herbster 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 uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the rental is managed.

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 Herbster market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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, licensing requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.