Iron River, WI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Iron River Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Iron River, WI is a small lakeside market in northern Wisconsin where short-term rental properties cater primarily to seasonal outdoor recreation travelers. With just 26 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,538 per property, this is a low-competition, niche market where the right property—especially one with lake access—can carve out steady summer income. The ROI score of 60 out of 100 reflects a balance of reasonable revenue relative to property values, though below-state-average occupancy (25% vs. 38%) means investors should plan for pronounced seasonality.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Iron River 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 Iron River

Investors are drawn to Iron River for its low competition, affordable lake-country properties, and strong summer tourism demand that can deliver meaningful seasonal returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Iron River represents a moderately attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with a seasonal income profile. The market's strength is concentrated in summer—July and August alone average over $4,200 in monthly revenue—while spring and late fall dip to roughly $600–$1,000. With all four ROI calculation factors rated as average, this is a market that rewards smart property selection (particularly lakefront or lake-access homes) and disciplined pricing rather than offering effortless returns. Investors who can keep operating costs lean during the off-season stand to benefit from the concentrated burst of summer tourism revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Iron River

Average revenue by month in Iron River

Iron River displays extreme seasonality, with August ($4,318) and July ($4,269) generating roughly seven times the revenue of the slowest month, April ($623). The summer peak from June through September accounts for the lion's share of annual income, making cash-flow planning around these months critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Iron River

Supply in Iron River is tightly concentrated, with 10 two-bedroom and 9 three-bedroom listings making up the visible inventory. The absence of one-bedroom or four-plus-bedroom properties in the data could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer either smaller budget-friendly units or larger group accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Iron River

Three-bedroom properties command an ADR of $204 compared to $165 for two-bedroom units—a 24% premium that reflects the added space and group capacity. For investors weighing acquisition costs, the step up to a third bedroom appears to deliver meaningful pricing power in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Iron River

RevPAN tells a compelling story: three-bedroom properties earn $58 per available night versus just $32 for two-bedroom units, nearly doubling the effective yield. This gap is driven by both higher nightly rates and better occupancy, making three-bedroom configurations the stronger revenue engine in Iron River.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Iron River

Three-bedroom properties maintain a 29% occupancy rate compared to 20% for two-bedroom listings, suggesting that groups and families seeking more space drive a disproportionate share of bookings. While both figures sit below the state average, the nine-percentage-point gap highlights a clear guest preference for larger accommodations in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Iron River

Three-bedroom properties average $2,032 per month versus $1,799 for two-bedroom units, a roughly 13% revenue advantage. While the gap isn't enormous in absolute dollars, it compounds to a meaningful difference over a full year—especially when paired with the higher occupancy that three-bedroom listings enjoy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Iron River

On an annual basis, three-bedroom properties generate approximately $24,386 compared to $21,594 for two-bedroom listings—a nearly $2,800 difference. For investors evaluating return potential, the three-bedroom configuration consistently outperforms across all metrics in Iron River and likely justifies any incremental acquisition cost.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Iron River

Parking and a full kitchen are table stakes at 100% prevalence, while BBQ grills (92%) and self check-in (73%) are near-essential. The high prevalence of lake access (58%) and waterfront (50%) amenities underscores that proximity to water is a primary draw—investors without lake-oriented features may struggle to compete for bookings.

Understanding Iron River's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Iron River's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property values are reasonably aligned but where seasonal demand concentration tempers the overall score. All four calculation factors—Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance—rate as average, suggesting a balanced but not exceptional investment profile. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow plan to determine whether this lakeside Wisconsin market fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Iron River

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Iron River, Wisconsin may need to obtain a tourist rooming house license at the local or county level, and the State of Wisconsin requires compliance with ATCP 72 regulations for STR properties. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with Bayfield County and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count and septic capacity, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking limitations—particularly relevant for rural lakefront properties. HOA or lake association covenants can also impose additional rules, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a 5% state sales tax and a 5% state room tax on short-term rental income, and Bayfield County may levy an additional local room tax. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Iron River's STR market is likely to follow a familiar pattern: robust summer demand from June through September driving the bulk of annual revenue, with quieter shoulder seasons in between. Given that active listings have grown 130% year-over-year, new supply could temper per-listing occupancy unless visitor demand keeps pace. ADR may hold steady or tick up modestly in the 2–4% range during peak months as travelers continue seeking cabin and lakefront getaways, but investors should budget conservatively for off-season months where revenue can dip below $1,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Iron River, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Iron River?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Iron River is currently 25%, which sits below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character—properties fill up during summer months but see considerably lower demand from late fall through early spring. Three-bedroom properties tend to perform better at 29% occupancy compared to 20% for two-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Iron River?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Iron River earn approximately $1,961 per month or $23,538 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies significantly by season, with peak months like July and August generating over $4,200, while slower months such as April may bring in around $623. Three-bedroom properties tend to earn more, averaging $2,032 per month compared to $1,799 for two-bedroom listings.

Is Iron River a good market for Airbnb investment?

Iron River scores a 60 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from low competition (just 26 active listings), strong summer demand driven by lake recreation, and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio. However, the pronounced seasonality means most of your annual income will be concentrated in four to five months, so investors should plan cash flow accordingly and consider whether the property can attract winter or shoulder-season guests as well.

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

The average daily rate in Iron River is $220, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. This lower ADR reflects the market's rural, recreational character. Two-bedroom properties average $165 per night, while three-bedroom units command $204 per night. Despite the lower nightly rate, the trade-off is also lower property acquisition costs compared to urban Wisconsin markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Iron River?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Iron River, WI, though operators may need to comply with Wisconsin's tourist rooming house regulations and obtain appropriate local permits or licenses. Regulations can vary at the county and municipal level, so prospective investors should consult with Bayfield County and local authorities to confirm current requirements, zoning rules, and any restrictions that may apply to their specific property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Iron River?

Peak season in Iron River runs from June through September, with July and August being the strongest months. Average monthly revenue reaches $4,269 in July and $4,318 in August—more than six times what hosts typically earn in the slowest month, April ($623). September and October also perform well as fall foliage draws visitors, with revenues of $2,719 and $2,300 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Iron River?

There are currently 26 active Airbnb listings in Iron River as of April 2026. The supply is split almost evenly between two-bedroom properties (10 listings) and three-bedroom properties (9 listings). Notably, active listings have grown 130% year-over-year, indicating rising investor interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Iron River?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Iron River 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while still reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance window. Individual results can vary based on property quality, location, 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 Iron River, WI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current requirements with municipal and state authorities before purchasing.