La Crosse, WI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

La Crosse Short-Term Rental Market Overview

La Crosse, WI presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity where favorable property prices amplify earning potential. With an average home value of $403,083 and annual STR revenue averaging $28,295, the revenue-to-price ratio sits above average for the state. The market's 90 active Airbnb listings and a clear summer demand surge suggest room for well-positioned properties to capture seasonal tourism along the Mississippi River bluffs and surrounding outdoor recreation areas.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the La Crosse 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 La Crosse

La Crosse attracts STR investors primarily because its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy create a favorable yield profile relative to typical Wisconsin markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"La Crosse earns an ROI score of 63 out of 100—landing in the "Attractive Opportunity" band—largely on the strength of its revenue-to-price dynamics and occupancy stability. Seasonality is pronounced: monthly revenues peak near $3,198 in May and dip to roughly $1,059 in January, creating a roughly 3:1 spread between high and low season. Investors who price aggressively during the May–October corridor and manage costs through quieter winter months should find the economics workable, especially with larger properties that pull in meaningfully higher annual revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in La Crosse

Average revenue by month in La Crosse

La Crosse shows pronounced seasonality, with May ($3,198) and August ($3,117) marking the revenue peaks and January ($1,059) the clear low point—a roughly 3× spread that underscores the importance of summer-season pricing and occupancy optimization for maximizing annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in La Crosse

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 35 of the market's 90 listings, while 4-bedroom (7) and 5-bedroom (6) units are notably scarce. This relative undersupply of larger properties may present an opportunity for investors, especially given the premium revenue those sizes generate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in La Crosse

ADR scales sharply with size in La Crosse, climbing from $127 for 1-bedroom units to $381 for 5-bedroom properties—a 3× increase. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($135) to 3 bedrooms ($218) is particularly steep, suggesting that stepping up to mid-size properties delivers a meaningful rate premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in La Crosse

Five-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $130 per night, more than double the next closest size (3-bedroom at $63). Smaller units cluster between $39 and $50, indicating that the combination of high nightly rates and solid occupancy makes large properties the most efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in La Crosse

Occupancy rates are tightest across 1-bedroom (31%), 2-bedroom (34%), and 5-bedroom (34%) units, while 4-bedroom properties lag noticeably at 21%. Investors considering 4-bedroom homes should factor in the lower booking frequency, which can pressure cash flow despite a $234 ADR.

Average monthly revenue by property size in La Crosse

Monthly revenue rises steadily with property size, from $1,636 for 1-bedroom units up to $4,488 for 5-bedroom homes. The gap between 2-bedroom ($1,945) and 3-bedroom ($3,008) properties is especially notable, reinforcing the value of targeting mid-to-large configurations in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in La Crosse

Five-bedroom properties lead with an estimated $53,859 in annual revenue, nearly triple the $19,641 generated by 1-bedroom units. Three- and 4-bedroom homes cluster around $36,000–$37,400, making them a solid middle ground for investors seeking strong returns without the higher acquisition cost of the largest properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in La Crosse

Parking and kitchens are near-universal at 96% of listings, and self check-in (87%) has clearly become a guest expectation in La Crosse. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (60%), backyards (54%), and BBQ grills (40%) are common, while differentiators such as lake access (7%), waterfront location (7%), and hot tubs (4%) remain rare—potentially offering a competitive edge for properties that can feature them.

Understanding La Crosse's ROI Score: 63/100

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

La Crosse's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability—two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weighting. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate below average, reflecting the rapid 159% increase in active listings that could pressure margins going forward. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal revenue plan before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in La Crosse

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in La Crosse, Wisconsin may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of La Crosse and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Wisconsin STR markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, minimum-stay requirements, and parking provisions. HOA or condo association rules may impose additional constraints, so investors should review any applicable covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin generally requires STR operators to collect and remit state and local sales tax, as well as any applicable room or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, La Crosse's STR market is likely to see continued strong seasonal demand from May through October, with average monthly revenues in that window estimated between $2,750 and $3,200. ADR may inch up 1–3% as new supply enters the market—listing growth has been significant at 159% year-over-year—so investors should watch whether occupancy holds near the current 31% average or softens under competitive pressure. Winter months will likely remain quieter, with revenues closer to $1,000–$1,800, reinforcing the importance of summer-season pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in La Crosse, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in La Crosse?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in La Crosse is currently 31%, which sits below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom and 5-bedroom units performing best at 34%, while 4-bedroom properties average around 21%. Seasonal fluctuations play a significant role, so hosts who optimize pricing and availability during peak months can often outperform these averages.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in La Crosse?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in La Crosse earns approximately $2,358 per month or $28,295 per year. Earnings vary considerably by property size—1-bedroom units average around $19,641 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can reach roughly $53,859. Peak summer months from May through August drive the bulk of annual income, with monthly revenues frequently exceeding $3,000.

Is La Crosse a good market for Airbnb investment?

La Crosse scores a 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio thanks to relatively affordable home values averaging $403,083, and occupancy stability is also rated above average. However, market growth trend and supply/demand balance are rated below average, meaning investors should carefully evaluate competitive dynamics—especially given the 159% year-over-year increase in active listings.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in La Crosse is $179, which is notably below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $127 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command roughly $381. This pricing structure means larger properties capture a strong premium, making them worth evaluating for investors seeking higher per-night revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in La Crosse?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in La Crosse, Wisconsin, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, registration, and tax requirements. Regulations can evolve, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of La Crosse and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for the most current rules before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in La Crosse?

Peak season in La Crosse runs from May through October, with the highest average monthly revenue hitting $3,198 in May. Summer months (June through August) consistently generate above $3,000 per month, while September and October remain solid at $2,757 and $2,804, respectively. The off-season—particularly January through March—sees significantly lower demand, with January averaging just $1,059 in monthly revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in La Crosse?

As of April 2026, there are 90 active Airbnb listings in La Crosse. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 159% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 35 listings, followed by 3-bedroom units (21) and 1-bedroom units (19), while 4- and 5-bedroom properties remain less common.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in La Crosse?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for La Crosse are derived from the trailing 12 months of actual booking performance across 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 data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results will vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and how well the property 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 La Crosse market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.