Lake Geneva, WI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lake Geneva Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lake Geneva stands out as a compelling lakeside resort market roughly 90 minutes from both Chicago and Milwaukee, drawing strong seasonal leisure demand that translates into above-average revenue relative to property values. With 238 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $325, and annual revenue averaging $48,005, the market rewards investors who can capture the pronounced summer surge. The ROI score of 69 out of 100 reflects a healthy revenue-to-price ratio paired with steady — if not exceptional — occupancy and growth trends.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lake Geneva 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 Lake Geneva

Investors are drawn to Lake Geneva for its favorable revenue-to-property-cost ratio, driven by premium summer nightly rates and proximity to major Midwest metro areas.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lake Geneva presents an attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with a highly seasonal revenue profile. The summer months of June through August generate roughly 45% of total annual revenue, with July alone averaging $8,888 — nearly five times the January figure of $1,867. Outside of peak season, revenue tapers significantly, so cash-flow planning around the slower winter stretch is essential. For investors who acquire the right property type and price it competitively, the market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and loyal Midwest leisure base make it a worthwhile consideration."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lake Geneva

Average revenue by month in Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva exhibits extreme seasonality: July leads at $8,888 in average revenue — roughly 4.8× the January low of $1,867. The summer corridor (June–August) accounts for nearly half of annual earnings, while November through March hovers between $1,867 and $2,505, making cash reserve planning critical for off-peak months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lake Geneva

Supply is distributed relatively evenly across 1- to 4-bedroom units, with 2-bedrooms slightly leading at 59 listings and 4-bedrooms close behind at 53. The 5-bedroom (14 listings) and 6+ bedroom (18 listings) segments are notably thinner, which may represent an opportunity for investors targeting larger group accommodations where competition is lighter.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lake Geneva

ADR climbs steeply with property size, from $149 for 1-bedroom units to $780 for 6+ bedroom homes — a more than 5× premium. Four-bedroom listings at $471 offer a notable jump over 3-bedrooms ($264), suggesting the sweet spot for rate premiums begins at the 4-bedroom tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lake Geneva

Revenue per available night tells a clear story: 6+ bedroom properties dominate at $230 RevPAN, nearly double the $126 for 4-bedrooms and far ahead of smaller units. One-bedroom listings generate just $32 per available night, underscoring that larger properties extract meaningfully more value even after accounting for their lower booking frequency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lake Geneva

Occupancy rates cluster in a tight band between 22% and 30% across all property sizes, with 6+ bedroom units slightly outperforming at 30% and 1-bedrooms trailing at 22%. The narrow spread suggests that property size matters far more for rate and revenue than for filling nights, and that the market's seasonal cadence affects all sizes similarly.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lake Geneva

Monthly revenue scales dramatically with bedroom count: 6+ bedroom properties average $12,944 per month — more than six times the $2,079 earned by 1-bedroom units. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($3,535) to 4-bedrooms ($5,857) is particularly steep, reinforcing that mid-to-large properties deliver outsized monthly income in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lake Geneva

At $155,330 per year, 6+ bedroom homes in Lake Geneva generate roughly 3.7× the market-wide average of $48,005 and substantially outpace 5-bedrooms ($81,590) and 4-bedrooms ($70,285). For investors weighing acquisition cost against return potential, the 4-bedroom tier at $70,285 annually may offer the best balance of revenue and property price.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lake Geneva

Parking (98%) and a full kitchen (94%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for drive-to lakeside getaways. Outdoor-focused amenities dominate the mid-tier — patios (79%), outdoor furniture (67%), and BBQ grills (66%) — while lake access (33%) and pool (19%) represent differentiators that can help a listing stand out in a competitive field.

Understanding Lake Geneva's ROI Score: 69/100

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

Lake Geneva's ROI score of 69 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income potential compares favorably to the cost of acquiring property here. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all register as average, reflecting a market that's reliable but not without seasonal and competitive considerations. Pairing these data points with thorough local regulatory research will give investors the clearest picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lake Geneva

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Lake Geneva and the broader Walworth County area in Wisconsin may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the city clerk's office and local zoning authorities, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in resort communities like Lake Geneva can include occupancy limits tied to bedrooms, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals altogether. It's worth confirming whether permit caps or density limits apply in your target neighborhood before committing to a purchase.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state room tax and a county room tax on short-term rental stays, and the City of Lake Geneva may levy an additional local lodging tax. Most booking platforms collect and remit applicable taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with a local tax advisor to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lake Geneva's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its sharp seasonal pattern, with July and August continuing to anchor annual income at roughly $8,400–$8,900 per month. ADR may edge up 2–4% as larger lakefront properties command growing premiums, though occupancy is likely to remain in the mid-20% range on an annualized basis given the market's inherent winter slowdown. The 126% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, so new entrants should monitor supply closely to ensure their properties remain competitive during shoulder and off-peak months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lake Geneva, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Geneva?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lake Geneva is currently 26%, which sits below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal nature — demand concentrates heavily during summer months and drops off considerably in winter. Larger properties with 6+ bedrooms tend to perform slightly better at around 30% occupancy, while 1-bedroom units average about 22%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake Geneva?

On a trailing 12-month basis, the average Airbnb host in Lake Geneva earns approximately $48,005 per year, or about $4,000 per month. Earnings vary dramatically by property size: 1-bedroom units average roughly $24,949 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in around $155,330 per year. Revenue is also highly seasonal, with July and August each generating over $8,000 on average.

Is Lake Geneva a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lake Geneva earns an ROI score of 69 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning earnings relative to property costs compare favorably within Wisconsin. The main consideration is seasonality — the bulk of income arrives between May and September, so investors need to plan for leaner winter months. Larger properties tend to deliver the strongest returns.

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

The current average daily rate in Lake Geneva is $325, which is slightly below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $149 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command approximately $780 per night. This tiered pricing reflects the premium guests are willing to pay for larger group-friendly accommodations in a resort setting.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake Geneva?

Short-term rentals do operate in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and the market currently has 238 active Airbnb listings. However, local regulations including permit requirements, zoning rules, and tax obligations may apply. Investors should contact the City of Lake Geneva and Walworth County offices directly to confirm all current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lake Geneva?

Peak season in Lake Geneva runs from June through August, with July being the single highest-earning month at an average of $8,888 in revenue. August follows closely at $8,382. The shoulder months of May ($3,721) and September ($5,112) also see meaningful demand. Winter months from November through March represent the slowest period, with average monthly revenue ranging from roughly $1,867 to $2,505.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lake Geneva?

As of April 2026, there are 238 active Airbnb listings in Lake Geneva. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes, with 2-bedroom units being the most common at 59 listings, followed by 4-bedroom properties (53) and 3-bedroom units (50). Notably, the market has seen 126% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating substantial new investor interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lake Geneva?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lake Geneva 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July at $8,888) and slower months (like January at $1,867). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well a 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 Lake Geneva market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property 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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; always verify with municipal authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.