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

Lakeside Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lakeside, MT sits along Flathead Lake in one of Montana's most sought-after recreation corridors, drawing seasonal visitors who fuel a sharp summer revenue spike. With just 36 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $39,531, the market is small but intensely seasonal — July alone generates roughly $9,399 per listing. Home values averaging $1,740,091 create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio, so investors need to be selective about acquisition costs and target peak-season returns carefully.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lakeside 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 Lakeside

Investors are drawn to Lakeside for its iconic Flathead Lake setting and strong summer pricing power, though high home values and sharp seasonality demand careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lakeside represents a competitive but narrow opportunity for STR investors who can secure properties at the right price. The market's extreme seasonality — with July revenue ($9,399) nearly ten times the November low ($928) — means cash flow depends heavily on a three-to-four-month peak window. Average occupancy of 27% sits well below Montana's 47% state average, reinforcing that this is a summer-centric play rather than a year-round income generator. Investors with realistic expectations about off-season vacancy and the ability to command premium summer rates will find the most success here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lakeside

Average revenue by month in Lakeside

Lakeside shows extreme seasonality, with July ($9,399) generating more than ten times what the slowest month, November ($928), brings in. The core earning window spans June through September, accounting for the vast majority of annual revenue — investors should plan cash reserves to cover the quieter October-through-April stretch.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lakeside

Supply in Lakeside is concentrated in smaller units, with 15 one-bedroom and 13 two-bedroom listings making up the entire tracked inventory of 36 properties. The absence of larger three- or four-bedroom options could signal an underserved niche, though demand patterns and local property stock should be evaluated before pursuing that gap.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lakeside

ADR scales modestly from $180 for one-bedroom listings to $198 for two-bedrooms, a 10% premium. The relatively narrow spread suggests that the step up in acquisition and furnishing costs for a second bedroom may not be fully offset by nightly rate gains alone.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lakeside

One-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $58 compared to $51 for two-bedrooms, indicating that the smaller units capture more revenue per available night after factoring in their higher occupancy. For investors focused on per-night efficiency rather than total capacity, one-bedrooms currently represent the stronger play.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lakeside

One-bedroom listings maintain a 32% average occupancy rate versus 26% for two-bedroom units, a meaningful gap in a market where overall occupancy already sits well below the Montana average. This suggests one-bedrooms attract more consistent bookings, though neither size delivers the kind of occupancy that supports year-round cash flow without summer season strength.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lakeside

One-bedroom properties lead with $3,568 in average monthly revenue, about $750 more than two-bedrooms at $2,817. The smaller units' combination of higher occupancy and competitive nightly rates drives this advantage, making them the more productive configuration in Lakeside's current market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lakeside

Annually, one-bedroom listings generate approximately $42,818 compared to $33,807 for two-bedroom properties — a roughly $9,000 difference that could meaningfully impact ROI calculations. Given the high average home values in the area, investors should model whether the lower entry cost of a one-bedroom unit helps close the revenue-to-price gap.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lakeside

Kitchens (97%), patios or balconies (94%), self check-in (92%), and parking (92%) are near-universal among Lakeside listings, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient lakeside stays. Outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (86%) and outdoor furniture (86%) are also standard, while differentiators such as hot tubs (28%) and lake access (14%) remain relatively uncommon and could provide a competitive edge.

Understanding Lakeside's ROI Score: 40/100

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

Lakeside's ROI Score of 40 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine appeal but requires disciplined deal sourcing. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values averaging $1.74 million against roughly $39,500 in annual revenue — is the primary headwind, while above-average market growth and average occupancy stability offer some counterbalance. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and realistic seasonal cash-flow modeling before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lakeside

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lakeside, Montana may be required to obtain permits or register with Flathead County or the state. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Montana communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking rules, and potential HOA covenants — particularly in lakefront developments. Some jurisdictions may also cap the number of active permits, so confirming availability early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Montana generally requires STR operators to collect and remit a lodging facility use tax, and Flathead County may impose additional local resort or tourism-related taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and county obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lakeside's summer-driven demand pattern is expected to remain firmly intact, with July and August continuing to account for the bulk of annual income. The 90% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could compress occupancy rates further if supply outpaces demand. ADR may hold steady or see modest increases of 2–5% during peak months given the area's premium lakefront appeal, but off-season occupancy — currently well below the state average — is unlikely to improve dramatically without new demand drivers."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lakeside, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakeside?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakeside is currently 27%, which falls below Montana's state average of 47%. Occupancy is heavily seasonal, with the highest activity concentrated in the summer months around July and August. One-bedroom listings tend to perform best at 32% occupancy, compared to 26% for two-bedroom properties.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lakeside?

Airbnb hosts in Lakeside earn an average of $3,294 per month and approximately $39,531 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. However, earnings are highly seasonal — hosts can expect to generate roughly $9,399 in July at the peak, while slower months like November may bring in closer to $928. One-bedroom listings slightly outperform at $42,818 annually versus $33,807 for two-bedroom units.

Is Lakeside a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lakeside carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 40 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average growth trends and strong summer demand driven by Flathead Lake tourism, but high average home values ($1,740,091) create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Success here requires careful deal sourcing and realistic expectations about the heavily seasonal income pattern.

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

The average daily rate in Lakeside is $227, which is roughly half of Montana's statewide average of $443. ADR ranges from $180 for one-bedroom properties to $198 for two-bedroom units. While rates are modest compared to the state overall, they reflect the smaller property sizes that dominate this intimate lakeside market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lakeside?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Lakeside, MT, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, zoning, and tax requirements set by Flathead County and the state of Montana. Regulations can vary and evolve, so investors should consult directly with local government offices and review any applicable HOA covenants before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lakeside?

Peak season in Lakeside runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average of $9,399 in revenue per listing. August follows closely at $7,822, and June rounds out the core summer window at $5,046. The off-season stretches from roughly October through April, with November being the softest month at just $928 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lakeside?

There are currently 36 active Airbnb listings in Lakeside as of April 2026. The supply is split almost evenly between one-bedroom properties (15 listings) and two-bedroom properties (13 listings). Notably, active listings have grown 90% year over year, indicating a rapid increase in investor and host interest in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lakeside?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lakeside 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. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks like July and slower months like November. 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 Lakeside and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over trailing 12-month periods
• Revenue breakdowns by month and property size to reveal seasonal and sizing patterns
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.