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

Libby Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Libby, MT is a small but emerging short-term rental market nestled in northwestern Montana's scenic Kootenai National Forest corridor. With just 17 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $30,212 per property, the market offers a low-competition landscape where well-positioned investors can capture outsized summer demand — July revenue alone reaches $6,269. However, a 39% average occupancy rate (below Montana's 47% state average) and pronounced winter slowdowns mean cash-flow planning is essential.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Libby 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 Libby

Libby appeals to investors seeking a low-competition rural Montana market where favorable supply/demand dynamics and affordable entry relative to resort towns can offset below-average occupancy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Libby represents a competitive but niche opportunity for STR investors comfortable with sharp seasonal swings. The market scores 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, reflecting average revenue-to-price and occupancy fundamentals paired with above-average supply/demand conditions. Peak performance is concentrated from June through August, when monthly revenues jump three- to six-fold compared to winter lows of around $900. Investors who can manage carrying costs through the quieter months and capture the summer surge stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Libby

Average revenue by month in Libby

Libby's revenue curve is steeply seasonal, with July ($6,269) generating nearly seven times the revenue of March ($821), the slowest month. The June–August summer corridor accounts for a disproportionate share of annual income, while November through March consistently underperforms at under $2,000 per month.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Libby

The only property size with reported listing data is 2-bedroom units, which account for 6 of the 17 active listings. The remaining listings likely span other bedroom counts at volumes too small for individual reporting, suggesting potential opportunity for investors to differentiate with larger or unique property configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Libby

Two-bedroom properties command an ADR of $147, notably below the market-wide average of $197, indicating that larger or more premium listings in the market are pushing the overall ADR higher. Investors targeting 2-bedroom units should plan around this more modest nightly rate when modeling returns.

Average RevPAN by property size in Libby

Two-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of $45, reflecting the combined effect of a $147 ADR and 31% occupancy. This is below the market-wide RevPAN of $76, suggesting that other property types in Libby are capturing stronger per-night revenue after accounting for vacancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Libby

Two-bedroom properties average a 31% occupancy rate, falling well below the market-wide 39% average. This lower fill rate may point to oversupply at that size relative to demand, or it could signal that guests in this market prefer larger accommodations for group-oriented outdoor trips.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Libby

Two-bedroom units earn an average of $2,038 per month, slightly below the overall market average of $2,517. Investors considering this property size should be aware that the gap likely widens during peak summer months when larger properties can command premium rates for family and group stays.

Average annual revenue by property size in Libby

At $24,462 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties trail the market-wide average of $30,212 by roughly $5,750 per year. This gap underscores that while 2-bedrooms are the most visible segment, investors may find stronger return potential with larger or more differentiated property types.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Libby

Every listing in Libby offers a kitchen (100%), and parking is nearly universal at 94%, reflecting the car-dependent, rural nature of the market. Outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (59%), backyards (53%), and patios (53%) are prevalent, signaling that guests expect a homey, nature-forward experience — while hot tubs (12%) and lake access (6%) remain rare differentiators that could help a property stand out.

Understanding Libby's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Libby's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the fundamentals are workable but require careful deal selection. The market shows average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics alongside a below-average growth trend, though the above-average supply/demand balance indicates room still exists for well-positioned listings. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to account for the pronounced off-season revenue dip.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Libby

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Libby, Montana may be required to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements with Lincoln County and the City of Libby, as rules in small Montana municipalities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STRs in rural Montana communities include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay provisions. Investors should also check for any HOA or deed restrictions on properties, particularly in residential neighborhoods where short-term rental activity may be subject to additional covenants.

Tax Obligations

Montana imposes a lodging facility use tax on short-term accommodations, and Lincoln County may levy additional local resort or occupancy taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations are covered as well.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Libby's STR market is likely to see continued supply expansion given the 189% year-over-year listing growth, though the small base of 17 listings means this figure can shift quickly. Summer months should remain the primary revenue driver, with June through August potentially sustaining ADRs in the $150–$200 range. Occupancy may face modest pressure as new listings absorb demand, and annual revenue per property could stabilize or dip slightly unless demand catches up to the expanding supply. Investors should plan conservatively, budgeting for off-season months that may generate under $1,000 in revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Libby, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Libby?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Libby is currently 39%, which falls below Montana's statewide average of 47%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months see significantly higher demand while winter occupancy drops considerably. Investors should factor in these seasonal swings when projecting cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Libby?

Airbnb hosts in Libby earn an average of $2,517 per month and approximately $30,212 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Earnings vary dramatically by season, ranging from around $821–$926 in the winter months to over $6,269 in July at the summer peak. Property quality, pricing strategy, and amenities can significantly influence individual results.

Is Libby a good market for Airbnb investment?

Libby scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from low competition (just 17 active listings) and a favorable supply/demand balance, but occupancy and market growth trend below average. It can work well for investors who can tolerate seasonal revenue fluctuations and source properties at prices that make the $30,212 average annual revenue pencil out.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Libby is $197, which is significantly lower than Montana's statewide average of $443. This more accessible price point reflects the market's rural character and smaller property sizes, and it positions Libby listings to attract budget-conscious travelers exploring northwestern Montana.

Are short-term rentals legal in Libby?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Libby, MT, but hosts may need to obtain applicable local permits or business licenses. Montana also requires compliance with state-level lodging tax obligations. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should verify current requirements directly with Lincoln County and local Libby authorities before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Libby?

Peak season in Libby runs from June through August, driven by summer outdoor recreation in the surrounding Kootenai National Forest and Cabinet Mountains. July is the standout month with average revenue of $6,269, followed by August at $5,177 and June at $3,365. The off-season runs from November through March, when monthly revenue typically drops below $1,000.

How many Airbnbs are there in Libby?

There are currently 17 active Airbnb listings in Libby as of April 2026. This is a very small market, though it has seen significant growth — active listings increased 189% year over year. The limited supply means new entrants can still capture meaningful market share, but the rapid growth also warrants monitoring for potential oversaturation.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Libby?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Libby are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. 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 up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like July's $6,269) and slower months (like March's $821), because each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 the Libby, MT market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing performance data
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from historical booking activity
• Property size breakdowns covering listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue by bedroom count
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 market conditions may have shifted since the reporting period. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.