Lutsen, MN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lutsen Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lutsen, MN earns an ROI score of 76 out of 100—flagged as a Standout Opportunity—driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy patterns. With just 113 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $71,347, this North Shore destination offers a compact, outdoor-recreation market where larger properties command premium nightly rates well above the Minnesota state average of $429. The combination of seasonal tourism peaks and year-round cabin appeal makes Lutsen an attractive niche for investors willing to navigate its seasonal rhythms.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lutsen 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 Lutsen

Lutsen's blend of strong nightly rates, seasonal tourism anchored by Lake Superior and Lutsen Mountains, and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio make it a compelling niche market for STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lutsen presents a strong opportunity for STR investors who can capitalize on pronounced seasonal swings. Revenue peaks dramatically in July and August—averaging $9,817 and $10,553 respectively—then dips to around $3,000 in April and November, creating a market where pricing strategy and multi-season appeal are critical. The 76/100 ROI score reflects genuine strength in revenue generation and occupancy stability, tempered by a supply/demand balance that warrants monitoring given 56% year-over-year listing growth. Investors targeting 3- or 4-bedroom properties are best positioned to capture the highest returns in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lutsen

Average revenue by month in Lutsen

Lutsen displays dramatic seasonality, with August ($10,553) and July ($9,817) delivering more than three times the revenue of the slowest months—April ($3,015) and November ($3,013). Investors should plan cash reserves for the shoulder season while leveraging summer and early fall to drive the bulk of annual income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lutsen

Three-bedroom properties dominate Lutsen's supply with 44 listings—nearly 39% of the market—while 1-bedrooms are the least represented at just 17 units. The relatively thin supply of 4-bedroom properties (20 listings) alongside their strong revenue performance could signal an opportunity for investors targeting larger family and group accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lutsen

ADR climbs steeply with property size in Lutsen, from $265 for 1-bedroom units to $659 for 4-bedrooms—a 2.5x premium. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($444) to 4-bedrooms ($659) is the largest single increment, suggesting guests place a high value on extra space in this vacation-oriented market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lutsen

Revenue per available night increases progressively with property size, from $87 for 1-bedroom listings to $273 for 4-bedrooms. The 4-bedroom category delivers more than three times the RevPAN of a 1-bedroom, making larger units the clear leaders in revenue efficiency after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lutsen

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered but trend upward with size: 4-bedroom properties lead at 41%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 39%, while 1- and 2-bedroom units sit at 32–33%. The higher fill rates for larger properties suggest that group and family travelers represent the core demand segment in Lutsen.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lutsen

Four-bedroom properties are the top monthly earners at $8,848, nearly doubling the $3,696 generated by 2-bedroom units and tripling the $2,848 from 1-bedrooms. Three-bedroom listings hit a solid middle ground at $6,334 per month, making them a strong option for investors seeking a balance between acquisition cost and revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lutsen

Annual revenue ranges from $34,187 for 1-bedroom listings to $106,178 for 4-bedroom properties, a roughly 3x difference that underscores the premium guests pay for larger vacation homes. Three-bedroom units at $76,008 per year represent a compelling middle-tier option, particularly given their dominant share of existing supply.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lutsen

Kitchen (100%), parking (97%), and self check-in (89%) are near-universal in Lutsen, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (88%), BBQ grills (85%), and lake access (34%) reflect the nature-driven guest profile, while hot tubs (28%) and pools (27%) may offer differentiation opportunities for hosts looking to stand out.

Understanding Lutsen's ROI Score: 76/100

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

Lutsen's ROI score of 76 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity tier, reflecting strong revenue generation relative to property prices and above-average occupancy stability. The market's growth trend is rated average, while supply/demand balance is flagged as below average—a signal that the 56% year-over-year increase in listings merits attention. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and property-level due diligence to validate the opportunity before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lutsen

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lutsen, Minnesota may need to obtain permits or register their property with the local township or Cook County authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the appropriate local government offices before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Minnesota communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Some properties may also be subject to HOA covenants or neighborhood-specific rules that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so due diligence on the specific property and its governing documents is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Minnesota are generally subject to state sales tax and local lodging taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their obligations with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and Cook County to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lutsen's summer peak—where monthly revenue can surpass $10,000—should continue anchoring annual returns, while winter ski season and fall foliage provide meaningful secondary demand windows. Listing supply grew 56% year over year, which could moderate occupancy rates slightly; we estimate occupancy settling in the 36–40% range market-wide as new inventory is absorbed. ADR may see modest upward pressure of 2–4% given the area's premium positioning, though investors should watch supply/demand balance closely as it's currently rated below average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lutsen, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lutsen?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lutsen is currently 38%, just slightly below the Minnesota state average of 40%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom units performing best at 41% and smaller 1- and 2-bedroom properties hovering around 32–33%. Seasonal demand swings mean summer months see significantly higher fill rates than the shoulder and winter seasons.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lutsen?

Airbnb hosts in Lutsen earn an average of $5,945 per month and approximately $71,347 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings scale significantly with property size—1-bedroom units average around $34,187 annually while 4-bedroom properties generate roughly $106,178. Peak summer months like August can push monthly revenue above $10,000 for the typical listing.

Is Lutsen a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lutsen earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 76 out of 100, classified as a Standout Opportunity. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy, though investors should be aware that supply grew 56% year over year and the supply/demand balance is currently rated below average. With average home values around $756,000 and annual revenues of $71,347, the gross yield is competitive for a premium vacation destination.

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

The average daily rate in Lutsen is $443, which is above the Minnesota state average of $429. ADR scales considerably with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $265 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $659. This premium pricing reflects Lutsen's positioning as a destination vacation market on Minnesota's North Shore.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lutsen?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Lutsen area, but operators should verify specific permit requirements and any restrictions with Cook County and local township authorities. Regulations can change, and individual properties may also be subject to HOA rules or deed restrictions that affect STR eligibility. It's always advisable to consult local officials and review all governing documents before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lutsen?

Peak season in Lutsen runs from June through September, with August being the single highest-revenue month at an average of $10,553 per listing. July follows closely at $9,817, and September brings in $8,225. The slowest months are April and November, where average revenue drops to around $3,000—making a roughly 3.5x spread between peak and off-peak months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lutsen?

There are currently 113 active Airbnb listings in Lutsen as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom properties (44 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (24), 4-bedrooms (20), and 1-bedrooms (17). Notably, active listings grew 56% year over year, indicating increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lutsen?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lutsen 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 and slower months, since 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 Lutsen, MN market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Supply distribution and year-over-year growth trends for 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with the appropriate authorities before purchasing.