Manitowoc, WI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Manitowoc Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Manitowoc, WI is a compact lakeside market with just 30 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition entry point along the Lake Michigan shoreline. With an average annual revenue of $22,748 against average home values of $364,872 and a 61% year-over-year growth in active listings, this market is drawing increasing investor attention. The ADR of $212 sits well below Wisconsin's $368 state average, but lower property acquisition costs help offset that gap, making the revenue-to-price ratio workable for budget-conscious investors.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc

Investors consider Manitowoc for its affordable property values relative to summer tourism revenue, low competition, and proximity to Lake Michigan attractions.

Expert Market Assessment

"Manitowoc presents a moderate opportunity shaped by dramatic seasonality — July and August drive more than five times the revenue of the slowest winter months, so cash-flow planning needs to account for significant off-peak lulls. The ROI score of 63 out of 100 reflects a market where revenue-to-price dynamics and occupancy stability are both in average territory, meaning returns are achievable but not guaranteed without smart operations. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the top revenue generators at $27,080 annually, though their lower 21% occupancy rate means income is concentrated in peak season. Investors who can optimize pricing and minimize vacancy during shoulder months will be best positioned to capitalize here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Manitowoc

Average revenue by month in Manitowoc

Manitowoc's revenue profile is sharply seasonal, with July ($3,483) and August ($3,381) delivering roughly five to six times more than the February low of $626. Investors should plan for a concentrated earning window from June through October and budget for leaner months from December through April.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Manitowoc

Supply is evenly split between 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties at 11 listings each, with only 5 one-bedroom units on the market. The relatively thin 1-bedroom inventory could represent an opportunity for investors targeting budget-conscious travelers or couples seeking a lakeside retreat.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Manitowoc

Three-bedroom properties command a substantial ADR premium at $257, well above the $157 and $148 rates for 1- and 2-bedroom units respectively. Interestingly, 1-bedroom listings slightly outprice 2-bedrooms, suggesting that smaller, well-positioned properties can still capture solid nightly rates in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Manitowoc

One-bedroom listings lead in RevPAN at $64, outperforming both 3-bedroom ($53) and 2-bedroom ($47) units — driven largely by their higher 41% occupancy rate. This suggests that smaller properties, while earning less total revenue, deliver the most efficient per-night returns after accounting for vacancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Manitowoc

Occupancy drops sharply as property size increases: 1-bedroom units fill 41% of available nights, 2-bedrooms hit 32%, and 3-bedrooms manage just 21%. For larger properties, this means revenue is heavily concentrated in peak season, making pricing strategy and shoulder-season marketing especially critical.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Manitowoc

Three-bedroom listings top the monthly revenue rankings at $2,256, followed by 2-bedrooms at $1,756 and 1-bedrooms at $1,061. The roughly $500 monthly gap between each tier suggests that larger properties earn more in absolute terms despite their lower occupancy, thanks to their significantly higher nightly rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Manitowoc

At $27,080 annually, 3-bedroom properties deliver the highest gross revenue in Manitowoc, more than double the $12,740 earned by 1-bedroom units. Two-bedroom listings land in between at $21,073, offering a middle-ground option for investors seeking a balance of revenue potential and acquisition cost.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Manitowoc

Parking (97%) and kitchens (87%) are near-universal among Manitowoc listings, reflecting the market's appeal to road-tripping families and self-catering vacationers. Outdoor amenities like patios (63%), backyards (63%), and BBQ grills (53%) are common, while premium features like lake access (20%) and hot tubs (7%) remain rare — presenting a clear differentiation opportunity for new listings.

Understanding Manitowoc'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

Manitowoc's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue-to-price dynamics, occupancy stability, market growth, and supply-demand balance all register at average levels. No single factor stands out as exceptional, but the overall package — particularly the combination of affordable home values and meaningful summer revenue — creates a viable investment case for operators who can manage seasonal cash-flow swings. Pairing this data with a thorough review of local permitting rules and tax obligations in Manitowoc and Wisconsin will give investors the clearest picture of net returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Manitowoc

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Manitowoc, Wisconsin may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should confirm current requirements directly with the City of Manitowoc and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Wisconsin STR markets can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking provisions for guests, and potential HOA restrictions in certain neighborhoods. It's always wise to review any applicable zoning rules and homeowner association covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state room tax and local municipalities may levy additional transient occupancy or tourism taxes on short-term rentals. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should verify local obligations to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Manitowoc's STR market should continue benefiting from its summer tourism draw, with peak-season monthly revenues likely holding in the $2,700–$3,500 range based on recent trends. The 61% listing growth signals rising investor interest, so new entrants should monitor supply carefully — if the pace continues, occupancy rates (currently 31%) could soften further during off-peak months. ADR may see modest increases of 1–3% as hosts add premium amenities like hot tubs and waterfront access, but investors should plan conservatively for the pronounced winter slowdown that drops revenue below $1,000 in some months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Manitowoc, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Manitowoc?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Manitowoc is currently 31%, which falls below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 41%, while 3-bedroom properties average just 21%. The strong summer seasonality in this lakeside market means occupancy concentrates heavily in the warmer months, and investors should factor in quieter winter periods when planning cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Manitowoc?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Manitowoc earns approximately $22,748 per year, or about $1,895 per month. Earnings vary by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $27,080 annually, 2-bedroom listings bring in around $21,073, and 1-bedroom units earn roughly $12,740. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $3,400, while winter months may dip below $1,000.

Is Manitowoc a good market for Airbnb investment?

Manitowoc scores a 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from low competition (just 30 active listings), affordable property values averaging $364,872, and strong summer tourism demand driven by Lake Michigan. The primary challenge is pronounced seasonality — revenue swings dramatically between summer highs and winter lows. Investors who can manage through off-peak months and differentiate their property with in-demand amenities should find reasonable returns here.

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

The average daily rate in Manitowoc is $212, which is notably lower than the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $157, 2-bedroom listings come in at $148, and 3-bedroom properties command a premium at $257. The relatively modest ADR reflects the market's positioning as an affordable lakeside getaway rather than a luxury destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Manitowoc?

Short-term rentals operate in Manitowoc, with 30 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. As with most Wisconsin municipalities, operators may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities, and state room tax obligations apply. We recommend checking directly with the City of Manitowoc and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for the most current regulatory requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Manitowoc?

Peak season in Manitowoc runs from June through August, when average monthly revenue climbs to $2,702–$3,483. July is the single strongest month, followed closely by August at $3,381. The shoulder months of September and October remain solid at $2,133 and $2,292 respectively. The slowest period is January through April, with February bottoming out at just $626 in average revenue — highlighting the market's heavy dependence on warm-weather tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Manitowoc?

As of late April 2026, there are 30 active Airbnb listings in Manitowoc. The supply is split primarily between 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties (11 each), with 5 one-bedroom listings rounding out the market. Year-over-year, the number of active listings has grown 61%, suggesting increasing investor interest in this small but growing lakeside market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Manitowoc?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Manitowoc 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 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 because each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for supply, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for consistency

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