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

Mauston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mauston, WI is a small but intriguing short-term rental market where favorable property prices relative to revenue give investors an edge that larger Wisconsin markets often can't match. With an average daily rate of $426—well above the state average of $368—and average home values around $396,421, the revenue-to-price ratio stands out as above average. The market is compact at just 25 active Airbnb listings, which keeps competition manageable, though occupancy at 17% sits below the 38% state average, signaling a heavily seasonal demand pattern driven by summer lake and outdoor activity.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mauston 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 Mauston

Investors are drawn to Mauston for its strong revenue-to-price ratio, limited supply, and seasonal tourism appeal centered on Wisconsin's lake country.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mauston presents an attractive but clearly seasonal investment opportunity. Revenue peaks sharply in July ($5,648 average monthly) and August ($5,122), then drops to winter lows around $1,410–$1,520, so cash-flow planning needs to account for several lean months. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance offset softer occupancy numbers, particularly for investors targeting 4-bedroom properties that pull in roughly $40,049 annually. This is a market that rewards operators who optimize for summer traffic and find creative ways to capture shoulder-season bookings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mauston

Average revenue by month in Mauston

Mauston's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal: July leads at $5,648 and August follows at $5,122, while December bottoms out at $1,410—a nearly 4x spread between peak and trough. Investors should expect roughly 55% of annual revenue to concentrate in the June–August window, making summer optimization critical.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mauston

Supply is tightly concentrated across just 17 properties spanning 2- to 4-bedroom sizes, with 3-bedroom units making up the largest share at 7 listings. The even split between 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties (5 each) suggests no single size dominates, though the data hints that larger homes may be underrepresented given their superior revenue performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mauston

ADR climbs steadily from $287 for 2-bedroom listings to $383 for 4-bedroom properties, a 33% premium that reflects the higher guest capacity and amenity expectations of larger vacation homes. The jump from 3-bedroom ($310) to 4-bedroom is the steepest, suggesting the extra bedroom commands outsized pricing power in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mauston

RevPAN tells a dramatic story in Mauston: 4-bedroom properties generate $114 per available night, more than 5x the $21 earned by 2-bedroom units and nearly 3x the $41 for 3-bedrooms. This gap reflects both higher nightly rates and substantially better occupancy for larger properties, making them the clear revenue efficiency leaders.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mauston

Occupancy varies widely by size—4-bedroom listings fill 30% of available nights, while 2-bedroom units manage only 8% and 3-bedrooms land at 13%. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, larger properties in Mauston offer a meaningfully more reliable booking cadence across the calendar.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mauston

Four-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $3,337, outperforming 3-bedrooms ($2,929) by about 14% and 2-bedrooms ($2,048) by over 60%. The revenue gap between the smallest and largest units is substantial enough that the incremental acquisition and operating costs of a bigger property may be well justified.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mauston

On an annual basis, 4-bedroom listings generate roughly $40,049 compared to $35,156 for 3-bedrooms and $24,582 for 2-bedrooms. For investors weighing return potential, the 4-bedroom configuration offers the strongest revenue ceiling in Mauston, earning about $15,000 more per year than the smallest tracked size.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mauston

Parking leads at 92% prevalence, followed by self check-in (76%) and kitchen access (68%)—reflecting the car-dependent, self-service nature of this rural vacation market. Lake access appears in 60% of listings, underscoring its role as a key demand driver, while outdoor amenities like patios, backyards, and BBQ grills signal that guests expect a full lakeside leisure experience.

Understanding Mauston'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

Mauston'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 and a favorable supply/demand balance that keeps competition in check. The score is tempered by below-average occupancy stability and market growth trend, both reflecting the pronounced seasonality and small market size that characterize this lake-country destination. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will give investors the clearest picture of actual return potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mauston

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Mauston, Wisconsin may need to obtain a tourist rooming house license from the state and should verify whether the City of Mauston requires any additional local permits or registration. Investors are encouraged to contact both the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Mauston city offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Wisconsin communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking rules, and potential HOA covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some municipalities also cap the number of permits issued or restrict STRs in certain residential zones, so verifying local zoning is an important due-diligence step.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state sales tax and a room tax on short-term rental accommodations, and Juneau County or the City of Mauston may levy additional local room taxes. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm local tax obligations and filing requirements independently.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mauston's STR performance will likely continue to hinge on the summer peak, with July and August together accounting for the lion's share of annual revenue. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold steady or edge up 1–3% given the market's premium positioning, though occupancy may remain in the 15–20% range unless operators actively target shoulder-season guests with competitive pricing. The 200% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests rising investor interest, but the small base (25 listings) means supply shifts can move market dynamics quickly—something to monitor closely heading into next summer."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mauston, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mauston?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mauston is currently 17%, which falls below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character—demand concentrates in the summer months, with winter seeing much lighter booking activity. Larger properties tend to perform better: 4-bedroom listings average 30% occupancy compared to just 8% for 2-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mauston?

Airbnb hosts in Mauston earn an average of $2,737 per month and approximately $32,851 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size, with 4-bedroom listings averaging $40,049 annually and 2-bedroom units coming in around $24,582. Peak months like July can generate over $5,600, while December revenue may dip to around $1,410.

Is Mauston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mauston scores a 69 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an 'Attractive Opportunity' designation. The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning property costs are reasonable relative to what hosts earn. The main consideration is below-average occupancy stability, so investors should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget accordingly for slower winter months.

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

The average daily rate in Mauston is $426, which exceeds the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR scales with property size—2-bedroom listings average $287, 3-bedrooms average $310, and 4-bedroom properties command $383. The overall market average reflects the premium pricing that lake-area vacation rentals can support, especially during the summer peak.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mauston?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Wisconsin, though operators typically need a tourist rooming house license from the state. The City of Mauston may have additional local requirements, including permits, zoning restrictions, or occupancy standards. We recommend contacting local authorities and reviewing any HOA rules before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mauston?

Peak season in Mauston runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $5,648. August follows closely at $5,122, while June brings in around $3,532. The shoulder months of May and September also see moderate activity, but revenue drops significantly from November through February, with December averaging just $1,410.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mauston?

As of April 2026, there are 25 active Airbnb listings in Mauston. The supply is distributed across 2-bedroom (5 listings), 3-bedroom (7 listings), and 4-bedroom (5 listings) properties. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 200%, though this rapid increase is partly a function of the market's small base.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mauston?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Mauston 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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