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

Mercer Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mercer, WI is a small Northwoods market that punches above its weight for short-term rental investors drawn to lakefront getaways and outdoor recreation. With just 27 active Airbnb listings and a 93% year-over-year growth rate in supply, the market is clearly gaining traction. Average annual revenue sits at $29,289 against a $483,625 average home value, and the ROI score of 61 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity worth closer examination. Strong summer peaks and a favorable supply/demand balance make this a compelling niche market for the right property.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mercer 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 Mercer

Mercer's combination of growing demand, limited supply, and a recreation-driven tourism base makes it a compelling market for investors seeking seasonal revenue with manageable competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mercer presents a genuinely attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with seasonal revenue patterns. The market's strength centers on its summer peak — July alone averages $5,115 in monthly revenue — while the quieter months of March, April, and November dip below $1,200. This pronounced seasonality keeps the annual occupancy rate at 37%, slightly below the Wisconsin average, but the above-average growth trend and tight supply/demand dynamics help offset that softness. Investors who can weather the off-season months stand to benefit from a market that's still early in its growth cycle with limited competition."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mercer

Average revenue by month in Mercer

Mercer's revenue is highly seasonal, with July ($5,115) and August ($4,329) driving the bulk of annual income while April ($852) and November ($999) represent the softest months. The nearly 6x spread between peak and trough months underscores the importance of summer marketing strategy and the potential value of winter recreation demand, which supports January ($2,682) and February ($2,458) revenue.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mercer

Supply is concentrated in two-bedroom (13 listings) and three-bedroom (10 listings) properties, with no other bedroom counts represented in the active inventory. This narrow distribution could signal an opportunity for investors considering one-bedroom or four-plus-bedroom configurations to differentiate in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mercer

ADR scales modestly from $233 for two-bedroom properties to $265 for three-bedroom units, a premium of roughly 14%. Given that two-bedroom units generate higher RevPAN and occupancy, the extra nightly rate for three-bedrooms doesn't fully compensate for their lower booking frequency.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mercer

Two-bedroom properties deliver $90 in RevPAN versus $86 for three-bedroom units, indicating that the smaller configuration produces slightly better revenue per available night after accounting for occupancy differences. The gap is narrow but consistent with the higher occupancy rates seen in two-bedroom listings.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mercer

Two-bedroom properties maintain a 39% occupancy rate compared to 33% for three-bedroom units, a meaningful 6-percentage-point advantage. For investors prioritizing consistent booking volume and cash-flow predictability, two-bedroom properties appear to be the stronger bet in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mercer

Two-bedroom listings generate $2,355 in average monthly revenue, outpacing three-bedroom properties at $1,703 by nearly 38%. This gap is primarily driven by the occupancy advantage that two-bedroom units enjoy rather than rate differences.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mercer

At $28,267 annually, two-bedroom properties significantly outperform three-bedroom units ($20,436), making the smaller configuration the more compelling revenue play in Mercer. Investors should weigh these figures against acquisition and operating costs for each property type to determine the best return profile.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mercer

Parking (96%), kitchen (93%), and self check-in (78%) are near-universal among Mercer listings, reflecting the remote, drive-to nature of the destination. Notably, 67% of listings advertise waterfront access and 63% offer lake access, signaling that lakeside positioning is a major competitive differentiator — and likely a guest expectation — in this market.

Understanding Mercer's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Mercer's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven by above-average market growth and a favorable supply/demand balance that benefits from just 27 active listings. The score is tempered by an average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average occupancy stability, both reflective of the market's seasonal demand profile. Investors should pair these data points with local regulatory research and property-level financial analysis to validate the opportunity for their specific investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mercer

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Mercer, Wisconsin may be required to obtain a tourist rooming house license through Iron County or the state of Wisconsin. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions for short-term rentals in Wisconsin communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA and lake association rules may also apply to specific properties, particularly those on waterfront lots, so reviewing covenants is an essential step in due diligence.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state room tax and local municipalities may levy additional lodging or tourism taxes on short-term rentals. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with Iron County and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mercer's short-term rental market is likely to continue benefiting from above-average growth trends and a favorable supply/demand balance, though investors should watch whether the rapid 93% listing growth begins to pressure occupancy. Summer will remain the primary revenue engine, with July and August alone capable of generating $4,300–$5,100 per month, while shoulder seasons like September and June should hold steady. ADR may see modest increases of 2–5% as the market matures and hosts optimize pricing, but occupancy could stay in the 35–40% range annually given the seasonal nature of demand. Overall, we estimate the market will maintain its current revenue trajectory with potential upside for well-positioned lakefront properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mercer, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mercer?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mercer is currently 37%, which is just slightly below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. Occupancy is heavily seasonal, with the strongest bookings concentrated in the summer months. Two-bedroom properties lead with 39% occupancy, while three-bedroom listings average around 33%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mercer?

Airbnb hosts in Mercer earn an average of $2,440 per month and approximately $29,289 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by season — July is the peak month at $5,115, while April is the slowest at just $852. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform three-bedroom units in this market, averaging $28,267 annually versus $20,436.

Is Mercer a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mercer scores a 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a favorable supply/demand balance, with only 27 active listings serving the area. The main consideration is below-average occupancy stability due to strong seasonality, but investors who plan for quieter off-season months can still achieve solid annual returns.

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

The average daily rate in Mercer is $248, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR ranges from $233 for two-bedroom properties to $265 for three-bedroom listings. While the nightly rate is more modest than statewide figures, it reflects the market's rural, recreation-focused character and still supports meaningful revenue during peak months.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mercer?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Mercer, Wisconsin, though operators may need to obtain a tourist rooming house license and comply with local regulations. Requirements can vary, so prospective investors should check with Iron County and state authorities to confirm current permitting rules, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mercer?

Peak season in Mercer runs from June through September, with July as the standout month at $5,115 in average revenue. August follows closely at $4,329, while September and June generate $2,988 and $2,638, respectively. The winter months of January and February also show respectable performance around $2,400–$2,700, likely driven by snowmobiling and winter recreation demand.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mercer?

There are currently 27 active Airbnb listings in Mercer as of April 2026. The supply is split between two-bedroom properties (13 listings) and three-bedroom properties (10 listings). Notably, the market has seen 93% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating that investor and host interest is rising quickly.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mercer?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Mercer 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This methodology anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 Mercer market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Trailing 12-month revenue and yield metrics based on historical booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data sourced from 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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, zoning, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.