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

Merrifield Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Merrifield, Minnesota is a small but compelling lakeside vacation rental market with just 15 active Airbnb listings and dramatic seasonal revenue swings that peak in the summer months. Average annual revenue reaches $74,015 per listing, driven by an ADR of $391 and strong summer demand, though overall occupancy sits at 21% — well below the 40% state average. The market's ultra-low supply and lake-focused appeal create a niche opportunity for investors who can capitalize on the short but lucrative peak season.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Merrifield short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Merrifield

Merrifield appeals to investors seeking a low-competition, high-ADR vacation rental market anchored by Minnesota's popular lake recreation scene.

Expert Market Assessment

"Merrifield represents a seasonal opportunity with outsized summer earnings but limited off-peak demand. The combination of a $391 ADR and $74,015 average annual revenue across just 15 listings points to a market where supply is constrained and guests are willing to pay well for lakefront access. However, occupancy at 21% — roughly half the Minnesota state average — underscores the reality that this is a warm-weather market. Investors who price competitively during peak months and manage expenses carefully through winter can extract meaningful returns from this small but focused market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Merrifield

Average revenue by month in Merrifield

Merrifield's seasonality is extreme — August leads at $16,237 and July at $15,838, while January bottoms out at just $2,374, creating a roughly 7:1 ratio between peak and trough months. Investors should anticipate earning the bulk of their annual income in a concentrated June–August window, with May and September providing moderate shoulder-season support.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Merrifield

Property size breakdowns are not available for Merrifield's 15 active listings, likely due to the market's small scale. Investors should research individual listing sizes directly to gauge which bedroom configurations are most common or underserved.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Merrifield

ADR data by property size is not currently available for this market. With an overall ADR of $391, investors can expect lakefront properties with more bedrooms to command higher nightly rates, though specific size-based pricing should be validated through comparable listing research.

Average RevPAN by property size in Merrifield

RevPAN breakdowns by bedroom count are not available for Merrifield. The market-wide RevPAN of $80 reflects the impact of low occupancy on otherwise strong daily rates, and investors should evaluate how their specific property type might outperform or trail this figure.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Merrifield

Occupancy data by property size is not available for this small market. The 21% average occupancy across all listings signals that most properties sit empty for large stretches outside peak summer months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Merrifield

Monthly revenue breakdowns by property size are not currently reported for Merrifield. Given the market-wide average of $6,167 per month, larger lakefront homes likely skew well above this figure during summer while smaller properties may fall below.

Average annual revenue by property size in Merrifield

Annual revenue by property size is not available, though the overall average of $74,015 provides a useful baseline. Investors targeting larger group-friendly lake houses may see earnings above this average, given the premium pricing lakefront properties tend to command.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Merrifield

Every listing in Merrifield offers a backyard and kitchen, while 87% include a BBQ grill, outdoor furniture, parking, a washer, and waterfront access — underscoring that guests expect a full lake vacation experience. Lake access appears in 73% of listings and beach access in 53%, signaling that water proximity is nearly table stakes for competing in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Merrifield

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Merrifield, Minnesota may need to register or obtain a permit through Crow Wing County or the local township, as STR regulations in rural Minnesota communities can vary. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and septic system capacity rules — particularly relevant for lakefront properties. HOA or lake association covenants could also impose additional limitations on rental frequency or guest counts.

Tax Obligations

Minnesota imposes a state sales tax and may require collection of local lodging taxes on short-term rental income. Major booking platforms typically handle tax collection in the state, but hosts should confirm compliance with county-level obligations as well.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Merrifield's revenue trajectory over the next 12–18 months will continue to hinge on its intense summer seasonality, with July and August likely accounting for the lion's share of annual income. Investors should expect occupancy to remain concentrated in the June–September window, with modest shoulder-season activity in May and October. ADR may hold steady or see a 2–4% uptick as lakefront vacation demand in the Brainerd Lakes region remains popular, though winter months will stay soft. Planning for 4–5 months of meaningful revenue with a long quiet season is essential for realistic cash-flow modeling."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Merrifield, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Merrifield?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Merrifield is currently 21%, which falls below the Minnesota state average of 40%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal nature — demand is heavily concentrated in the summer lake season, with much lighter booking activity during the colder months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Merrifield?

Airbnb hosts in Merrifield earn an average of $6,167 per month and approximately $74,015 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue is heavily weighted toward summer, with August alone averaging $16,237 per listing, while winter months like January drop to around $2,374.

Is Merrifield a good market for Airbnb investment?

Merrifield can be a strong fit for investors comfortable with seasonal income patterns. The market offers a high average daily rate of $391, very limited competition with only 15 active listings, and summer months that generate exceptional revenue. The trade-off is low occupancy outside the June–September window, so investors should model for concentrated peak-season earnings rather than year-round cash flow.

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

The average daily rate in Merrifield is $391, which is slightly below the Minnesota state average of $429. This reflects the premium guests are willing to pay for lakefront and waterfront vacation properties in the Brainerd Lakes region.

Are short-term rentals legal in Merrifield?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Merrifield, but specific permit, licensing, or zoning requirements may apply at the county or township level. Investors should consult Crow Wing County and local authorities for the most up-to-date regulations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Merrifield?

Peak season in Merrifield runs from June through August, with July and August being the standout months. August averages $16,237 in monthly revenue per listing, and July follows closely at $15,838. Shoulder months like May and September see moderate activity, while November through April represents the off-season.

How many Airbnbs are there in Merrifield?

As of April 2026, there are 15 active Airbnb listings in Merrifield. This very limited supply means new listings face minimal direct competition, though the small market size also means there is a natural ceiling on total demand.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Merrifield?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Merrifield 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This 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, 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 Merrifield market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends based on trailing 12-month data
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics derived from historical booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and aggregated for market-level accuracy

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics 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 as of April 2026 and may not capture recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — always verify with local authorities before investing.