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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

71 / 100

Merrillan offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Merrillan Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Merrillan, WI is a small but compelling short-term rental market where favorable revenue-to-price dynamics stand out for investors looking beyond crowded metro areas. With an average annual revenue of $36,757 against average home values of $394,011, the market offers an above-average yield ratio relative to state peers. The market's 18 active listings and 57% year-over-year listing growth signal rising investor interest, while lake and waterfront access at a notable share of properties hints at the outdoor recreation demand driving bookings.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 18
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $368 state avg. $301
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 38% state avg. 24%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $72
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $3,063
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $36,757

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Merrillan

Merrillan attracts investor attention because its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and limited supply create room for above-average yields in a recreation-driven Wisconsin market.

Key investment factors

  • Above-average revenue-to-price ratio supports stronger cash-flow relative to acquisition costs
  • Small supply of just 18 active listings reduces direct competition for bookings
  • Lake access and outdoor recreation amenities drive seasonal tourism demand
  • 57% year-over-year listing growth reflects rising market awareness without saturation yet
  • Lower average daily rate of $301 vs. $368 state average keeps guest expectations accessible

Expert Market Assessment

"Merrillan presents an attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to target a niche, recreation-oriented Wisconsin market. The ROI score of 71 out of 100 reflects a healthy balance of above-average revenue-to-price performance and favorable supply-demand conditions, offset by average occupancy stability. Seasonality is pronounced — September leads with $4,420 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $1,721 — so investors should budget for meaningful cash-flow swings between peak and off-peak periods. Properties with lake or waterfront access are well-positioned to capture premium bookings during the busy summer-to-fall stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Merrillan's ROI Score: 71/100

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

Factor Merrillan Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Above average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Above average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Merrillan's ROI score of 71 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 manageable. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both score as average, reflecting the seasonal nature of demand and the market's still-emerging status. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough research into local permitting requirements and property-specific factors to validate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Merrillan

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Merrillan, Wisconsin may need to obtain a tourist rooming house license through the state's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and should check with Jackson County or the Village of Merrillan for any local registration or permit requirements. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current rules with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in Wisconsin communities include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Some areas also impose caps on the number of permits issued, and HOA or deed restrictions may further limit short-term rental activity in certain neighborhoods.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin requires STR operators to collect and remit state sales tax and a room tax, which varies by municipality. Many booking platforms handle state-level tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm local room tax obligations with Merrillan or Jackson County directly.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Merrillan

Financing an Airbnb investment in Merrillan requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Merrillan Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Merrillan's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with revenue peaking from June through October and softer months in winter. Given the above-average supply/demand balance and steady market growth trend, ADR could edge up 1–3% as new hosts calibrate pricing to a still-limited competitive set. Occupancy rates, currently averaging 24%, may stabilize in the 22–28% range market-wide, though well-positioned properties near lake access could outperform. Investors should watch whether the 57% year-over-year listing growth moderates, as oversupply could pressure per-listing revenue if demand doesn't keep pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Merrillan, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Merrillan?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Merrillan is currently 24%, which is below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This reflects the market's seasonal nature, with demand concentrated in the warmer months. Properties with desirable amenities like lake access or waterfront location may achieve higher occupancy than the market average.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Merrillan?
Airbnb hosts in Merrillan earn an average of $3,063 per month, which works out to roughly $36,757 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by season, with peak months like September averaging $4,420 and slower months like January averaging around $1,721. Three-bedroom properties tend to outperform the market average, bringing in about $40,867 annually.
Is Merrillan a good market for Airbnb investment?
Merrillan scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance with just 18 active listings. Investors should be prepared for seasonal fluctuations and do their due diligence on local regulations, but the fundamentals look promising for those targeting a recreation-driven niche market.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Merrillan?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Merrillan is $301, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of $368. Three-bedroom properties — the dominant property size in this market — average an ADR of $260. The relatively accessible price point can appeal to families and groups seeking outdoor recreation getaways without paying resort-level rates.
Are short-term rentals legal in Merrillan?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Wisconsin, though operators typically need to obtain a tourist rooming house license at the state level. Local regulations in Merrillan or Jackson County may impose additional permit or registration requirements. Investors should verify the latest rules with local authorities and check for any HOA or deed restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Merrillan?
Peak season in Merrillan runs from approximately June through October, with September being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,420 in revenue. July and August also perform strongly at $4,223 and $3,990, respectively. The winter months are notably slower, with January averaging just $1,721, making this a market where seasonal cash-flow planning is essential.
How many Airbnbs are there in Merrillan?
There are currently 18 active Airbnb listings in Merrillan as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 57% year-over-year increase in active listings. Despite this growth, the overall supply remains quite small, which means competition is limited but individual listings can have an outsized impact on market-level averages.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Merrillan?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Merrillan 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 up the remainder 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 Merrillan market
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
  • Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Merrillan's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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