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

Montello Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Montello, WI is a small lakeside market in central Wisconsin that punches above its weight for short-term rental investors. With an average annual revenue of $32,045 against average home values of $381,713, the revenue-to-price ratio sits above average — a standout in a state where ADR averages $368 compared to Montello's $202 but where acquisition costs are significantly lower. The market's 81% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, and the supply remains tiny at just 20 active Airbnb listings, leaving room for well-positioned properties to capture demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Montello 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 Montello

Montello's combination of low property acquisition costs relative to STR revenue, a tiny supply base, and strong seasonal lakefront demand makes it a compelling niche market for investors seeking above-average yield in Wisconsin.

Expert Market Assessment

"Montello earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 70 out of 100, reflecting a market where relatively low property costs combine with meaningful summer revenue to produce solid yield potential. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here — July revenue ($5,435) is more than five times April's ($1,029), so investors need to budget for a pronounced off-peak period from late fall through early spring. That said, the small supply of just 20 listings and above-average growth trends suggest this market hasn't reached saturation, giving early movers a competitive edge. Investors who can weather the quieter months and maximize the June-through-August window stand to benefit most."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Montello

Average revenue by month in Montello

Montello's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, with July ($5,435) and August ($5,170) delivering nearly ten times the revenue of the slowest month, April ($1,029). Investors should expect roughly 60% of annual income to concentrate in the June–September window, making cash reserve planning essential for the quieter winter and early spring months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Montello

The market's 20 active listings split primarily between two-bedroom units (9 listings) and three-bedroom properties (5 listings), with no data on other sizes. This concentrated supply suggests potential opportunity for investors considering larger or uniquely sized properties that could stand out in a small competitive field.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Montello

Three-bedroom properties command a $257 ADR compared to $209 for two-bedroom units — a 23% premium that reflects the added space and group capacity valued by lake vacationers. Given that the ADR gap is meaningful while acquisition cost differences between these sizes can be modest, three-bedroom properties may offer a stronger rate-to-cost trade-off.

Average RevPAN by property size in Montello

Three-bedroom listings lead with a RevPAN of $75 versus $58 for two-bedroom properties, indicating that the larger units not only charge more per night but also convert that rate into better revenue efficiency after accounting for occupancy. This $17 per-night gap compounds over a full year into a meaningful revenue advantage.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Montello

Occupancy rates are remarkably similar across property sizes, with two-bedroom units at 28% and three-bedroom properties at 29%. This parity means the revenue difference between sizes is driven almost entirely by nightly rate rather than booking frequency, giving both configurations comparable cash-flow predictability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Montello

Three-bedroom properties edge out two-bedroom units with average monthly revenue of $3,212 versus $3,028 — a modest but consistent advantage. The relatively narrow $184 monthly gap suggests that both property sizes perform well, though three-bedroom homes offer slightly better returns for the additional space.

Average annual revenue by property size in Montello

On an annual basis, three-bedroom properties generate approximately $38,552 compared to $36,347 for two-bedroom units, a difference of about $2,200. Both configurations deliver solid revenue relative to Montello's average home values of $381,713, yielding gross returns in the 9.5–10.1% range before expenses.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Montello

Parking (100%), kitchen (95%), and BBQ grill (90%) are near-universal in Montello's listings, reflecting the outdoor-oriented, self-sufficient vacation experience guests expect in a lakeside market. Notably, 65% of listings advertise lake access or waterfront — a premium amenity that investors should prioritize, while only 20% offer a hot tub, suggesting an opportunity to differentiate.

Understanding Montello's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Montello's ROI score of 70 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the single most heavily weighted factor at 40%. Growth trends and supply-demand balance also score above average, while occupancy stability comes in at average, reflecting the market's pronounced seasonality. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to fully evaluate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Montello

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Montello, Wisconsin may need to obtain a tourist rooming house license through Marquette County and comply with state-level requirements administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Wisconsin communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to specific properties, so it's important to review all governing documents before purchasing an investment property in the Montello area.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state room tax and a county room tax on short-term rental stays, and operators are responsible for collecting and remitting these taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to ensure compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Montello's summer-driven demand cycle should continue to anchor revenue, with July and August likely generating $5,000+ per month for competitive listings. Given the above-average market growth trend and favorable supply-demand dynamics, ADR could see modest gains of 1–3% as the area's appeal to lake-goers and outdoor enthusiasts grows. Occupancy, currently at 27%, may tick up slightly as the destination gains visibility, though investors should plan conservatively for shoulder and winter months that can dip below $1,500 in revenue. Overall, Rabbu's models estimate continued steady improvement for this micro-market, though individual results will depend on property positioning and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Montello, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Montello?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Montello is currently 27%, which sits below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — summer months drive the bulk of bookings, while off-peak periods bring lower demand. Investors should factor this seasonal pattern into their financial planning.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Montello?

Airbnb hosts in Montello earn an average of $2,670 per month and approximately $32,045 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by season, with July averaging $5,435 and quieter months like April dropping to around $1,029. Three-bedroom properties tend to earn slightly more, averaging $38,552 annually compared to $36,347 for two-bedroom units.

Is Montello a good market for Airbnb investment?

Montello scores a 70 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, favorable supply-demand balance, and above-average growth trends. While occupancy is moderate and highly seasonal, the low competition (only 20 active listings) and affordable home values relative to revenue potential make it an appealing option for investors comfortable with a lake-tourism-driven market.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Montello is $202, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. However, this lower ADR is paired with significantly lower property acquisition costs, which contributes to the market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio. Three-bedroom properties command a higher ADR of $257 compared to $209 for two-bedroom listings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Montello?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Montello, WI, though operators may need to obtain appropriate permits or licenses at the county and state level. Wisconsin requires tourist rooming house licenses for most STR operations. We recommend verifying specific local regulations with Marquette County and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Montello?

Peak season in Montello runs from June through August, driven by lake tourism and outdoor recreation. July is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $5,435, closely followed by August at $5,170 and June at $3,363. The off-peak period stretches from November through April, with April being the softest month at $1,029 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Montello?

There are currently 20 active Airbnb listings in Montello as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth with an 81% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in two-bedroom (9 listings) and three-bedroom (5 listings) properties, suggesting room for new entrants in this still-small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Montello?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Montello 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 approach 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 Montello, WI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Revenue estimates by month and property size derived from historical booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value data sourced from the 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 current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.