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

Moorhead Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Moorhead, MN is a compact short-term rental market with just 19 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition landscape in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area. The average daily rate sits at $182—well below the $429 Minnesota state average—while annual revenue averages $20,939 per listing. With occupancy at 36% (slightly under the 40% state average), the market reflects modest but steady demand driven by regional events, university activity, and cross-border visitors from neighboring Fargo, North Dakota.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Moorhead

Moorhead appeals to investors seeking an affordable entry point into a small, low-competition market with cross-border demand from the Fargo-Moorhead metro.

Expert Market Assessment

"Moorhead presents a limited but noteworthy opportunity for STR investors willing to work within a small market. The tight supply of just 19 listings means well-managed properties can stand out, but the 36% occupancy rate and modest $20,939 average annual revenue signal that this isn't a high-yield destination. Seasonality plays a significant role—November ($2,886) and May ($2,695) are clear revenue peaks, while January drops to just $682, creating cash-flow variability that investors need to budget around. This market rewards operators who price strategically and target specific demand windows rather than those expecting year-round saturation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Moorhead

Average revenue by month in Moorhead

Moorhead's revenue swings dramatically through the year, with November ($2,886) and May ($2,695) as clear peaks, while January bottoms out at just $682—a spread of over $2,200. This pronounced seasonality means investors should plan for lean winter months and capitalize on event-driven demand during warmer periods and late fall.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Moorhead

The available size-specific data shows 6 active listings in the 4-bedroom category, which represents a significant portion of Moorhead's total 19 listings. The limited breakdown suggests smaller property sizes may have too few listings to report reliably, potentially signaling an underserved segment worth exploring.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Moorhead

Four-bedroom properties in Moorhead command an ADR of $199, sitting above the market-wide average of $182. This premium reflects the added space and guest capacity, though the relatively modest gap suggests that larger properties offer reasonable value to guests while still providing hosts with better per-night income.

Average RevPAN by property size in Moorhead

Four-bedroom listings generate $46 in RevPAN, which trails the market-wide average of $64, indicating that lower occupancy offsets the higher nightly rate for larger properties. Investors considering 4-bedroom units should focus on improving occupancy through competitive pricing and targeted marketing to close this gap.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Moorhead

Four-bedroom properties average just 23% occupancy, notably below the overall market rate of 36%. This suggests larger homes in Moorhead face more intermittent demand, likely booking around events or group stays, making consistent cash flow a challenge without proactive pricing and guest acquisition strategies.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Moorhead

Despite lower occupancy, 4-bedroom properties still generate $2,408 per month on average—outpacing the market-wide monthly figure of $1,744. The higher nightly rate compensates for fewer booked nights, making these properties the top earners on a per-unit basis in Moorhead.

Average annual revenue by property size in Moorhead

At $28,901 in average annual revenue, 4-bedroom properties deliver roughly 38% more than the market-wide average of $20,939. For investors targeting Moorhead, larger homes appear to offer the strongest return potential, though the lower occupancy rate means revenue is concentrated in fewer, higher-value bookings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Moorhead

Kitchen and parking are universal (100%) across Moorhead listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like stays and the car-dependent nature of the region. Self check-in (90%) and backyard access (74%) are also prevalent, while differentiators like hot tubs (16%) and lake access (5%) remain rare and could help a property stand out in this small market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Moorhead

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Moorhead, Minnesota may need to obtain a rental permit or business license from the city. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Moorhead and Clay County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Minnesota communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may also impose additional limitations on short-term rentals, so reviewing any applicable association rules is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Minnesota requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit state sales tax and local lodging taxes, though platforms like Airbnb often handle collection on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and any applicable Clay County or Moorhead tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Moorhead's STR market is expected to maintain its current trajectory of moderate demand. Seasonal revenue data shows strong months in May, July, August, and November, suggesting event-driven and summer travel will continue to anchor performance. ADR may see incremental gains of 1–3% as supply remains limited, though occupancy is likely to hover in the 34–40% range given the market's size. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality, with softer months like January potentially generating less than a quarter of peak-month revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Moorhead, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Moorhead?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Moorhead, MN is currently 36%, which is slightly below the Minnesota state average of 40%. Occupancy varies by property size and season, with certain peak months driving higher booking rates. Individual results can differ based on pricing strategy, property quality, and guest reviews.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Moorhead?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Moorhead earn approximately $1,744 per month and $20,939 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Four-bedroom properties tend to outperform, averaging about $2,408 per month and $28,901 annually. Actual earnings depend on factors like property condition, amenities, pricing, and seasonal demand.

Is Moorhead a good market for Airbnb investment?

Moorhead offers a low-competition environment with only 19 active Airbnb listings, which can be appealing for investors looking to establish a presence without battling heavy supply. However, the market's 36% occupancy rate and moderate annual revenue of around $20,939 mean returns are modest compared to larger destination markets. It can work well for investors with low acquisition costs who are prepared to manage seasonal fluctuations, particularly if they target larger properties that command higher nightly rates.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Moorhead is $182, which is significantly below the Minnesota state average of $429. Four-bedroom properties command a slightly higher ADR of $199. The lower rate reflects Moorhead's positioning as an affordable regional market rather than a premium vacation destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Moorhead?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Moorhead, MN, but hosts may need to secure permits or licenses from the city. Regulations can change, so it's important to check directly with the City of Moorhead and review any HOA or neighborhood covenants that might apply to your specific property before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Moorhead?

Peak season in Moorhead spans several months with notable revenue spikes. November leads with an average of $2,886 in monthly revenue, followed by May at $2,695, August at $2,497, and July at $2,424. January is the slowest month at just $682, reflecting the sharp seasonality that characterizes this northern Minnesota market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Moorhead?

As of April 2026, there are 19 active Airbnb listings in Moorhead, MN. This is a very small market by most standards, which means less competition for hosts but also reflects more limited overall demand. The low supply could represent an opportunity for investors who can differentiate their property with quality amenities and competitive pricing.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Moorhead?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Moorhead 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since 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 Moorhead, MN market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing performance
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from historical booking data across comparable listings
• Supply distribution and performance breakdowns by property size
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and aggregated for market-level consistency

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 performance and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.