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

Nisswa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Nisswa, MN is a classic Minnesota lake-country destination where short-term rental demand concentrates heavily in the summer months, with August revenue averaging $11,895 — nearly seven times the winter lows. With 71 active listings and an average annual revenue of $54,221, the market appeals to investors seeking seasonal vacation-rental income, though average home values of $1,024,600 mean deal sourcing requires discipline. Occupancy sits at 23% overall (well below the 40% state average), reflecting the pronounced seasonality that defines this lakefront-driven market.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Nisswa

Investors are drawn to Nisswa for its strong seasonal vacation demand anchored by Minnesota's lake culture, though higher property prices and concentrated seasonality require thoughtful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Nisswa presents a competitive but narrowly seasonal opportunity. The bulk of revenue is earned in a three-month summer window — June through August alone account for roughly $30,000 of the $54,221 annual average — so investors need to underwrite with realistic off-season expectations. The ROI score of 49 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy metrics offset by below-average growth trends and supply/demand balance, meaning success here hinges on acquiring the right property at the right price rather than riding broad market tailwinds. Shoulder months like May, September, and October do generate meaningful income ($3,483–$4,924), offering some cushion beyond the peak."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Nisswa

Average revenue by month in Nisswa

Nisswa's revenue curve is steeply seasonal: August leads at $11,895 and July follows at $11,601, while April bottoms out at just $1,726 — a nearly 7x spread between peak and trough. Investors should expect to earn the majority of annual income in a roughly 90-day summer window, with meaningful but more modest contributions from the May–October shoulder season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Nisswa

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 22 of the 71 active listings, closely followed by 3-bedroom units at 19. Larger configurations (4- and 5-bedroom) are less common at 9 listings each, which may signal a competitive advantage for investors willing to acquire bigger lakefront homes that match the higher-revenue segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Nisswa

ADR scales consistently with size, from $237 for 2-bedroom units up to $473 for 5-bedroom properties — though 1-bedrooms buck the trend at $291, likely reflecting a mix of premium cabins and smaller lakefront studios. The jump from 3-bedroom ($351) to 4-bedroom ($442) represents the steepest rate increase, suggesting guests place a strong premium on that extra space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Nisswa

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $113, followed by 4-bedrooms at $101, while 2-bedroom units lag at just $53 per available night. This pattern suggests that despite lower occupancy rates, larger homes more than compensate through premium nightly pricing, making them the strongest performers on a per-night revenue basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Nisswa

Occupancy rates cluster tightly between 20% and 26% across all property sizes, with 1-bedroom units leading at 26% and 3-bedrooms trailing at 20%. The narrow spread indicates that seasonality — rather than property size — is the primary driver of occupancy in Nisswa, so cash-flow planning should focus heavily on summer booking windows.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Nisswa

Four-bedroom properties are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $6,785, outpacing every other size including 5-bedrooms ($5,661) and 1-bedrooms ($5,160). Two- and 3-bedroom units generate considerably less at $3,838 and $3,626 respectively, reinforcing that mid-to-large family-sized homes capture the most demand in this lake vacation market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Nisswa

At $81,421 annually, 4-bedroom properties deliver roughly 87% more revenue than 2-bedroom units ($46,060) and nearly double the 3-bedroom average of $43,515. Five-bedroom homes come in second at $67,937, while 1-bedrooms punch above their size at $61,927 — making 4-bedroom configurations the clear top earner for investors evaluating return potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Nisswa

Lake access (85%), kitchen (94%), and parking (93%) are near-universal across Nisswa listings, confirming that guests expect a fully equipped lakefront vacation experience. Amenities like BBQ grills (63%), waterfront access (58%), and self check-in (76%) are also common, signaling that competitive listings need outdoor living features and convenience-focused touches to meet baseline guest expectations.

Understanding Nisswa's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Nisswa's ROI score of 49 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, indicating that while demand exists, investors face headwinds from higher property prices and growing competition. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, but market growth trend and supply/demand balance fall below average — meaning the 231% surge in new listings hasn't been fully matched by demand growth. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting high-performing property types (especially 4-bedroom lakefront homes) will be key to sourcing deals that pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Nisswa

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Nisswa, Minnesota may need to obtain a local permit or register with the city before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Nisswa and Crow Wing County, as regulations can change and may vary by zoning district.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Minnesota lake communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count or septic capacity, minimum stay requirements during peak season, noise ordinances, parking limitations, and waterfront setback rules. HOA covenants in lakefront developments may impose additional STR limitations, so reviewing any association bylaws before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Minnesota are generally subject to state sales tax and may owe local lodging or tourism taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm whether any additional local obligations apply in Nisswa and Crow Wing County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Nisswa's summer peak should continue to anchor the revenue calendar, with July and August likely to sustain average monthly revenues in the $11,000–$12,000 range. However, below-average market growth trends and a supply/demand balance rated below average suggest that the 231% year-over-year increase in active listings could put modest downward pressure on occupancy and rates if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should plan conservatively — anticipating occupancy in the 20–25% range annually — and look for properties that can capture shoulder-season bookings in May, September, and October to smooth out cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Nisswa, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Nisswa?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Nisswa is currently 23%, which is notably below the Minnesota state average of 40%. This lower figure reflects Nisswa's highly seasonal demand profile — summer months drive the vast majority of bookings, while winter occupancy drops significantly. Property sizes range from 20% to 26% occupancy, with 1-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 26%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Nisswa?

Airbnb hosts in Nisswa earn an average of $4,518 per month and approximately $54,221 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies substantially by property size: 4-bedroom properties lead with $81,421 annually, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings average $46,060 and $43,515 respectively. Seasonality plays a major role, with August averaging $11,895 and winter months like January dipping to around $1,740.

Is Nisswa a good market for Airbnb investment?

Nisswa holds a Rabbu ROI Score of 49 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from strong seasonal vacation demand driven by Minnesota lake tourism, but average home values of $1,024,600 and a 23% occupancy rate mean investors need to be selective. Properties with lake access and 4+ bedrooms tend to perform best, and careful deal sourcing is essential to achieve attractive returns given the premium property prices.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Nisswa is $383, slightly below the Minnesota state average of $429. ADR scales meaningfully with property size — 1-bedroom units average $291, while 5-bedroom properties command $473 per night. This pricing structure means larger lakefront homes can capture significant premium rates, particularly during the high-demand summer season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Nisswa?

Short-term rentals do operate in Nisswa, with 71 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, operators should verify local permit requirements, zoning rules, and any applicable regulations with the City of Nisswa and Crow Wing County before purchasing or listing a property. Minnesota lake communities may have specific rules around septic capacity, occupancy limits, and waterfront setbacks that affect STR eligibility.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Nisswa?

Peak season in Nisswa runs from June through August, with July and August standing out as the top-earning months at $11,601 and $11,895 in average revenue respectively. June kicks off the high season at $6,438. The shoulder months of May ($3,483), September ($4,924), and October ($3,594) also contribute meaningful income, while the winter months from November through April represent the slowest period with revenues ranging from roughly $1,726 to $2,518.

How many Airbnbs are there in Nisswa?

There are currently 71 active Airbnb listings in Nisswa as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 231% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 22 listings, followed by 3-bedroom units at 19 listings, while 4-bedroom and 5-bedroom properties each account for 9 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Nisswa?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Nisswa 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 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 Nisswa and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data reflecting current listing standards in the market

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Individual results will vary based on property location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations and tax obligations may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before purchasing.