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

Northfield Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Northfield, MN presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 72 out of 100, driven by above-average occupancy stability, market growth, and a favorable supply/demand balance. With just 26 active Airbnb listings and 73% year-over-year listing growth, this small college town market is still in an early expansion phase. Average annual revenue sits at $35,950, and while the $188 ADR trails the Minnesota state average of $429, property values averaging $544,819 keep the revenue-to-price ratio in a workable range for investors seeking a lower-competition entry point.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Northfield 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 Northfield

Northfield's combination of low competition, above-average occupancy stability, and favorable supply/demand dynamics makes it a compelling market for investors seeking an under-the-radar college-town opportunity.

Expert Market Assessment

"Northfield earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, reflecting a market where demand fundamentals outpace the current supply. Seasonality is pronounced — July and August each top $4,400 in average monthly revenue, while January dips to around $1,201 — so investors should plan for meaningful off-peak softness from December through March. The above-average supply/demand balance and occupancy stability help offset a market-level ADR that sits well below the state average, and the small listing pool means well-managed properties can stand out. Overall, this is a market that rewards hands-on operators who optimize pricing around seasonal peaks and local events."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Northfield

Average revenue by month in Northfield

Northfield's revenue cycle peaks sharply in summer, with July ($4,489) and August ($4,434) generating roughly 3.5 times more than January's low of $1,201. Investors should expect a strong May-through-October earning window and plan reserves for the quieter winter months when revenue drops below $2,100.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Northfield

The market is dominated by one-bedroom listings, which account for 13 of the tracked properties, with two-bedroom units making up the remaining 6. Larger property sizes appear absent from the current supply, which could signal an untapped opportunity for investors willing to offer more space in this small market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Northfield

Interestingly, one-bedroom properties in Northfield command a higher ADR of $181 compared to $159 for two-bedroom units, suggesting that smaller, well-appointed spaces may be capturing a premium from solo travelers or couples. This inverted pricing dynamic means investors in one-bedroom units can achieve strong nightly rates without the added cost of maintaining a larger property.

Average RevPAN by property size in Northfield

One-bedroom listings lead in RevPAN at $60 per available night, outpacing two-bedroom properties at $41. This $19 gap indicates that one-bedroom units are converting their higher ADR and occupancy into meaningfully better per-night returns after accounting for vacant nights.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Northfield

One-bedroom properties fill at a 34% occupancy rate, noticeably ahead of two-bedroom units at 26%. For cash-flow-focused investors, the smaller format offers more predictable booking frequency, though both sizes trail the 40% Minnesota state average.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Northfield

One-bedroom listings generate an average of $2,885 per month, outperforming two-bedroom properties at $2,525 — a roughly $360 monthly advantage. This revenue gap, combined with lower acquisition and maintenance costs for smaller units, makes one-bedrooms the more efficient earner in Northfield's current market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Northfield

On an annual basis, one-bedroom properties bring in approximately $34,624 versus $30,305 for two-bedroom units. Given the likely lower purchase price of one-bedroom properties, they offer the stronger return profile in Northfield, though two-bedroom listings still represent a viable option for investors seeking slightly differentiated positioning.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Northfield

Parking is a universal offering at 100% of listings, followed closely by kitchen access (92%) and self check-in (77%), reflecting a guest base that values convenience and independence. A dedicated workspace appears in 73% of listings, suggesting meaningful demand from remote workers or visiting academics — an amenity worth prioritizing to stay competitive in this college-town market.

Understanding Northfield's ROI Score: 72/100

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

Northfield's ROI score of 72 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, signaling a market where the fundamentals align well for STR investors. While the revenue-to-price ratio is average, the above-average marks in occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance point to a market with room to run. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough local regulatory research and on-the-ground due diligence to validate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Northfield

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Northfield, Minnesota may need to obtain a short-term rental permit or register with the city before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Northfield and Rice County, as local STR regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar Minnesota markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the number of active STR permits, so checking with local planning departments before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Minnesota are typically subject to state sales tax, local lodging taxes, and potentially a tourism-related assessment. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Northfield's STR market is likely to continue its upward trajectory given the above-average growth trend and still-limited supply of only 26 listings. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months will remain the revenue engine, with ADR potentially climbing 2–4% as demand catches up with the expanding listing base. Occupancy could settle in the 28–33% range annually, with stronger performance from May through October. Investors should monitor whether supply growth outpaces demand, though current conditions favor early movers in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Northfield, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Northfield?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Northfield is currently 30%, which is below the Minnesota state average of 40%. However, occupancy stability in this market is rated above average, meaning hosts tend to see relatively consistent booking patterns rather than extreme swings. One-bedroom listings perform best at 34% occupancy, while two-bedroom units average 26%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Northfield?

Airbnb hosts in Northfield earn an average of $2,995 per month and approximately $35,950 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season — hosts can expect peak earnings around $4,489 in July and softer months like January bringing in closer to $1,201. One-bedroom properties average $34,624 annually, while two-bedroom listings bring in about $30,305.

Is Northfield a good market for Airbnb investment?

Northfield scores a 72 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability, positive growth trends, and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 26 active listings. While the average daily rate of $188 is lower than the state average, limited competition and steady demand — likely driven by the college-town setting — create a viable path to returns for well-positioned properties.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Northfield is $188, compared to the Minnesota state average of $429. One-bedroom properties command a slightly higher ADR of $181, while two-bedroom units average $159. The lower ADR reflects the market's character as a smaller community, but it also means lower guest price sensitivity and more consistent bookings for competitively priced listings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Northfield?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Northfield, MN, but hosts should verify current permit and registration requirements with the City of Northfield and Rice County. Local regulations can change, so it's important to confirm zoning compliance, any permit caps, and applicable tax obligations before listing a property. Consulting with a local real estate attorney or the city planning department is recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Northfield?

Peak season in Northfield runs from May through October, with July being the strongest month at $4,489 in average revenue. August ($4,434) and October ($3,902) are also high-performing months. The off-peak period spans November through March, with January representing the slowest month at roughly $1,201 in average revenue. This seasonal pattern likely reflects summer tourism and academic calendars at local colleges.

How many Airbnbs are there in Northfield?

There are currently 26 active Airbnb listings in Northfield as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 73% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 13 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom listings making up the tracked inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Northfield?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Northfield 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.