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

Onalaska Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Onalaska, WI is a compact short-term rental market with just 18 active Airbnb listings, offering a relatively uncrowded playing field for investors willing to target the right property type. With an average daily rate of $185—roughly half the Wisconsin state average—and an average annual revenue of $23,576 across all listings, the market leans toward affordability rather than premium pricing. The area's proximity to the Mississippi River bluffs and outdoor recreation likely drives seasonal demand, with summer months showing the strongest revenue performance.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Onalaska

Investors look at Onalaska for its low competition, strong seasonal outdoor recreation demand, and the outsized performance gap between larger and smaller properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Onalaska represents a modest but focused opportunity in western Wisconsin's recreational corridor. The market's small supply of 18 listings keeps competition manageable, though overall revenue levels are moderate—averaging $1,964 per month across property types. Seasonality is pronounced: revenues roughly triple from January's $884 low to May's $2,662 peak, so investors should plan cash flow around a strong May-through-October window with leaner winter months. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the clear performers, commanding higher occupancy and significantly better revenue per available night than one-bedrooms."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Onalaska

Average revenue by month in Onalaska

Revenue in Onalaska follows a clear seasonal pattern, peaking in May at $2,662 and bottoming out in January at just $884—a 3x spread that underscores the importance of summer and fall bookings. The warm-season plateau from May through October keeps monthly revenue above $2,200, giving hosts a solid six-month earning window before the winter slowdown.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Onalaska

The market's 18 listings are heavily concentrated in one-bedroom units (11 listings), with three-bedroom properties making up just 5 listings. Given the dramatically better performance of three-bedroom homes, the one-bedroom segment appears relatively oversupplied, potentially signaling opportunity for investors who can offer larger accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Onalaska

ADR more than doubles from $138 for one-bedroom units to $307 for three-bedroom properties, reflecting strong guest willingness to pay a premium for additional space. The per-bedroom premium is substantial, making larger properties the more efficient earners on a nightly-rate basis in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Onalaska

Three-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $178—more than six times the $29 earned by one-bedroom properties—driven by both higher nightly rates and significantly better occupancy. This stark gap makes three-bedroom homes the clear revenue engine in Onalaska's STR landscape.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Onalaska

Three-bedroom properties maintain a 58% occupancy rate, well above the one-bedroom average of 21%, suggesting that guests seeking Onalaska accommodations strongly prefer larger units suited for families or groups. The low occupancy among one-bedrooms raises cash-flow concerns for that property type and may reflect oversupply relative to demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Onalaska

Three-bedroom listings average $3,424 per month compared to $1,289 for one-bedrooms, a gap of over $2,100 that reflects the compounding effect of higher rates and stronger occupancy. Investors considering Onalaska should weigh whether the higher acquisition cost of a three-bedroom is justified by its substantially larger revenue stream.

Average annual revenue by property size in Onalaska

At $41,094 annually, three-bedroom properties generate roughly 2.7 times the $15,475 earned by one-bedroom units, making them the standout configuration for return potential. This revenue differential is large enough to meaningfully impact investment underwriting and suggests the market rewards properties that can accommodate groups.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Onalaska

Parking is universally offered (100%), while backyards, self check-in, and patios appear in over 70% of listings—signaling that guests expect a comfortable, independent outdoor experience. Lake access (50%) and waterfront location (33%) further highlight the recreational character of the market, and investors who can offer these features may gain a competitive edge.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Onalaska

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Onalaska, WI should verify whether a local permit or tourist rooming house license is required, as Wisconsin state law generally requires registration for properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Investors are encouraged to check with the City of Onalaska and La Crosse County for the most current requirements before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to property size, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA rules depending on the neighborhood. Some Wisconsin municipalities also impose minimum stay requirements or cap the number of STR permits issued in certain zones, so reviewing local zoning and any pending ordinance changes is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state sales tax and a room tax on short-term rentals, and La Crosse County or the City of Onalaska may levy additional local room taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their local tax obligations to remain compliant.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Onalaska's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with monthly revenues peaking in the $2,500–$2,700 range from May through October before tapering during winter. Three-bedroom properties appear particularly well-positioned, as their 58% occupancy rate and $41,094 annual revenue suggest steady group and family demand that could strengthen as outdoor tourism continues to grow in western Wisconsin. ADR may see modest increases of 1–3% as the market matures, though the small listing count means individual property performance could vary meaningfully from market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Onalaska, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Onalaska?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Onalaska is currently 35%, which sits slightly below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. However, performance varies significantly by property size—three-bedroom listings average 58% occupancy, while one-bedrooms come in at just 21%. Choosing the right property configuration can make a substantial difference in how consistently your calendar stays booked.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Onalaska?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Onalaska earn approximately $1,964 per month or $23,576 per year based on historical booking performance. Three-bedroom properties significantly outperform, pulling in an average of $3,424 per month ($41,094 annually), compared to $1,289 per month ($15,475 annually) for one-bedroom units. Individual results depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, amenities, and guest reviews.

Is Onalaska a good market for Airbnb investment?

Onalaska offers a niche opportunity for STR investors, particularly those targeting family-sized properties. The market has very limited competition with only 18 active listings, and three-bedroom homes demonstrate strong occupancy (58%) and meaningful annual revenue ($41,094). The trade-off is pronounced seasonality and below-state-average metrics overall, so investors should carefully match their property type and financial expectations to the market's characteristics.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Onalaska is $185, which is well below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR scales considerably with size: one-bedroom properties average $138 per night, while three-bedroom listings command $307. The lower rate structure reflects the market's focus on accessible outdoor recreation rather than luxury or urban tourism.

Are short-term rentals legal in Onalaska?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Onalaska, WI, but operators should verify local permit requirements with the City of Onalaska and La Crosse County. Wisconsin requires tourist rooming house licenses for properties rented for under 30 consecutive days, and local zoning or ordinance rules may add additional requirements. We recommend consulting local authorities and, if applicable, reviewing any HOA restrictions before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Onalaska?

Peak season in Onalaska runs from May through October, when average monthly revenue ranges from approximately $2,297 to $2,662. May leads the pack at $2,662, likely driven by the start of the outdoor recreation season along the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs. The slowest month is January at $884, so hosts should plan for a notable revenue dip during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Onalaska?

As of April 2026, there are 18 active Airbnb listings in Onalaska. The supply is split between one-bedroom properties (11 listings) and three-bedroom properties (5 listings), with the remainder falling into other configurations. This small inventory means less direct competition but also indicates the market is still developing for short-term rentals.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Onalaska?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Onalaska 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Onalaska, WI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size and time period
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings
• 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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, amenities, and management quality.