Polson, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Polson Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Polson, MT sits on the southern shore of Flathead Lake — Montana's largest natural freshwater lake — and draws seasonal visitors looking for waterfront recreation and mountain scenery. With just 37 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $52,122 per property, it's a small but highly seasonal market where a well-positioned property can earn meaningful income during peak months. The average daily rate of $310 sits below Montana's $443 state average, yet the concentrated summer demand and limited supply create a competitive landscape worth evaluating carefully.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Polson 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 Polson

Polson appeals to investors seeking a niche lakefront vacation rental market with strong summer demand, though the compressed season and rising supply require careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Polson represents a competitive opportunity with a pronounced seasonal profile. April stands out as a revenue outlier at $14,476 per listing, while July ($9,649) and August ($8,097) form the traditional summer peak — the contrast with winter months like January ($858) and February ($929) underscores how dependent this market is on warm-weather demand. The 20% average occupancy rate trails Montana's 47% state average significantly, reflecting both the short high season and the recent 155% increase in supply. Investors who can secure properties with lake access or waterfront positioning and price competitively during shoulder months stand the best chance of exceeding market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Polson

Average revenue by month in Polson

Polson's revenue profile is extremely seasonal, with April ($14,476) generating nearly 17 times more than January ($858). July and August form a strong summer core at $9,649 and $8,097 respectively, while November through March all fall below $1,500 — meaning investors should plan for five to six months of relatively thin cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Polson

One- and two-bedroom listings dominate supply with 12 and 10 units respectively, while three-bedroom properties are the scarcest at just 5 listings. The relatively low count of larger homes (6 four-bedrooms) alongside their outsized revenue potential could signal an opportunity for investors targeting that segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Polson

ADR nearly quadruples from $156 for one-bedroom units to $580 for four-bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering a meaningful rate premium. The jump from three bedrooms ($275) to four bedrooms ($580) is particularly steep, suggesting strong guest willingness to pay for larger lakefront or family-sized accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Polson

Four-bedroom properties lead convincingly with a RevPAN of $138, more than double the next-best segment (two-bedrooms at $52). Three-bedroom listings trail at just $27, reflecting their low 10% occupancy — a signal that mid-sized properties in this market may struggle to fill nights consistently.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Polson

One-bedroom, two-bedroom, and four-bedroom properties cluster around 23–24% occupancy, while three-bedroom listings lag notably at just 10%. The relatively uniform occupancy among other sizes suggests demand is consistent across guest group types, but the three-bedroom dip may indicate either pricing misalignment or excess supply relative to demand for that configuration.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Polson

Four-bedroom properties earn an average of $10,465 per month — roughly 2.4 times the two-bedroom average of $4,296 and more than 3.5 times the one-bedroom figure of $2,936. Interestingly, three-bedroom units ($4,072) earn slightly less per month than two-bedrooms despite their higher ADR, dragged down by their markedly lower occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Polson

At $125,580 in average annual revenue, four-bedroom properties outperform every other size by a wide margin and represent the strongest gross revenue opportunity in Polson. Two-bedroom ($51,561) and three-bedroom ($48,875) listings generate similar annual totals, while one-bedrooms round out the market at $35,234 — still a meaningful figure for lower-cost entry points.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Polson

Parking and a kitchen are universal (100% of listings), while laundry facilities (89–92%) and outdoor living features like patios, outdoor furniture, and BBQ grills (62–73%) are near-standard. Lake access and waterfront designation appear in roughly 30–32% of listings, suggesting these premium features remain differentiators rather than baseline expectations — a potential competitive edge for properties that offer them.

Understanding Polson's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Polson's ROI Score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine upside but requires disciplined deal selection. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance come in below average — largely reflecting the rapid 155% surge in new listings outpacing demand growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on differentiated properties (especially those with lake access) to tilt the odds in their favor.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Polson

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Polson, Montana may be required to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Polson and Lake County, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Montana STR markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay provisions. Properties within HOAs or certain zoning districts may face additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs and local zoning codes before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Montana imposes a lodging facility use tax on short-term rentals, and Lake County or the City of Polson may levy additional local resort or accommodation taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the Montana Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Polson's STR market is likely to remain heavily seasonal, with the bulk of revenue concentrated between June and August. Active listing counts have surged 155% year-over-year, which may put downward pressure on occupancy and rates unless tourist demand grows proportionally. Investors should anticipate occupancy hovering around 18–22% on an annualized basis, with ADR potentially holding steady or experiencing modest 1–3% increases during peak summer months. Selective deal sourcing and standout property features — particularly lake access — will be critical to outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Polson, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Polson?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Polson is currently 20%, which is well below the Montana state average of 47%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature — demand is concentrated in the warmer months, with winter occupancy dropping significantly. Properties with lake access or waterfront positioning tend to perform better, particularly during peak season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Polson?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Polson earns approximately $52,122 per year, or about $4,343 per month. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $35,234 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $125,580. Revenue is heavily weighted toward the summer months and April, so actual monthly income fluctuates considerably throughout the year.

Is Polson a good market for Airbnb investment?

Polson scores a 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. Revenue-to-price and occupancy stability are average, but market growth trends and supply/demand balance rate below average — largely due to a 155% year-over-year increase in active listings. The market can work well for investors who source deals selectively, especially properties with premium features like lake or waterfront access, but the high average home value of over $1 million and compressed earning season mean careful underwriting is essential.

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

The average daily rate in Polson is $310, which is below Montana's $443 state average. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $156 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $219, 3-bedrooms at $275, and 4-bedroom properties command $580 per night. Larger properties with premium amenities can push well above these averages during peak season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Polson?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Polson, Montana, though operators should verify current local permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with the City of Polson and Lake County. Montana imposes a state lodging facility use tax, and additional local taxes may apply. Regulations can change, so it's important to confirm compliance before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Polson?

Peak season in Polson is driven by warm-weather tourism around Flathead Lake. Based on historical revenue data, April leads with an average of $14,476 per listing, followed by July at $9,649 and August at $8,097. June and September also deliver solid returns in the $4,300–$4,700 range. Winter months (December through February) are the slowest, with average revenues dropping below $1,200 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Polson?

As of April 2026, there are 37 active Airbnb listings in Polson. The supply is distributed across 12 one-bedroom units, 10 two-bedrooms, 5 three-bedrooms, and 6 four-bedroom properties. Notably, listing counts have grown 155% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Polson?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Polson 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 Polson, MT market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost context

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and market conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before purchasing or listing a property.