Red Lodge, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Red Lodge Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Red Lodge, MT sits at the gateway to the Beartooth Highway and near world-class skiing, making it a magnet for outdoor recreation travelers year-round. With 136 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $35,988, the market delivers meaningful income potential — though a 25% average occupancy rate and high home values ($794,199) mean investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing. A 91% year-over-year growth in active listings signals strong investor interest, but it also intensifies competition for available bookings.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Red Lodge 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 Red Lodge

Red Lodge attracts STR investors because of its dual-season tourism appeal — ski season and summer recreation — combined with a growing visitor base near iconic Montana destinations.

Expert Market Assessment

"Red Lodge presents a competitive opportunity where investor enthusiasm is high but the numbers demand careful deal sourcing. Revenue is heavily seasonal — July and August together account for roughly 30% of annual income, while shoulder months like April and May see sharp drop-offs. The market's below-average revenue-to-price ratio reflects elevated home values relative to earning potential, meaning cash flow margins can be thin unless investors target the right property size or secure favorable acquisition pricing. Still, the above-average market growth trend and strong peak-season performance give well-operated properties a realistic path to solid returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Red Lodge

Average revenue by month in Red Lodge

Red Lodge exhibits pronounced seasonality, with July ($5,857) and August ($5,119) delivering the strongest revenue, while April ($944) marks the clear low point. A notable winter bump in December ($3,516) and March ($3,549) reflects ski-season demand, giving well-managed properties two distinct earning windows each year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Red Lodge

Three-bedroom homes dominate the supply with 48 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (36) and 4-bedrooms (29). One-bedroom (11) and 5-bedroom (7) units are significantly underrepresented, potentially signaling less competition and opportunity for investors targeting those segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Red Lodge

ADR scales steeply with property size in Red Lodge — from $158 for a 1-bedroom up to $479 for a 5-bedroom, a threefold premium. The jump from 3-bedroom ($251) to 4-bedroom ($389) is especially notable, suggesting strong group-travel demand willing to pay more for additional space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Red Lodge

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $112, substantially outpacing all other sizes and indicating that their premium rates more than compensate for moderate occupancy. The gap between 1-bedroom ($50) and 4-bedroom ($70) RevPAN is relatively modest, suggesting smaller units compensate for lower rates through better fill rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Red Lodge

One-bedroom units lead occupancy at 32%, while 4-bedroom properties sit lowest at just 18%. The consistent inverse relationship between size and occupancy underscores a trade-off: smaller units fill more consistently, offering steadier cash flow, while larger homes rely on fewer but higher-value bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Red Lodge

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with bedroom count, from $1,994 for 1-bedrooms to $6,560 for 5-bedrooms — the latter earning more than triple the smallest units. Four-bedroom properties at $4,205 per month represent a strong middle ground, delivering roughly 40% more revenue than 3-bedrooms without requiring the premium investment of a 5-bedroom home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Red Lodge

Five-bedroom properties lead with $78,723 in average annual revenue, over three times the $23,936 generated by 1-bedroom units. For investors weighing acquisition cost against income potential, 3-bedroom properties at $36,430 annually closely mirror the market-wide average and represent the most common configuration.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Red Lodge

Kitchens (99%), parking (95%), and laundry (90–92%) are virtually universal, setting a high baseline expectation for guests. Differentiation comes through outdoor experience amenities — BBQ grills (82%), hot tubs (57%), and patios (70%) are common, signaling that guests in Red Lodge expect a mountain-getaway experience with strong outdoor living features.

Understanding Red Lodge'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

Red Lodge's ROI Score of 49 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand and growth potential are real but elevated home prices and rapid supply expansion compress returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the most significant drag — average home values near $794K against $36K in annual revenue demand careful underwriting — while above-average market growth provides a positive counterweight. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative cash-flow modeling will help investors identify properties that can outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Red Lodge

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

Permit Requirements

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

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Montana mountain communities can include occupancy limits per property, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA-level restrictions that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals in specific subdivisions. It's important to review both municipal and any homeowner association rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Montana imposes a lodging facility use tax and a state accommodations tax on short-term rentals, and Carbon County may levy additional local tourism-related taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with the Montana Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Red Lodge's seasonal demand pattern — peaking strongly in July at $5,857 in average monthly revenue — should continue to anchor earnings for well-positioned properties, with summer and ski-season months driving the bulk of annual income. The market's above-average growth trend suggests rising visitor interest, and ADR could see modest 1–3% increases as the area's tourism infrastructure matures. However, the rapid expansion in supply (91% listing growth) may keep occupancy rates in the 23–28% range unless demand catches up, so investors should plan conservatively around off-peak months like April, which averages just $944."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Red Lodge, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Red Lodge?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Red Lodge is currently 25%, which falls below the Montana state average of 47%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — properties fill up during summer and ski season but see lighter bookings in shoulder months like April and May. Smaller 1-bedroom units tend to achieve the highest occupancy at 32%, while larger properties trade higher nightly rates for lower fill rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Red Lodge?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Red Lodge earns approximately $2,999 per month, or about $35,988 annually. Revenue varies widely by property size: 1-bedroom units average around $23,936 per year, while 5-bedroom properties can reach roughly $78,723. Peak summer months like July push monthly earnings above $5,800 on average, while slower periods like April may yield under $1,000.

Is Red Lodge a good market for Airbnb investment?

Red Lodge scores a 49 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average growth and dual-season tourism demand, but elevated home prices (averaging $794,199) and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio mean investors need to be selective about acquisitions. Larger properties tend to generate the strongest absolute returns, and strategic pricing during peak months is essential to maximizing annual income.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Red Lodge is $281, which is below the Montana state average of $443. ADR scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom units average $158 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $479. This pricing structure makes larger homes particularly attractive for group and family travelers visiting the area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Red Lodge?

Short-term rentals operate in Red Lodge, MT, with 136 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations including permits, licensing, and tax obligations may apply and can change over time. Prospective investors should check directly with the City of Red Lodge and Carbon County for the most up-to-date rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Red Lodge?

Peak season in Red Lodge runs through the summer months, with July topping the chart at an average of $5,857 in monthly revenue, followed closely by August at $5,119. A secondary peak occurs during ski season — December ($3,516), March ($3,549), and February ($2,466) all perform well above the annual average. April is the slowest month, averaging just $944, making it the clearest off-peak period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Red Lodge?

There are currently 136 active Airbnb listings in Red Lodge as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 91% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties represent the largest share of supply at 48 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (36) and 4-bedrooms (29), while 1-bedroom and 5-bedroom units are comparatively underrepresented.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Red Lodge?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Red Lodge 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $5,857 average) and slower periods (like April's $944). 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 Red Lodge and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with municipal authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.