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

Sarona Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sarona, WI is a small, lake-focused vacation rental market in northwestern Wisconsin with just 14 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced summer season that drives the bulk of annual revenue. With an average annual revenue of $43,601 and an ADR of $259, the market offers a compelling entry point for investors seeking waterfront cabin-style properties. The favorable supply/demand balance and manageable competition suggest room for well-positioned listings to capture outsized share during peak months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sarona 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 Sarona

Sarona appeals to investors looking for a low-competition lakeside market where favorable supply/demand dynamics and seasonal tourism can deliver solid per-night revenue despite modest overall occupancy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sarona presents an attractive but distinctly seasonal opportunity for STR investors. The market's strength lies in its concentrated summer peak — August leads at $8,711 in average monthly revenue while March dips to just $1,295 — meaning operators need to maximize earnings during a roughly four-month window from June through September. With a favorable supply/demand balance rated above average and only 14 competing listings, there's meaningful upside for properties that nail the lakefront vacation experience. That said, 26% average occupancy (well below Wisconsin's 38% state average) and below-average market growth mean this is best suited for investors comfortable with seasonal cash flow rather than those seeking year-round consistency."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sarona

Average revenue by month in Sarona

Sarona's revenue is heavily concentrated in summer, with August ($8,711) and July ($8,525) generating roughly 5–7 times the revenue of off-peak months like March ($1,295) and April ($1,392). This steep seasonal curve means investors should plan to earn the majority of their annual income in a four-month window from June through September.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sarona

The available data shows all 6 reported listings by size are 3-bedroom properties, suggesting this configuration dominates the market's supply. This concentration could signal opportunity for investors willing to differentiate with smaller or larger properties that aren't yet well-represented.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sarona

Three-bedroom properties in Sarona command an ADR of $244, which sits slightly below the overall market average of $259. This gap suggests that some listings outside the 3-bedroom segment may be pricing at a premium, though the limited data makes broad conclusions difficult.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sarona

Three-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of $50 per available night, reflecting the combination of a $244 ADR with a 21% occupancy rate. This figure underscores the importance of pricing and occupancy optimization, as even modest improvements in fill rates could meaningfully boost per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sarona

Three-bedroom properties average a 21% occupancy rate, falling below the market-wide average of 26%. This lower figure suggests that some non-3-bedroom listings may achieve better fill rates, and that 3-bedroom operators in particular should focus on shoulder-season bookings to improve cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sarona

Three-bedroom listings average $3,352 per month, slightly below the overall market average of $3,633. While these properties form the backbone of Sarona's rental supply, the modest gap hints that other configurations or premium-positioned listings may be pulling in somewhat higher monthly totals.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sarona

At $40,224 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties in Sarona deliver a respectable return for a small rural lake market, though this figure trails the market-wide average of $43,601. Investors targeting this property size should focus on maximizing peak-season performance and competitive amenities to close or exceed that gap.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sarona

BBQ grills and parking appear in 100% of listings, while lake access (86%) and backyards (79%) round out the most common amenities — reflecting a market built around outdoor lakeside vacations. Investors should treat these as baseline expectations; differentiators like waterfront positioning (57%), pet-friendliness (50%), and beach access (21%) could help a listing stand out in this competitive niche.

Understanding Sarona's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Sarona's ROI Score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability alongside an above-average supply/demand balance that favors existing hosts. The below-average market growth trend tempers the outlook slightly, suggesting the market is stable rather than rapidly expanding. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow plan to assess whether the opportunity fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sarona

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sarona, Wisconsin may need to obtain a Tourist Rooming House license from Washburn County, in compliance with Wisconsin state statutes. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Wisconsin's rural STR markets can include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and quiet-hour ordinances, parking limitations, and any applicable HOA covenants for lakefront communities. It's important to review both county-level rules and any homeowner association guidelines that may apply to waterfront properties.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Wisconsin are generally subject to state and local room taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm their obligations for Wisconsin's sales tax and any applicable county room tax with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sarona's short-term rental performance will likely continue to hinge on its summer peak, with July and August revenues estimated to remain in the $8,500–$8,700 range. Occupancy could see modest improvement if new listings don't outpace growing demand, though the below-average market growth trend suggests any gains will be incremental rather than dramatic. ADR may hold steady or tick up 1–3% as travelers continue seeking Wisconsin lake getaways, but investors should plan for meaningful revenue dips from November through April and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sarona, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sarona?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sarona is currently 26%, which falls below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal nature, with demand concentrated heavily in the summer months and considerably lighter bookings during fall, winter, and early spring.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sarona?

Airbnb hosts in Sarona earn an average of $3,633 per month and approximately $43,601 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by season — hosts can expect around $8,500–$8,700 per month during peak summer months (July and August) but closer to $1,300–$1,900 during the slower winter and early spring period.

Is Sarona a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sarona scores a 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from a favorable supply/demand balance and average revenue-to-price ratio, though investors should be aware of below-average market growth and the highly seasonal nature of demand. It's best suited for investors who can capitalize on the strong summer months and manage cash flow through quieter periods.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Sarona is $259, compared to the Wisconsin state average of $368. While lower than the state benchmark, this ADR reflects the market's rural lakeside positioning and still delivers meaningful revenue during peak summer months when occupancy surges.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sarona?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Sarona, WI, though operators may need to obtain appropriate permits or licenses such as a Tourist Rooming House license. Regulations can vary at the county and local level, so prospective investors should consult Washburn County and any applicable local authorities to confirm current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sarona?

Peak season in Sarona runs from June through August, with July and August being the strongest months. August tops the calendar at $8,711 in average monthly revenue, followed closely by July at $8,525. Shoulder months like May, September, and October still generate meaningful income ($2,900–$4,200), while November through April represents the off-season with revenues dropping to the $1,300–$2,300 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sarona?

There are currently 14 active Airbnb listings in Sarona as of April 2026. This is a very small, low-competition market, which can be advantageous for well-positioned properties looking to capture a significant share of seasonal vacation demand.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sarona?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sarona 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 roll the remaining data 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. 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 Sarona, WI market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations should be independently verified before making any investment decision.