Sister Bay, WI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sister Bay Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sister Bay, a quintessential Door County destination on Wisconsin's scenic peninsula, presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 68 out of 100. With an average annual revenue of $66,106 across just 50 active listings and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, this small but mighty market rewards operators who can capitalize on its intense summer tourism season. The market's compact supply and strong seasonal demand create meaningful earning potential, particularly for larger properties that command premium nightly rates.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sister Bay 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 Sister Bay

Investors are drawn to Sister Bay for its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics and the concentrated summer tourism demand that Door County consistently generates.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sister Bay earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability. The market's defining characteristic is extreme seasonality — average monthly revenue swings from roughly $1,670 in February to nearly $12,750 in August, creating a peak-to-trough ratio of over 7x. Investors who can weather lean winter months will find the summer earning potential compelling, especially with 4-bedroom properties pulling in close to $8,000 per month on average. The main caution: rapid supply growth (152% year-over-year) and below-average scores on both market growth trend and supply/demand balance suggest the window for easy entry may be narrowing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sister Bay

Average revenue by month in Sister Bay

Sister Bay's revenue curve is dramatically seasonal — August leads at $12,747 closely followed by July at $12,719, while February bottoms out at just $1,672. This roughly 7.6x spread between peak and trough months means investors should plan cash reserves for the November–April stretch and maximize pricing during the five-month summer window that generates the vast majority of annual income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sister Bay

Three-bedroom properties dominate Sister Bay's supply with 18 of the 50 active listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (13) and 4-bedrooms (11), while 1-bedroom units are the scarcest at just 6 listings. The relatively thin supply of 1-bedroom options could signal either lower demand for smaller units in this vacation-oriented market or a potential niche opportunity for investors targeting couples and solo travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sister Bay

ADR scales steadily with size, from $176 for 1-bedroom listings to $414 for 4-bedrooms — a 2.35x premium for three additional bedrooms. The sharpest jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($234) and 3-bedrooms ($363), suggesting that the move to a family-sized property unlocks a meaningful pricing tier in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sister Bay

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $68, edging out 4-bedrooms at $64 and 3-bedrooms at $55, while 1-bedrooms trail at just $26. The strong showing by 2-bedrooms — driven by their notably higher 29% occupancy rate — suggests they offer an efficient balance of nightly rate and booking frequency for revenue generation.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sister Bay

Two-bedroom listings stand out with 29% average occupancy, nearly double the 15% rate shared by 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom units. For cash-flow-conscious investors, this occupancy advantage makes 2-bedrooms the most consistently booked option, though the lower occupancy of larger homes is partially offset by their substantially higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sister Bay

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $7,955, followed by 3-bedrooms at $5,641, 2-bedrooms at $4,645, and 1-bedrooms at $2,882. The gap between 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom monthly earnings ($2,314) is the largest step-up across sizes, underscoring the premium that larger vacation homes command in Door County's family and group travel market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sister Bay

Annual revenue climbs from $34,584 for 1-bedroom units to $95,469 for 4-bedroom properties, with each additional bedroom adding meaningful income. Four-bedroom homes earn nearly 2.8x what 1-bedrooms generate, making them the strongest gross revenue play — though investors should weigh the higher acquisition and operating costs against that top-line figure.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sister Bay

Self check-in, parking, and a full kitchen each appear in 94% of Sister Bay listings, reflecting baseline guest expectations in a drive-to vacation market. Outdoor-focused amenities like BBQ grills (82%), patios (76%), and backyards (72%) are also widespread, while differentiators like lake access (12%), hot tubs (12%), and waterfront location (8%) remain rare — offering potential competitive advantages for properties that can feature them.

Understanding Sister Bay's ROI Score: 68/100

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

Sister Bay's ROI score of 68 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, anchored by above-average marks in both revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability — two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weighting. The below-average ratings for market growth trend and supply/demand balance reflect the rapid 152% increase in active listings, a signal that competition is intensifying even as the underlying demand remains healthy. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic off-season cash flow plan before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sister Bay

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, may be required to obtain a tourist rooming house license through the Village of Sister Bay and the State of Wisconsin. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Wisconsin STR markets can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA covenants that limit or prohibit rentals. Some municipalities also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so confirming availability early in the due diligence process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin imposes a state room tax as well as a county and local room tax on short-term rental income, and Door County has its own tourism-related tax obligations. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state and county taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm all applicable obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sister Bay's short-term rental market is expected to continue delivering strong summer returns, with July and August revenue likely holding near $12,700+ per month for the average listing. However, active listing counts grew 152% year-over-year, which could pressure occupancy and ADR if supply continues expanding at this pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy settling in the 18–22% range on an annualized basis given the market's sharp seasonality, with ADR potentially holding steady or seeing modest 1–3% adjustments depending on how quickly new supply is absorbed. Pairing a well-positioned property with competitive off-season pricing could help offset the naturally quieter winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sister Bay, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sister Bay?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sister Bay is currently 19%, which is below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This lower annualized figure reflects the market's intense seasonality — bookings surge during summer months but slow considerably from November through April. Two-bedroom properties lead with 29% average occupancy, while 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom units average around 15%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sister Bay?

Airbnb hosts in Sister Bay earn an average of $5,508 per month and approximately $66,106 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $34,584 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can earn around $95,469 per year. Peak summer months like July and August drive the bulk of annual income, with average monthly revenues exceeding $12,700 during that window.

Is Sister Bay a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sister Bay scores 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy patterns during peak season. However, investors should factor in the sharp seasonality — winter months generate modest revenue — and the recent 152% year-over-year growth in active listings, which could affect future returns. A well-managed, amenity-rich property positioned for Door County's summer tourism can still perform very well.

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

The average daily rate in Sister Bay is $311, which sits below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $176 per night, 2-bedrooms average $234, 3-bedrooms reach $363, and 4-bedroom properties command $414 per night. These rates reflect the premium guests are willing to pay for larger vacation homes in Door County's resort setting.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sister Bay?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, though operators are generally required to obtain appropriate licensing. Wisconsin regulates tourist rooming houses at the state level, and the Village of Sister Bay may have additional local requirements. Investors should check with the village clerk's office and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services for the most current rules before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sister Bay?

Peak season in Sister Bay runs from June through October, with July and August being the highest-earning months at approximately $12,719 and $12,747 in average revenue, respectively. June ($8,025) and September–October ($7,969 and $7,365) also deliver strong returns. The off-season from November through April sees significantly lower activity, with February representing the quietest month at around $1,672 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sister Bay?

As of April 2026, there are 50 active Airbnb listings in Sister Bay. The supply is distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom homes making up the largest share at 18 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (13), 4-bedrooms (11), and 1-bedrooms (6). Notably, active listings grew 152% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sister Bay?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sister Bay 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. 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 for Sister Bay and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, amenities, pricing strategy, and management approach.