Sturgis, SD Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sturgis Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sturgis, SD stands out as a highly seasonal short-term rental market driven by its world-famous motorcycle rally and summer tourism. With an average annual revenue of $81,748 across just 70 active listings and an ADR of $312—well above the $261 state average—the market rewards hosts who can capitalize on explosive summer demand. The ROI score of 66 out of 100 reflects an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, though investors should note that occupancy averages only 27% year-round, meaning the bulk of income is concentrated in a narrow peak window.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sturgis 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 Sturgis

Sturgis appeals to investors seeking high seasonal revenue relative to property costs, fueled by one of the largest annual motorcycle rallies in the world.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sturgis presents an attractive but distinctly seasonal opportunity. The market's strength is concentrated in a roughly three-month summer window—August alone delivers average revenue of $25,640, more than 40 times what hosts earn in the slowest month of February ($603). Outside of peak season, occupancy drops significantly and monthly income can fall below $2,000. For investors comfortable with an event-driven revenue model and disciplined cost management during off-peak months, the above-average revenue-to-price ratio makes this a compelling niche play."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sturgis

Average revenue by month in Sturgis

Sturgis exhibits one of the most extreme seasonal revenue curves you'll find: August leads at $25,640 in average monthly revenue while February bottoms out at just $603—a staggering 42x spread. June through August account for the vast majority of annual income, so investors should plan for very lean earnings from roughly November through April.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sturgis

Supply in Sturgis is spread relatively evenly across property sizes, with 4-bedroom listings slightly leading at 15 units, followed by 3-bedrooms at 14. One-bedroom listings are the scarcest at just 6, which may present an entry-level opportunity—though the revenue data suggests smaller units earn substantially less in this event-driven market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sturgis

ADR scales steeply with property size in Sturgis: 1-bedroom units average $108 per night while 6+ bedroom properties command $684, more than 6x the rate. The jump from 4-bedroom ($296) to 5-bedroom ($406) represents a meaningful premium, suggesting that larger group-oriented properties capture outsized pricing power during rally season.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sturgis

Six-plus bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $171, reflecting their ability to combine premium nightly rates with adequate occupancy. Three-bedroom and 5-bedroom units cluster around $88–$90, making them solid mid-tier performers, while 1-bedroom listings lag at just $19—suggesting smaller units struggle to fill enough nights to generate meaningful per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sturgis

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 40%, well above the market average of 27%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 35%. Larger properties (4-bedroom at 17%, 5-bedroom at 22%) fill fewer nights overall, meaning their revenue advantage comes primarily from premium pricing rather than consistent bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sturgis

Monthly revenue increases steadily with property size, from $1,559 for 1-bedroom units up to $13,077 for 6+ bedroom properties. The 5-bedroom tier at $8,820 per month offers a strong middle ground for investors looking for high returns without the operational complexity of managing the largest homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sturgis

At $156,934 per year, 6+ bedroom properties in Sturgis generate roughly 8.4x the revenue of 1-bedroom units ($18,711), making large group rentals the clear top earners. For investors seeking a lower entry point, 3-bedroom listings at $75,621 annually still offer meaningful income potential relative to what are likely more modest acquisition costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sturgis

Kitchens (93%), parking (90%), and laundry facilities (89% washer, 87% dryer) are near-universal in Sturgis listings, reflecting a market where guests expect comfortable, self-sufficient stays. BBQ grills (83%), outdoor furniture (70%), and hot tubs (57%) signal that outdoor entertaining amenities are a strong differentiator—fitting for a summer-dominated rally market where guests gather in groups.

Understanding Sturgis's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Sturgis earns an ROI score of 66 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio—meaning the income potential relative to property acquisition costs is strong compared to many markets. The score is tempered by below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance, reflecting the market's heavy reliance on a short peak season and the rapid 128% year-over-year growth in listings. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for the very lean off-season months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sturgis

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sturgis, SD may need to obtain permits or register their properties with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Sturgis and relevant South Dakota state agencies before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Sturgis can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules—particularly during high-traffic events. HOA covenants may also impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any applicable community rules alongside city and county regulations.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in South Dakota are generally subject to state sales tax and any applicable local lodging or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sturgis is likely to maintain its extreme seasonality pattern, with the lion's share of revenue arriving between June and August. Listing growth has been significant at 128% year-over-year, which could put downward pressure on occupancy and rates as more supply enters the market. ADR may hold steady or edge up 1–3% for well-positioned properties, but overall occupancy is likely to remain in the 25–30% range given the event-driven nature of demand. Investors who can keep operating costs lean during the eight-plus quieter months will be best positioned to capture strong net returns from the summer surge."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sturgis, SD

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sturgis?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sturgis is currently 27%, which is below the South Dakota state average of 43%. This lower annual figure reflects the market's extreme seasonality—demand surges dramatically during the summer months but drops significantly for the rest of the year. Property size also matters: 2-bedroom listings see the highest occupancy at 40%, while 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units average just 18% and 17%, respectively.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sturgis?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Sturgis earns approximately $81,748 per year, or about $6,812 per month on average. However, monthly earnings vary wildly due to seasonality—August generates roughly $25,640 while February brings in only about $603. Larger properties earn considerably more, with 6+ bedroom listings averaging $156,934 annually and 1-bedroom units averaging $18,711.

Is Sturgis a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sturgis earns an ROI score of 66 out of 100, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its strongest selling point, and the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally generates extraordinary summer demand. The main considerations are below-average occupancy stability and a supply/demand balance that has shifted as listings grew 128% year-over-year. Investors who can manage cash flow through the quieter months and maintain competitive properties stand to benefit from the intense peak-season revenue.

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

The average daily rate in Sturgis is $312, which is about 20% higher than the South Dakota state average of $261. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $108 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $684. During peak summer months, effective nightly rates can be considerably higher due to rally-driven demand.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sturgis?

Short-term rentals do operate in Sturgis, SD, with approximately 70 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and hosts may need permits or registrations. We recommend consulting directly with the City of Sturgis and relevant South Dakota state agencies to confirm current rules, zoning restrictions, and any licensing requirements before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sturgis?

Peak season in Sturgis runs from June through August, coinciding with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and broader summer tourism. August is by far the highest-earning month, with average revenue reaching $25,640—more than three times the next-best month of June ($11,052) and July ($20,514). The off-peak season stretches from roughly November through April, when monthly revenue typically stays below $2,400.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sturgis?

As of April 2026, there are 70 active Airbnb listings in Sturgis. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom (14 listings) and 4-bedroom (15 listings) units being the most common. Notably, listing count has grown 128% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sturgis?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Sturgis are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like the August rally surge) and slower months because 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 the Sturgis market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Individual results may vary significantly based on property quality, location, pricing strategy, and management approach. Regulatory requirements for short-term rentals can change; always verify current local and state rules before investing.