Wabasha, MN Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

38 / 100

Wabasha presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Wabasha Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wabasha, MN is a small Mississippi River market with just 34 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced seasonal pattern that peaks in summer. Average annual revenue sits at $15,674, well below the state average ADR of $429, with a local ADR of $170 and occupancy running at 16% — considerably softer than Minnesota's 40% average. The market's 125% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest, but the modest revenue figures and low occupancy mean deal selection will be critical for anyone entering this market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wabasha short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 34
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $429 state avg. $170
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 40% state avg. 16%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $27
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,306
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $15,674

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Wabasha

Wabasha appeals to investors seeking an affordable entry point in a scenic riverfront community with favorable supply-demand dynamics, though the market demands careful underwriting given its seasonal nature and low overall occupancy.

Key investment factors

  • Favorable supply/demand balance rated above average despite recent listing growth
  • Average home values of $466,506 offer a lower entry cost compared to many Minnesota resort markets
  • Strong summer revenue — July averages $2,166/month — provides a concentrated earnings window
  • Two-bedroom properties significantly outperform one-bedrooms, generating nearly $20K annually
  • Pet-friendly listings (53%) and outdoor amenities signal an active leisure-travel guest profile

Expert Market Assessment

"Wabasha presents a competitive but challenging opportunity. The ROI score of 38 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and below-average occupancy stability, tempered by an above-average supply/demand balance. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: monthly revenue swings from a low of $523 in February to a high of $2,166 in July, creating a roughly four-month window (May–August) where most income is earned. Investors who can minimize carrying costs during the slower November-through-March stretch and maximize summer pricing will be best positioned to make the numbers work."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Wabasha's ROI Score: 38/100

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

Factor Wabasha Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Above average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Wabasha's ROI score of 38 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where investor interest is outpacing easy returns. The score is buoyed by an above-average supply/demand balance but weighed down by below-average occupancy stability and only average revenue-to-price and market growth metrics. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling — particularly around off-season carrying costs — before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wabasha

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Wabasha, MN should verify whether a permit, registration, or license is required by the city or Wabasha County before listing a property. Minnesota does not impose a statewide STR permit requirement, but local jurisdictions may have their own rules, so checking directly with Wabasha city officials is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking provisions — especially relevant given that 97% of local listings already offer parking. Investors in HOA-governed properties should also review covenants for any short-term rental prohibitions or caps.

Tax Obligations

Minnesota requires the collection of state sales tax and any applicable local lodging taxes on short-term rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often remit state-level taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and local authorities that all obligations — including any city or county tourism taxes — are being met.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Wabasha

Financing an Airbnb investment in Wabasha requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Wabasha Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wabasha's summer-driven demand should continue to anchor earnings, with July likely remaining the top-performing month. The rapid supply growth (125% YoY) could put additional pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace, so investors should watch whether off-season months like January and February — currently averaging just $523–$535 — show any improvement. ADR may hold steady or edge up modestly in the 1–3% range during peak season, but annual revenue per listing could flatten or dip slightly if new supply outpaces visitor growth. Investors entering now should budget conservatively and treat strong summer months as the primary revenue engine rather than counting on year-round cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wabasha, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wabasha?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wabasha is currently 16%, which is well below the Minnesota state average of 40%. Occupancy varies considerably by property size — one-bedroom listings average around 10%, while two-bedroom properties achieve roughly 25%. The low overall rate reflects the market's strong seasonality, with most bookings concentrated in the summer months.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wabasha?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Wabasha earn approximately $1,306 per month or $15,674 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size: one-bedroom listings average about $7,433 annually, while two-bedroom properties bring in around $19,887 per year. Summer months drive the bulk of revenue, with July averaging $2,166 in monthly income.
Is Wabasha a good market for Airbnb investment?
Wabasha carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 38 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and affordable home prices around $466,506, but below-average occupancy stability and heavy seasonality mean investors need to be selective. Two-bedroom properties tend to perform meaningfully better than one-bedrooms, so targeting the right configuration and managing expenses through the off-season are key to making the investment work.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Wabasha?
The average daily rate in Wabasha is $170, which is significantly lower than the Minnesota state average of $429. ADR ranges from $107 for one-bedroom listings to $141 for two-bedroom properties. While the nightly rate is modest, it reflects the market's small-town, leisure-oriented character and lower cost structure compared to larger Minnesota destinations.
Are short-term rentals legal in Wabasha?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Wabasha, MN, but operators should verify local permit or registration requirements with the city and Wabasha County before listing a property. Minnesota does not have a blanket statewide ban on STRs, though local regulations — including zoning, occupancy limits, and tax requirements — may apply. Consulting with local officials and a real estate attorney familiar with the area is a smart first step.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Wabasha?
Peak season in Wabasha runs from May through October, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,166. June, August, September, and October also perform well, each averaging between $1,747 and $1,909 in monthly revenue. The off-season months of January and February are the slowest, averaging just $523–$535 per month, underscoring the market's heavy summer orientation.
How many Airbnbs are there in Wabasha?
As of April 2026, there are 34 active Airbnb listings in Wabasha. The market has experienced rapid growth, with a 125% year-over-year increase in listings. The supply skews heavily toward smaller properties, with 18 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom listings making up the tracked inventory.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wabasha?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Wabasha 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 remainder 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 how well 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 Wabasha, MN market
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before purchasing or listing a property.

Next Steps

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