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

Washburn Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Washburn, WI earns a standout ROI score of 90 out of 100, driven by above-average revenue-to-price ratios and solid occupancy stability relative to its small-market size. With only 17 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $43,330 against home values around $394,431, investors can find an attractive yield in this Lake Superior community. The market's pronounced summer seasonality — August revenues nearly seven times higher than April — rewards owners who price strategically around peak travel months.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Washburn

Washburn's combination of low listing competition, favorable revenue-to-price dynamics, and seasonal Lake Superior tourism makes it a compelling niche market for STR investors seeking outsized yields on modest property costs.

Expert Market Assessment

"Washburn represents a standout opportunity for investors who can manage around sharp seasonality. The summer months of July and August each deliver close to $8,000 in average revenue, while the slowest stretch from March through April dips below $1,700 — a spread that demands careful budgeting but rewards disciplined operators with strong annual totals. With all four ROI calculation factors rated above average, the market's fundamentals are well-aligned: limited supply, healthy demand relative to pricing, and a positive growth trajectory. Investors should plan for lean winter months while recognizing that shoulder-season activity in May, September, and October adds meaningful supplemental income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Washburn

Average revenue by month in Washburn

Washburn's revenue cycle is heavily summer-weighted, with August ($7,946) and July ($7,855) generating roughly four to seven times the income of winter and early spring months like April ($1,150) and March ($1,675). Investors should expect the June–September window to account for the lion's share of annual earnings, with October ($4,232) providing a solid shoulder-season bridge.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Washburn

Supply in Washburn is concentrated in smaller properties, with 6 two-bedroom and 5 one-bedroom listings making up the tracked inventory. The absence of larger three- or four-bedroom listings in the data could signal an underserved segment for investors willing to offer more space for families or groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Washburn

ADR is remarkably flat across property sizes, with one-bedrooms at $196 and two-bedrooms at $194, suggesting that guests don't currently pay a meaningful premium for the extra bedroom. This pricing dynamic means two-bedroom investors gain their edge through higher occupancy rather than higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Washburn

Two-bedroom properties deliver nearly double the RevPAN ($69) of one-bedrooms ($36), making them the clear winner on a per-available-night basis. This gap is driven almost entirely by the occupancy advantage of two-bedrooms, since ADR is essentially identical across sizes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Washburn

Two-bedroom listings achieve 36% occupancy — nearly twice the 19% rate for one-bedrooms — indicating stronger and more consistent demand for slightly larger accommodations. One-bedroom owners may need to explore aggressive pricing or niche positioning to improve fill rates and cash-flow stability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Washburn

Two-bedroom properties earn $3,476 per month on average compared to $3,114 for one-bedrooms, a roughly 12% premium driven by their occupancy advantage. While both sizes generate respectable monthly income, the two-bedroom configuration offers more consistent revenue flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Washburn

On an annual basis, two-bedroom listings bring in approximately $41,723 versus $37,370 for one-bedrooms — a difference of about $4,350. Given similar acquisition costs, the two-bedroom format likely delivers the stronger return, though both configurations produce meaningful income relative to Washburn's average home values.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Washburn

Parking is universal (100%) and kitchens are nearly so (94%), reflecting the practical expectations of guests visiting a rural Lake Superior destination. Outdoor-focused amenities like BBQ grills (77%), outdoor furniture (77%), and backyards (71%) dominate, while lake access (35%) and beach access (29%) appear as differentiators that could help a listing command premium rates or higher occupancy.

Understanding Washburn's ROI Score: 90/100

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

Washburn's ROI score of 90 out of 100 places it firmly in the 'Standout Opportunity' band, reflecting above-average performance across all four evaluation factors: revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. This combination is uncommon and suggests the market currently offers outsized return potential relative to property acquisition costs, though the limited listing count means small shifts in supply could impact dynamics. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and property-level due diligence to validate that favorable market-wide metrics translate to their specific deal.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Washburn

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Washburn, WI may need to obtain a tourist rooming house license through the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and should also check with Bayfield County and the City of Washburn for any local registration or permit requirements. Investors are encouraged to verify current rules directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Wisconsin STR markets can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements in certain zones, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. HOA or condo association rules may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable covenants is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and local room tax, which varies by municipality. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and local tax authorities to avoid penalties.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Washburn's short-term rental market is expected to continue benefiting from strong summer demand tied to Lake Superior recreation and outdoor tourism. ADR could see modest increases in the range of 3–5% during peak months as supply remains limited at just 17 listings, though off-season occupancy will likely stay soft in the low-to-mid 20% range. The market's above-average growth trend suggests rising traveler interest, and investors who optimize pricing for the June-through-September window should capture the bulk of annual returns. These projections are estimates based on historical trends and may shift with broader economic conditions."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Washburn, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Washburn?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Washburn is currently 29%, which falls below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal patterns — summer months drive the bulk of bookings, while winter and early spring see lighter demand. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform at 36% occupancy compared to 19% for one-bedrooms, so property size plays a meaningful role in how often your listing stays booked.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Washburn?

Airbnb hosts in Washburn earn an average of $3,610 per month and approximately $43,330 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by season — August tops out near $7,946 while April bottoms out around $1,150. Two-bedroom properties generate about $41,723 annually, while one-bedrooms bring in roughly $37,370. Individual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and guest experience.

Is Washburn a good market for Airbnb investment?

Washburn scores 90 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a 'Standout Opportunity' designation. All four key investment factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — rate above average. With only 17 active listings and average home values around $394,431, the market offers favorable entry economics. The main consideration is pronounced seasonality, so investors should budget for slower winter months while capitalizing on strong summer demand.

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

The average daily rate in Washburn is $230, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. One-bedroom and two-bedroom properties price similarly at $196 and $194 respectively. The lower ADR compared to state averages is offset by Washburn's more affordable property values, which contribute to the market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and overall investment appeal.

Are short-term rentals legal in Washburn?

Short-term rentals operate in Washburn, WI, as evidenced by the 17 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. Wisconsin requires tourist rooming house licenses for properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. However, local regulations can vary, so prospective investors should verify permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable rules directly with the City of Washburn and Bayfield County before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Washburn?

Peak season in Washburn runs from June through August, with July and August delivering the highest revenues at $7,855 and $7,946 respectively. September and October serve as strong shoulder months with revenues of $5,008 and $4,232. The slowest period spans March through April, when monthly revenue drops to $1,150–$1,675. This pattern aligns with Lake Superior's summer tourism season and fall color viewing.

How many Airbnbs are there in Washburn?

There are currently 17 active Airbnb listings in Washburn as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated among smaller properties, with 5 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom listings making up the tracked inventory. This limited supply creates a less competitive environment for new hosts and suggests room for additional listings, particularly if they offer differentiated amenities or cater to underserved guest segments.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Washburn?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Washburn 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 results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 Washburn, WI
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and seasonal revenue trends by month
• Revenue and yield metrics broken down by property size
• Amenity prevalence across active listings to identify guest expectations
• Home value data from the 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with municipal authorities before investing.