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

Wausau Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wausau, WI stands out as a compact but compelling short-term rental market where favorable property prices and above-average occupancy create a strong revenue-to-value proposition. With just 60 active listings, an average daily rate of $221, and occupancy running at 46% — well above the 38% Wisconsin state average — hosts here are earning roughly $24,681 annually per listing. The market's relatively low average home value of $365,512 compared to those revenue figures gives investors an attractive entry point in central Wisconsin.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wausau 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 Wausau

Investors are drawn to Wausau for its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, steady occupancy, and low competition within a small but stable STR market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wausau presents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who value yield over market size. The combination of above-average occupancy stability and a favorable revenue-to-price ratio positions it well for cash-flow-focused strategies, even though overall market growth is trending below average. Seasonality plays a clear role — July peaks near $2,874 in monthly revenue while April dips to around $1,202 — so investors should plan for revenue variability across the calendar year. Larger properties, particularly 4- and 5-bedroom homes, generate outsized returns and may represent the best path to maximizing income in this relatively small market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wausau

Average revenue by month in Wausau

Wausau shows a dual-peak revenue pattern, with July topping the year at $2,874 and a notable winter cluster where January ($2,342) and December ($2,240) also perform well. The weakest stretch runs from April through May, when revenue drops to $1,202–$1,303 — roughly 42–45% of peak levels — highlighting meaningful seasonality that investors should factor into cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wausau

Three-bedroom properties dominate Wausau's supply with 18 listings, while 5-bedroom homes are the scarcest at just 5 units. The low inventory of larger properties, combined with their significantly higher revenue potential, could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire 4- or 5-bedroom homes in this market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wausau

ADR scales sharply with property size in Wausau, climbing from $117 for 1-bedroom units to $555 for 5-bedroom homes — nearly a 5x premium. The jump from 3-bedroom ($189) to 4-bedroom ($363) is particularly steep, suggesting that larger group-friendly properties command a significant pricing advantage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wausau

Revenue per available night increases consistently with size, from $58 for 1-bedroom units to $240 for 5-bedroom properties. Even after occupancy is factored in, larger homes deliver substantially better per-night yield, with 5-bedroom RevPAN running more than four times that of 1-bedroom listings.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wausau

Occupancy rates are relatively clustered across property sizes, ranging from 39% for 4-bedroom units to 50% for 1-bedrooms. While smaller units fill more consistently, the modest occupancy gap means that larger properties more than compensate through their significantly higher nightly rates, making occupancy differences less of a concern for revenue-focused investors.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wausau

Monthly revenue rises steeply with bedroom count — 5-bedroom properties average $5,415 per month, more than four times the $1,253 earned by 1-bedroom listings. The 3-bedroom segment at $2,050 monthly sits close to the overall market average, making it a solid middle-ground option for investors seeking balance between acquisition cost and income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wausau

Five-bedroom properties lead Wausau's annual revenue at $64,987, which is more than 2.6 times the $24,606 generated by the more common 3-bedroom listings. For investors targeting maximum return potential, the 4-bedroom tier at $37,753 annually offers a strong step up without the higher acquisition and operating costs of the largest homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wausau

Kitchens (98%) and parking (97%) are near-universal in Wausau's listings, reflecting the market's focus on families and groups who expect a home-like stay. Differentiating amenities like lake access (8%), hot tubs (7%), and pet-friendliness (40%) are far less common, presenting an opportunity for hosts to stand out by adding these in-demand features.

Understanding Wausau's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Wausau's ROI Score of 67 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability — two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weighting. Market growth trend scores below average, which tempers the overall rating, while supply-and-demand balance sits at average. Investors should pair these data points with firsthand research into local regulations and property-specific financials to build a complete picture before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wausau

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Wausau, Wisconsin may need to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Wausau and Marathon County, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Wisconsin communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and permit caps. HOA rules may also apply to specific neighborhoods, so it's worth reviewing any covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Wisconsin generally requires STR operators to collect and remit state and local room taxes, sales tax, and any applicable tourism fees. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wausau's STR market is expected to see continued demand driven by seasonal tourism and outdoor recreation, though market growth trend indicators suggest expansion may be modest rather than explosive. Summer months should remain the revenue peak, with July historically delivering around $2,874 per listing, while shoulder seasons like April and May will likely stay softer. ADR could see incremental gains in the 1–3% range as supply stabilizes, and occupancy rates are estimated to hold in the 44–48% corridor given the above-average stability the market currently demonstrates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wausau, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wausau?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wausau is currently 46%, which is notably higher than the Wisconsin state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 50% and 4-bedroom properties coming in lower at 39%. This above-average occupancy helps support consistent cash flow for hosts across the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wausau?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Wausau earn approximately $2,056 per month or $24,681 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $15,041 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can generate up to $64,987 per year. Revenue also fluctuates seasonally, with July being the strongest month at roughly $2,874 and April the softest at about $1,202.

Is Wausau a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wausau scores a 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. Its strengths include an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and solid occupancy stability, meaning hosts tend to earn well relative to local property costs. Growth trends are more modest, so investors should focus on properties and strategies that maximize yield rather than banking on rapid market appreciation.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Wausau is $221, which is below the Wisconsin state average of $368. However, ADR varies dramatically by property size — 1-bedroom units average $117 per night while 5-bedroom properties command $555. The lower overall ADR is offset by Wausau's higher-than-average occupancy, resulting in competitive revenue per available night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wausau?

Short-term rentals operate in Wausau, WI, but operators should verify current permitting and registration requirements with the City of Wausau and Marathon County. Wisconsin has state-level regulations governing tourist rooming houses, and local rules may include additional requirements around permits, occupancy limits, and tax collection. We recommend consulting local authorities before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wausau?

Peak season in Wausau runs through the summer months, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at approximately $2,874. June ($2,441) and August ($2,360) also perform strongly. Winter months hold up surprisingly well — January averages $2,342 and December hits $2,240 — likely driven by winter recreation and holiday travel. The softest period falls in April and May, when monthly revenue drops to around $1,202 and $1,303 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wausau?

There are currently 60 active Airbnb listings in Wausau as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom listings being the most common at 18 units, followed by 1-bedrooms (13), 2-bedrooms (11), 4-bedrooms (10), and 5-bedrooms (5). Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 146%, though the market remains relatively small in absolute terms.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wausau?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Wausau 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 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data for active listings

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; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variability. Investors should independently verify local short-term rental regulations, tax obligations, and zoning requirements before purchasing property.