West Yellowstone, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

West Yellowstone Short-Term Rental Market Overview

West Yellowstone sits at the gateway to one of the world's most iconic national parks, making it a natural magnet for leisure travelers seeking proximity to Yellowstone's geothermal wonders and wildlife. With 107 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $57,641, the market offers meaningful earning potential despite pronounced seasonality. An ROI score of 58 out of 100 — rated an "Attractive Opportunity" — reflects solid demand and above-average occupancy stability, though investors should note that property values averaging $984,504 compress the revenue-to-price ratio compared to some peer markets.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the West Yellowstone 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 West Yellowstone

Investors are drawn to West Yellowstone for its position as the primary gateway community to Yellowstone National Park, which generates reliable seasonal demand that supports premium nightly rates.

Expert Market Assessment

"West Yellowstone presents a moderately attractive investment landscape shaped by one dominant driver: Yellowstone National Park. Revenue peaks sharply in July at $8,405 per month and dips to $2,415 in April, creating a roughly 3.5× spread between the best and weakest months — meaningful seasonality that investors must underwrite carefully. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a genuine strength, but rapid supply growth (161% year-over-year) and a below-average growth trend suggest the easy gains may be behind us. Investors who target larger properties and manage costs tightly through the shoulder months are best positioned to generate solid returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in West Yellowstone

Average revenue by month in West Yellowstone

Revenue swings dramatically across the year, peaking at $8,405 in July and bottoming at $2,415 in April — a 3.5× spread that underscores how heavily this market depends on summer Yellowstone tourism. A modest winter bump in February–March ($4,567–$4,889) offers some off-season relief, but investors should plan cash reserves to cover the lean spring and late-fall months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in West Yellowstone

Supply is concentrated among 1- to 3-bedroom properties, which account for 88 of 107 listings (82%), creating a relatively crowded field for smaller units. With only 9 four-bedroom and 7 five-bedroom listings, larger properties face less direct competition — a potential opening for investors targeting families and groups visiting the park.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in West Yellowstone

ADR scales steadily from $187 for 1-bedroom units to $530 for 5-bedroom homes, nearly tripling across the size spectrum. The jump from 3-bedroom ($318) to 4-bedroom ($428) — a 35% premium — appears to offer the strongest incremental pricing power relative to added bedroom count.

Average RevPAN by property size in West Yellowstone

Revenue per available night rises sharply with property size, from just $31 for 1-bedroom listings to $212 for 5-bedroom homes, reflecting both higher nightly rates and better occupancy at the larger end. Five-bedroom properties generate nearly 7× the RevPAN of studios and one-bedrooms, making them the clear efficiency leaders in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in West Yellowstone

Occupancy climbs with bedroom count, from 17% for 1-bedroom units to 40% for 5-bedroom homes, suggesting that larger group-oriented properties fill more consistently. One-bedroom listings at 17% face the most idle nights, which could erode returns quickly if fixed costs are high.

Average monthly revenue by property size in West Yellowstone

Monthly revenue ranges from $3,113 for 1-bedroom properties to $9,482 for 5-bedroom homes, with each step up in size adding $1,000–$2,500 in monthly income. The gap between 3-bedroom ($5,582) and 4-bedroom ($8,119) listings is particularly notable, offering a $2,537 monthly premium that could justify the higher acquisition cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in West Yellowstone

Five-bedroom properties lead with $113,787 in average annual revenue — more than three times the $37,364 earned by 1-bedroom units. For investors focused on maximizing gross income, 4- and 5-bedroom homes ($97,428 and $113,787 respectively) stand out as the configurations with the strongest top-line potential in West Yellowstone.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in West Yellowstone

Parking dominates at 98% prevalence, reflecting the road-trip nature of Yellowstone-bound travel, while kitchens (87%) and self check-in (86%) are essentially table stakes. Differentiators like hot tubs (31%) and BBQ grills (53%) remain less universal, offering hosts a chance to stand out in a market where outdoor-oriented amenities align perfectly with guest expectations.

Understanding West Yellowstone's ROI Score: 58/100

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

West Yellowstone's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where healthy seasonal demand and above-average occupancy stability create genuine income potential for well-positioned properties. The average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average readings on market growth trend and supply/demand balance suggest that the rapid influx of new listings is outpacing demand growth, which could compress returns if the trend continues. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to account for the market's sharp seasonality and evolving competitive landscape.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in West Yellowstone

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

Permit Requirements

West Yellowstone, Montana may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Town of West Yellowstone and the Montana Department of Revenue, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in gateway communities like West Yellowstone can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, parking mandates, noise ordinances, and seasonal operating windows. Some properties may also be subject to HOA covenants or zoning designations that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so due diligence before purchase is essential.

Tax Obligations

Montana levies a lodging facility use tax on short-term accommodations, and West Yellowstone may impose an additional local resort tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Montana Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, West Yellowstone's summer months should continue to anchor revenue, with July and August likely sustaining nightly rates near current levels given Yellowstone National Park's enduring draw. Winter shoulder months like February and March could see modest gains as snowmobile and cross-country skiing tourism grows, potentially pushing occupancy 1–3 percentage points higher during those periods. However, supply has grown sharply — active listings jumped 161% year-over-year — which may put downward pressure on ADR and occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should plan conservatively around $55,000–$60,000 in annual revenue and treat any upside as a bonus."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in West Yellowstone, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in West Yellowstone?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in West Yellowstone is currently 26%, which falls below the Montana state average of 47%. This lower figure largely reflects the market's sharp seasonality — summer months near Yellowstone National Park drive strong bookings, while spring and fall see significantly reduced demand. Larger properties tend to perform better, with 5-bedroom listings averaging 40% occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in West Yellowstone?

On average, Airbnb hosts in West Yellowstone earn approximately $4,803 per month, which works out to roughly $57,641 per year based on the trailing 12-month historical average. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $37,364 annually, while 5-bedroom homes can bring in around $113,787. Peak summer months like July can generate over $8,400 in a single month.

Is West Yellowstone a good market for Airbnb investment?

West Yellowstone earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 58 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and reliable summer tourism tied to Yellowstone National Park. However, investors should factor in elevated home values averaging $984,504 and a revenue-to-price ratio that rates as average. Rapid supply growth (161% year-over-year) also warrants careful analysis of competitive dynamics before investing.

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

The average daily rate in West Yellowstone is $293, which is below the Montana state average of $443. ADR scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $187 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command approximately $530. The lower market-wide ADR partly reflects the mix of smaller cabins and studios common in this gateway town.

Are short-term rentals legal in West Yellowstone?

Short-term rentals do operate in West Yellowstone, MT, with over 100 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and tax obligations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the Town of West Yellowstone and the Montana Department of Revenue to confirm current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in West Yellowstone?

Peak season runs from June through August, coinciding with Yellowstone National Park's busiest visitor months. July is the single strongest month, with average revenue reaching $8,405, followed closely by August at $7,835. A secondary winter bump occurs in February and March (around $4,500–$4,900) driven by snowmobile and winter recreation tourism. April and November are the slowest months, averaging $2,415 and $2,512 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in West Yellowstone?

As of April 2026, there are 107 active Airbnb listings in West Yellowstone. Supply is distributed fairly evenly among smaller sizes, with 31 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, and 27 three-bedroom properties making up the bulk of inventory. Larger homes (4–5 bedrooms) are less common, with just 16 listings combined, which may represent a competitive advantage for investors targeting group travelers.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in West Yellowstone?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for West Yellowstone 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. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks like the July summer surge and quieter periods like April. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and how the property 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 West Yellowstone and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark competitive positioning

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.