Whitefish, MT Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Whitefish Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Whitefish, MT is a mountain-resort market that attracts year-round visitors drawn to ski season and summer recreation near Glacier National Park. With 570 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $66,005 and an ADR of $449, the market delivers solid nightly rates that slightly exceed Montana's state average. However, high average home values of roughly $1.78 million temper the revenue-to-price ratio, making property selection and sizing critical for investors targeting positive returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Whitefish 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 Whitefish

Whitefish appeals to STR investors because of its dual-season tourism economy, premium nightly rates, and a growing demand trajectory that rewards larger, well-amenitized properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Whitefish presents an attractive but nuanced opportunity for short-term rental investors. The market's pronounced seasonality—with July revenue ($15,694) running roughly ten times higher than November ($1,549)—means cash-flow planning is non-negotiable. Revenue-to-price ratios sit below average due to elevated home values, so the strongest play here involves larger properties where annual revenue scales dramatically: 6+ bedroom homes pull in over $341,000 per year and achieve the highest occupancy at 55%. Investors who can absorb the entry cost and lean into the luxury-vacation niche will find the demand fundamentals encouraging, particularly with an above-average growth trend supporting the outlook."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Whitefish

Average revenue by month in Whitefish

Whitefish exhibits dramatic seasonality, with July ($15,694) and August ($13,060) delivering the lion's share of annual revenue while November ($1,549) and April ($1,899) represent the quietest months. The roughly 10x spread between peak and trough months means investors should budget for significant off-season cash-flow gaps and price aggressively during the summer window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Whitefish

Two- and 3-bedroom units dominate supply with 156 and 157 listings respectively, accounting for over half the market's 570 total listings. Larger properties—especially 5-bedroom (36) and 6+ bedroom (22) homes—are notably underrepresented, which could signal a competitive advantage for investors willing to acquire higher-capacity rentals given their outsized revenue figures.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Whitefish

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $150 for studios to $1,530 for 6+ bedroom properties, reflecting the premium guests are willing to pay for spacious group accommodations in a resort setting. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($390) to 4 bedrooms ($634) is particularly notable, suggesting a strong pricing inflection point once a property can accommodate larger parties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Whitefish

Revenue per available night tells a compelling story for larger properties: 6+ bedroom homes lead at $846 RevPAN, more than double the $388 for 5-bedroom units and vastly outpacing studios at $74. Even after accounting for occupancy, the largest properties deliver the most efficient per-night revenue, reinforcing their appeal despite higher acquisition costs.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Whitefish

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across most sizes—hovering between 37% and 49%—but 6+ bedroom properties stand out at 55%, the highest in the market. One-bedroom units lag at 37%, suggesting stiffer competition or less demand at the entry-level end, which could make cash-flow consistency more challenging for smaller investments.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Whitefish

Monthly revenue scales dramatically with property size, from $2,123 for studios to $28,452 for 6+ bedroom homes—a more than 13x difference. Four-bedroom properties hit a strong mid-tier sweet spot at $10,716 per month, nearly doubling the $5,650 average for 3-bedroom listings.

Average annual revenue by property size in Whitefish

Annual revenue potential ranges from $25,479 for studios to $341,427 for 6+ bedroom properties, underscoring how impactful property size is in Whitefish. The 4-bedroom tier at $128,592 represents a meaningful step up from 3 bedrooms ($67,803) and may offer the best balance of revenue scale and acquisition feasibility for many investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Whitefish

Kitchens (97%), parking (95%), and washer/dryer (90%) are near-universal expectations in Whitefish listings, setting a high baseline for guest experience. Notably, 62% of listings feature hot tubs and 26% offer ski-in/ski-out access—amenities that align directly with the market's resort identity and likely command meaningful rate premiums.

Understanding Whitefish's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Whitefish earns a 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band. The market's above-average growth trend and balanced supply-demand dynamics are encouraging, but a below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by average home values near $1.78 million—means investors need to be strategic about property size and positioning to generate meaningful returns. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on larger, amenity-rich properties will help investors make the most of Whitefish's dual-season demand.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Whitefish

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

Permit Requirements

Whitefish, Montana may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Whitefish and Flathead County, as local STR regulations can evolve and may include zoning-specific rules.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Montana resort communities can include occupancy limits tied to property size, noise and nuisance ordinances, minimum parking requirements, and potential caps on the number of STR permits issued in certain zones. HOA or community covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Montana are generally subject to the state's lodging facility use tax as well as any applicable local resort or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm whether any local obligations require separate filing.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Whitefish is positioned for continued demand growth given its above-average market growth trend and the 85% year-over-year increase in active listings signaling rising investor confidence. Summer months—particularly July and August—should remain the primary revenue drivers, with monthly averages likely sustaining in the $13,000–$16,000 range for well-positioned properties. ADR is estimated to hold steady or inch up 1–3% as larger luxury properties continue commanding premium rates, though occupancy may face modest pressure from expanding supply settling around 42–45% market-wide. Investors should plan for a pronounced seasonal swing, with shoulder months like April and November generating significantly less income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Whitefish, MT

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Whitefish?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Whitefish is currently 43%, which is slightly below Montana's statewide average of 47%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size—studios average 49% and 6+ bedroom properties lead at 55%, while 1-bedroom units see around 37%. The market's strong seasonality, with peak bookings concentrated in summer, drives much of this variation.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Whitefish?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Whitefish earn approximately $5,500 per month and $66,005 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary widely by property size: a 1-bedroom listing averages around $38,056 annually, while a 6+ bedroom property can generate roughly $341,427. Summer months—especially July and August—account for a disproportionate share of annual income.

Is Whitefish a good market for Airbnb investment?

Whitefish scores a 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and balanced supply-demand dynamics, though the revenue-to-price ratio is below average due to high property values averaging around $1.78 million. Investors targeting larger, luxury-oriented properties tend to see the strongest returns, while smaller units face tighter margins.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Whitefish is $449, slightly above Montana's state average of $443. ADR scales significantly with property size, from $150 for studios up to $1,530 for 6+ bedroom homes. This premium pricing reflects the resort-market character of Whitefish, where guests are willing to pay more for spacious, well-equipped vacation rentals.

Are short-term rentals legal in Whitefish?

Short-term rentals do operate in Whitefish, with 570 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or adherence to specific zoning rules. Investors should consult the City of Whitefish and Flathead County for the latest requirements before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Whitefish?

Peak season in Whitefish is firmly in the summer months. July leads with average monthly revenue of $15,694, followed by August at $13,060 and June at $8,423. Winter months see a secondary bump—January through March average $2,758 to $3,128—driven by ski season, while the shoulder months of April ($1,899) and November ($1,549) represent the lowest-earning periods.

How many Airbnbs are there in Whitefish?

There are currently 570 active Airbnb listings in Whitefish. The supply is concentrated in 2- and 3-bedroom properties (156 and 157 listings respectively), with 1-bedroom units accounting for 100 listings. Larger properties of 5 bedrooms (36 listings) and 6+ bedrooms (22 listings) are less common, which may present an opportunity given their significantly higher revenue potential.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Whitefish?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Whitefish 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 remaining data 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 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, including property size breakdowns
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence data drawn from active listing profiles
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the 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. Data reflects trailing performance through April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.