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

Willmar Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Willmar, MN is a compact short-term rental market with just 15 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,654 per property. At an average daily rate of $168—well below the $429 Minnesota state average—the market offers an accessible entry point, and an above-average supply/demand balance suggests room for new inventory. Strong summer seasonality and affordable home values near $383,473 create an interesting proposition for investors who can capitalize on peak-season demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Willmar 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 Willmar

Willmar appeals to investors seeking an affordable Minnesota market with favorable supply/demand dynamics and meaningful summer revenue potential.

Expert Market Assessment

"Willmar earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with a 62 out of 100 ROI score, driven by a favorable supply/demand balance in a market that still has relatively few listings. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: June through August account for roughly half the annual revenue, with June alone averaging $4,587—more than five times the February low of $830. Investors who can weather the quieter November-through-March period and deploy aggressive summer pricing stand to benefit most. The market's small size means individual property quality and amenity choices can meaningfully move the needle on performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Willmar

Average revenue by month in Willmar

Willmar shows extreme seasonality, with June ($4,587) and July ($4,573) delivering roughly 4–5 times the revenue of the slowest month, February ($830). Investors should plan for a concentrated earning window from June through August and build reserves to cover leaner winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Willmar

Property size breakdowns are not currently available for this market, likely due to the small total inventory of 15 listings. As the market grows, more granular data on bedroom-count distribution should emerge.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Willmar

ADR data by property size is not yet available for Willmar, reflecting the market's limited listing count. The overall market ADR of $168 provides a useful baseline, but investors should research comparable properties individually.

Average RevPAN by property size in Willmar

RevPAN breakdowns by bedroom count are not available for this market at this time. The market-wide RevPAN of $60 offers a starting reference point for evaluating potential per-night earning power.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Willmar

Occupancy data by property size is not currently reported for Willmar's small inventory. The 36% market-wide average suggests moderate demand overall, with significant seasonal variation likely across all property types.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Willmar

Monthly revenue by property size is unavailable due to limited listing data in this market. Investors should use the $2,137 market-wide monthly average as a general benchmark when evaluating potential acquisitions.

Average annual revenue by property size in Willmar

Annual revenue breakdowns by bedroom count are not yet available for Willmar. The $25,654 market-wide annual average provides a useful starting point, though larger or better-equipped properties may outperform this figure meaningfully.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Willmar

Every listing in Willmar offers parking and a kitchen (100%), while washer/dryer combos (87%) and a dedicated workspace (73%) are also near-universal—signaling guests who expect home-like convenience. Outdoor amenities like backyards (67%) and BBQ grills (53%) reflect the market's summer and lake-oriented appeal, and the 13% of listings with lake access or waterfront positioning likely command a premium.

Understanding Willmar's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Willmar's ROI Score of 62 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, anchored by an above-average supply/demand balance and average marks across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth. The small inventory of just 15 listings means new entrants have a real chance to differentiate, though the average occupancy and growth metrics suggest this remains a seasonal, niche market rather than a year-round powerhouse. Pairing these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative cash-flow model will give investors the clearest picture of Willmar's potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Willmar

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Willmar, MN may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Willmar and the State of Minnesota, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Minnesota markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay provisions. HOA rules may impose additional limitations on STR activity, so reviewing any covenants or association bylaws before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Minnesota are generally subject to state sales tax and local lodging taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their specific tax obligations with a qualified advisor, as county and municipal rates can vary.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Willmar's STR market is likely to continue its pronounced summer-driven revenue cycle, with June and July generating the bulk of annual income. Active listings grew 114% year over year, signaling rising investor interest, though the market remains small enough that absorption should keep pace. ADR is estimated to remain in the $165–$175 range, with occupancy hovering around 34–38% annually. Investors who optimize pricing during the June–August window and manage costs through the softer winter months should see the strongest returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Willmar, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Willmar?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Willmar is currently 36%, which sits slightly below the 40% Minnesota state average. This figure reflects the market's strong seasonal character, with summer months pulling occupancy well above the annual average and winter months dipping below it.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Willmar?

Airbnb hosts in Willmar earn an average of $2,137 per month, or roughly $25,654 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer, with June and July each averaging over $4,500, while winter months like February may yield around $830.

Is Willmar a good market for Airbnb investment?

Willmar carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 62 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance with only 15 active listings, and home values averaging $383,473 keep entry costs reasonable. Investors should be prepared for pronounced seasonality and plan cash flow around a strong summer peak and quieter winter period.

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

The average daily rate in Willmar is $168, significantly below the Minnesota state average of $429. This lower ADR reflects the market's positioning as an affordable destination, which can work in an investor's favor by attracting budget-conscious travelers and families seeking lake-country getaways.

Are short-term rentals legal in Willmar?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Willmar, MN, though hosts may need to obtain applicable permits or licenses. Local zoning and HOA restrictions can apply, so it's important to check with the City of Willmar and review any property-specific covenants before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Willmar?

Peak season in Willmar runs from June through August, with June ($4,587) and July ($4,573) delivering the highest average monthly revenues. This summer surge aligns with Minnesota's outdoor recreation season, particularly lake activities and regional tourism. Revenue tapers in September and remains softer through the winter months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Willmar?

There are currently 15 active Airbnb listings in Willmar as of April 2026. The market saw 114% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor and host interest, though overall inventory remains quite small compared to larger Minnesota markets.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Willmar?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Willmar 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Willmar and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.