Wisconsin Dells, WI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Wisconsin Dells Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wisconsin Dells earns a 75-out-of-100 ROI score, placing it firmly in standout-opportunity territory for short-term rental investors. Known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," this market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average annual revenue of $51,082 against a median home value of $430,047. While occupancy runs below the Wisconsin state average at 28%, the strong seasonal revenue spike — August listings average $7,718 — rewards investors who price strategically around peak tourism months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells' combination of a strong revenue-to-price ratio and world-famous tourism attractions makes it an appealing market for STR investors seeking seasonal but meaningful returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wisconsin Dells presents a compelling — though decidedly seasonal — opportunity for short-term rental investors. Revenue swings sharply between winter lows around $2,697 in November and a peak of $7,718 in August, meaning cash-flow planning must account for several quieter months. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the standout driver here, partly offset by occupancy that sits at 28% versus the 38% state average. Investors who target larger, amenity-rich properties and optimize pricing through the summer surge stand to benefit most, while the rapid supply growth warrants careful monitoring of competitive dynamics."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wisconsin Dells

Average revenue by month in Wisconsin Dells

Revenue in Wisconsin Dells follows a sharp summer curve, peaking at $7,718 in August and bottoming out at $2,697 in November — a nearly 3× spread that underscores the importance of summer pricing optimization. A secondary uptick in October ($4,650) offers a modest revenue boost before winter sets in.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wisconsin Dells

Two-bedroom listings dominate supply with 130 of the 404 active properties, followed by 1-bedrooms at 80. Notably, 6+ bedroom properties account for 38 listings — a relatively robust segment that may reflect the family- and group-travel demand unique to the Dells, though investors eyeing this size should monitor competition closely.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wisconsin Dells

ADR scales dramatically with property size, from $167 for 1-bedroom units up to $773 for 6+ bedroom homes — a 4.6× premium. The steepest jump occurs between 4 bedrooms ($399) and 5 bedrooms ($554), suggesting that investors stepping into the large-home segment can unlock substantial nightly pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wisconsin Dells

Revenue per available night climbs steadily with size, from $43–$46 for studios and 1-bedrooms to $174 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 2-bedroom ($84) to 3-bedroom ($82) is essentially flat, making 4-bedroom and above the clear sweet spot for investors seeking the best RevPAN per added bedroom.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wisconsin Dells

Two-bedroom units lead occupancy at 36%, while most other sizes cluster around 22–28%. This means smaller and mid-size properties fill more consistently, but the significantly higher ADRs of larger homes more than compensate for their lower occupancy when measured on a revenue basis.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wisconsin Dells

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,756 for 1-bedroom listings to $9,312 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering a meaningful revenue increase. Investors targeting the 5-bedroom segment ($6,971/month) or larger stand to earn well above the market average of $4,256.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wisconsin Dells

Larger properties dominate annual earnings — 6+ bedroom homes average $111,748 per year, more than double the 3-bedroom figure of $48,749 and over five times the 1-bedroom average of $21,083. For investors weighing acquisition cost against return potential, 4- and 5-bedroom configurations offer a strong middle ground at roughly $60K–$84K annually.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wisconsin Dells

Parking (99%) and kitchens (94%) are near-universal, while pools (69%) and hot tubs (66%) appear in roughly two-thirds of listings — a clear signal that guests in Wisconsin Dells expect resort-style amenities. Investors listing without a pool or hot tub may face a competitive disadvantage in this leisure-driven market.

Understanding Wisconsin Dells's ROI Score: 75/100

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

Wisconsin Dells' ROI score of 75 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" tier, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that suggests strong income potential relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all register as average — a reminder that the 132% year-over-year supply growth and seasonal occupancy patterns merit close attention. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a clear peak-season pricing strategy will give investors the most realistic picture of their expected returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wisconsin Dells

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin should verify whether a short-term rental permit or tourist rooming house license is required by the city or the state's Department of Safety and Professional Services. Requirements can vary, so contacting local planning and licensing offices before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply in Wisconsin Dells include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain periods, noise and parking ordinances, and rules imposed by homeowner associations. Some municipalities in Wisconsin also enforce permit caps or restrict non-owner-occupied rentals, so investors should confirm the current local rules before committing to a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Wisconsin are generally subject to state and local room taxes, which may include sales tax and a municipal or county room tax. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should verify their specific obligations with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect the summer-driven demand cycle to continue anchoring most of Wisconsin Dells' revenue potential, with July and August likely commanding ADRs that keep annual returns healthy. Listing supply has surged 132% year over year, so new investors should watch for occupancy pressure as the market absorbs additional inventory. ADR may hold steady or rise modestly by 1–3% given the destination's tourism draw, though off-season months will probably remain soft in the $2,700–$3,400 range. Investors targeting larger properties — 5+ bedrooms — are best positioned to capture group and family travel demand that underpins the Dells market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wisconsin Dells, WI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wisconsin Dells?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Wisconsin Dells is currently 28%, which falls below the Wisconsin state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 36%, while studios, 4-bedroom, and 6+ bedroom properties hover around 23%. The lower overall rate reflects the market's strong seasonality, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wisconsin Dells?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Wisconsin Dells earn approximately $4,256 per month and $51,082 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $21,083 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $111,748 per year. Peak-season months like July and August push monthly revenue well above $6,500, offsetting slower winter months.

Is Wisconsin Dells a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wisconsin Dells scores 75 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a "Standout Opportunity" designation. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its strongest investment signal, with average annual revenue of $51,082 against median home values around $430,047. However, investors should account for pronounced seasonality and an occupancy rate below the state average. Larger properties with resort-style amenities like pools and hot tubs tend to perform best here.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Wisconsin Dells is $328, slightly below the Wisconsin state average of $368. ADR scales significantly with property size, starting at $167 for 1-bedroom units and climbing to $773 for 6+ bedroom properties. This tiered pricing reflects the family and group travel focus of the Dells, where larger accommodations command substantial premiums.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wisconsin Dells?

Short-term rentals operate in Wisconsin Dells, but operators should verify current licensing and permit requirements with the city and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Wisconsin requires tourist rooming house licenses for many STR configurations, and local ordinances may impose additional rules on occupancy, parking, and noise. It's always wise to consult local authorities and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wisconsin Dells?

Peak season in Wisconsin Dells runs from June through August, driven by summer tourism, waterpark visits, and family vacations. August is the single highest-earning month at an average of $7,718 in revenue, followed by July at $6,534 and June at $5,231. October also shows a notable bump to $4,650, likely tied to fall foliage and events, while November is the softest month at $2,697.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wisconsin Dells?

As of April 2026, there are 404 active Airbnb listings in Wisconsin Dells. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom units (130 listings) and 1-bedroom units (80 listings), with a meaningful tail of larger properties — 38 listings have 6 or more bedrooms. Notably, year-over-year listing growth has been 132%, indicating a rapidly expanding market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wisconsin Dells?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Wisconsin Dells 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 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 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 Wisconsin Dells and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark competitive positioning
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index for investment return analysis

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 as of the noted date and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, licensing requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.