Central Minnesota

As of May 2026, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Alexandria have 2,143 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 4% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Central Minnesota generates $32K per year. High-performing properties earn $70K/year, while low-performing properties earn $16K/year. This significant performance spread suggests that revenue potential is heavily bifurcated, where elite listings capture a disproportionate share of total market earnings despite the stagnant two-year supply growth.

Average home prices in Central Minnesota vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $187K, 2-bedroom homes average $277K, 3-bedroom properties are around $336K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $389K. These prices reflect median home values across the St. Cloud, Brainerd, Alexandria area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Central Minnesota, with an average gross yield of 10% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 22%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The wide gap between average and top-tier yields indicates that profitability is highly dependent on specific asset positioning rather than broad market trends.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Central Minnesota is 27%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $333, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $60 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Central Minnesota, with an average gross yield of 10% and annual revenue of $42K. These properties balance purchase price ($389K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Central Minnesota market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Central Minnesota area. St. Cloud: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under standard zoning and business licensing. Minimal enforcement. Brainerd: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license and tax compliance expected. Light enforcement, many operate informally. Alexandria: Lenient. No specific STR regulations. Subject to general zoning and state lodging taxes. Minimal local enforcement activity. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Central Minnesota Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 36%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. This divergence suggests that while inventory expansion remains modest, the sharp contraction in revenue per available room reflects a cooling consumer demand environment.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 49% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (February-March) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Central Minnesota listings include: Kitchen (97%), Air Conditioning (96%), Tv (82%), Washing Machine (67%), Heating (61%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Lake Access, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 47% more ($80K/year vs $54K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Central Minnesota over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $3K, July: $4K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $1K, December: $1K, January: $1K, February: $919, March: $908, April: $896. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Central Minnesota is $333, up 14% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $181/night, 2-bedroom properties average $230/night, 3-bedroom properties average $319/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $533/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in April.

Guests in Central Minnesota book an average of 40 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 30 days, 2-bedroom: 36 days, 3-bedroom: 39 days, 4+ bedroom: 48 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Central Minnesota Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 4%, revenue per listing decreased 36%, occupancy fell 16%, average nightly rates increased 14%, and lead time decreased 18%. These metrics highlight a market where hosts are attempting to offset lower occupancy with higher rates, resulting in increased competitive pressure.

In Central Minnesota, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 75% higher occupancy than weekdays.