Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Central Minnesota market averaged 2,248 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 10% from a year earlier and up 60% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

An average Central Minnesota listing earns $36K/year. High-performing listings earn $78K, while low-performing listings earn $17K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

Median Central Minnesota home prices by size are 1-bedroom $190K, 2-bedroom $280K, 3-bedroom $338K, and 4+ bedroom $392K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Central Minnesota is 27%, producing RevPAR of $78 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Central Minnesota. St. Cloud: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Zoning rules apply but minimal enforcement of rentals.
Brainerd: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business licensing and property standards apply. Light enforcement, hosts operate freely.
Alexandria: Lenient. No STR-specific regulations. General zoning and business license requirements. Minimal enforcement, many operate without oversight. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Central Minnesota Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Central Minnesota Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 10% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 19%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and August; it is lowest in March and April.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (97%), Air Conditioning (96%), Kitchen (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+51%), Hot Tub (+41%), Internet (+37%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Central Minnesota is $354, up 17% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in April.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Central Minnesota book an average of 42 days in advance. Booking windows range from 32 days for 1-bedroom listings to 51 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Central Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 77% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Princeton and Mora Country	$57.9K 20 listings	18.8% 20 listings
2.Cuyuna Lakes and Crosby	$41.6K 54 listings	15.7% 54 listings
3.Breezy Point and Pelican Lake	$52.9K 39 listings	15.2% 39 listings
4.Brainerd and Baxter	$46.3K 46 listings	14.7% 46 listings
5.Pine City and Rush Lake Country	$38.5K 32 listings	13.6% 32 listings
6.Alexandria Lakes	$52.7K 58 listings	13.3% 58 listings
7.Nisswa and Gull Lake	$56.6K 83 listings	13.2% 83 listings
8.Saint Cloud and Surrounding Country	$36.1K 43 listings	12.4% 43 listings
9.Annandale and Maple Lake Country	$44.8K 46 listings	12.0% 46 listings
10.Hinckley and Sandstone Country	$31.9K 23 listings	11.9% 23 listings
11.Little Falls and Lincoln Lakes Country	$37.2K 28 listings	11.6% 28 listings
12.Pine River and Backus Country	$28.4K 23 listings	10.9% 23 listings
13.Willmar and Spicer Lakes	$38.0K 30 listings	10.7% 30 listings
14.Crosslake and Whitefish Chain	$63.5K 69 listings	10.6% 69 listings
15.Pequot Lakes Country	$44.7K 32 listings	10.3% 32 listings
16.Richmond and Horseshoe Chain Country	$30.4K 22 listings	8.0% 22 listings