Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Flathead?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Flathead market averaged 1,538 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 5% from a year earlier and up 22% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Flathead?

Accepted Answer

An average Flathead listing earns $38K/year. High-performing listings earn $88K, while low-performing listings earn $18K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Flathead home prices by size are 1-bedroom $433K, 2-bedroom $511K, 3-bedroom $695K, and 4+ bedroom $805K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Flathead?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Flathead is 29%, producing RevPAR of $75 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Flathead?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Flathead. Whitefish: Strict. Business license required, owner-occupancy mandatory for residential zones, 10% density cap per neighborhood. Active enforcement with complaints investigated and violations prosecuted.
Kalispell: Lenient. Business license required, basic zoning compliance. Minimal active enforcement, many operate without full compliance.
Glacier National Park: Strict. No STRs permitted within park boundaries. National Park Service strictly enforces prohibition. Rentals only in gateway communities outside park. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Flathead Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Flathead Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 26%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Flathead?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Flathead?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (96%), Parking (96%), Kitchen (96%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+63%), Bbq (+45%), TV (+35%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Flathead is $329, up 18% 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 Flathead?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Flathead book an average of 40 days in advance, down 1% from last year. Booking windows range from 34 days for 1-bedroom listings to 49 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

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 24% 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.Somers and North Lake	$56.4K 47 listings	9.9% 47 listings
2.Kalispell	$42.8K 207 listings	8.8% 207 listings
3.Polson and Mission Valley	$43.3K 94 listings	8.1% 94 listings
4.Lakeside and West Shore	$54.4K 59 listings	8.0% 59 listings
5.Bigfork and East Shore	$50.0K 179 listings	7.5% 179 listings
6.Marion and West Valley	$37.1K 29 listings	6.7% 29 listings
7.Swan and Seeley Corridor	$42.5K 37 listings	6.0% 37 listings