Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Helena?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Helena market averaged 704 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 1% from a year earlier and up 101% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Helena?

Accepted Answer

An average Helena listing earns $30K/year. High-performing listings earn $56K, while low-performing listings earn $13K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Helena home prices by size are 1-bedroom $281K, 2-bedroom $351K, 3-bedroom $464K, and 4+ bedroom $519K.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Helena is 35%, producing RevPAR of $60 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Helena?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Helena. Helena: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general zoning and business license rules. Minimal enforcement.
Butte: Lenient. Basic business license required. No STR-specific regulations, owner-occupancy rules, or rental caps. Light enforcement.
Great Falls: Lenient. Business license needed, zoning compliance required. No STR-specific permits, occupancy requirements, or density limits. Minimal enforcement activity. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Helena Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Helena Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has grown 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 6%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Helena?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and June; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Helena?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (95%), Kitchen (95%), TV (94%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+43%), Bbq (+39%), Parking (+32%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Helena is $238, up 22% 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 Helena?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Helena book an average of 36 days in advance, up 4% from last year. Booking windows range from 31 days for 1-bedroom listings to 45 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 42% 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.Butte	$27.0K 68 listings	10.3% 68 listings
2.Cascade Country	$44.9K 21 listings	9.8% 21 listings
3.Helena Valley	$47.5K 44 listings	9.5% 44 listings
4.Anaconda & Deer Lodge Country	$23.1K 41 listings	9.1% 41 listings
5.Helena	$28.1K 155 listings	8.4% 155 listings
6.Wolf Creek & Craig Country	$37.3K 30 listings	8.0% 30 listings