Lake Sakakawea

As of May 2026, Minot, Williston, Dickinson have 102 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 16% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Lake Sakakawea generates $24K per year. High-performing properties earn $46K/year, while low-performing properties earn $10K/year. This wide earnings spread suggests that revenue potential is heavily concentrated, highlighting significant variance in asset utilization or market positioning rather than uniform baseline returns across the region.

Average home prices in Lake Sakakawea vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $0, 2-bedroom homes average $177K, 3-bedroom properties are around $256K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $304K. These prices reflect median home values across the Minot, Williston, Dickinson area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Lake Sakakawea, with an average gross yield of 9% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 18%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The doubling of yields at the top tier indicates that efficient operation or superior asset selection creates a distinct competitive advantage in this market.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lake Sakakawea is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $190, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $43 per day.

3-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Lake Sakakawea, with an average gross yield of 13% and annual revenue of $35K. These properties balance purchase price ($256K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Lake Sakakawea market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Lake Sakakawea area. Minot: Lenient. No specific short-term rental regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general zoning and business licensing. Minimal enforcement. Williston: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license may apply. Limited enforcement due to housing demand from oil industry. Dickinson: Lenient. No specific short-term rental regulations. General zoning and potential business license requirements. Light enforcement, market-driven approach. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Lake Sakakawea Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 16% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 1%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in supply alongside stabilizing revenue suggests a market consolidation phase where existing operators face less downward pressure from over-saturation.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak fall season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 24% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Lake Sakakawea listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (98%), Washing Machine (94%), Tv (77%), Heating (71%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Hot Tub, Bbq, with Pool properties earning approximately 31% more ($43K/year vs $33K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Lake Sakakawea over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $1K, December: $1K, January: $828, February: $711, March: $1K, April: $1K. 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 Lake Sakakawea is $190, up 29% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $130/night, 2-bedroom properties average $157/night, 3-bedroom properties average $236/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $254/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in May.

Guests in Lake Sakakawea book an average of 24 days in advance, down 32% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 18 days, 2-bedroom: 20 days, 3-bedroom: 28 days, 4+ bedroom: 33 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Lake Sakakawea Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 16%, revenue per listing increased 1%, occupancy rose 6%, average nightly rates increased 29%, and lead time decreased 32%. These metrics reflect a tightening market where higher pricing power and faster booking cycles are compensating for a smaller inventory pool.

In Lake Sakakawea, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Thursday. Weekends show 8% higher occupancy than weekdays.