Missoula

As of May 2026, Missoula, Whitefish, Flathead Lake have 1,181 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 10% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Missoula generates $31K per year. High-performing properties earn $60K/year, while low-performing properties earn $15K/year. The substantial revenue spread suggests that market performance is highly polarized, with top-tier assets capturing significantly more demand despite a 35% decline in total market revenue.

Average home prices in Missoula vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $346K, 2-bedroom homes average $437K, 3-bedroom properties are around $569K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $731K. These prices reflect median home values across the Missoula, Whitefish, Flathead Lake area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Missoula, with an average gross yield of 6% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 11%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield gap highlights that while market-wide revenue has contracted, specialized properties maintain strong efficiency relative to the broader inventory.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Missoula is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $264, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $57 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Missoula, with an average gross yield of 8% and annual revenue of $56K. These properties balance purchase price ($731K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Missoula market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Missoula area. Missoula: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, 2-person-per-bedroom occupancy limits. City conducts compliance checks and responds to complaints. Some unlicensed operations exist but face penalties. Whitefish: Strict. Conditional use permit required, owner-occupancy mandatory for Type 1 STRs, growth moratorium in place, density caps by zone. Active enforcement with code officers monitoring platforms and issuing violations. Flathead Lake: Lenient. Unincorporated county areas have minimal county regulations. Business license recommended, health/safety standards apply. Limited enforcement capacity, many operate informally. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Missoula Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 10% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 35%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The concurrent contraction in both supply and revenue suggests the market is adjusting to lower demand levels rather than experiencing a supply-driven saturation crisis.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 15% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Missoula listings include: Kitchen (96%), Tv (84%), Air Conditioning (77%), Washing Machine (73%), Heating (68%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Hot Tub, Air Conditioning, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 51% more ($48K/year vs $32K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Missoula over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $1K, December: $1K, January: $915, February: $1K, 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 Missoula is $264, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $162/night, 2-bedroom properties average $214/night, 3-bedroom properties average $313/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $575/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in March.

Guests in Missoula book an average of 37 days in advance, down 22% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 31 days, 2-bedroom: 36 days, 3-bedroom: 41 days, 4+ bedroom: 45 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, supply declined 10%, revenue per listing decreased 35%, occupancy fell 20%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 22%. These metrics reflect a shift toward shorter booking windows and lower utilization, suggesting that operators are facing pressure from changing guest booking behavior despite higher price points.

In Missoula, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 47% higher occupancy than weekdays.