Whitefish

As of May 2026, Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls have 2,103 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 9% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Whitefish generates $46K per year. High-performing properties earn $95K/year, while low-performing properties earn $22K/year. The substantial spread between tiers suggests that revenue potential is heavily concentrated in specific segments, as aggregate revenue has declined by 31% despite contracting supply.

Average home prices in Whitefish vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $413K, 2-bedroom homes average $482K, 3-bedroom properties are around $582K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $712K. These prices reflect median home values across the Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Whitefish, 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. This wide delta in yields highlights that investors are seeing polarized returns amid a 32% occupancy environment.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Whitefish is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $407, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $85 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Whitefish, with an average gross yield of 10% and annual revenue of $75K. These properties balance purchase price ($712K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Whitefish market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Whitefish area. Whitefish: Strict. Business license required, 3% lodging tax, zoning restrictions limit locations. Active enforcement with compliance checks and penalties for violations. Kalispell: Moderate. Business license and resort tax required. No occupancy rules or caps. Enforcement exists but complaint-driven, some unlicensed operations. Columbia Falls: Lenient. Business license and resort tax required. Minimal restrictions or density limits. Light enforcement, largely self-regulated. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Whitefish Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 9% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 31%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The drop in RevPAR despite lower supply points to a contraction in broader traveler demand rather than an oversaturated market.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 64% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (October-November) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Whitefish listings include: Kitchen (94%), Air Conditioning (86%), Washing Machine (78%), Tv (77%), Balcony (66%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Ski In Out, Hot Tub, Washing Machine, with Ski In Out properties earning approximately 62% more ($111K/year vs $69K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Whitefish over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $4K, July: $6K, August: $5K, September: $3K, October: $1K, November: $581, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $3K, March: $3K, April: $717. 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 Whitefish is $407, up 14% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $239/night, 2-bedroom properties average $301/night, 3-bedroom properties average $425/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $844/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in April.

Guests in Whitefish book an average of 51 days in advance, down 10% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 41 days, 2-bedroom: 49 days, 3-bedroom: 57 days, 4+ bedroom: 64 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Whitefish Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 9%, revenue per listing decreased 31%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates increased 14%, and lead time decreased 10%. These metrics reflect a shift toward shorter booking windows and pricing pressure despite a reduction in total available inventory.

In Whitefish, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 19% higher occupancy than weekdays.