Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Whitefish?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Whitefish market averaged 2,143 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 0% from a year earlier and up 18% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Whitefish?

Accepted Answer

An average Whitefish listing earns $55K/year. High-performing listings earn $114K, while low-performing listings earn $26K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Whitefish home prices by size are 1-bedroom $417K, 2-bedroom $488K, 3-bedroom $585K, and 4+ bedroom $710K.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Whitefish is 33%, producing RevPAR of $114 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Whitefish?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Whitefish. Whitefish: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, owner-occupancy required in residential zones. Active enforcement with complaints investigated and fines issued.
Kalispell: Lenient. Business license needed, basic zoning compliance. Minimal active enforcement, many unlicensed operators continue.
Columbia Falls: Lenient. No specific STR regulations beyond general business licensing. Very limited enforcement, operates largely unregulated with minimal oversight of rental activity. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Whitefish Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Whitefish Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has grown 0% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 26%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Whitefish?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and August; it is lowest in November and April.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Whitefish?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (98%), Heating (97%), Parking (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are TV (+96%), Internet (+62%), Ski In Out (+57%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Whitefish is $433, up 16% 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 Whitefish?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Whitefish book an average of 54 days in advance, up 6% from last year. Booking windows range from 44 days for 1-bedroom listings to 65 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 19% 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.Libby and Troy Country	$33.2K 41 listings	10.1% 41 listings
2.Columbia Falls Country	$54.4K 175 listings	10.0% 175 listings
3.South Columbia Falls Country	$49.9K 110 listings	9.6% 110 listings
4.Whitefish Town	$55.3K 332 listings	8.2% 332 listings
5.Whitefish Country	$65.4K 412 listings	7.5% 412 listings
6.Eureka and Tobacco Valley	$32.3K 45 listings	5.9% 45 listings