Bayfield, Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Market
The Wisconsin lake-country STR market that includes Bayfield averaged $313/night, 59.1% occupancy and $5,230 monthly revenue in August 2026.
Quick Answer: Bayfield, Wisconsin is an active short-term rental market. average occupancy in the Wisconsin Area market area is 48%. average monthly revenue in the Wisconsin Area market area is $3,522. average daily rate in the Wisconsin Area market area is $268. the top operator in the Wisconsin Area market area is Evolve with 553 listings. market score is 80/100 (grade B).
Market data reflects the Wisconsin Area regional market, which includes Bayfield. Regulations, taxes, and permit details below are specific to Bayfield.
Market Score Breakdown
Five dimensions StaySTRA evaluates per market.
Market Overview
Bayfield is a Lake Superior harbor town of 584 residents and the mainland gateway to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which recorded 247,167 visits in 2023. Short-term rental performance data for Bayfield is not tracked for the town alone. StaySTRA’s source data groups Bayfield with seven other Wisconsin resort towns: Eagle River, Elkhart Lake, Hayward, Nekoosa, Saint Germain, Tomahawk, and Woodruff. Most are in the Northwoods, while Elkhart Lake and Nekoosa sit farther south. Every performance figure on this page describes that Wisconsin lake-country STR market, not Bayfield alone.
In August 2026 the lake-country market averaged $5,230 in monthly revenue per listing. Average daily rate was $312.92 and occupancy was 59.13%. Guests booked an average of 93.03 days ahead and stayed 4.07 nights. Compared with August 2025, occupancy was 3.23% lower, average daily rate was 5.34% higher, and revenue was 2.26% higher. Rate growth more than covered the occupancy dip.
The longer view shows steady rate growth. Average daily rate rose from $178 in 2017 to $235 in 2025, and the 2026 average through August is $250. Occupancy peaked at 53.97% in 2021 and was 46.18% in 2025, while average monthly revenue was $3,016 in 2025 and $3,344 for January through August 2026.
Listing mix, channel split, bedroom mix, and property manager rankings are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Bayfield, so this profile omits them. Local demand drivers are documented in the area profile. The Bayfield Apple Festival each October draws roughly 50,000 to 60,000 people to a town of under 600 residents, and the July Festival of Arts, Big Top Chautauqua, and island cruises add summer traffic.
Seasonal Patterns
| Month | Occupancy |
|---|---|
| Jan | 36% |
| Feb | 41% |
| Mar | 35% |
| Apr | 41% |
| May | 50% |
| Jun | 62% |
| Jul | 70% |
| Aug | 62% |
| Sep | 47% |
| Oct | 43% |
| Nov | 38% |
| Dec | 41% |
Month-by-month nightly rates and revenue figures for Bayfield are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Top Short-Term Rental Operators in Wisconsin Area market area
Ranked by total active listings. Useful for understanding the competitive landscape. Operator data is published for the Wisconsin Area market as a whole, which includes Bayfield, so these counts are not Bayfield-only figures.
| # | Operator | Listings | Reviews | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evolve | 553 | 19,950 | ★ 4.74 |
| 2 | Vacasa | 421 | 11,122 | ★ 4.62 |
| 3 | Hiller Vacation Homes | 95 | 1,825 | ★ 4.46 |
| 4 | Northwoods Property Managment | 63 | 445 | ★ 4.71 |
| 5 | Wild Eagle Lodge | 59 | 18 | ★ 4.50 |
What Kind of STR Should I Buy in Bayfield?
Revenue and nightly-rate breakdowns by bedroom count, property tier, and dwelling type for Bayfield are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Channel Mix
Distribution of bookings across major STR platforms.
| Channel | Share |
|---|---|
| airbnb | 38.1% |
| vrbo | 14.3% |
| both | 47.5% |
Home Value Trends (Bayfield)
Typical home values, median sale prices, and the 10-year price trend for Bayfield are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Insights
Booking-window and length-of-stay analysis for Bayfield — how far ahead guests book and how to price around it — is available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
Short-term rentals are legal in the City of Bayfield but require a Short-Term Rental License from the city Zoning Administrator. Licenses run July 1 to June 30 and renew annually. The city fee is not published online. Before issuance or renewal, the owner must file a Bayfield Fire Department inspection report and a Bayfield County Health Department inspection report dated within the prior year.
Rentals are limited to one renter per any seven-consecutive-day period. Operations may not create traffic, noise, fumes, glare, or vibration beyond normal residential levels. Every rental is subject to the City of Bayfield Room Tax of 8% of gross lodging receipts, even for hosts who rent fewer than 10 nights per year.
Wisconsin also requires a state Tourist Rooming House license through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, administered locally by the county health department. The area profile lists about $929 for one unit.
Properties in unincorporated Bayfield County, outside the City of Bayfield, the City of Washburn, and the Town of Pilsen, need a one-time $500 county permit and must meet potable-water and plumbing standards. The county ordinance, effective July 30, 2024, defines a short-term rental as a dwelling rented for fewer than 29 consecutive days. No owner-occupancy or primary-residence requirement was found for the city, and no annual night cap exists. Enforcement severity is rated moderate.
Market Comparison
The US short-term rental median is roughly 55% occupancy and a $220 average daily rate. The Wisconsin lake-country market runs above both. Occupancy of 59.13% is 4.13 points above the national figure. The $312.92 average daily rate is $92.92 higher, or 42.2% above the national figure.
That premium reflects resort-style demand, but it also reflects the group’s eight resort towns rather than Bayfield alone. Bayfield itself has 584 residents, and its draw is outdoor recreation around the Apostle Islands, Lake Superior sea caves, lighthouses, and the Madeline Island ferry connection.
Property manager rankings are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Bayfield, so this profile omits operator shares. The market score for the area is likewise a regional figure and is not shown here. Investors weighing Bayfield should compare the group rates above with listings in town and with the licensing costs in the regulation section.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bayfield, Wisconsin
What is the average Airbnb occupancy near Bayfield, WI?
How much do short-term rentals earn in the Bayfield area?
Do you need a license for a short-term rental in Bayfield, WI?
What taxes apply to Bayfield short-term rentals?
When is the best time to rent in the Bayfield area?
What are the rules outside the City of Bayfield?
Analyze Bayfield Rentals
Use our free calculator to estimate Airbnb revenue for any property in Bayfield.
Free Bayfield STR Calculator →
