Cumberland, Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Visitor Profile
Cumberland, Wisconsin attracts approximately 150,000 visitors annually, drawn primarily by its scenic lake setting, outdoor recreational opportunities, and community events that give the city a distinct character among Barron County destinations. The core visitor demographic consists of families and outdoor enthusiasts from Minnesota, the Twin Cities metro area, and surrounding Wisconsin communities, with a significant portion aged 25 to 54. Peak seasons occur in summer when lake-based activities drive the highest occupancy, and in fall during foliage season and hunting periods that bring sportsmen from across the region. The annual Rutabaga Festival in August represents the single largest visitation spike, drawing crowds for what is one of the oldest continuous community festivals in Wisconsin.
The average length of stay in Cumberland is approximately three days, with families and fishing groups typically booking multi-night stays to fully utilize lake access. Winter visitors, including snowmobilers and ice fishers, represent a meaningful secondary market that extends STR demand beyond the traditional warm-weather season. The Cumberland Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the primary tourism resource and marketing organization for the area. STR operators benefit from the city’s Island City identity, which creates a distinctive positioning for vacation rental marketing. Properties with direct lake access or within walking distance of the downtown MainStreet district command premium pricing during peak summer and festival periods. Understanding the seasonal rhythm of lake recreation, the August festival surge, and the winter outdoor recreation market allows operators to implement dynamic pricing strategies that maximize annual occupancy and revenue across Cumberland’s well-defined travel seasons.
Cumberland, Wisconsin attracts approximately 150,000 visitors annually, drawn primarily by its scenic lake setting, outdoor recreational opportunities, and community events that give the city a distinct character among Barron County destinations. The core visitor demographic consists of families and outdoor enthusiasts from Minnesota, the Twin Cities metro area, and surrounding Wisconsin communities, with a significant portion aged 25 to 54. Peak seasons occur in summer when lake-based activities drive the highest occupancy, and in fall during foliage season and hunting periods that bring sportsmen from across the region. The annual Rutabaga Festival in August represents the single largest visitation spike, drawing crowds for what is one of the oldest continuous community festivals in Wisconsin.
The average length of stay in Cumberland is approximately three days, with families and fishing groups typically booking multi-night stays to fully utilize lake access. Winter visitors, including snowmobilers and ice fishers, represent a meaningful secondary market that extends STR demand beyond the traditional warm-weather season. The Cumberland Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the primary tourism resource and marketing organization for the area. STR operators benefit from the city’s Island City identity, which creates a distinctive positioning for vacation rental marketing. Properties with direct lake access or within walking distance of the downtown MainStreet district command premium pricing during peak summer and festival periods. Understanding the seasonal rhythm of lake recreation, the August festival surge, and the winter outdoor recreation market allows operators to implement dynamic pricing strategies that maximize annual occupancy and revenue across Cumberland’s well-defined travel seasons.
Top Attractions
Cumberland, Wisconsin, known as the Island City for its peninsula setting surrounded by lakes in Barron County, is a charming northwestern Wisconsin destination that blends outdoor recreation with small-town community character. The city’s most beloved tradition is the annual Rutabaga Festival, held each August since 1932, which has earned Cumberland the title of Rutabaga Capital of Wisconsin. The 2025 festival featured four days of live music, carnival rides, a parade, a beer garden, a craft fair, volleyball and bean bag tournaments, and a 5K run, drawing visitors from across the region. For event details and dates, visit the Cumberland Area Chamber of Commerce. The area’s lakes, including Love Lake and Doughboy’s Lake, offer fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming throughout the warmer months, with ice fishing drawing visitors in winter.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Timberland Hills cross-country ski trails in winter or take advantage of an extensive snowmobile and ATV trail network maintained by the Island City Snowmobile and ATV Club. Canoeing along the Yellow River, cycling the Barkeville Loop Trail, and hiking at Thompson’s West End Park provide additional active options. The Cumberland Museum offers local history exhibits for those interested in the area’s heritage, and the Northern Pine Distillery provides spirits tours and tastings for adult visitors. The nearby St. Croix Casino offers gaming and live entertainment, and Crex Meadows Wildlife Area to the southeast is a premier birdwatching destination. For a comprehensive guide to area activities, Travel Wisconsin’s Cumberland page provides detailed visitor resources.
Cumberland, Wisconsin, known as the Island City for its peninsula setting surrounded by lakes in Barron County, is a charming northwestern Wisconsin destination that blends outdoor recreation with small-town community character. The city’s most beloved tradition is the annual Rutabaga Festival, held each August since 1932, which has earned Cumberland the title of Rutabaga Capital of Wisconsin. The 2025 festival featured four days of live music, carnival rides, a parade, a beer garden, a craft fair, volleyball and bean bag tournaments, and a 5K run, drawing visitors from across the region. For event details and dates, visit the Cumberland Area Chamber of Commerce. The area’s lakes, including Love Lake and Doughboy’s Lake, offer fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming throughout the warmer months, with ice fishing drawing visitors in winter.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Timberland Hills cross-country ski trails in winter or take advantage of an extensive snowmobile and ATV trail network maintained by the Island City Snowmobile and ATV Club. Canoeing along the Yellow River, cycling the Barkeville Loop Trail, and hiking at Thompson’s West End Park provide additional active options. The Cumberland Museum offers local history exhibits for those interested in the area’s heritage, and the Northern Pine Distillery provides spirits tours and tastings for adult visitors. The nearby St. Croix Casino offers gaming and live entertainment, and Crex Meadows Wildlife Area to the southeast is a premier birdwatching destination. For a comprehensive guide to area activities, Travel Wisconsin’s Cumberland page provides detailed visitor resources.
Regulations
Cumberland, Wisconsin short-term rental operators must comply with both state and local licensing requirements before accepting guests. At the state level, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) requires all operators renting 1 to 4 units for transient stays under 30 consecutive days to obtain a Tourist Rooming House license, which costs $110 annually with a one-time pre-inspection fee. In January 2026, the governing administrative code, Wisconsin Admin Code ATCP 72, was significantly overhauled with modernized smoke and carbon monoxide alarm placement requirements, updated slip and fall hazard provisions, and a two-tier compliance structure distinguishing facilities licensed before January 25, 2026 from those newly licensed after that date. All operators should review the updated requirements at the DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses page. Barron County Environmental Health also administers local lodging inspections as DATCP’s county-level agent, and operators should contact the county at (715) 537-6844 to confirm inspection scheduling.
The City of Cumberland requires its own Tourist Rooming House License Application, available through the city’s forms and permits page. Property owners should contact Cumberland City Hall at (715) 822-2752 to confirm specific local ordinance requirements, zoning eligibility, and current fee schedules, as not all details are published online. The local room tax rate for Cumberland is administered under Wisconsin Statute 66.0615 and can be verified through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s Room Tax Report database. Wisconsin’s state sales tax on lodging is 5.5%. Safety requirements under both state and local rules mandate working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in all rental properties. Wisconsin’s 2017 Right-to-Rent law prohibits municipalities from banning rentals of seven or more consecutive nights, though local regulations and tax obligations remain fully applicable.
Cumberland, Wisconsin short-term rental operators must comply with both state and local licensing requirements before accepting guests. At the state level, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) requires all operators renting 1 to 4 units for transient stays under 30 consecutive days to obtain a Tourist Rooming House license, which costs $110 annually with a one-time pre-inspection fee. In January 2026, the governing administrative code, Wisconsin Admin Code ATCP 72, was significantly overhauled with modernized smoke and carbon monoxide alarm placement requirements, updated slip and fall hazard provisions, and a two-tier compliance structure distinguishing facilities licensed before January 25, 2026 from those newly licensed after that date. All operators should review the updated requirements at the DATCP Tourist Rooming Houses page. Barron County Environmental Health also administers local lodging inspections as DATCP’s county-level agent, and operators should contact the county at (715) 537-6844 to confirm inspection scheduling.
The City of Cumberland requires its own Tourist Rooming House License Application, available through the city’s forms and permits page. Property owners should contact Cumberland City Hall at (715) 822-2752 to confirm specific local ordinance requirements, zoning eligibility, and current fee schedules, as not all details are published online. The local room tax rate for Cumberland is administered under Wisconsin Statute 66.0615 and can be verified through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s Room Tax Report database. Wisconsin’s state sales tax on lodging is 5.5%. Safety requirements under both state and local rules mandate working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in all rental properties. Wisconsin’s 2017 Right-to-Rent law prohibits municipalities from banning rentals of seven or more consecutive nights, though local regulations and tax obligations remain fully applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the short-term rental regulations in Cumberland, Wisconsin?
Do I need a permit to operate a short-term rental in Cumberland, Wisconsin?
Are there occupancy taxes for vacation rentals in Cumberland, Wisconsin?
Vacation Rental Market Overview for Cumberland
Cumberland attracts visitors with its beaches and waterfront activities and outdoor recreation and natural beauty. The short-term rental market here serves diverse traveler demographics, from business professionals to family vacationers.
This destination’s rental market offers unique opportunities for property investors, with comprehensive data revealing seasonal patterns and demand drivers.
Cumberland, Wisconsin Market Performance Trends
| Month | Average Daily Rate (USD) | Occupancy Rate (%) | Average Monthly Revenue (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 24 | $285.29 | 86.3% | $3,687 |
| Aug 24 | $287.13 | 77.4% | $3,420 |
| Sep 24 | $301.43 | 43.3% | $2,191 |
| Oct 24 | $250.00 | 35.5% | $2,050 |
| Nov 24 | $246.35 | 30% | $1,747 |
| Dec 24 | $205.62 | 26.2% | $1,405 |
| Jan 25 | $260.71 | 19.4% | $1,203 |
| Feb 25 | $249.00 | 12.5% | $786 |
| Mar 25 | $182.00 | 22.6% | $1,432 |
| Apr 25 | $188.67 | 16.7% | $997 |
| May 25 | $234.25 | 32.3% | $1,873 |
| Jun 25 | $250.63 | 57.6% | $3,287 |
Short-Term Rental Market Performance Analysis for Cumberland
The short-term rental market in Cumberland demonstrates dynamic pricing patterns and occupancy trends that savvy property investors and managers monitor closely. This comprehensive 12-month analysis reveals seasonal variations and revenue optimization opportunities.
Market Trend Summary
Current market indicators show: emerging growth market with increasing demand
Market data updated daily. Professional-grade analytics trusted by thousands of property managers and real estate investors.
Cumberland, Wisconsin Housing Market Data
Home Value Trends
| Quarter | Typical Home Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Q2 17 | $179,796 |
| Q3 17 | $167,118 |
| Q4 17 | $168,308 |
| Q1 18 | $168,691 |
| Q2 18 | $172,726 |
| Q3 18 | $177,135 |
| Q4 18 | $177,321 |
| Q1 19 | $178,665 |
| Q2 19 | $179,721 |
| Q3 19 | $182,622 |
| Q4 19 | $186,135 |
| Q1 20 | $189,106 |
| Q2 20 | $192,769 |
| Q3 20 | $200,031 |
| Q4 20 | $212,309 |
| Q1 21 | $217,872 |
| Q2 21 | $229,710 |
| Q3 21 | $239,049 |
| Q4 21 | $245,186 |
| Q1 22 | $254,515 |
| Q2 22 | $264,672 |
| Q3 22 | $263,728 |
| Q4 22 | $261,437 |
| Q1 23 | $264,504 |
| Q2 23 | $275,076 |
| Q3 23 | $277,186 |
| Q4 23 | $275,595 |
| Q1 24 | $276,269 |
| Q2 24 | $287,567 |
| Q3 24 | $289,153 |
| Q4 24 | $292,989 |
| Q1 25 | $298,228 |
| Q2 25 | $299,531 |
| Q3 25 | $301,221 |
| Q4 25 | $307,711 |
Market Overview
- Typical Home Value:$311,822
Current Inventory
- Homes For Sale:11
Detailed Market Analysis
Real Estate Market Analysis for Cumberland, Wisconsin
The residential real estate market in Cumberland, Wisconsin presents unique opportunities for investors and homebuyers alike. Current market dynamics show balanced market conditions with accessible entry points with inventory levels and pricing trends that reflect broader economic conditions and local demand factors.
Key Market Factors
Important considerations for this market include: growing population trends, economic development, and lifestyle amenities These factors contribute to the overall market performance and future growth potential.
Real estate investments in Cumberland, Wisconsin benefit from balanced supply-demand dynamics and reasonable price points. Prospective buyers and investors should consider both current market conditions and long-term growth indicators when evaluating opportunities in this market.
Cumberland, Wisconsin Rental Market Insights
10-Year Market Growth
| Quarter | Number of Listings |
|---|---|
| Q3 16 | 8 |
| Q4 16 | 8 |
| Q1 17 | 8 |
| Q2 17 | 21 |
| Q3 17 | 23 |
| Q4 17 | 22 |
| Q1 18 | 19 |
| Q2 18 | 22 |
| Q3 18 | 22 |
| Q4 18 | 20 |
| Q1 19 | 22 |
| Q2 19 | 25 |
| Q3 19 | 23 |
| Q4 19 | 20 |
| Q1 20 | 22 |
| Q2 20 | 21 |
| Q3 20 | 19 |
| Q4 20 | 15 |
| Q1 21 | 15 |
| Q2 21 | 16 |
| Q3 21 | 19 |
| Q4 21 | 21 |
| Q1 22 | 21 |
| Q2 22 | 23 |
| Q3 22 | 25 |
| Q4 22 | 27 |
| Q1 23 | 28 |
| Q2 23 | 34 |
| Q3 23 | 35 |
| Q4 23 | 33 |
| Q1 24 | 27 |
| Q2 24 | 29 |
| Q3 24 | 32 |
| Q4 24 | 30 |
| Q1 25 | 29 |
| Q2 25 | 36 |
Booking Activity
- 1-3 Months:67.5% Booked
- 4-6 Months:59.1% Booked
- 7-9 Months:7.7% Booked
- 10-12 Months:0% Booked
Cancellation Policies
- Flexible:0%
- Moderate:0%
- Strict:0%
- Super Strict:0%
Minimum Stay
- 1 Day:0
- 2 Days:0
- 3 Days:0
- 4-6 Days:0
- 7-29 Days:0
- 30+ Days:0
Short-Term Rental Regulations and Booking Patterns in Cumberland
Cumberland vacation rental operators navigate specific local regulations and booking patterns that shape market dynamics. Understanding minimum stay requirements, cancellation policies, and booking windows is essential for successful property management.
Market analysis reveals seasonal policy variations maximizing revenue. These insights help property managers optimize their listing strategies and maximize occupancy.
Local regulations and platform policies influence rental operations. StaySTRA provides comprehensive policy tracking and compliance insights.
Cumberland, Wisconsin Rental Market Composition
Entire Place by Beds
| Bedroom Configuration | Number of Properties |
|---|---|
| Studio | 1 |
| 1 Bed | 1 |
| 2 Beds | 12 |
| 3 Beds | 10 |
| 4 Beds | 8 |
| 5+ Beds | 2 |
Common Rental Amenities
Amenity data is not available for this location.
Vacation Rental Property Types in Cumberland
The vacation rental market in Cumberland features a diverse mix of property types, from cozy studios to spacious family homes. Understanding the property composition helps investors identify market gaps and opportunities.
Market characteristics include diverse property sizes from studios to large homes. This distribution reflects local demand patterns and traveler preferences.
Premium amenities and guest ratings play a crucial role in rental performance, with data showing clear correlations between specific features and booking rates.
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