Lead, South Dakota Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Lead, South Dakota? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $37,444 per year — at a $364 nightly rate, 35.7% occupancy, and a $134 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Lead's 483 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 40.8% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Lead?
In Lead, the headline Airbnb metrics are $37,444 in average annual revenue,35.7% occupancy, $364 ADR, and $134 in RevPAR, and guests book about 75 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Lead?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Lead is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Lead is typically July, while April often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Lead across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $7,500+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,321 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,346 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,870, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Lead
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Lead?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Lead STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Lead:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 61%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 47% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 31%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Lead
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Lead?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Lead involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lead typically peaks in August and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $574+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $446 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $343 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $234 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Lead
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Lead?
RevPAR in Lead is currently $134. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $82 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $129 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $170 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $225 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Lead
RevPAR Insights for Lead
- The average RevPAR in Lead is $134. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($225) and bottom 25% ($82) is $142, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Apr, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Lead benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $129, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $170+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Lead?
Lead's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, June, while the softest stretch is January, April, November. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, August, June)
- Revenue averages $6,923 per month
- Occupancy rates average 54.8%
- Daily rates average $405
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,170 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 29.1%
- Daily rates hold near $357
Low Season (January, April, November)
- Revenue drops to average $2,338 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 23.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $338
Seasonality Insights for Lead
- Airbnb seasonality in Lead is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Lead's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $7,861, occupancy reaching 61.1%, and ADRs peaking at $422.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,031, occupancy could drop to 21.4%, and ADRs may adjust to $309.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Lead need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Lead, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Lead?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Lead, South Dakota, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Lead to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Lead?
Location within Lead matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Lead City Center | The historic downtown area of Lead, close to many amenities and attractions like the Black Hills. | Black Hills Mining Museum, Lead-Deadwood Historic Trail, local shops and eateries |
| Terry Peak | Popular for year-round outdoor activities, especially skiing in winter and hiking in summer, making it attractive for adventure seekers. | Terry Peak Ski Area, hiking trails, scenic views |
| Deadwood | Famous for its Wild West history and vibrant nightlife, Deadwood is just a short drive from Lead and attracts many tourists. | Historic Deadwood, Gaming Casinos, Maggie's Farm, Mount Moriah Cemetery |
| Black Hills National Forest | A stunning natural area for outdoor enthusiasts, ideal for guests wanting a nature escape with hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. | Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Needles Highway, hiking and biking trails |
| Lazarus Canyon | Offers beautiful views and nature, can be an ideal spot for those looking for secluded retreats away from city life. | Nature trails, scenic overlooks, wildlife watching |
| Boulder Canyon | A beautiful area known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and stunning landscapes, attracting nature lovers and adventure tourists. | Boulder Canyon Creek, Campgrounds, hiking and biking opportunities |
| Lower Elk Creek | A serene location near Lead, perfect for peaceful getaways and exploration of the surrounding nature. | Fishing spots, picnic areas, hiking paths |
| Spearfish Canyon | Famous for its dramatic scenery and outdoor activities, popular with tourists seeking beauty and adventure. | Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls, Scenic drives |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Lead offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Lead?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Lead
- The Lead Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 97.9% of the 483 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Lead, Outdoor/Unique properties are the most common (46.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 42.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, unique stays (combined 0.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Lead Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Lead
- The dominant room capacity in Lead is 4 bedrooms listings, making up 30.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 4 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 53.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Lead, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 75.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Lead.
Lead Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Lead
- The most common guest capacity trend in Lead vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (71.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Lead STR market, accounting for 87.1% of listings.
- 88.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Lead.
- On average, properties in Lead are equipped to host 7.1 guests.
How Do Listings in Lead Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Lead can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Lead
- At 34.9 photos per listing on average, Lead hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 38.1% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Lead averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Lead?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Lead
- Essential amenities in Lead that guests expect include: Heating, Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Bed linens, Fire extinguisher, Cooking basics are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Lead: Heating, Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Heating, Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Bed linens or Fire extinguisher to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Lead to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Lead?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Lead, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Washer | 87.8% | $40,296 | $16,952 | 137.7% |
BBQ grill | 88.2% | $40,123 | $17,427 | 130.2% |
Coffee maker | 93.8% | $38,799 | $16,988 | 128.4% |
Dryer | 86.5% | $40,373 | $18,609 | 117.0% |
Hot tub | 71.4% | $44,054 | $20,921 | 110.6% |
TV | 94.6% | $38,514 | $18,647 | 106.5% |
Indoor fireplace | 78.3% | $41,704 | $22,109 | 88.6% |
Bed linens | 94.8% | $38,335 | $21,120 | 81.5% |
Microwave | 94.2% | $38,445 | $21,183 | 81.5% |
Air conditioning | 76.6% | $41,839 | $23,054 | 81.5% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Lead
- Washer tops the revenue impact list with a 137.7% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $40,296 vs. $16,952 without it.
- Washer, BBQ grill, Coffee maker, Dryer, TV, Bed linens, Microwave — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Lead STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Lead. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsLead Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Lead
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Lead consists of primarily domestic travelers (97%), often arriving from nearby Sioux Falls, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 97.3% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.3%) and Canada (1.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (83%) followed by Spanish (7.3%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Sioux Falls and Bismarck.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Lead?
Listings in Lead average 4.81 out of 5 overall, with about 47.9 reviews per active listing and 32.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Lead
- With an overall rating of 4.81, Lead listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.89), while Value (4.73) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 32.9% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Lead Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Lead
- The most common availability pattern in Lead falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 49.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 93.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Lead (46.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 7.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Lead?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Lead
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Lead is 75 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during August (average 110 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 46 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (103 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (55 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (75 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Lead.
- For August stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 110 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 103 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Lead averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Lead?
Guests in Lead stay about 3.8 nights on average, generating roughly 11,645 reservations and 24.2 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Lead
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Lead
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 24.2 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Jun (4.1 nights) and shorten in Mar (2.9 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Lead Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
30 listings
6.2% of total
2 Nights
163 listings
33.7% of total
3 Nights
31 listings
6.4% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
0.2% of total
30+ Nights
258 listings
53.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Lead is 30+ Nights, adopted by 53.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (53.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Lead, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 53.4% of Lead hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 6.2% currently do.
- A 2-night minimum appears standard (33.7%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 53.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Lead.
Lead Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
61 listings
12.7% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
64 listings
13.3% of total
Limited
99 listings
20.5% of total
Flexible
30 listings
6.2% of total
Moderate
33 listings
6.8% of total
Firm
117 listings
24.3% of total
Strict
78 listings
16.2% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Lead
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Lead is Firm, used by 24.3% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (13.0%) and stricter (40.5%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 24.3% market standard in Lead.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Lead.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Lead?
Cleaning fees in Lead are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Lead
- 95.9% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Lead. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $203 is close to the median ($200), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 12.9% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Lead median of $200. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Lead Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Leadbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Mine Shaft Tunnel. Greystone Is A Must See!
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Powder Keg
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Nitz Carlton – A Luxury Black Hills Retreat
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Luxury Escape w/Hot Tub, Firepit and Barrel Sauna
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
☼High Mountain Rustic Cabin☼Hot Tub☼Game Loft☼
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Skyview Lodge
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Lead?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Lead based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadwood Connections | 99 | $4,076,406 | 4423 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Black Hills | 39 | $1,645,767 | 1798 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Budi | 40 | $1,562,897 | 609 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Vacation Home Renter | 23 | $964,366 | 459 | 4.73/5.0 |
| Evolve | 22 | $892,180 | 1074 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Stay In The Black Hills | 12 | $751,699 | 585 | 4.78/5.0 |
| TrailHound | 7 | $618,824 | 332 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Into The Woods | 10 | $535,681 | 305 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Heidi | 9 | $495,308 | 488 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Jim | 7 | $488,838 | 319 | 4.98/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Lead.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Lead?
Lead is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Lead
- With 75.6% Superhosts, Lead has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 58.6% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 4.8% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 76.2% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 17.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Lead averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Lead
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Lead, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadwood Connections | 99 | $4,076,406 | $391 | 33.4% | 4.78/5 |
| Black Hills | 39 | $1,645,767 | $380 | 37.3% | 4.84/5 |
| Budi | 40 | $1,562,897 | $428 | 31.9% | 4.79/5 |
| Vacation Home Renter | 23 | $964,366 | $455 | 31.6% | 4.73/5 |
| Evolve | 22 | $892,180 | $319 | 37.9% | 4.70/5 |
| Stay In The Black Hills | 12 | $751,699 | $377 | 48.9% | 4.78/5 |
| TrailHound | 7 | $618,824 | $463 | 56.1% | 4.95/5 |
| Into The Woods | 10 | $535,681 | $552 | 32.6% | 4.92/5 |
| Heidi | 9 | $495,308 | $393 | 52.5% | 4.86/5 |
| Jim | 7 | $488,838 | $369 | 49.6% | 4.98/5 |
Management Company Insights for Lead
- The leading management company, Deadwood Connections, operates 99 listings with $4,076,406 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Lead.
- Top managers average 27 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.83/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Lead's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Lead Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Keystone, Lead has 15 percentage points lower occupancy and about $80 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder House Pass | 118 | $6,446 | $603.38 | 37% |
| Black Hawk | 21 | $3,464 | $328.31 | 46% |
| Nemo | 21 | $3,232 | $395.12 | 46% |
| Whitewood | 20 | $3,006 | $361.87 | 42% |
| Deadwood | 142 | $2,857 | $362.80 | 37% |
| Custer | 287 | $2,791 | $275.51 | 47% |
| Keystone | 94 | $2,778 | $283.89 | 51% |
| Rapid City | 658 | $2,575 | $251.89 | 49% |
| Spearfish | 172 | $2,469 | $305.52 | 41% |
| Summerset | 17 | $2,379 | $374.94 | 41% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Lead
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Lead.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lead?
Lead hosts earn about $37,444 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $364 and RevPAR of $134. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Lead, South Dakota, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Lead market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lead?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lead is 35.7%. July is the strongest month and April is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Lead?
Listings in Lead average $364 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Lead?
Lead currently has about 483 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Lead?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Lead as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Lead?
RevPAR in Lead is about $134. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Lead?
Occupancy of 35.7% means Lead is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $37,444, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Lead?
The average booking lead time in Lead is about 75 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Lead?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Lead include Lead City Center, Terry Peak, Deadwood. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Lead?
entire_home listings make up 97.9% of the active supply in Lead. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Lead compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Powder House Pass posts $77,353 in average annual revenue with 37.3% occupancy, compared to Lead's $37,444 and 35.7%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Lead?
The average Airbnb stay length in Lead is about 3.8 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Lead?
Airbnb listings in Lead average 4.81 out of 5 overall. About 32.9% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Lead?
Washer and BBQ grill are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Lead. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Lead?
Yes. About 95.9% of active Airbnb listings in Lead charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $203. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Lead?
A 75.6% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.