Brainerd Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Minnesota, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Brainerd in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Brainerd, Minnesota, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Brainerd, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 80 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Brainerd, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Brainerd Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Brainerd Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Brainerd (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Brainerd 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 Brainerd is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Brainerd across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $10,862+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $6,528 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,374 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,745, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Brainerd
Brainerd Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Brainerd STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 Brainerd:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 70%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 54% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 38%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 24% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Brainerd
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Brainerd (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Brainerd involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Brainerd typically peaks in July and dips lowest during October. 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 $503+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $383 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $272 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $172 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Brainerd
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Brainerd (2025)
Peak Season (July, August, June)
- Revenue averages $7,907 per month
- Occupancy rates average 65.9%
- Daily rates average $322
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,030 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 32.9%
- Daily rates hold near $286
Low Season (February, March, November)
- Revenue drops to average $2,512 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 28.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $300
Seasonality Insights for Brainerd
- The Airbnb seasonality in Brainerd shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Brainerd's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $8,645, occupancy reaching a high of 74.3%, and ADRs peaking at $325.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $2,191, occupancy could drop to 25.7%, and ADRs may adjust down to $275.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Brainerd.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Brainerd seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Brainerd (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Brainerd? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Nisswa | A charming small town known for its beautiful lakes and outdoor recreational activities. Great for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for nature-based vacationing. | Nisswa Lake, Nisswa City Park, The Nisswa Chamber of Commerce, Lakes Area Music Festival, Northshore Sports |
| Brainerd Lakes Area | A popular tourist destination featuring lakes, golf courses, and a variety of year-round outdoor activities. Ideal for those who love aquatic sports, hiking, and winter sports. | Nisswa Lake, Brainerd International Raceway, Paul Bunyan Trail, Crow Wing State Park, Fishing on the Mississippi River |
| Baxter | A growing community near Brainerd, Baxter offers a mix of suburban living and access to outdoor activities, making it appealing for family vacations. | Baxter's outdoor parks, Lake Ossawinnamakee, Northland Arboretum, Shopping at the Baxter Mall |
| Crow Wing State Park | A beautiful state park that offers camping, hiking, and pristine natural settings. Great for eco-tourists and nature lovers. | Hiking Trails, Camping Areas, Mississippi River, Wildlife Viewing, Fishing |
| Deerwood | A quaint town near the Chain of Lakes, popular for its serene environment and outdoor activities. A good choice for visitors seeking relaxation and exploration of nature. | Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, Rabbit Lake, Deerwood Golf Club, Waterloo Lake |
| Crosslake | A small community popular for its lakes, offering water activities, fishing, and a seasonal festive atmosphere. Perfect for summer holidays and family getaways. | Cross Lake, Moonlight Bay, Fishing on the Whitefish Chain, Crosslake Community Center, Pine River Dam |
| Gull Lake | Home to one of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota, Gull Lake is ideal for luxury vacation rentals with its pristine waters and amenities for recreation and relaxation. | Gull Lake Recreation Area, Pine Beach Peninsula, Gull Lake Dam, Gull Lake Marina, Water activities |
| Pequot Lakes | Known for its friendly small-town feel, Pequot Lakes is close to several lakes and natural attractions, making it a great location for visitors seeking outdoor adventures. | Pequot Lakes Park, Fishing on the Whitefish Chain, Golfing at local courses, Nearby shopping districts |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Brainerd (2025)
While Brainerd, Minnesota, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Brainerd to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Brainerd (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Brainerdbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Luxury Brainerd Sandy Beach Lake Cabin (Sleeps 18)
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Beautiful NEW Round Lake Home!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Hartley Lake Hideaway Hot Tub/Beach/Pontoon
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Bonanza Log Cabin
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Round Lk| Ice Fising |Snwmobilng|Close 2 town
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Love Lake Manor- Bar| Theater| Firepit
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Brainerd (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Brainerd 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MN Real Estate And Management | 6 | $294,290 | 215 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Woods To Water Vacation Homes | 2 | $231,033 | 30 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Matt | 1 | $170,777 | 37 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Chris | 1 | $168,303 | 20 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Mona Jo | 1 | $164,040 | 28 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Denise | 1 | $139,788 | 12 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Katie | 1 | $106,420 | 73 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Erin | 1 | $105,356 | 22 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Lisa | 1 | $102,480 | 56 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Laura | 2 | $98,357 | 54 | 4.97/5.0 |
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 Brainerd.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Brainerd STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Brainerd. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsBrainerd Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Brainerd
- The Brainerd Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 97.5% of the 80 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Brainerd, Outdoor/Unique properties are the most common (51.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 45% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like apartment/condo (combined 3.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Brainerd Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Brainerd
- The dominant room capacity in Brainerd is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 33.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 62.5% of the active Airbnb listings in Brainerd, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 61.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Brainerd.
Brainerd Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Brainerd
- The most common guest capacity trend in Brainerd vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (63.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Brainerd STR market, accounting for 76.2% of listings.
- 78.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Brainerd.
- On average, properties in Brainerd are equipped to host 6.8 guests.
Brainerd Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Brainerd
- The most common availability pattern in Brainerd falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 51.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 77.5% 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 Brainerd (50%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 25.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Brainerd Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
9 listings
11.4% of total
2 Nights
36 listings
45.6% of total
3 Nights
14 listings
17.7% of total
4-6 Nights
5 listings
6.3% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
1.3% of total
30+ Nights
14 listings
17.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Brainerd is 2 Nights, adopted by 45.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (17.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Brainerd, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 45.6% of Brainerd hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 11.4% currently do.
- A 2-night minimum appears standard (45.6%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 17.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Brainerd.
Brainerd Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
2.7% of total
Flexible
9 listings
12% of total
Moderate
13 listings
17.3% of total
Firm
34 listings
45.3% of total
Strict
17 listings
22.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Brainerd
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Brainerd is Firm, used by 45.3% of listings.
- A majority (68.0%) of hosts in Brainerd utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 45.3% market standard in Brainerd.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Brainerd.
Brainerd STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Brainerd
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Brainerd is 56 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 138 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 38 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (109 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (43 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (56 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Brainerd.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 138 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 109 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Brainerd averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Brainerd (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Brainerd
- Essential amenities in Brainerd that guests expect include: Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Refrigerator, Free parking on premises, TV, Wifi, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Carbon monoxide alarm, Dishes and silverware, Essentials are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Brainerd: Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Refrigerator, Free parking on premises, TV, Wifi, Heating.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Refrigerator, Free parking on premises, TV, Wifi, Heating.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Carbon monoxide alarm or Dishes and silverware 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 Brainerd to stay competitive.
Brainerd Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Brainerd
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Brainerd consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), often arriving from nearby Minneapolis, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.6%) and Canada (0.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (81.8%) followed by Spanish (8.6%).
- 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 Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Brainerd 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Side Township | 12 | $5,025 | $398.89 | 43% |
| Fridley | 22 | $4,365 | $247.31 | 60% |
| Nisswa | 66 | $4,259 | $378.59 | 39% |
| Aitkin | 16 | $4,094 | $328.81 | 46% |
| Pequot Lakes | 55 | $4,024 | $366.65 | 44% |
| Cass Lake | 16 | $3,984 | $294.89 | 54% |
| South Harbor Township | 14 | $3,907 | $354.64 | 42% |
| Shoreview | 12 | $3,905 | $347.62 | 55% |
| Andover | 14 | $3,867 | $275.26 | 51% |
| Crosslake | 87 | $3,848 | $443.22 | 41% |