Lake Wales, Florida Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Lake Wales, Florida? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $22,685 per year — at a $202 nightly rate, 35.4% occupancy, and a $74 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.

At 88 active listings, Lake Wales is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 144.4% 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. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Lake Wales?

In Lake Wales, the headline Airbnb metrics are $22,685 in average annual revenue,35.4% occupancy, $202 ADR, and $74 in RevPAR, and guests book about 64 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$202
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Lake Wales.
Occupancy Rate(?)
35.4%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$22,685
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Lake Wales. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$74
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
54.7%
Strong growth (54.7%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
88
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
64 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Lake Wales. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Lake Wales.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
September
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Lake Wales.
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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Lake Wales?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Lake Wales 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 Lake Wales is typically February, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Lake Wales across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,038+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,471 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,095 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $990, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Lake Wales

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Lake Wales?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Lake Wales STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while September 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 Lake Wales:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 72%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 55% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 34%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Lake Wales

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Lake Wales?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Lake Wales involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lake Wales typically peaks in March 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 $346+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $260 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $171 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $121 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Lake Wales

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Lake Wales?

RevPAR in Lake Wales is currently $74. 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 $32 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $65 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $101 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $131 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Lake Wales

RevPAR Insights for Lake Wales

  • The average RevPAR in Lake Wales is $74. 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% ($131) and bottom 25% ($32) is $100, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
  • RevPAR peaks in Feb and bottoms out in Sep, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Lake Wales benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $65, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $101+ 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 Lake Wales?

Lake Wales's peak Airbnb season falls in February, March, December, while the softest stretch is May, July, September. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (February, March, December)
  • Revenue averages $3,028 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 44.9%
  • Daily rates average $212
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $2,478 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 38.2%
  • Daily rates hold near $195
Low Season (May, July, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,974 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 30.1%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $187

Seasonality Insights for Lake Wales

  • The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Lake Wales shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Lake Wales's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,255, occupancy reaching 50.7%, and ADRs peaking at $213.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,798, occupancy could drop to 27.8%, and ADRs may adjust to $178.
  • Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Lake Wales 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.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Lake Wales seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Lake Wales?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Lake Wales, Florida, 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 Lake Wales 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 Lake Wales?

Lake Wales is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Lake Wales
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Lake Wales Historic District
Charming area with historic homes and buildings, attracting visitors interested in the history and culture of Florida.
Lake Wales Museum, Bok Tower Gardens, Historic downtown shopping, Lake Wailes Park, Train Depot
Bok Tower Gardens
A stunning botanical garden and a sanctuary for birds and wildlife, attracting tourists seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
Bok Tower, Camellia Collection, Bird Sanctuary, Nature Trails, Historic Carillon Tower
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
A natural area ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife observation, catering to nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
Hiking Trails, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Overlooks, Picnic Areas
Cypress Gardens
The former site of an iconic theme park, now a picturesque area with scenic views, ideal for families and nature lovers.
Scenic Boat Tours, Gardens, Walking Trails, Historical Landmarks
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Close proximity to Lake Kissimmee, perfect for fishing, hiking, and camping, appealing to outdoor lovers and families.
Fishing, Camping Sites, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking Trails
South Lake Wales
A growing residential area with potential for tourism and local amenities, appealing to guests looking for a suburban experience.
Local Restaurants, Parks, Community Events
Pinewood Estates
A family-friendly neighborhood with great parks and schools, suitable for visitors traveling with children or for longer stays.
Pinewood Park, Family-friendly amenities
Chain of Lakes
Known for its beautiful chain of lakes, perfect for water sports and relaxation, attracting visitors who enjoy water activities.
Lake Wailes, Rowing, Kayaking, Fishing

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Lake Wales 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 Lake Wales?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Lake Wales

  • The Lake Wales Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 93.2% of the 88 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Lake Wales, House properties are the most common (63.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 63.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • Smaller segments like apartment/condo, hotel/boutique, others (combined 10.2%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Lake Wales Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Lake Wales

  • The dominant room capacity in Lake Wales is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 27.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 52.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Lake Wales, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 37.5% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Lake Wales.

Lake Wales Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Lake Wales

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Lake Wales vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (29.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 6 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Lake Wales STR market, accounting for 53.4% of listings.
  • 60.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Lake Wales.
  • On average, properties in Lake Wales are equipped to host 5.3 guests.

How Do Listings in Lake Wales Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Lake Wales 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.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
28.2
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
3.2
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
26.1%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Lake Wales

  • At 28.2 photos per listing on average, Lake Wales hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 26.1% 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 Lake Wales averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Lake Wales?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Lake Wales

  • Essential amenities in Lake Wales that guests expect include: Free parking on premises. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Smoke alarm, Air conditioning, TV are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
  • Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Lake Wales: Free parking on premises.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Smoke alarm or Air conditioning 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 Lake Wales to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Lake Wales?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Lake Wales, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Air conditioning
86.4%$25,789$3,025752.5%
Refrigerator
78.4%$27,144$6,489318.3%
Kitchen
83.0%$25,890$7,085265.4%
Bed linens
76.1%$27,210$8,246230.0%
Hot water
78.4%$26,534$8,707204.7%
Smoke alarm
87.5%$24,623$9,114170.2%
TV
83.0%$25,388$9,531166.4%
Barbecue utensils
37.5%$36,954$14,123161.6%
Microwave
75.0%$26,636$10,830146.0%
Dishes and silverware
79.5%$25,661$11,110131.0%

Revenue Impact Insights for Lake Wales

  • Air conditioning tops the revenue impact list with a 752.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $25,789 vs. $3,025 without it.
  • Air conditioning, Kitchen, Smoke alarm, TV — 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 Lake Wales STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Lake Wales. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Lake Wales Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Lake Wales

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Lake Wales consists of primarily domestic travelers (96%), often arriving from nearby Miami, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 96.0% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (96%) and United Kingdom (0.7%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (69.3%) followed by Spanish (21.3%).
  • 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 Miami and Orlando.
  • 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 Lake Wales?

Listings in Lake Wales average 4.85 out of 5 overall, with about 47.9 reviews per active listing and 51.1% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Lake Wales

  • With an overall rating of 4.85, Lake Wales listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
  • The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.92), while Value (4.82) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 51.1% 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.

Lake Wales Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Lake Wales

  • The most common availability pattern in Lake Wales falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 50% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 79.5% 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 Lake Wales (30.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 20.4% 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 Lake Wales?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Lake Wales

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Lake Wales is 64 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during November (average 89 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 40 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (78 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (40 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (64 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Lake Wales.
  • For November stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 89 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 78 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Lake Wales averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Lake Wales?

Guests in Lake Wales stay about 4.7 nights on average, generating roughly 2,050 reservations and 23.3 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Lake Wales

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Lake Wales

  • 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 23.3 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 Feb (5.9 nights) and shorten in May (3 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 3:00 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.

Lake Wales Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (17%)

1 Night

15 listings

17% of total

2 Nights (47.7%)

2 Nights

42 listings

47.7% of total

3 Nights (11.4%)

3 Nights

10 listings

11.4% of total

4-6 Nights (6.8%)

4-6 Nights

6 listings

6.8% of total

30+ Nights (17%)

30+ Nights

15 listings

17% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Lake Wales is 2 Nights, adopted by 47.7% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (64.7%) of the Lake Wales Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (17%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Lake Wales, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 47.7% of Lake Wales hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 17% currently do.
  • A 2-night minimum appears standard (47.7%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 17% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Lake Wales.

Lake Wales Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Super Strict 30 Days

1 listings

1.1% of total

Limited

3 listings

3.4% of total

Super Strict 60 Days

2 listings

2.3% of total

Flexible (14.8%)

Flexible

13 listings

14.8% of total

Moderate (23.9%)

Moderate

21 listings

23.9% of total

Firm (38.6%)

Firm

34 listings

38.6% of total

Strict (15.9%)

Strict

14 listings

15.9% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Lake Wales

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Lake Wales is Firm, used by 38.6% of listings.
  • A majority (54.5%) of hosts in Lake Wales 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 38.6% market standard in Lake Wales.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Lake Wales.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Lake Wales?

Cleaning fees in Lake Wales 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.

Average Cleaning Fee
$143
Median Cleaning Fee
$102
Listings Charging a Fee
83.0%
Fee as Revenue Share
11.9%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Lake Wales

  • 83.0% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Lake Wales. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The gap between the average ($143) and median ($102) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 11.9% 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 Lake Wales median of $102. 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 Lake Wales Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Lake Walesbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Reel Simple

Reel Simple

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$96,896
Revenue
70.5%
Occupancy
$330.91
Daily Rate
Lake Retreat w/Pool & Hot Tub near Bok tower

Lake Retreat w/Pool & Hot Tub near Bok tower

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$84,665
Revenue
60.7%
Occupancy
$354.78
Daily Rate
Lake Front! Spacious Home w/heated pool & kayaks

Lake Front! Spacious Home w/heated pool & kayaks

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$69,992
Revenue
59.3%
Occupancy
$328.74
Daily Rate
River Retreat at Camp Mack

River Retreat at Camp Mack

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$69,127
Revenue
69.7%
Occupancy
$363.51
Daily Rate
River Ranch glamping vacation w/ golf cart!

River Ranch glamping vacation w/ golf cart!

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$62,347
Revenue
53.3%
Occupancy
$322.47
Daily Rate
Fishing Lakefront Paradise w/ Boat Slip & Parking!

Fishing Lakefront Paradise w/ Boat Slip & Parking!

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$54,160
Revenue
58.9%
Occupancy
$246.69
Daily Rate

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 Lake Wales?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Lake Wales based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Lake Wales by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Evolve8$202,4562634.89/5.0
Kristy2$154,6571434.94/5.0
Colette5$139,009344.35/5.0
Heidi1$96,896175.00/5.0
Michelle9$90,134694.66/5.0
Martha2$87,7891204.80/5.0
Andrews2$79,1703414.83/5.0
Stellar Property Management Of1$69,127135.00/5.0
Jaimee1$62,347574.91/5.0
Robert1$54,1601194.94/5.0

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 Lake Wales.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Lake Wales?

Lake Wales has a relatively balanced host base.

Superhosts
48.9%
Professional Management
27.3%
Cohosted Listings
20.5%
Instant Book Enabled
5.7%
Simplified Pricing
70.5%

Host Profile Insights for Lake Wales

  • A 48.9% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
  • 27.3% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
  • 5.7% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 70.5% 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

  • Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
  • Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
  • With 20.5% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Lake Wales averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Lake Wales

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Lake Wales, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Lake Wales
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Evolve8$202,456$21837.1%4.89/5
Colette5$139,009$40122.9%4.35/5
Michelle9$90,134$19721.9%4.66/5
Rafaela4$36,358$16518.1%4.98/5
ITrip Lakes Of Central Florida1$35,826$26440.6%5.00/5

Management Company Insights for Lake Wales

  • The leading management company, Evolve, operates 8 listings with $202,456 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Lake Wales.
  • Top managers average 5 properties each, suggesting professional management in Lake Wales still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.78/5 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 Lake Wales's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Lake Wales 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 Anna Maria, Lake Wales has 18 percentage points lower occupancy and about $570 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Lake Wales — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Sailfish Point18$17,017$1719.6547%
Anna Maria56$8,842$771.8353%
Anna Maria island590$8,049$867.6740%
Lake Clarke Shores24$6,740$538.6944%
Boca Grande30$6,310$812.9737%
Lighthouse Point69$6,094$511.2147%
Captiva297$5,450$689.3636%
Melbourne Beach275$5,367$507.2141%
Bradenton Beach126$5,273$540.6442%
Indian Rocks Beach856$5,263$433.8946%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Lake Wales

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Lake Wales.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake Wales?

Lake Wales hosts earn about $22,685 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $202 and RevPAR of $74. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Lake Wales, Florida, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Lake Wales market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Wales?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Wales is 35.4%. February is the strongest month and September 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 Lake Wales?

Listings in Lake Wales average $202 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 Lake Wales?

Lake Wales currently has about 88 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 Lake Wales?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Lake Wales 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 Lake Wales?

RevPAR in Lake Wales is about $74. 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 Lake Wales?

Occupancy of 35.4% means Lake Wales 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 $22,685, 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 Lake Wales?

The average booking lead time in Lake Wales is about 64 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 Lake Wales?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Lake Wales include Lake Wales Historic District, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. 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 Lake Wales?

entire_home listings make up 93.2% of the active supply in Lake Wales. 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 Lake Wales compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Sailfish Point posts $204,199 in average annual revenue with 47.0% occupancy, compared to Lake Wales's $22,685 and 35.4%. 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 Lake Wales?

The average Airbnb stay length in Lake Wales is about 4.7 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 Lake Wales?

Airbnb listings in Lake Wales average 4.85 out of 5 overall. About 51.1% 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 Lake Wales?

Air conditioning and Refrigerator are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Lake Wales. 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 Lake Wales?

Yes. About 83.0% of active Airbnb listings in Lake Wales charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $143. 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 Lake Wales?

A 48.9% 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.

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