Brainerd, Minnesota Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Brainerd, Minnesota? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $44,089 per year — at a $355 nightly rate, 42.8% occupancy, and a $168 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 88 active listings, Brainerd is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 83.3% 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.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Brainerd?
In Brainerd, the headline Airbnb metrics are $44,089 in average annual revenue,42.8% occupancy, $355 ADR, and $168 in RevPAR, and guests book about 78 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Brainerd?
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 $10,090+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $6,426 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,413 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,652, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Brainerd
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Brainerd?
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 February 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 39%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 22% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Brainerd
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Brainerd?
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 June and dips lowest during November. 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 $641+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $450 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $316 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $196 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Brainerd
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Brainerd?
RevPAR in Brainerd is currently $168. 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 $69 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $133 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $224 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $370 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Brainerd
RevPAR Insights for Brainerd
- The average RevPAR in Brainerd is $168. 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% ($370) and bottom 25% ($69) is $301, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Feb, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Brainerd benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $133, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $224+ 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 Brainerd?
Brainerd's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, June, while the softest stretch is February, March, April. 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 $8,714 per month
- Occupancy rates average 62.6%
- Daily rates average $401
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,764 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 34.2%
- Daily rates hold near $343
Low Season (February, March, April)
- Revenue drops to average $2,576 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 28.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $336
Seasonality Insights for Brainerd
- Airbnb seasonality in Brainerd 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 Brainerd's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $9,789, occupancy reaching 69.6%, and ADRs peaking at $407.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,221, occupancy could drop to 24.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $327.
- 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 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 Brainerd, 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 Brainerd?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Brainerd, Minnesota, 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 Brainerd 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 Brainerd?
Brainerd 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.
| 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 |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Brainerd 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 Brainerd?
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 93.2% of the 88 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Brainerd, House properties are the most common (47.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 47.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like apartment/condo, hotel/boutique (combined 5.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Brainerd Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): 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 29.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 53.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Brainerd, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 60.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Brainerd.
Brainerd Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
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 (52.3%). 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 64.8% of listings.
- 72.8% 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 6.4 guests.
How Do Listings in Brainerd Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Brainerd 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 Brainerd
- At 35.8 photos per listing on average, Brainerd hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 25.0% 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 Brainerd averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Brainerd?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Brainerd
- Essential amenities in Brainerd that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Heating, TV, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Wifi, Refrigerator, Dishes and silverware 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 Brainerd: Free parking on premises, Heating, TV, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, Heating, TV, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Wifi or Refrigerator 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.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Brainerd?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Brainerd, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Coffee maker | 92.0% | $47,164 | $8,508 | 454.4% |
Backyard | 80.7% | $51,342 | $13,798 | 272.1% |
Wifi | 94.3% | $45,934 | $13,470 | 241.0% |
Fire extinguisher | 89.8% | $47,165 | $17,089 | 176.0% |
Hot tub | 15.9% | $90,170 | $35,371 | 154.9% |
Outdoor furniture | 67.0% | $54,982 | $21,927 | 150.7% |
Dishwasher | 60.2% | $56,713 | $24,972 | 127.1% |
Indoor fireplace | 51.1% | $60,554 | $26,858 | 125.5% |
Dryer | 75.0% | $51,186 | $22,798 | 124.5% |
Ping pong table | 13.6% | $82,454 | $38,031 | 116.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Brainerd
- Coffee maker tops the revenue impact list with a 454.4% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $47,164 vs. $8,508 without it.
- Coffee maker, Backyard, Wifi, Fire extinguisher — 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 Brainerd STR Market Data (2026)
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 Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
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 98.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.9%) and Canada (0.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (80%) followed by Spanish (10.6%).
- 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.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Brainerd?
Listings in Brainerd average 4.9 out of 5 overall, with about 60.4 reviews per active listing and 67.0% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Brainerd
- With an overall rating of 4.9, Brainerd listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.97), while Value (4.82) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 67.0% 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.
Brainerd Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): 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 48.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 88.7% 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 (52.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 12.5% 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 Brainerd?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Brainerd
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Brainerd is 78 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 134 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 28 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (116 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (38 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (78 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 134 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 116 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Brainerd averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Brainerd?
Guests in Brainerd stay about 5.3 nights on average, generating roughly 2,203 reservations and 25.3 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Brainerd
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Brainerd
- 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 25.3 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 Apr (5.9 nights) and shorten in Feb (2.7 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- 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.
Brainerd Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
9 listings
10.2% of total
2 Nights
21 listings
23.9% of total
3 Nights
6 listings
6.8% of total
4-6 Nights
5 listings
5.7% of total
30+ Nights
47 listings
53.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Brainerd 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 Brainerd, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 53.4% 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 10.2% currently do.
- 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 Brainerd.
Brainerd Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
2.3% of total
Limited
1 listings
1.1% of total
Flexible
12 listings
13.6% of total
Moderate
16 listings
18.2% of total
Firm
46 listings
52.3% of total
Strict
11 listings
12.5% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Brainerd
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Brainerd is Firm, used by 52.3% of listings.
- A majority (64.8%) 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 52.3% market standard in Brainerd.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 12.5% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Brainerd.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Brainerd?
Cleaning fees in Brainerd 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 Brainerd
- 90.9% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Brainerd. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $202 is close to the median ($200), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 10.9% 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 Brainerd 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 Brainerd Look Like?
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.
Beautiful waterfront lake home on Gull Lake Chain!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Hartley Lake Hideaway Hot Tub/Beach/Pontoon
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Luxury Brainerd Sandy Beach Lake Cabin (Sleeps 17)
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Lakeside Pines
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Beautiful log cabin. Spend some time in the trees.
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Lakeside Escape: 4 Kings•Rm4Grps•HotTub•Kayaks
Entire Place • 4 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 Brainerd?
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 | $335,677 | 262 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Woods To Water Vacation Homes | 2 | $173,761 | 60 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Chris | 1 | $165,268 | 37 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Kevin | 1 | $159,856 | 38 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Matt | 1 | $158,554 | 45 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Larry | 2 | $132,871 | 145 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Becky | 1 | $130,715 | 23 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Denise | 1 | $125,121 | 27 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Katie | 1 | $120,303 | 136 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Laura | 2 | $115,511 | 74 | 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 Brainerd.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Brainerd?
Brainerd is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Brainerd
- With 71.6% Superhosts, Brainerd has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 14.8% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 4.5% 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
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 27.3% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Brainerd averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Brainerd
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Brainerd, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MN Real Estate And Management | 6 | $335,677 | $400 | 43.3% | 4.89/5 |
| Woods To Water Vacation Homes | 2 | $173,761 | $504 | 54.8% | 5.00/5 |
| Victoria | 3 | $68,113 | $409 | 33.6% | 4.93/5 |
| PMI Minnesota | 2 | $29,559 | $564 | 19.0% | 5.00/5 |
| Evolve | 1 | $28,356 | $334 | 64.2% | 4.10/5 |
| Evolve | 1 | $8,446 | $308 | 48.5% | 4.83/5 |
Management Company Insights for Brainerd
- The leading management company, MN Real Estate And Management, operates 6 listings with $335,677 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Brainerd.
- Top managers average 3 properties each, suggesting professional management in Brainerd still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.79/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 14.8% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- 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 Brainerd's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
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.
Compared with Shoreview, Brainerd has 10 percentage points lower occupancy and about $128 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoreview | 12 | $5,549 | $483.36 | 53% |
| Andover | 15 | $4,460 | $320.27 | 48% |
| Hillman | 10 | $4,367 | $435.12 | 40% |
| Lake Shore | 22 | $4,278 | $514.53 | 36% |
| Fridley | 25 | $4,202 | $307.66 | 51% |
| Nisswa | 86 | $4,180 | $452.88 | 36% |
| Crosslake | 87 | $4,162 | $489.20 | 39% |
| East Side Township | 13 | $3,964 | $453.51 | 37% |
| Champlin | 12 | $3,964 | $307.22 | 46% |
| Pequot Lakes | 65 | $3,799 | $454.45 | 41% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Brainerd
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Brainerd.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Brainerd?
Brainerd hosts earn about $44,089 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $355 and RevPAR of $168. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Brainerd, Minnesota, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Brainerd market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Brainerd?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Brainerd is 42.8%. July is the strongest month and February 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 Brainerd?
Listings in Brainerd average $355 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 Brainerd?
Brainerd 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 Brainerd?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Brainerd 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 Brainerd?
RevPAR in Brainerd is about $168. 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 Brainerd?
At 42.8% occupancy, Brainerd can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $44,089, 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 Brainerd?
The average booking lead time in Brainerd is about 78 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 Brainerd?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Brainerd include Nisswa, Brainerd Lakes Area, Baxter. 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 Brainerd?
entire_home listings make up 93.2% of the active supply in Brainerd. 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 Brainerd compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Shoreview posts $66,590 in average annual revenue with 53.2% occupancy, compared to Brainerd's $44,089 and 42.8%. 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 Brainerd?
The average Airbnb stay length in Brainerd is about 5.3 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 Brainerd?
Airbnb listings in Brainerd average 4.9 out of 5 overall. About 67.0% 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 Brainerd?
Coffee maker and Backyard are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Brainerd. 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 Brainerd?
Yes. About 90.9% of active Airbnb listings in Brainerd charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $202. 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 Brainerd?
A 71.6% 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.