Big Sky Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Montana, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Big Sky in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Big Sky, Montana, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Big Sky, based on AirROI data from June 2024 to May 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 956 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Big Sky, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Big Sky 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 Big Sky Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Big Sky (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Big Sky 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 Big Sky is typically February, while October often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Big Sky across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $15,400+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $9,806 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $5,614 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $3,066, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Big Sky
Big Sky Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Big Sky STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May 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 Big Sky:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 71%+ 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 36%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Big Sky
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Big Sky (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Big Sky involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Big Sky typically peaks in February 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 $1,429+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $921 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $570 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $343 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Big Sky
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Big Sky (2025)
Peak Season (February, March, January)
- Revenue averages $14,435 per month
- Occupancy rates average 57.1%
- Daily rates average $1,016
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $6,066 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 35.6%
- Daily rates hold near $641
Low Season (May, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $3,540 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 23.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $613
Seasonality Insights for Big Sky
- The Airbnb seasonality in Big Sky 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 Big Sky's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $16,300, occupancy reaching a high of 65.6%, and ADRs peaking at $1,081.
- 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 $3,366, occupancy could drop to 21.6%, and ADRs may adjust down to $550.
- 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 Big Sky.
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 Big Sky seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Big Sky (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Big Sky? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Big Sky Mountain Village | The heart of Big Sky Resort, offering easy access to ski slopes, hiking trails, and a variety of summer activities. Ideal for tourists seeking outdoor adventures year-round. | Big Sky Resort, Lone Peak, Big Sky Town Center, Ousel Falls, Yellowstone National Park |
| Meadow Village | A charming neighborhood with a local vibe, featuring boutiques, restaurants, and proximity to golf courses and the Blue River. Great for families and travelers looking for a quieter experience. | Big Sky Golf Course, Ousel Falls Trail, Local shops and dining, Scenic views of the mountains |
| Spanish Peaks Village | A luxury neighborhood known for its upscale properties and stunning mountain views. Attracts affluent visitors and those looking for a high-end getaway. | Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, Amazing hiking trails, Wildlife viewing, Gourmet dining options |
| Moonlight Basin | A hidden gem within the Big Sky area that offers a mix of skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer, appealing to adventurous travelers. | Moonlight Basin Ski Resort, Mountain biking trails, Scenic landscapes, Closer access to nature |
| Lone Mountain | Known for being close to the iconic Lone Peak, this area is popular among serious skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, making it a prime Airbnb location. | Lone Peak, Skiing and snowboarding, Hiking trails, Stunning sunsets |
| Mountain Village | Diverse lodging options and amenities, making it suitable for families and groups. The area provides easy access to skiing and summer recreation. | Cascade Basin, Alpenglow, Nature trails, Festivals and events |
| Gallatin Canyon | A scenic area offering incredible views and outdoor activities like white-water rafting and hiking, perfect for nature lovers. | Gallatin River, Rafting and kayaking, Scenic driving, Wildlife viewing |
| Yellowstone Club | An exclusive private ski and golf community that caters to the wealthy, presenting unique investment opportunities for luxury Airbnb rentals. | Private ski slopes, Golf courses, Luxury amenities, Natural beauty |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Big Sky (2025)
While Big Sky, Montana, 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 Big Sky to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 3% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Big Sky (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Big Skybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
New Build Ski-in/Ski-out Mountain Home w/ Hot Tub
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Luxury Home, Ski-in/Ski-out access, LONE PEAK VIEW
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Big Sky Vacation Rentals: SV Buckaroo Ridge
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Luxury Powder Ridge Cabin - Ski-In Ski-Out Access
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Spanish Peaks Cabin 59-Luxury Cabin! Hot Tub!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Ski In/Ski Out Updated Big Sky Retreat
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Big Sky (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Big Sky 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Pines | 100 | $8,136,361 | 1259 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Natural Retreats (W) | 70 | $6,363,619 | 365 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Stay Montana | 118 | $5,694,443 | 1925 | 4.73/5.0 |
| Big Sky Vacation Rentals | 88 | $5,113,071 | 790 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Ascend | 43 | $4,104,986 | 440 | 4.90/5.0 |
| RedAwning | 48 | $2,608,116 | 67 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Wilson Peak Properties | 25 | $2,334,499 | 307 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Evolve | 24 | $1,370,353 | 547 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Double U Vacation Rentals | 14 | $1,264,551 | 311 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Fouad And Kristin | 14 | $1,040,932 | 311 | 4.90/5.0 |
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 Big Sky.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Big Sky STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Big Sky. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsBig Sky Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Big Sky
- The Big Sky Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 98.7% of the 956 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Big Sky, House properties are the most common (49%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 49% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others (combined 1.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Big Sky Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Big Sky
- The dominant room capacity in Big Sky is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 30.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms properties represent 53.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Big Sky, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 66.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Big Sky.
Big Sky Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Big Sky
- The most common guest capacity trend in Big Sky vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (59.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Big Sky STR market, accounting for 73.6% of listings.
- 77.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Big Sky.
- On average, properties in Big Sky are equipped to host 6.6 guests.
Big Sky Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Big Sky
- The most common availability pattern in Big Sky falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 54.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 90.4% 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 Big Sky (38.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 10.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Big Sky Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
54 listings
5.7% of total
2 Nights
124 listings
13.1% of total
3 Nights
193 listings
20.4% of total
4-6 Nights
66 listings
7% of total
7-29 Nights
9 listings
1% of total
30+ Nights
498 listings
52.8% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Big Sky is 30+ Nights, adopted by 52.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- Very short stays (1-2 nights) are less common (18.8%), suggesting hosts prefer slightly longer bookings to optimize turnover.
- A significant segment (52.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Big Sky, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 52.8% of Big Sky hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 5.7% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 52.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Big Sky.
Big Sky Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
192 listings
22.2% of total
Non-refundable
1 listings
0.1% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
249 listings
28.8% of total
Refundable
2 listings
0.2% of total
Flexible
6 listings
0.7% of total
Moderate
90 listings
10.4% of total
Firm
135 listings
15.6% of total
Strict
190 listings
22% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Big Sky
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Big Sky is Super Strict 60 Days, used by 28.8% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (11.1%) and stricter (37.6%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Super Strict 60 Days policy to align with the 28.8% market standard in Big Sky.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Big Sky.
Big Sky STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Big Sky
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Big Sky is 69 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during March (average 105 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in October (average 33 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (83 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (42 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (69 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Big Sky.
- For March stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 105 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 83 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Big Sky averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Big Sky (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Big Sky
- Essential amenities in Big Sky that guests expect include: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Heating, Kitchen, TV, Free parking on premises, Coffee maker, Hot water. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Carbon monoxide alarm, Washer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Big Sky: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Heating, Kitchen, TV, Free parking on premises, Coffee maker, Hot water.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Heating, Kitchen, TV, Free parking on premises, Coffee maker, Hot water.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Carbon monoxide alarm or Washer 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 Big Sky to stay competitive.
Big Sky Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Big Sky
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Big Sky consists of primarily domestic travelers (96%), often arriving from nearby New York, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 96.2% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (96.2%) and Canada (1.1%).
- Top languages spoken are English (73.4%) followed by Spanish (10.9%).
- 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 New York and Seattle.
- 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 Big Sky 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallatin Gateway | 43 | $3,928 | $421.42 | 46% |
| Gardiner | 187 | $3,711 | $290.39 | 54% |
| Emigrant | 102 | $3,697 | $328.48 | 51% |
| Island Park | 925 | $3,436 | $402.83 | 44% |
| Bozeman | 785 | $3,256 | $275.49 | 50% |
| Pray | 53 | $3,201 | $317.82 | 43% |
| West Yellowstone | 295 | $3,051 | $358.98 | 42% |
| Livingston | 342 | $2,828 | $305.13 | 46% |
| Belgrade | 178 | $2,655 | $237.26 | 49% |
| Ashton | 79 | $2,649 | $303.75 | 45% |