Is Stevens Point, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Stevens Point, Wisconsin combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a promising opportunity, influenced by a stable market and consistent local tourism.
• Current market conditions in Stevens Point show a steady demand for accommodations, driven by its university community (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point), recreational activities like fishing and hunting.
• Property values in the area are generally more affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas, which can lead to a lower barrier to entry for investors while still offering potential for appreciation.
• The investment potential is further bolstered by seasonal events and university-related activities that bring in a consistent flow of visitors.

$800–$1,500 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, Airbnb hosts in Stevens Point, Wisconsin typically earn between $800-$1,500 per month, with properties averaging $65-$95 per night depending on size, amenities.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months and university events, with revenues increasing 25-40% above baseline during graduation weekends, homecoming, and summer festivals.
• Single-bedroom units near downtown or campus average $70-$85 nightly, while larger homes accommodating 4-6 guests can command $110-$140 per night during peak periods.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to UWSP (properties within 2 miles earning 20-30% more), property condition and modern amenities, responsive host communication.
• Properties offering unique features like hot tubs, fire pits, or pet-friendly accommodations typically achieve 10-15% higher nightly rates.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with higher-end properties near the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus achieving up to 15% during peak academic and summer seasons.
• The average payback period ranges from 7-10 years, depending on initial investment and property type.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals in Stevens Point that average 6-8% ROI, short-term rentals outperform by approximately 2-4 percentage points.
• Properties priced between $150,000-$250,000 with 2-3 bedrooms tend to perform best, generating average nightly rates of $80-$120 during peak seasons and $50-$70 during off-peak periods.

Stevens Point, Wisconsin averages 55–60% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Stevens Point, Wisconsin Airbnb properties typically maintain an average annual occupancy rate of approximately 55-60%.
• Peak occupancy occurs during summer months (June-August) at 70-75% due to tourism, fishing, and university activities.
• Winter months experience the lowest occupancy at 35-45% despite some snowmobile and winter sports tourism.
• Stevens Point's occupancy rates generally align with Wisconsin's statewide Airbnb average of 58-62% but fall below the national average of 65-70%.
• The presence of UW-Stevens Point creates additional demand spikes during graduation weekends, homecoming, and major university events.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The downtown Stevens Point area near the Wisconsin River offers excellent Airbnb potential due to its proximity to restaurants, breweries, and the historic downtown square.
• The Whiting neighborhood provides affordable investment opportunities with good rental demand from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point visitors and families.
• The Plover Road corridor appeals to investors seeking newer properties with easy highway access, drawing business travelers and families visiting the area's recreational facilities and shopping centers.
• The Bukolt Park vicinity combines natural beauty with urban convenience, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and families who pay premium rates for properties near the river and park amenities.
• The Centerpoint area offers a balance of residential charm and commercial accessibility, with strong appeal to medium-term stays and corporate visitors due to its central location and proximity to major employers.
• The Village of Plover, though technically separate, provides excellent investment returns with its family-friendly atmosphere, newer housing stock.
• The east side residential areas near Sentry Insurance headquarters attract business travelers and offer consistent demand with competitive pricing due to corporate visitor needs and proximity to major employment centers.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Stevens Point, Wisconsin requires short-term rental operators to obtain a conditional use permit through the city's planning department.
• Owner-occupancy is not mandated for short-term rentals, but properties must be owner-registered and maintained according to city housing codes.
• Short-term rentals are permitted in residential zoning districts R-1, R-2, and R-3 with conditional use approval, while commercial districts may allow them as permitted uses.
• The registration process involves submitting an application with property details, proof of insurance, emergency contact information.
• Recent changes implemented in 2022-2023 include stricter enforcement of occupancy limits, mandatory posting of house rules regarding noise and parking, required 24-hour local contact availability.
• The city also established a complaint tracking system and requires annual permit renewals with updated documentation.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Stevens Point, Wisconsin are subject to several fees and taxes including Wisconsin state sales tax of 5%, Portage County sales tax of 0.5%.
• The Wisconsin Department of Revenue requires a seller's permit with no initial fee but annual renewal costs approximately $25.
• Stevens Point requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license costing around $50-75 annually and a rental property inspection certificate for approximately $100-150 per property.
• Wisconsin imposes a room tax of 5% on lodging accommodations under 30 days, which applies to short-term rentals.
• Property owners must also pay standard property taxes which average 1.8-2.2% of assessed value annually in Stevens Point.
• Additional costs may include liability insurance requirements and periodic safety inspections costing $50-100 each.