Milwaukee, Wisconsin Short Term Rental Regulations

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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson

Last updated August 23, 2023

Milwaukee Short-Term Rental Regulations

Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.

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  • Short Term City Rating
    5.7
  • Competition

    5.5
  • Real Estate Cost

    8.5
  • STR Regulations

    N/A
  • Seasonality

    4.5
  • Rental Rates

    4.5

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Quick Stats

Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.

Population
577,222
STR License Required
No
Tourist Season
County
Milwaukee
Airports
General Mitchell International (MKE)
Timmerman (MWC)
Review our Milwaukee Wisconsin short-term rental analytics guide, including rates, property types and other metrics

Want to learn more about Milwaukee?

Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.

Check out our Milwaukee rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Milwaukee rental market.

City Activities

Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Milwaukee.

City Attractions

The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.

Milwaukee Rental Rates & Fees

Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.

Property Types & Sizes

What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Milwaukee guests.

Interested in other Wisconsin cities?

Check out the Wisconsin short term rental regulations directory 

What makes Milwaukee a great place to invest?

  • Vibrant City Culture: Milwaukee is a lively urban gem nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. With its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and an eclectic mix of art galleries, shops, and restaurants, this city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern attractions that will captivate every visitor.
  • The Harley-Davidson Museum: Motorcycle enthusiasts will be thrilled to explore the Harley-Davidson Museum, which houses an extensive collection of iconic bikes, exhibits on the company's history, and interactive experiences. Feel the rumble of America's favorite motorcycles and immerse yourself in the rebellious spirit that made them legendary.
  • Lakefront Recreation: Outdoor adventurers will love the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, where they can enjoy kayaking, sailing, and waterfront dining. The picturesque Bradford Beach provides a perfect spot for sunbathing and beach volleyball, while the Oak Leaf Trail offers scenic cycling and walking paths.
  • The Milwaukee Art Museum: Art lovers shouldn't miss the stunning Milwaukee Art Museum, featuring a world-renowned collection of more than 30,000 works. The iconic, Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion is an architectural marvel that adds to the museum's allure, making it a must-visit destination.
  • Brew City Heritage: Immerse yourself in Milwaukee's brewing heritage by touring its famous breweries and tasting local craft beers. Discover the historic Pabst Mansion, explore the city's Beer Baron past, and visit the Miller Brewing Company for a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
  • Urban Nature Escapes: Milwaukee offers a wealth of green spaces and natural parks for outdoor enthusiasts. Wander through the stunning Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, or "The Domes," where you'll find three distinct ecosystems under its glass enclosures. Alternatively, visit the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, which offers over 180 acres of pristine natural habitat and six miles of hiking trails.

Milwaukee Nearby Cities

Local Real Estate

How expensive is the real estate in Milwaukee?

The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Milwaukee has increased 15% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $178, which is lower than the national average.

Median Sale Price

$279,262

15% YoY

Median per Square Foot

$178

13% YoY

Average Monthly Rent

$1,309

6% YoY

Property Descriptions

The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Word Cloud for Milwaukee, Wisconsin Short Term Rentals

Common terms for Milwaukee short term rental listings.

When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.

Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:

  • Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
  • Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
  • Informative: The average listing in Milwaukee has a description approximately 1,362 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.

After reviewing more than 1,987 listings in Milwaukee, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Milwaukee, Block, Place, Downtown, Quiet, Walking, Bar, Comfortable, Feel, and Basement.

What are the most popular tourist activities in Milwaukee?

Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Milwaukee involve going to the City Centre, Museums, Boating, the Zoo, and Cycling. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.

City Centre

Museums

Boating

Zoo

Cycling

Marina

Casinos

Swimming

Hiking

Beach

Ice Skating

Health Spa

Local Attractions

What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?

There are quite a few popular attractions in Milwaukee, including American Family Field, Fiserv Forum, Harley-Davidson Museum, The Rave-Eagles Club, and Mayfair Mall. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.

Well Known Attraction

American Family Field

Included on nearly all listings

Well Known Attraction

Fiserv Forum

Included on nearly all listings

Well Known Attraction

Harley-Davidson Museum

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

The Rave-Eagles Club

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

Mayfair Mall

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

Milwaukee County Zoo

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

Marquette University

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

Potawatomi Bingo Casino

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

Milwaukee Art Museum

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

Wisconsin Center

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

Henry W. Maier Festival Park

Included on nearly all listings

What’s the weather like in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 56°, while the average low is about 42°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 27 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 15 inches per year. The humidity levels in Milwaukee are generally lower than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.

Winter

December through February

21° Low 32° High

Precipitation
2.4"
Snowfall
11.9"
Muggy Days
0.0 days
Cloudiness
57%

Spring

March through May

39° Low 54° High

Precipitation
7.3"
Snowfall
2.5"
Muggy Days
0.6 days
Cloudiness
52%

Summer

June through August

63° Low 78° High

Precipitation
9.8"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
21.8 days
Cloudiness
37%

Fall

September through November

45° Low 59° High

Precipitation
7.4"
Snowfall
0.9"
Muggy Days
3.7 days
Cloudiness
43%