New Study Finds Montana’s Short-Term Rentals Generated $754 Million

Airbnb Is Bringing Hundreds Of Millions Into Montana

Montana has always been a place people dream about visiting. From the mountains and lakes to Yellowstone and Glacier, millions of people come here every year looking for that classic Montana experience.

And a new report shows those visitors are bringing a lot of money with them, thanks in part to Airbnb and other short-term rentals.

Montana Short-Term Rentals Support Thousands of Jobs

According to a study from the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana, visitors using short-term rentals generated more than $754 million in spending across Montana in 2025.

The findings, highlighted by the Daily Montanan, show these rentals helped support thousands of jobs while providing a major boost to communities across the state.

The study found short-term rentals supported more than 5,500 jobs, created $277 million in labor income, and added nearly $800 million to Montana’s economy.

A lot of that impact is happening in some of Montana’s most popular tourist areas. Flathead County, home to Glacier National Park, saw $207 million in visitor spending, while Gallatin County, near Yellowstone National Park, brought in more than $152 million.

But there is a catch.

Photo by Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com on Unsplash

The Housing Debate Behind Montana's Short-Term Rental Boom

While short-term rentals are bringing in big money, communities across Montana are also dealing with a growing housing shortage. Some residents argue that homes being used as vacation rentals means fewer places are available for the people who actually live and work here.

The study examined the economic impact of short-term rentals, but researchers said their effect on housing was outside the scope of the report.

For many Montana homeowners, though, short-term rentals have become an important way to earn extra income. The study estimates hosts across the state made around $356 million from rentals in 2025.

So while Airbnb and other short-term rentals are clearly bringing hundreds of millions of dollars into Montana, they are also adding to a much bigger conversation about housing and what the future of the Treasure State looks like.