Alpena, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Alpena Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Alpena, MI stands out as a small-market opportunity where favorable property prices amplify short-term rental returns. With an average home value of $279,561 and trailing-twelve-month annual revenue averaging $26,888, the revenue-to-price ratio lands above average — a key driver behind the market's 72/100 ROI score. The 33 active listings signal a compact, uncrowded supply environment, and the pronounced summer peak (July revenue tops $5,415) reflects strong seasonal demand tied to northern Michigan's lakefront recreation.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Alpena short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Alpena

Investors are drawn to Alpena for its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, manageable competition, and reliable seasonal tourism tied to Lake Huron and northern Michigan's outdoor recreation.

Expert Market Assessment

"Alpena presents an attractive — though distinctly seasonal — investment opportunity for operators comfortable with a summer-heavy revenue profile. July alone accounts for more revenue than any other month by a wide margin, while January and February dip below $1,000, creating a pronounced spread that demands careful cash-flow planning. The market's 72/100 ROI score reflects genuine strength in affordability and revenue potential, tempered by average occupancy stability and growth trends. For investors who price acquisitions against realistic annual revenue of roughly $27K and manage expenses through the off-season, Alpena offers a compelling entry point into Michigan's northern tourism corridor."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Alpena

Average revenue by month in Alpena

Alpena exhibits sharp seasonality: July leads at $5,415 in average revenue — more than five times the January low of $997. The June-through-August window generates the lion's share of annual income, making summer pricing strategy and availability optimization critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Alpena

Supply is concentrated in two- and three-bedroom properties, with 14 three-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom listings making up the bulk of the 33 active listings. One-bedroom and larger four-plus-bedroom configurations appear underrepresented, which could signal niche opportunities for investors willing to target those gaps.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Alpena

Three-bedroom properties command $216 per night compared to $160 for two-bedrooms — a 35% premium that reflects the added space and likely appeal to family or group travelers. Given Alpena's vacation-oriented demand, the step up to three bedrooms appears to offer a meaningful pricing advantage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Alpena

Two-bedroom listings deliver the stronger RevPAN at $53, nearly doubling the $29 figure for three-bedroom properties. This gap is driven by significantly higher occupancy in the two-bedroom segment, suggesting that smaller units are more consistently booked and may offer better per-night yield despite their lower nightly rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Alpena

Two-bedroom properties maintain a 34% occupancy rate — well above the 14% averaged by three-bedroom units. The occupancy gap means two-bedroom investors can expect more predictable cash flow, while three-bedroom owners rely more heavily on peak-season bookings to make up for lower fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Alpena

Three-bedroom listings edge out two-bedrooms in monthly revenue ($2,398 vs. $1,876), as their higher nightly rates compensate for lower occupancy. However, the $522 monthly difference is relatively modest, so investors should weigh whether the higher ADR of three-bedroom properties justifies any additional acquisition and operating costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Alpena

On an annual basis, three-bedroom properties generate roughly $28,782 compared to $22,521 for two-bedrooms — a $6,261 spread. The choice between configurations should factor in purchase price differences and the investor's tolerance for occupancy variability, as two-bedroom units provide steadier booking volume while three-bedrooms deliver higher gross revenue.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Alpena

Kitchens appear in 100% of Alpena listings, with parking (94%), self check-in (91%), and laundry (82%) close behind — establishing these as baseline guest expectations. Outdoor-focused amenities like BBQ grills (76%), patios (64%), and waterfront access (42%) underscore the market's vacation character, and investors who can offer lake access or hot tubs may gain a competitive edge.

Understanding Alpena's ROI Score: 72/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Alpena's ROI score of 72 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the metric weighted most heavily in the calculation. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance each rate as average, reflecting the market's seasonal nature and recent listing growth. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with local regulatory research and on-the-ground due diligence to build a complete investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Alpena

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Alpena. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Alpena, Michigan may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city or county before listing. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Alpena city offices and the State of Michigan.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. Additionally, HOA covenants or deed restrictions in certain neighborhoods could limit or prohibit short-term rentals entirely, so it's important to review these before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Michigan imposes a state use tax and may require collection of local accommodations or tourism taxes on short-term rentals. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Alpena can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Alpena's short-term rental market is expected to follow its established seasonal rhythm, with the strongest demand concentrated from June through August and softer months in winter. Given the 113% year-over-year growth in active listings, ADR could face modest downward pressure — though the market's limited overall supply helps cushion rates. Investors can reasonably anticipate occupancy settling in the low-to-mid 20% range on an annualized basis, with summer months driving the bulk of revenue. A conservative estimate would place ADR around $210–$220 and annual revenue in the $25,000–$28,000 range, depending on property size and management quality."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Alpena, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Alpena?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Alpena is currently 22%, which sits below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months drive substantially higher occupancy while winter months are considerably quieter. Two-bedroom properties tend to perform best, averaging 34% occupancy compared to 14% for three-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Alpena?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Alpena earns approximately $2,240 per month or $26,888 annually. Revenue varies significantly by season, ranging from under $1,000 in the winter months to over $5,400 in July. Three-bedroom properties generate higher gross revenue at roughly $28,782 per year, while two-bedroom listings average around $22,521 annually.

Is Alpena a good market for Airbnb investment?

Alpena scores 72 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values around $279,561 and annual revenue near $27K, the yield relative to acquisition cost compares favorably to many Michigan markets. That said, occupancy stability and growth trends are average, so investors should plan for seasonal cash-flow variability and factor off-season carrying costs into their analysis.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Alpena?

The current average daily rate in Alpena is $215, which comes in well below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR varies by property size: two-bedroom listings average $160 per night while three-bedroom properties command roughly $216. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Alpena's positioning as a more affordable, nature-focused destination rather than a premium urban or resort market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Alpena?

Short-term rentals do operate in Alpena, with 33 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registration. Investors should check directly with the City of Alpena and relevant Alpena County offices to confirm current rules, zoning requirements, and any restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Alpena?

Peak season in Alpena runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $5,415 per listing. August follows closely at $4,371, and June comes in at $3,047. The off-season stretches from November through March, when monthly revenue drops to roughly $1,000–$1,670. This pronounced seasonality is typical of northern Michigan lakefront markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Alpena?

As of April 2026, there are 33 active Airbnb listings in Alpena. The supply is split between two-bedroom properties (10 listings) and three-bedroom properties (14 listings), with the remainder spread across other configurations. Notably, active listings have grown 113% year over year, so the competitive landscape is evolving — though the overall count remains small.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Alpena?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Alpena are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results will vary depending on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Alpena, MI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply composition and popular amenity data drawn from active listings

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data is sourced as of April 2026 and may not reflect subsequent market changes or regulatory updates. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.