Bay City, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bay City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bay City, MI stands out for short-term rental investors primarily because of its exceptional revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values around $158,746 and annual STR revenue averaging $22,487, the entry cost is remarkably low relative to earning potential. The market currently hosts just 70 active Airbnb listings, keeping competition modest, though occupancy at 25% trails the Michigan state average of 42%. Investors willing to optimize pricing and target peak summer demand could find compelling returns in this affordable Great Lakes market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bay City 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 Bay City

Bay City's unusually strong revenue-to-price ratio and low property acquisition costs make it an attractive entry point for investors seeking cash-flow potential in a smaller Michigan market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bay City represents a solid opportunity for investors who can manage around pronounced seasonality. Revenue swings sharply between the summer peak — August leads at $2,859 monthly — and the quieter winter months, when January dips to $1,173. The ROI score of 75 out of 100 reflects a standout revenue-to-price ratio pulling the market up, balanced by average occupancy stability and below-average marks on market growth trend and supply/demand balance. For investors comfortable navigating a seasonal earnings curve and a rapidly growing listing count, the low acquisition cost and manageable competitive landscape offer genuine upside."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bay City

Average revenue by month in Bay City

Bay City's revenue follows a clear seasonal pattern, peaking in August at $2,859 and bottoming out in January at $1,173 — a spread of nearly $1,700. The strongest earning window runs June through October, making summer and early fall the critical months for hitting annual revenue targets.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bay City

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 26 of 70 total listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (20) and 3-bedrooms (13), while 4-bedroom properties are scarce at just 5 listings. The thin supply of larger homes could signal an opportunity for investors willing to target the 3- and 4-bedroom segment where competition is lighter.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bay City

ADR jumps significantly for larger properties, with 3-bedroom listings commanding $246 per night — nearly double the $134 rate for 2-bedrooms. Interestingly, 4-bedroom units price slightly lower at $234, suggesting that the premium-to-cost trade-off may be strongest at the 3-bedroom tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bay City

Three-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $65, well ahead of 1-bedrooms at $50, while 2-bedrooms ($29) and 4-bedrooms ($26) lag considerably. This indicates that 3-bedroom properties strike the best balance between nightly rate and occupancy for generating consistent per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bay City

One-bedroom units achieve the highest occupancy at 31%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 27% and 2-bedrooms at 22%, while 4-bedroom properties fill just 11% of available nights. For cash-flow stability, smaller units offer more consistent bookings, though their lower nightly rates temper overall revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bay City

Three-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $2,869 per month, outpacing 4-bedrooms ($2,351), 2-bedrooms ($1,644), and 1-bedrooms ($1,367). The gap between 3-bedroom and 1-bedroom monthly revenue is over $1,500, underscoring how much property configuration matters in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bay City

At $34,439 annually, 3-bedroom listings generate roughly twice the revenue of 1-bedroom units ($16,412) and significantly outperform 4-bedrooms ($28,218). Paired with Bay City's low average home values, the 3-bedroom segment likely offers the strongest return potential relative to acquisition cost.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bay City

Parking (99%) and kitchen access (91%) are near-universal among Bay City listings, while self check-in (84%) has become a baseline guest expectation. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (57%), patios (39%), and BBQ grills (39%) are common, and the presence of lake access (17%) and waterfront (16%) listings highlights the market's appeal as a Great Lakes destination.

Understanding Bay City's ROI Score: 75/100

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

Bay City's ROI score of 75 out of 100 places it in the 'Standout Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects the market's low acquisition costs relative to rental income. Occupancy stability scores as average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance both register below average — the 156% year-over-year listing growth deserves monitoring. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough local regulatory research and property-level analysis to build a complete investment picture.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bay City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bay City, Michigan may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Bay City's local government and the State of Michigan, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules or zoning restrictions that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so due diligence at the property level is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR operators in Michigan are typically subject to state sales tax and may owe local occupancy or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional familiar with Michigan requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bay City's STR market is likely to see continued seasonal demand concentrated in the summer months, with August historically delivering the strongest revenue at $2,859 per listing. The 156% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which may put modest downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy remaining in the 22–28% range market-wide, with potential for ADR to hold steady or tick up 1–3% as operators refine their offerings. Strategic pricing during the June–October window will remain essential for hitting annual revenue targets."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bay City, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bay City?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bay City is currently 25%, which is below the Michigan state average of 42%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 31% and 4-bedroom properties trailing at 11%. Seasonal demand plays a major role — summer months bring the highest booking activity, while winter sees a notable slowdown.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bay City?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bay City earn approximately $1,873 per month and $22,487 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead with an average of $2,869 per month ($34,439 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,367 per month ($16,412 annually). Summer months — particularly August — deliver the strongest earnings.

Is Bay City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bay City scores 75 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, classified as a 'Standout Opportunity.' The market's biggest strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, driven by low average home values of $158,746 paired with meaningful rental income. Investors should note that occupancy stability is average and the supply of listings has grown 156% year-over-year, so careful property selection and pricing strategy matter. For those comfortable with seasonal demand patterns, the entry cost and competitive landscape are appealing.

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

The average daily rate in Bay City is $179, which is well below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR varies by property size — 3-bedroom listings command the highest rate at $246, followed by 4-bedrooms at $234, while 2-bedroom properties are the most affordable at $134. The lower ADR compared to the state reflects Bay City's position as a value-oriented market with lower home prices overall.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bay City?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Bay City, Michigan, though operators may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can include zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and tax obligations. We recommend contacting Bay City's local government offices and consulting Michigan state regulations to confirm current requirements before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bay City?

Peak season in Bay City runs from June through October, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,859. July ($2,554) and June ($2,322) round out the top three months. The shoulder months of September ($1,969) and October ($2,179) also perform respectably. Winter is the slowest period, with January averaging just $1,173 — less than half of the August peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bay City?

As of April 2026, there are 70 active Airbnb listings in Bay City. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties: 1-bedroom units make up the largest share with 26 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (20), 3-bedrooms (13), and 4-bedrooms (5). Notably, the listing count has grown 156% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bay City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bay City 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, 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 Bay City market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.