Bear Lake, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bear Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bear Lake, MI is a small lakeside market with just 25 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced summer-driven revenue cycle. Average annual revenue sits at $23,535 against an average home value of $526,846, producing a modest but noteworthy revenue-to-price ratio for a scenic Michigan destination. The market's tight supply — especially in two-bedroom properties — and above-average supply/demand balance suggest room for well-positioned investors to capture seasonal demand without fierce competition.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Bear Lake

Investors are drawn to Bear Lake for its favorable supply/demand dynamics, lake-driven summer tourism, and relatively low competition across a small but growing listing base.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bear Lake presents a moderate investment opportunity shaped by strong seasonal demand and limited competition. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer months — July and August together account for roughly 40% of annual income — while winter and early spring deliver significantly lower returns. The ROI score of 55 out of 100, categorized as an Attractive Opportunity, reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics tempered by below-average market growth. For investors comfortable with a vacation-rental cadence and willing to optimize pricing around peak season, this market offers a compelling entry point with manageable competition."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bear Lake

Average revenue by month in Bear Lake

Bear Lake shows extreme seasonality, with July ($4,884) and August ($4,728) generating roughly five to six times the revenue of the slowest month, March ($765). Investors should expect the June–September corridor to deliver the lion's share of annual income, while winter months hover between $934 and $1,260.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bear Lake

The market is dominated by one-bedroom listings (14 of 25 total), with only 5 two-bedroom properties represented. This concentration in smaller units may signal an opportunity for investors to differentiate with two-bedroom or larger properties that command higher revenue and occupancy.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bear Lake

ADR scales modestly from $142 for one-bedrooms to $165 for two-bedroom listings, a 16% premium. Given that two-bedrooms also deliver significantly better RevPAN and occupancy, the incremental cost of a larger unit appears well justified by the rate uplift.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bear Lake

Two-bedroom properties generate $38 in RevPAN compared to just $20 for one-bedrooms — nearly double the revenue per available night. This gap highlights how the combination of higher nightly rates and better occupancy makes two-bedroom units the stronger revenue performers in Bear Lake.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bear Lake

Two-bedroom listings achieve 23% occupancy versus 15% for one-bedrooms, indicating that guests in this market favor slightly larger accommodations. While both figures fall below the state average, the occupancy gap reinforces two-bedroom properties as the more reliable cash-flow option.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bear Lake

Two-bedroom properties average $2,385 per month, more than double the $1,034 earned by one-bedroom listings. For investors weighing property size against monthly carrying costs, this revenue spread makes a strong case for prioritizing two-bedroom units.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bear Lake

At $28,629 annually, two-bedroom listings outperform one-bedrooms ($12,412) by over $16,000 per year. This substantial gap suggests that the two-bedroom configuration offers meaningfully better return potential relative to the additional acquisition and furnishing costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bear Lake

Parking (100%), kitchen (92%), and outdoor furniture (92%) are near-universal across Bear Lake listings, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient lakeside stays. Lake access (28%) and waterfront positioning (16%) remain differentiators that could help a listing command premium rates during peak season.

Understanding Bear Lake's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Bear Lake's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, reflecting a market with average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability but above-average supply/demand dynamics. The below-average market growth trend is worth monitoring, though the limited competition (25 listings) means well-managed properties can still capture meaningful seasonal revenue. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic off-season budget before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bear Lake

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

Permit Requirements

Bear Lake, Michigan may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register with local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Manistee County and the Village of Bear Lake, as regulations in small Michigan communities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan STR markets include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking provisions, and potential HOA rules that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Investors should review any deed restrictions or community association guidelines before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are typically subject to the state's 6% use tax and may owe local lodging or excise taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bear Lake's summer peak — where monthly revenue can exceed $4,800 — will likely remain the primary driver of annual returns. ADR may see modest increases of 1–3% as the listing count grows and operators refine pricing strategies, though off-season occupancy (currently around 16% overall) may stay soft given the market's seasonal nature. Investors should plan conservatively for shoulder and winter months, budgeting around $800–$1,200 in monthly revenue during the slower period, while the June-through-September window should continue to deliver the bulk of annual income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bear Lake, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bear Lake?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bear Lake is currently 16%, which is well below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — occupancy surges during the summer months and drops considerably in the off-season. Two-bedroom properties perform somewhat better at 23% occupancy compared to one-bedrooms at 15%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bear Lake?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bear Lake earn approximately $1,961 per month or $23,535 per year based on trailing 12-month historical data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: one-bedroom listings average $12,412 annually, while two-bedroom properties bring in roughly $28,629. Summer months are the primary revenue engine, with July averaging $4,884 per listing.

Is Bear Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bear Lake earns an ROI score of 55 out of 100, classified as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and a manageable competitive landscape with only 25 active listings. However, investors should be prepared for pronounced seasonality and a below-average market growth trend. Properties that capitalize on lake access and summer tourism are best positioned to generate meaningful returns.

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

The average daily rate in Bear Lake is $173, which is significantly below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR ranges from $142 for one-bedroom properties to $165 for two-bedroom listings. While the nightly rates are modest, they reflect the market's positioning as an accessible lakeside getaway rather than a luxury destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bear Lake?

Short-term rentals do operate in Bear Lake, MI, with 25 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can vary and may require permits or registrations. Investors should check directly with Manistee County and local municipal authorities in Bear Lake to confirm current rules, zoning requirements, and any restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bear Lake?

Peak season in Bear Lake runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average of $4,884 in revenue per listing. August follows closely at $4,728. Revenue drops sharply after September and reaches its lowest point in March at roughly $765. This concentrated peak season means investors should plan their pricing strategy and property readiness around the summer window.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bear Lake?

As of April 2026, there are 25 active Airbnb listings in Bear Lake. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 14 one-bedroom listings and 5 two-bedroom listings making up the majority. The market has seen significant year-over-year listing growth of 200%, suggesting increasing investor and host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bear Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bear Lake are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still 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 Bear Lake market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.