Benton Harbor, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Benton Harbor Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Benton Harbor, MI earns an ROI score of 79 out of 100, placing it in standout opportunity territory for short-term rental investors. With an average annual revenue of $49,573 against average home values of $278,383, the revenue-to-price ratio ranks above average for the state. The market's strong summer seasonality — July revenue tops $10,600 per listing — points to a lake-driven demand cycle that rewards investors who optimize for peak-season pricing. A compact supply of just 56 active listings suggests this Southwest Michigan destination still has room for well-positioned entrants.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Benton Harbor 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 Benton Harbor

Benton Harbor appeals to STR investors because of its attractive revenue-to-price ratio, lakefront leisure demand, and relatively low entry costs compared to Michigan's state averages.

Expert Market Assessment

"Benton Harbor presents a compelling seasonal opportunity with standout revenue-to-price dynamics. The summer peak is dramatic — July alone generates roughly seven times the revenue of the slowest winter months — which means cash flow will be heavily front-loaded into a four-month window. Occupancy at 30% trails the 42% Michigan state average, reflecting that seasonal concentration, but the $277 ADR partially compensates by keeping per-night earnings healthy. Investors who plan for lean winters and capitalize on peak-season pricing stand to do well here, especially with larger properties that command significantly higher nightly rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Benton Harbor

Average revenue by month in Benton Harbor

Benton Harbor's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $10,606 and bottoming out in February at $1,517 — a nearly 7x spread. June through September account for the lion's share of annual earnings, making summer optimization critical for investors in this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Benton Harbor

Three-bedroom properties lead the supply with 17 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 15, while 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units each have just 9 listings. The relatively thin supply of larger 4-bedroom homes, combined with their significantly higher revenue, could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Benton Harbor

ADR scales steeply with property size in Benton Harbor, from $110 for 1-bedroom units to $463 for 4-bedroom homes — a 4.2x premium. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($285) to 4-bedrooms ($463) is especially pronounced, suggesting that larger group-friendly properties can command substantial nightly rates in this lakefront market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Benton Harbor

Four-bedroom properties dominate RevPAN at $177 per available night, nearly tripling the 3-bedroom figure of $67 and dwarfing the 1-bedroom's $45. This wide gap indicates that larger properties not only command higher rates but also maintain enough occupancy to translate that pricing power into meaningfully better per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Benton Harbor

One-bedroom listings lead in occupancy at 41%, while 4-bedrooms maintain a solid 38% — both well above the 3-bedroom average of 24%. The lower occupancy for mid-sized 2- and 3-bedroom units (30% and 24% respectively) suggests these sizes face stiffer competition or less differentiated demand in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Benton Harbor

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $1,845 for 1-bedrooms up to $6,474 for 4-bedroom homes. The gap between 3-bedrooms ($4,550) and 4-bedrooms ($6,474) represents a roughly 42% revenue lift, making the jump to a larger property potentially worthwhile for investors chasing stronger cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Benton Harbor

Four-bedroom properties top the revenue chart at $77,696 annually — more than 3.5 times the $22,141 earned by 1-bedroom units. Even 3-bedroom listings generate a respectable $54,600, positioning mid-to-large properties as the most compelling configurations for revenue-focused investors in Benton Harbor.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Benton Harbor

Every listed property in Benton Harbor offers a kitchen, while parking (93%), washer (88%), and dryer (84%) are near-universal — reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience. Outdoor amenities like backyards (79%), BBQ grills (77%), and outdoor furniture (73%) are notably prevalent, aligning with the market's lakeside, summer-focused appeal and setting a high baseline for new entrants.

Understanding Benton Harbor's ROI Score: 79/100

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

Benton Harbor's ROI score of 79 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average market growth trend. Occupancy stability scores as average, reflecting the seasonal nature of this lakefront market, while the supply/demand balance rates below average as listing growth has been rapid at 90% year-over-year. Investors should pair these data-driven signals with on-the-ground regulatory research and a conservative cash-flow model that accounts for winter slow periods.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Benton Harbor

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Benton Harbor, Michigan may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with the city. Investors should verify current permit and licensing requirements directly with Benton Harbor's local government and Berrien County offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Michigan communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA-level prohibitions. Some municipalities also impose caps on the total number of STR permits issued, so confirming availability early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally subject to state sales tax and may owe local accommodations or excise taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional familiar with Michigan STR rules.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Benton Harbor's short-term rental market is likely to benefit from continued interest in Michigan's lakefront destinations, with ADR potentially edging up 2–5% as summer demand firms. Occupancy may hover around 28–33% on an annualized basis given the market's pronounced seasonality, though peak-season months could sustain rates well above 50%. The 90% year-over-year growth in active listings is worth monitoring — if supply continues expanding at that pace, per-listing revenue could face downward pressure. Investors entering now should budget conservatively for off-season months and target properties that can command premium nightly rates during the June-through-September window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Benton Harbor, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Benton Harbor?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Benton Harbor is currently 30%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy climbs considerably during summer months and drops during winter. One-bedroom properties tend to stay fullest at 41%, while 3-bedroom units average around 24%. Investors should factor in these seasonal swings when projecting cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Benton Harbor?

Airbnb hosts in Benton Harbor earn an average of $4,131 per month and approximately $49,573 per year, based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $22,141 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $77,696 per year. Peak summer months like July can generate over $10,600, while winter months may yield closer to $1,500–$2,000.

Is Benton Harbor a good market for Airbnb investment?

Benton Harbor scores 79 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $278,383 and annual revenue near $49,573. The main considerations are pronounced seasonality and a supply base that has grown 90% year-over-year. Investors who can weather quieter winter months and optimize for the lucrative summer season should find this market attractive.

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

The average daily rate in Benton Harbor is $277, which is below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales notably with property size: 1-bedroom units average $110 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $185, 3-bedrooms at $285, and 4-bedroom properties command $463 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who target larger homes.

Are short-term rentals legal in Benton Harbor?

Short-term rentals do operate in Benton Harbor, with 56 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registrations from the city or county. We recommend checking directly with Benton Harbor's local government and reviewing any applicable Michigan state requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Benton Harbor?

Peak season in Benton Harbor runs from June through September, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $10,606 per listing. August follows closely at $9,158. Revenue drops sharply after October, with the slowest months being January ($1,576) and February ($1,517). This pattern is consistent with a lakefront leisure market where summer drives the majority of annual income.

How many Airbnbs are there in Benton Harbor?

There are currently 56 active Airbnb listings in Benton Harbor as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom listings being most common (17 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (15), and both 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties at 9 each. Active listings have grown 90% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Benton Harbor?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Benton Harbor 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based 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 Benton Harbor market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data for 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 reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations can change — always verify with local authorities before investing.