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

Benzonia Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Benzonia, MI is a small but sharply seasonal short-term rental market nestled in northern Michigan's lake and recreation country. With just 15 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $41,371, the market rewards operators who can capitalize on a dramatic summer surge — July alone averages $9,818 in revenue. An above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance signal genuine opportunity, though below-average occupancy stability means investors need to plan carefully for the quieter months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Benzonia 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 Benzonia

Benzonia attracts investors seeking a small-market entry point with strong summer revenue potential and a favorable ratio of rental income to property prices.

Expert Market Assessment

"Benzonia presents a competitive opportunity for investors comfortable with a highly seasonal cash-flow profile. The summer months of June through August account for the lion's share of annual revenue, with July peaking at $9,818 — roughly seven times the $1,341 earned in the slowest month of March. That kind of concentration demands careful budgeting, but the above-average revenue-to-price ratio and limited listing supply create a real opening for well-positioned properties. Investors who optimize for the summer surge and set realistic expectations for winter can find this micro-market rewarding."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Benzonia

Average revenue by month in Benzonia

Benzonia's revenue curve is dramatically seasonal: July ($9,818) and August ($8,916) together account for nearly half of all annual income, while April marks the trough at just $1,017. Investors should expect a roughly 10:1 ratio between peak and off-peak monthly revenue, making cash reserve planning essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Benzonia

The entire trackable supply in Benzonia consists of 2-bedroom properties (6 listings with size data available). This concentration suggests either a gap in larger or smaller property types or that the market naturally favors mid-size vacation rentals suited to couples and small families.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Benzonia

Two-bedroom listings in Benzonia command an ADR of $280, closely aligning with the market-wide average of $286. With only one property size segment reporting, ADR comparison across sizes isn't possible, but the rate positions these units as accessible relative to Michigan's $350 state average.

Average RevPAN by property size in Benzonia

Two-bedroom properties generate a RevPAN of $143, which is notably higher than the overall market RevPAN of $85. This gap suggests that the 2-bedroom segment enjoys stronger booking performance than the market average, making it the most reliable revenue configuration currently available in Benzonia.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Benzonia

Two-bedroom listings achieve a 51% average occupancy rate — significantly above the market-wide 30% average. This indicates that properly managed 2-bedroom units can maintain substantially better fill rates than the broader market, providing more consistent cash flow throughout the year.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Benzonia

At $4,091 per month, 2-bedroom properties outperform the market average of $3,447 by nearly 19%. For investors evaluating Benzonia, this segment currently represents the most proven revenue generator given its higher occupancy and solid nightly rate.

Average annual revenue by property size in Benzonia

Two-bedroom units produce an estimated $49,093 in annual revenue, roughly $7,700 more than the overall market average of $41,371. Against an average home value of $491,725, this translates to a gross yield of about 10%, reinforcing the above-average revenue-to-price ratio flagged in the ROI analysis.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Benzonia

Parking (100%), kitchen (93%), and outdoor living features like a backyard and BBQ grill (both 80%) dominate the amenity landscape — consistent with a rural vacation market where guests expect home-like comfort and outdoor recreation. Lake access and waterfront are present in only 13% of listings, suggesting that properties with direct water access could command a meaningful premium.

Understanding Benzonia's ROI Score: 46/100

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

Benzonia's ROI Score of 46 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band — a market with real upside but one that demands careful deal selection. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance are encouraging fundamentals, while below-average occupancy stability reflects the pronounced seasonal swings that define northern Michigan vacation markets. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative cash-flow model will help investors determine whether a specific property pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Benzonia

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Benzonia, Michigan may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with local township authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Benzie County or the Village of Benzonia before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STRs in this area include occupancy limits, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Homeowners association covenants can also impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable HOA agreements is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental hosts to collect state sales tax and, in many areas, a local accommodations or use tax on stays shorter than 30 days. Major platforms like Airbnb often handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Michigan Department of Treasury.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Benzonia's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its strongly seasonal rhythm, with summer months continuing to drive the bulk of annual income. Given the 125% year-over-year growth in active listings, competition could tighten — but supply remains very low at 15 listings, suggesting demand still has room to absorb new entrants. Investors should anticipate ADR holding near the current $286 range, with occupancy likely hovering around 28–33% on an annual basis due to the market's pronounced off-season. Strategic pricing and minimum-stay adjustments during shoulder months (May, September, October) could help smooth cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Benzonia, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Benzonia?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Benzonia is currently 30%, which sits below the Michigan state average of 42%. This figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months see significantly higher bookings while winter and early spring are much quieter. Property-specific occupancy can vary based on pricing, amenities, and guest experience.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Benzonia?

Airbnb hosts in Benzonia earn an average of $3,447 per month and approximately $41,371 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer, with July averaging $9,818 and August around $8,916. Two-bedroom properties — the most common size — average slightly higher at $4,091 per month ($49,093 annually).

Is Benzonia a good market for Airbnb investment?

Benzonia scores a 46 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance, but occupancy stability is below average due to sharp seasonality. Investors willing to manage around a summer-heavy revenue cycle and source properties at attractive prices can find genuine potential here.

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

The average daily rate in Benzonia is $286, which is below the Michigan state average of $350. For the dominant 2-bedroom segment, ADR sits at $280. While nightly rates are competitive, the real revenue driver in this market is maximizing bookings during the high-demand summer season rather than pushing rates alone.

Are short-term rentals legal in Benzonia?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Benzonia area, though local regulations may require permits or registration. Michigan does not have a statewide ban on STRs, but individual townships and municipalities can impose their own rules. Prospective investors should check with local Benzie County and Village of Benzonia authorities for the most up-to-date requirements.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Benzonia?

Peak season in Benzonia runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $9,818 per listing. August follows closely at $8,916. The shoulder months of May ($2,674), September ($3,936), and October ($2,942) also see meaningful activity, while November through April represents the off-season with monthly revenues typically ranging from $1,017 to $1,685.

How many Airbnbs are there in Benzonia?

As of April 2026, there are 15 active Airbnb listings in Benzonia. This represents 125% year-over-year growth, indicating rising investor interest in this small market. The limited supply means less direct competition for hosts, though it also reflects the market's niche, seasonal nature.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Benzonia?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Benzonia 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder into 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 Benzonia, MI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 as of the date shown and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify all compliance obligations with local authorities before purchasing.