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

Bessemer Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bessemer, MI stands out as a seasonal vacation-rental market where relatively low property prices — averaging around $195,958 — pair with an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, giving investors an appealing entry point into Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With 106 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,587, the market rewards operators who can capitalize on its dual-season demand from ski visitors in winter and outdoor recreation guests in summer. The 71% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 35% sits below the state average and underscores the importance of strategic pricing and seasonal management.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bessemer 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 Bessemer

Bessemer's combination of affordable home prices and strong revenue-to-price ratios makes it a compelling option for investors seeking yield in a recreation-driven market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bessemer presents an attractive opportunity for investors willing to work within a clearly seasonal market. Revenue peaks in August ($2,896) and January ($2,606) reflect the area's twin draws of summer recreation and winter skiing, while shoulder months like April ($825) and November ($1,082) represent meaningful soft periods that operators need to plan for. The ROI score of 61 out of 100 — anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and solid growth trend — places this market in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier, though below-average occupancy stability means cash-flow projections should account for those quieter stretches."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bessemer

Average revenue by month in Bessemer

Bessemer's revenue follows a distinctive dual-peak pattern, with August ($2,896) and January ($2,606) topping the calendar while April ($825) marks the deepest trough — a spread of over $2,000 between the best and worst months. Investors should plan for roughly four soft months (April, May, June, November) where revenue drops below $1,400, offset by strong winter ski season and summer recreation earnings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bessemer

Supply is remarkably balanced across 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units (24, 25, and 24 listings respectively), while 4-bedroom (17), 5-bedroom (7), and 6+ bedroom (8) properties are notably less common. The relative scarcity of larger homes — which also happen to be the top revenue producers — may represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire or build bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bessemer

ADR climbs sharply with bedroom count, from $128 for 1-bedroom units all the way to $951 for 6+ bedroom properties — a 7.4x multiplier across the size spectrum. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($437) to 5 bedrooms ($524) is more modest, suggesting the steepest premium gains come at the larger end of the scale with 6+ bedroom configurations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bessemer

Revenue per available night scales dramatically with property size, from just $45 for 1-bedroom listings to $322 for 6+ bedroom properties. Even after factoring in occupancy differences, larger units clearly dominate on a per-night revenue basis, with 5-bedroom properties delivering $266 RevPAN — more than double that of 3-bedroom units at $114.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bessemer

Five-bedroom properties lead the market with 51% occupancy, significantly outpacing the market average of 35% and suggesting strong group-travel demand for larger homes. Two-bedroom units lag at just 26%, which may indicate oversaturation or weaker demand positioning relative to the competition at that size.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bessemer

Monthly revenue ranges from $652 for 1-bedroom listings to $4,433 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in size adding roughly $600–$1,000 in monthly income. Four-bedroom units at $2,931 per month offer a compelling middle ground for investors who want strong returns without the complexity of managing very large properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bessemer

Annual revenue climbs from $7,826 for 1-bedroom units to $53,203 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom homes generating approximately $43,928 per year. When measured against Bessemer's average home value of roughly $196K, the larger configurations offer particularly compelling gross yield potential — a 6+ bedroom property's annual revenue represents over 27% of the average home price.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bessemer

Parking (99%) and full kitchens (96%) are near-universal, while self check-in (92%) has clearly become a guest expectation rather than a differentiator. Notably, 30% of listings offer ski-in/ski-out access and 34% feature hot tubs — amenities that align with Bessemer's winter recreation identity and can serve as meaningful competitive advantages for properties that include them.

Understanding Bessemer's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Bessemer's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — annual revenues near $23,587 against home values averaging $196K create a favorable gross yield profile. The score is tempered by below-average occupancy stability, reflecting the seasonal swings between peak ski/summer months and quieter shoulder periods. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic off-season budget to get a complete picture of the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bessemer

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bessemer, Michigan may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Bessemer city offices and Gogebic County, as regulations in smaller Michigan communities can vary and evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Michigan communities like Bessemer can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking mandates — especially relevant for larger vacation homes. HOA and deed restrictions may also apply in some neighborhoods, so reviewing property-level covenants before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally subject to the state's 6% use tax and may owe local accommodations or tourism taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but operators should confirm whether any additional local obligations apply in Bessemer.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bessemer's dual-peak seasonality — winter ski traffic and summer outdoor recreation — should continue to anchor demand, with ADR likely holding in the $340–$360 range given the market's proximity to the Michigan state average of $350. The above-average market growth trend suggests new supply will keep entering, so occupancy rates may hover around 33–37% unless demand accelerates proportionally. Investors targeting larger properties (4+ bedrooms) are best positioned to weather softer shoulder months like April and November, as these configurations command significantly higher RevPAN and occupancy. We estimate modest revenue growth of 2–5% for well-managed listings, though individual results will depend heavily on pricing discipline during off-peak periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bessemer, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bessemer?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bessemer is currently 35%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. Occupancy varies considerably by property size — 5-bedroom properties lead at 51%, while 2-bedroom units sit at just 26%. The seasonal nature of the market, with strong winter and summer demand but softer shoulder months, is a key driver of this figure.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bessemer?

Airbnb hosts in Bessemer earn an average of $1,965 per month, or approximately $23,587 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average around $7,826 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties bring in roughly $53,203 per year. Peak months like August and January can push monthly revenue above $2,500, while slower months like April may dip below $900.

Is Bessemer a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bessemer earns an ROI score of 61 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio thanks to affordable home values averaging around $195,958, combined with solid nightly rates near $344. Investors should be prepared for seasonal fluctuations in occupancy and factor in quieter shoulder months when evaluating cash flow. Larger properties tend to deliver the strongest returns relative to their nightly rates and occupancy levels.

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

The average daily rate in Bessemer is $344, which is just slightly below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales steeply with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $128 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $951 per night. This premium on larger homes reflects the group and family vacation demand common in Upper Peninsula recreation markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bessemer?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Bessemer, MI, though operators may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can change, so it's important to check with Bessemer city offices and Gogebic County for the most current requirements before purchasing or listing a property. Common considerations include occupancy limits, parking rules, and any applicable HOA restrictions.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bessemer?

Bessemer has two distinct peak seasons. Winter months — particularly January ($2,606) and February ($2,506) — benefit from ski and snow-sport visitors, while summer peaks in August ($2,896) and July ($2,386) draw outdoor recreation guests. The slowest periods are April ($825) and November ($1,082), making pricing and minimum-stay strategies during shoulder months essential for maximizing annual returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bessemer?

As of April 2026, there are 106 active Airbnb listings in Bessemer. Supply is evenly distributed across smaller property sizes, with 24 one-bedroom, 25 two-bedroom, and 24 three-bedroom listings. Larger configurations (4+ bedrooms) are less common, with only 32 combined listings in that range — a potential opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bessemer?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bessemer 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 results 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, since each month uses its own historical performance data. 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, occupancy rates, and pricing for the Bessemer, MI market
• Average daily rate and revenue per available night metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Revenue breakdowns by property size and month to reveal seasonality and sizing opportunities
• Popular amenity data reflecting current guest expectations across active listings
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 as of the dates noted; actual results may differ based on property quality, location, and management. Local regulations and tax obligations are subject to change — investors should verify current requirements with Bessemer city and Gogebic County authorities before purchasing.