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

Brighton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Brighton, MI is a small but compelling short-term rental market with just 26 active Airbnb listings and strong seasonal demand driven by Michigan lake country tourism. With an ROI score of 64 out of 100 and above-average marks for both occupancy stability and supply/demand balance, the market rewards investors who can capture summer peak revenue — July listings averaged $5,329 per month. Average annual revenue of $33,601 against home values around $613,852 positions Brighton as a supplemental-income play rather than a high-yield cash-flow market, but the limited supply creates real pricing power for well-positioned properties.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Brighton 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 Brighton

Brighton appeals to STR investors because of its tight supply, lake-driven seasonal demand, and favorable supply/demand dynamics that give existing hosts meaningful pricing leverage.

Expert Market Assessment

"Brighton represents an attractive but seasonal opportunity for STR investors willing to ride a pronounced summer revenue wave. The market earns a 64/100 ROI score — solidly in "Attractive Opportunity" territory — anchored by above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance across its 26 active listings. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: July revenue ($5,329) is roughly five times February's ($1,058), so investors need to plan for meaningful off-peak softness. Properties with lake access, waterfront positioning, and three bedrooms are best positioned to maximize returns in this tight, leisure-driven market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Brighton

Average revenue by month in Brighton

Brighton's revenue is heavily summer-weighted, peaking in July at $5,329 and bottoming out in February at just $1,058 — a roughly 5x spread that highlights the market's strong seasonal dependence on lake-country tourism. Investors should expect approximately 60% of annual revenue to concentrate between May and September.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Brighton

Supply is relatively balanced across the three property sizes tracked, with 8 two-bedroom listings, 7 three-bedrooms, and 6 one-bedrooms making up the entire 26-listing market. The small overall count means even a few new listings in any category could meaningfully shift competitive dynamics.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Brighton

ADR more than triples from one-bedroom ($89) to three-bedroom ($297) properties, reflecting the premium guests will pay for larger lake-area accommodations. The jump from two-bedroom ($167) to three-bedroom pricing is especially steep, suggesting three-bedroom homes capture a disproportionate share of group and family travel budgets.

Average RevPAN by property size in Brighton

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $58 per available night, followed by two-bedrooms at $47 and one-bedrooms at $24. Despite lower occupancy rates, three-bedroom listings more than compensate through their substantially higher nightly rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Brighton

Occupancy rates are relatively clustered, with one- and two-bedroom properties at 27–28% and three-bedrooms trailing at 20%. The consistency between smaller sizes suggests steady baseline demand, while three-bedroom units trade lower fill rates for significantly higher per-booking revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Brighton

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,883, more than three times the $1,230 earned by one-bedroom units, with two-bedrooms in between at $2,479. This staircase pattern reinforces that larger properties in Brighton capture substantially more revenue despite lower occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Brighton

Annual revenue ranges from $14,769 for one-bedroom listings to $46,596 for three-bedroom properties, making the larger configuration the clear revenue leader. Given Brighton's average home values of $613,852, investors targeting three-bedroom lake-access homes will find the most favorable revenue-to-cost ratio among available property types.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Brighton

Parking and a full kitchen are universal (100% of listings), while self check-in (81%), backyard access (77%), and laundry facilities (77%) are near-standard — signaling that guests expect a home-like, self-sufficient experience. Lake access (39%) and waterfront positioning (27%) are differentiators rather than table stakes, suggesting properties with these features can command meaningful rate premiums in this market.

Understanding Brighton's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Brighton's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where healthy demand dynamics and limited supply create real upside for well-positioned properties. The strongest signals come from above-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance, while revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend score at average levels — consistent with a higher-value market where gross yields are moderate but competition is thin. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Brighton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Brighton, Michigan may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the City of Brighton or Livingston County before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning or zoning offices, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking ordinances, and potential HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued, so prospective hosts should confirm availability before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and some local jurisdictions may levy additional accommodation or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Brighton's STR market is expected to maintain its pronounced summer-weighted revenue pattern, with peak-season monthly earnings likely holding in the $4,500–$5,500 range for a typical listing. Listing growth of 107% year-over-year suggests increasing investor interest, though the market remains small enough that supply additions could temper occupancy if they outpace demand. ADR may edge up 2–4% as lake-access and waterfront properties continue to command premiums, while winter months will likely remain soft with revenues around $1,000–$1,500. Investors should plan cash reserves for the November-through-March shoulder period and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Brighton, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Brighton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Brighton, MI is currently 28%, which sits below the Michigan state average of 42%. This lower figure largely reflects Brighton's seasonal nature — occupancy surges during the warmer lake season and drops significantly in winter months. Two-bedroom properties lead at 28% occupancy, while three-bedroom units average 20%, suggesting larger homes are booked less frequently but at much higher nightly rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Brighton?

Airbnb hosts in Brighton earn an average of $2,800 per month and approximately $33,601 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: one-bedroom listings average about $14,769 annually, two-bedrooms bring in roughly $29,758, and three-bedroom properties lead at around $46,596 per year. Summer months are by far the strongest, with July averaging $5,329 per listing.

Is Brighton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Brighton earns a 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 26 active listings. However, with average home values around $613,852 and annual revenue of roughly $33,601, gross yields are modest — making Brighton best suited for investors who can offset costs through personal use or who target premium lake-access properties that outperform the market average.

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

The average daily rate across Brighton's Airbnb market is $202, which is well below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales significantly with property size: one-bedroom listings average $89 per night, two-bedrooms come in at $167, and three-bedroom properties command $297 per night. Investors targeting larger, lake-adjacent homes can capture rates that approach or exceed the state benchmark.

Are short-term rentals legal in Brighton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Brighton, MI, though operators may need to comply with local zoning rules, obtain any required permits, and meet safety standards. Regulations can vary at the city and county level, so investors should contact the City of Brighton's planning department and review any applicable Livingston County ordinances before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Brighton?

Peak season in Brighton runs from June through September, with July being the standout month at $5,329 in average revenue per listing. August follows closely at $4,621, and June and September round out the high season at $3,701 and $3,609, respectively. The off-peak months of January through March are the softest, with February dipping to just $1,058 — underscoring the importance of summer bookings to annual returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Brighton?

There are currently 26 active Airbnb listings in Brighton, MI as of April 2026. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes: 6 one-bedroom units, 8 two-bedroom units, and 7 three-bedroom properties. Year-over-year listing growth of 107% indicates the market is expanding, though it remains quite small — which can work in favor of existing hosts by limiting competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Brighton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Brighton 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 draws on its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, amenities offered, and how actively a host manages their listing.

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 Brighton, MI and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns covering listing distribution, rates, and revenue by bedroom count
• Home value data sourced from 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 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 April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.