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

Buchanan Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Buchanan, MI stands out as a compelling short-term rental market with an ROI score of 83 out of 100, driven largely by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. With average home values around $375,036 and annual STR revenue averaging $43,437, investors can achieve meaningful yield in a market that remains relatively small at just 21 active listings. The strong summer seasonality — July revenue tops $9,291 — points to a vacation-driven demand pattern that rewards well-positioned properties in southwest Michigan.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Buchanan 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 Buchanan

Buchanan's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and small competitive set make it an appealing entry point for investors seeking high-yield seasonal rentals in Michigan's lake country.

Expert Market Assessment

"Buchanan rates as a standout opportunity for short-term rental investment, earning an 83/100 ROI score anchored by its above-average revenue-to-price dynamics. The market's pronounced seasonality is its defining characteristic — revenue swings from roughly $1,327 in February to $9,291 in July, meaning investors need to plan cash flow around a concentrated earning window from May through September. With average occupancy at 18% (well below Michigan's 42% state average), the opportunity here is less about year-round consistency and more about capturing premium nightly rates during peak season. Investors who price aggressively in summer and manage expenses carefully through winter stand to benefit most."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Buchanan

Average revenue by month in Buchanan

Revenue in Buchanan follows a sharply seasonal curve, peaking at $9,291 in July — nearly seven times the February low of $1,327. The May-through-September window accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making cash-flow planning around this five-month stretch essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Buchanan

Supply is relatively evenly distributed, with 7 three-bedroom, 6 two-bedroom, and 5 four-bedroom listings making up the market's 21 active properties. The balanced spread suggests no single property type dominates, though the smaller four-bedroom count could signal a niche opportunity given their premium pricing.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Buchanan

ADR scales significantly with size in Buchanan: 2-bedroom listings average $187, 3-bedrooms command $339, and 4-bedroom properties reach $472 per night. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms is particularly steep — an 81% increase — making 3-bedroom units an attractive sweet spot for rate potential versus acquisition cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Buchanan

Three-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties deliver nearly identical RevPAN at $76 and $77 respectively, both more than double the $31 RevPAN of 2-bedroom listings. This suggests that larger properties convert their higher ADR into meaningfully better revenue efficiency even after accounting for occupancy differences.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Buchanan

Three-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 22%, outperforming both 2-bedroom (17%) and 4-bedroom (16%) units. The relatively narrow range across sizes indicates that Buchanan's seasonal demand pattern affects all property types similarly, though 3-bedrooms appear to attract the most consistent bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Buchanan

Four-bedroom properties edge out 3-bedrooms for top monthly revenue at $4,442 versus $4,404, while 2-bedroom listings trail at $2,823. The near-parity between 3- and 4-bedroom units means investors should weigh acquisition and operating costs carefully when choosing between the two.

Average annual revenue by property size in Buchanan

Larger properties clearly outperform in annual revenue, with 4-bedroom listings generating $53,306 and 3-bedrooms close behind at $52,855 — both roughly 57% more than the $33,881 average for 2-bedroom units. For investors targeting the highest absolute return, 3- and 4-bedroom configurations offer the strongest earning potential in Buchanan.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Buchanan

Parking and a full kitchen are universal at 100% of listings, while laundry (86%), self check-in (81%), and backyard access (81%) are near-standard. Outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (71%), patios (71%), and outdoor furniture (62%) reflect the vacation-oriented nature of the market, signaling that guests expect a comfortable outdoor experience — especially during the summer peak.

Understanding Buchanan's ROI Score: 83/100

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

Buchanan's ROI score of 83 out of 100 places it in the 'Standout Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the most heavily weighted factor at 40%. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance rate as average, which aligns with the market's seasonal demand profile and recent 68% listing growth. Investors should pair these encouraging metrics with thorough local regulatory research to ensure a smooth entry into this emerging southwest Michigan market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Buchanan

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Buchanan, Michigan may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the city or Berrien County before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Buchanan and the State of Michigan, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules or zoning restrictions that limit short-term rental activity, so it's important to review all applicable covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Michigan are generally subject to the state's 6% use tax and may owe local lodging or excise taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Buchanan's STR market is expected to continue expanding after 68% year-over-year listing growth, though the pace of new supply additions may moderate as the market matures. Summer months should remain the primary revenue engine, with July and August likely generating $8,000–$9,500 per listing. ADR could edge up 2–4% as operators refine pricing strategies, though occupancy — currently at 18% overall — may stay in the 17–22% range given the market's heavy seasonal concentration. Investors entering now can benefit from relatively low competition while the market is still finding its equilibrium between supply and demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Buchanan, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buchanan?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Buchanan is currently 18%, which is below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal pattern — occupancy is concentrated in the warmer months, particularly from May through September. Three-bedroom properties lead with 22% occupancy, while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units average 17% and 16%, respectively.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Buchanan?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Buchanan earn approximately $3,619 per month or $43,437 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 4-bedroom listings lead at $53,306 annually, closely followed by 3-bedroom properties at $52,855, while 2-bedroom units average $33,881 per year. Keep in mind that summer months account for a disproportionate share of total earnings.

Is Buchanan a good market for Airbnb investment?

Buchanan earns an ROI score of 83 out of 100, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values of $375,036 and annual STR revenue near $43,437 — along with above-average market growth trends. The main consideration is the heavy seasonal demand, so investors should plan for lower income during winter months while capitalizing on strong summer earnings.

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

The average daily rate in Buchanan is $344, which is just slightly below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 2-bedroom listings average $187 per night, 3-bedroom properties command $339, and 4-bedroom homes reach $472. This premium pricing on larger properties reflects the vacation-rental nature of the market, where families and groups are willing to pay more for space.

Are short-term rentals legal in Buchanan?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Buchanan, MI, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, registration, or zoning requirements. We recommend checking with the City of Buchanan and Berrien County for the most current regulations, as rules can evolve. Working with a local real estate agent familiar with STR investing can also help navigate any restrictions.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Buchanan?

Peak season in Buchanan runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $9,291 per listing. August follows closely at $8,027, and June averages $5,040. The shoulder months of May ($3,424) and September ($4,361) also perform well. Winter months from December through February are the slowest, with monthly revenue dipping to around $1,300–$1,800.

How many Airbnbs are there in Buchanan?

As of April 2026, there are 21 active Airbnb listings in Buchanan. The supply breaks down to 6 two-bedroom, 7 three-bedroom, and 5 four-bedroom properties. This is a relatively small and growing market — listing counts have increased 68% year over year — so early investors may benefit from limited competition while demand patterns continue to develop.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Buchanan?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Buchanan are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month reflects its own historical performance, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 Buchanan, MI
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 and current market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ based on property quality, pricing, and management. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with the appropriate authorities before purchasing.