Central Lake, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Central Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Central Lake, MI is a small lakeside market in northern Michigan that earns an ROI score of 66 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier for short-term rental investors. With only 29 active Airbnb listings and a sharp summer revenue spike — July averages reach $11,326 per listing — the market rewards investors who can capture peak-season demand. Average annual revenue sits at $48,545 against average home values of $735,377, and the 71% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest in this vacation-driven pocket.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Central Lake 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 Central Lake

Central Lake appeals to investors seeking a seasonal lakefront market with high summer ADRs, limited supply, and above-average growth trajectory relative to other Michigan STR markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Central Lake presents a moderately attractive investment opportunity defined by extreme seasonality. July and August alone account for nearly 45% of total annual revenue, while the shoulder and winter months dip as low as $1,218 in April. The market's average occupancy of 19% sits well below Michigan's 42% state average, reflecting the vacation-driven nature of demand rather than year-round viability. For investors comfortable with a seasonal income profile — particularly those targeting larger 3- or 4-bedroom properties — the revenue potential during peak months can still justify the investment when paired with realistic off-season expectations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Central Lake

Average revenue by month in Central Lake

Revenue in Central Lake is sharply seasonal, peaking at $11,326 in July and $10,603 in August before falling to a low of $1,218 in April — a nearly 9:1 spread between the best and worst months. Investors should expect roughly 60% of annual revenue to come from the June–August window, making summer pricing and availability optimization critical.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Central Lake

Supply is relatively balanced across bedroom counts, with one-bedrooms leading at 8 listings, followed by 7 three-bedrooms, 6 two-bedrooms, and 5 four-bedrooms. The limited number of four-bedroom properties — combined with their outsized revenue — may signal an undersupplied niche with room for additional inventory.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Central Lake

ADR scales steeply with size in Central Lake: one-bedroom listings average $98 per night, two-bedrooms reach $209, three-bedrooms hit $284, and four-bedroom properties command $577. The jump from three to four bedrooms nearly doubles the nightly rate, suggesting strong group and family demand willing to pay a significant premium for larger accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Central Lake

Four-bedroom properties dominate RevPAN at $146 per available night, nearly four times the $37 earned by three-bedroom units and over ten times the $14 for one-bedrooms. This stark differential makes larger properties the clear revenue leaders even after accounting for their higher occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Central Lake

Occupancy rates are modest across all sizes but highest for four-bedroom properties at 25%, followed by one-bedrooms at 15%, three-bedrooms at 13%, and two-bedrooms trailing at 11%. The relatively higher occupancy for four-bedrooms combined with their premium ADR explains their dominant revenue position in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Central Lake

Monthly revenue rises dramatically with property size: one-bedrooms average just $689/month, two-bedrooms earn $2,249, three-bedrooms bring in $4,374, and four-bedroom properties lead at $8,645. For investors targeting meaningful monthly cash flow, three- and four-bedroom configurations are where the numbers start to work in Central Lake.

Average annual revenue by property size in Central Lake

Four-bedroom properties generate $103,744 in average annual revenue — nearly double the $52,494 earned by three-bedroom units and roughly 12 times the $8,272 from one-bedrooms. The revenue-to-size curve is steep enough that larger properties likely offer the strongest return potential, provided acquisition costs scale favorably.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Central Lake

Parking (100%), self check-in (93%), and a backyard (86%) top the amenity list, reflecting guest expectations for private, self-service lakeside retreats. Notably, only 38% of listings offer lake access and 31% waterfront positioning — properties with these differentiators likely hold a competitive pricing advantage in a market where outdoor and water-based experiences drive bookings.

Understanding Central Lake's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Central Lake's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven by average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics balanced by an above-average market growth trend. The supply/demand balance registers as average, which makes sense given the 71% jump in listings — growing supply could put pressure on per-listing performance if demand plateaus. Investors should pair these data points with on-the-ground regulatory research and a conservative seasonal cash-flow model before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Central Lake

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Central Lake, Michigan may be required to obtain permits or register their property with the village or Antrim County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local government offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking provisions, and potential HOA covenants that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals. Zoning rules in lakefront areas can vary, so confirming your specific parcel's eligibility is essential.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and some local jurisdictions may impose additional lodging or tourism taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb often handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and local obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Central Lake's summer-dominant seasonality is likely to persist, with July and August continuing to anchor the bulk of annual income. The above-average market growth trend identified in the ROI analysis suggests listing counts could keep climbing, which may moderate per-listing occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should plan for ADRs in the $330–$350 range and anticipate that occupancy outside the June–September window will remain soft, likely hovering in the low-to-mid teens percentage-wise. Building a conservative cash-flow model around 6–7 strong earning months is the prudent approach for this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Central Lake, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Central Lake?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Central Lake is currently 19%, which is notably below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strongly seasonal character — demand concentrates heavily in the summer months. Four-bedroom properties perform best at 25% occupancy, while two-bedroom units average just 11%. Investors should factor this seasonal pattern into their financial planning.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Central Lake?

Airbnb hosts in Central Lake earn an average of $4,045 per month and approximately $48,545 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, earnings vary dramatically by property size: one-bedroom units average just $8,272 annually, while four-bedroom properties bring in roughly $103,744 per year. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer, with July alone averaging $11,326.

Is Central Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Central Lake earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 66 out of 100, classified as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from limited supply (only 29 active listings), above-average growth trends, and strong summer demand that can generate five-figure monthly revenue. The trade-off is pronounced seasonality and below-average year-round occupancy, so investors should be comfortable with a vacation-rental income profile rather than steady monthly cash flow.

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

The average daily rate in Central Lake is $339, slightly below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales significantly with property size — one-bedroom listings average $98 per night, while four-bedroom properties command $577. This premium for larger homes reflects the family and group vacation demand typical of lakefront markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Central Lake?

Short-term rentals operate in Central Lake, MI, with 29 active listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registrations at the village or county level. Prospective investors should consult Central Lake village offices and Antrim County to confirm current zoning, permitting, and licensing requirements before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Central Lake?

Peak season in Central Lake runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at $11,326 in average revenue per listing. August follows closely at $10,603. Revenue drops sharply outside this window — April is the softest month at just $1,218. The shoulder months of May, September, and October still generate $2,500–$4,400 but represent a significant step down from the summer peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Central Lake?

As of April 2026, there are 29 active Airbnb listings in Central Lake. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes: 8 one-bedroom units, 6 two-bedrooms, 7 three-bedrooms, and 5 four-bedrooms. The market has seen 71% year-over-year growth in listings, indicating increasing investor interest in this area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Central Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Central Lake 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks like July's $11,326 average and slower periods like April's $1,218. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and how actively 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, occupancy rates, and average daily rates for Central Lake, MI
• Revenue metrics including monthly, annual, and RevPAN figures based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns showing how performance varies across bedroom configurations
• Amenity prevalence data showing what guests expect in this market
• Home value estimates 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 the most recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements can change; investors should verify all compliance obligations before purchasing.