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

Clarkston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Clarkston, MI is a small but active short-term rental market with just 18 listings, average home values around $613,608, and annual revenue averaging $30,198 per property. While the ADR of $264 sits below Michigan's $350 state average and occupancy runs at 32% versus 42% statewide, the market's favorable supply/demand balance and dramatic 225% year-over-year listing growth suggest rising investor interest in this Oakland County community known for its lakefront appeal and suburban charm.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Clarkston 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 Clarkston

Clarkston appeals to investors seeking a low-competition, nature-oriented Michigan market where supply remains thin enough to reward well-differentiated properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Clarkston presents a competitive but selective opportunity for STR investors. The market's small inventory and above-average supply/demand balance are encouraging, though below-average occupancy (32%) and a market growth trend rated below average temper expectations. Revenue peaks sharply in summer — July and August together account for a disproportionate share of annual earnings — so investors need a solid off-season strategy or a willingness to accept lean winter months where revenue can dip below $1,400."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Clarkston

Average revenue by month in Clarkston

Clarkston's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $3,693 and bottoming out in February at $1,330 — a spread of nearly $2,400. The June-through-September window accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making summer-centric pricing and availability strategies essential for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Clarkston

The market's supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties, with 6 listings each. The absence of larger 3+ bedroom options in the data could represent an untapped niche for investors willing to offer more space, particularly for family or group getaways.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Clarkston

ADR jumps from $155 for 1-bedroom units to $204 for 2-bedroom properties — a 32% premium for adding just one bedroom. This suggests the incremental cost of a slightly larger property is well rewarded in nightly pricing.

Average RevPAN by property size in Clarkston

RevPAN tells a dramatic story: 2-bedroom listings generate $110 per available night compared to just $18 for 1-bedrooms, a more than 6x difference. This gap is driven by both higher rates and vastly superior occupancy for the larger units, making 2-bedrooms the clear revenue engine in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Clarkston

Two-bedroom properties achieve a strong 54% occupancy rate, while 1-bedroom listings struggle at just 12% — a gap that overwhelmingly favors the larger configuration. Investors considering 1-bedroom units should be prepared for extended vacancy periods that could challenge cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Clarkston

Two-bedroom listings average $2,878 per month, outpacing 1-bedroom units at $2,142 by roughly $736 monthly. Despite 1-bedrooms commanding lower nightly rates and dramatically lower occupancy, their monthly revenue figure suggests higher ADR bookings when they do fill — but 2-bedrooms remain the more reliable earners.

Average annual revenue by property size in Clarkston

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom properties generate approximately $34,543 compared to $25,713 for 1-bedroom listings — a $8,830 gap that compounds the case for targeting 2-bedroom configurations. Given Clarkston's high home values, investors should carefully model whether either tier supports a compelling return on their specific acquisition cost.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Clarkston

Parking (100%), backyards (94%), and outdoor furniture (89%) top the amenity list, reflecting a market oriented around outdoor living and suburban comfort. Lake access (33%) and waterfront positioning (28%) appear in a meaningful minority of listings, suggesting these features remain differentiators rather than table stakes — investors who can offer them may enjoy a pricing premium.

Understanding Clarkston's ROI Score: 50/100

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

Clarkston's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning investor interest and demand are present but selectivity matters. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the supply/demand balance scores above average — a signal that the market isn't oversaturated despite rapid listing growth. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and focus on 2-bedroom properties where the performance data is meaningfully stronger.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Clarkston

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Clarkston, Michigan may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city or township before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Clarkston and Independence Township, as local STR regulations in Michigan can vary significantly by municipality.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules can also limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain subdivisions, so investors should review any applicable covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and some localities impose additional lodging or excise taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle state-level tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Clarkston's STR market is likely to see continued supply expansion given the sharp uptick in new listings, which could put modest pressure on occupancy and ADR unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns indicate summer months will remain the primary revenue driver, with July historically generating roughly 2.5 times what February delivers. Investors should plan for occupancy in the 30–35% range market-wide and target ADR stability around $260–$275, with upside potential for well-positioned lakefront or 2-bedroom properties that already outperform significantly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Clarkston, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clarkston?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Clarkston is currently 32%, which falls below Michigan's statewide average of 42%. However, this market-wide figure masks a significant gap between property types: 2-bedroom listings achieve roughly 54% occupancy, while 1-bedroom units average just 12%. Investors targeting the right property configuration can meaningfully outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Clarkston?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Clarkston earns approximately $2,516 per month or $30,198 per year. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform at around $34,543 annually, while 1-bedroom listings average closer to $25,713. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with peak months like July generating over $3,600 and slower months like February dipping to around $1,330.

Is Clarkston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Clarkston earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 50 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from a favorable supply/demand balance and only 18 active listings, but average home values of $613,608 combined with $30,198 in annual revenue mean the revenue-to-price ratio is modest. Success here likely depends on acquiring a well-positioned property — particularly a 2-bedroom with lake access — at a price that makes the numbers work.

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

The average daily rate in Clarkston is $264, which is below Michigan's statewide average of $350. ADR varies by property size, with 1-bedroom listings averaging $155 per night and 2-bedroom properties commanding around $204. Properties with premium amenities like lake access or hot tubs may be able to push rates higher than these averages.

Are short-term rentals legal in Clarkston?

Short-term rentals do operate in Clarkston, MI, with 18 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registration. Investors should check directly with the City of Clarkston and Independence Township for the most current rules on STR licensing, zoning, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Clarkston?

Peak season in Clarkston runs from June through September, with July leading at an average of $3,693 in monthly revenue. August follows closely at $3,464. The off-season low point is February, when average revenue drops to around $1,330 — roughly one-third of the July peak. This strong summer seasonality aligns with the area's lakefront and outdoor recreation appeal.

How many Airbnbs are there in Clarkston?

As of April 2026, there are 18 active Airbnb listings in Clarkston. The market has seen significant growth, with a 225% year-over-year increase in active listings. The current inventory is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties, with 6 listings in each category (the remaining listings may include studios or larger configurations).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Clarkston?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Clarkston are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. 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 means the figures reflect what hosts have actually earned recently, and because each month uses its own historical performance, seasonal peaks like July and slower periods like February are naturally captured. 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 Clarkston and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks 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 and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.