East Tawas, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

East Tawas Short-Term Rental Market Overview

East Tawas, MI is a small lakeside market with just 20 active Airbnb listings and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, making it an intriguing niche opportunity for STR investors. Average home values sit around $310,935 while annual revenue averages $19,815, and the market's compact supply creates favorable dynamics for well-positioned properties. Seasonality is pronounced — summer months drive the bulk of earnings — but the low competition and affordable entry point relative to Michigan's state averages give this market a distinctive appeal.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the East Tawas 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 East Tawas

Investors are drawn to East Tawas for its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and limited supply in a seasonal lakeside tourism market.

Expert Market Assessment

"East Tawas presents a moderately attractive STR opportunity, scoring 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale. The market's strength lies in its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance — with only 20 active listings, there's room for well-managed properties to capture meaningful share during the busy summer months. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: August peaks near $4,126 in monthly revenue while winter months like December and April dip below $700, so investors should plan cash flow around a concentrated earning window. The below-average market growth trend warrants attention, but for buyers comfortable with a seasonal playbook, the low entry cost and limited competition make East Tawas worth a closer look."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in East Tawas

Average revenue by month in East Tawas

East Tawas exhibits extreme seasonality, with August ($4,126) and July ($3,813) delivering more than five times the revenue of the weakest months like December ($663) and April ($668). Investors should expect roughly 60% of annual earnings to concentrate in the June–August window, making cash-flow planning around the off-season essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in East Tawas

The market's 20 listings are split between two-bedroom (8 listings) and three-bedroom (10 listings) properties, with no one-bedroom or larger four-plus-bedroom options currently active. This narrow supply mix could signal opportunity for investors considering either smaller studio/one-bedroom units or larger family-sized homes to differentiate from existing inventory.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in East Tawas

Three-bedroom properties command $236 per night compared to $150 for two-bedroom units, representing a 57% ADR premium for adding just one bedroom. Given that the cost difference between acquiring a two- and three-bedroom property may be modest in this market, the three-bedroom configuration appears to offer a stronger rate position.

Average RevPAN by property size in East Tawas

Three-bedroom listings deliver $40 in RevPAN versus just $16 for two-bedroom properties, a 2.5x difference that reflects both higher nightly rates and better occupancy. This gap makes three-bedroom units the clear revenue-efficiency leaders in the East Tawas market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in East Tawas

Three-bedroom properties maintain a 17% average occupancy rate compared to 11% for two-bedroom units, suggesting that larger homes better match guest demand in this lakeside vacation market. While both figures are low on an annual basis due to heavy seasonality, the three-bedroom advantage translates directly into meaningfully higher revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in East Tawas

Three-bedroom listings generate an average of $2,495 per month, more than double the $1,067 earned by two-bedroom properties. This substantial gap reinforces the financial case for targeting larger units in East Tawas, where families and groups appear to drive the bulk of rental demand.

Average annual revenue by property size in East Tawas

On an annual basis, three-bedroom properties earn approximately $29,946 compared to $12,812 for two-bedroom units — a difference of over $17,000 per year. Against average home values of $310,935, the three-bedroom configuration offers a notably stronger gross yield and represents the more compelling investment size in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in East Tawas

Every listing in East Tawas offers a kitchen and parking (both at 100%), while 85% feature backyards, BBQ grills, outdoor furniture, and self check-in — painting a clear picture of the vacation cottage experience guests expect here. Lake access and waterfront positioning are present in 30% of listings, and properties that can offer these premium features likely command a meaningful booking advantage during peak season.

Understanding East Tawas's ROI Score: 62/100

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

East Tawas scores 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Scale, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band — driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance in a market with only 20 active listings. Occupancy stability rates as average and market growth trend sits below average, reflecting the seasonal nature of this lakeside destination and the rapid increase in new listings. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic off-season budget to determine whether the summer earning potential justifies year-round ownership costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in East Tawas

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in East Tawas, Michigan should verify whether a short-term rental permit or registration is required through the City of East Tawas and Iosco County. Michigan does not impose a statewide STR licensing scheme, so requirements can vary at the local level and investors should confirm current rules with municipal authorities before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to short-term rentals in markets like East Tawas include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay mandates. Additionally, homeowner association rules or deed restrictions could limit STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so it's important to review any applicable covenants before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are typically subject to the state's 6% use tax and may also owe local lodging or excise taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their full tax obligations with a local accountant or the Michigan Department of Treasury.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, East Tawas is likely to see continued seasonal demand concentrated in the June through August window, with August historically delivering the strongest revenue at around $4,126 per month. While year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 219%, the market remains small enough that supply absorption should stay manageable in the near term. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold steady or edge up 2–4% as the area's tourism base remains intact, though occupancy may face downward pressure if new listings continue entering at this pace. Overall demand estimates suggest occupancy will hover in the 13–18% range annually, with meaningful spikes during peak summer months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in East Tawas, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in East Tawas?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in East Tawas is currently 13%, which is notably below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature, with occupancy concentrated during the summer tourism months. Three-bedroom properties tend to perform better at 17% occupancy compared to 11% for two-bedroom units. During peak summer months, individual property occupancy can be significantly higher than the annual average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in East Tawas?

Airbnb hosts in East Tawas earn an average of $1,651 per month and approximately $19,815 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — three-bedroom listings average about $2,495 per month ($29,946 annually), while two-bedroom properties bring in roughly $1,067 per month ($12,812 annually). Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer, with August being the highest-earning month at around $4,126.

Is East Tawas a good market for Airbnb investment?

East Tawas scores 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance with only 20 active listings. However, occupancy is seasonal and the market growth trend is below average, so investors should be comfortable with a summer-weighted income profile. With average home values around $310,935 and annual revenue near $19,815, the numbers can work well for investors who manage expenses carefully during off-peak months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in East Tawas is $212, which is well below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR varies by property size: two-bedroom properties average $150 per night, while three-bedroom units command $236 per night. This pricing reflects the market's positioning as an affordable lakeside getaway rather than a premium destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in East Tawas?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in East Tawas, Michigan, though local regulations may require permits or registration. Michigan does not have a statewide ban on short-term rentals, but municipalities can set their own rules regarding licensing, zoning, and operational requirements. Investors should check directly with the City of East Tawas and Iosco County for the most current regulations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in East Tawas?

Peak season for Airbnb in East Tawas runs from June through August, with August being the strongest month at approximately $4,126 in average revenue, followed closely by July at $3,813. June marks the beginning of high season at around $2,244. The shoulder months of May and September also see elevated activity compared to the winter lows. December and April are the softest months, each generating under $700 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in East Tawas?

As of April 2026, there are 20 active Airbnb listings in East Tawas. The market is split between two-bedroom properties (8 listings) and three-bedroom properties (10 listings). This compact supply creates a favorable environment for well-managed listings to capture bookings during the busy summer season, though it also means the market is sensitive to new supply additions.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in East Tawas?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for East Tawas 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. 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 for the East Tawas market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings

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 and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.