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

Ellsworth Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ellsworth, MI is a compact lakefront market with just 12 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced summer peak that drives average annual revenue to $64,630 per property. With an ROI score of 77 out of 100 — classified as a Standout Opportunity — the market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios and favorable supply/demand dynamics. Its small inventory and seasonal draw make it appealing for investors who can capitalize on Michigan's northern lake country tourism.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth

Ellsworth attracts investor attention because its tight supply of lakefront vacation rentals, strong summer revenue, and above-average revenue-to-price ratio create a compelling seasonal income opportunity.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ellsworth presents a strong seasonal opportunity anchored by its lakefront appeal and minimal competition. The dramatic revenue swing — from roughly $1,622 in April to over $15,081 in July — underscores that this is a summer-focused market, so investors should plan cash reserves for quieter months. With above-average marks on revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance, the fundamentals support solid returns for well-positioned properties. The market's small size means a single well-managed listing can meaningfully outperform averages by targeting peak-season pricing aggressively."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ellsworth

Average revenue by month in Ellsworth

Ellsworth's revenue is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $15,081 and bottoming out in April at $1,622 — a nearly 10x spread that underscores the importance of summer pricing strategy. June through September account for the lion's share of annual income, while winter months hover around $2,000–$3,700, offering modest supplemental revenue.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ellsworth

All 5 reported listings in the size-segmented data are 4-bedroom properties, indicating that larger vacation homes dominate the Ellsworth market. This homogeneity suggests that the area caters primarily to families or groups seeking spacious lakefront getaways, and investors considering smaller configurations would be entering relatively uncharted territory.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ellsworth

Four-bedroom properties command an ADR of $363, well above the market-wide average of $277, reflecting the premium that guests are willing to pay for larger group-friendly accommodations. This single-size data point confirms that Ellsworth's inventory is concentrated in a higher-rate segment suited to vacation travelers.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ellsworth

Four-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $85, which accounts for both the $363 ADR and the 23% occupancy rate. While the per-night yield is moderate on an annualized basis, it translates to meaningful income during the concentrated summer booking window when effective RevPAN runs considerably higher.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ellsworth

Four-bedroom properties average 23% occupancy, slightly above the market-wide 21% figure. The low annualized rate is a function of the market's extreme seasonality rather than weak demand — summer months likely see occupancy well above 50%, with winter months pulling the annual average down significantly.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ellsworth

Four-bedroom properties generate an average of $6,928 per month, roughly $1,500 above the overall market average of $5,385. This premium reflects both higher nightly rates and the market's orientation toward larger group accommodations that perform well during peak vacation season.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ellsworth

At $83,142 per year, 4-bedroom properties outpace the market-wide average of $64,630 by a significant margin, making them the clear revenue leader in Ellsworth. For investors weighing acquisition costs against income potential, these larger homes offer the strongest gross return profile in this lakefront market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ellsworth

Parking and a full kitchen appear in 100% of Ellsworth listings, establishing them as non-negotiable baseline amenities. Lake access (75%), waterfront location (67%), and BBQ grills (92%) signal that guests expect an outdoor-oriented vacation experience — properties lacking these features will likely struggle to compete during peak season.

Understanding Ellsworth's ROI Score: 77/100

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

Ellsworth's ROI score of 77 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 12 active listings competing for seasonal demand. Occupancy stability also rates above average, and while market growth trend scores as average, the 57% year-over-year listing increase signals building momentum. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground regulatory research and cash-flow modeling that accounts for the market's pronounced seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ellsworth

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Ellsworth, MI should verify whether Antrim County or the local township requires a short-term rental permit or registration before listing a property. Michigan does not impose a statewide STR licensing framework, so requirements vary — contacting the local zoning office is the best first step.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan lake communities can include occupancy caps based on septic capacity, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking limits tied to lot size. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply in some waterfront neighborhoods, so investors should review covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Michigan imposes a 6% state use tax on short-term accommodations, and Antrim County may levy an additional local lodging or excise tax. Major platforms typically collect and remit the state portion automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations to stay compliant.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ellsworth's summer-driven revenue pattern should remain the dominant force, with July and August likely continuing to deliver monthly averages well above $14,000. Listing growth of 57% year-over-year suggests rising investor interest, which could moderate per-listing returns if supply outpaces demand. We estimate occupancy may settle in the 20–25% range on an annualized basis, with ADR holding steady or ticking up 2–4% as the market matures. Investors entering now still have the advantage of a small, undersupplied market, but monitoring new supply closely will be important."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ellsworth, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ellsworth?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Ellsworth is currently 21%, compared to the Michigan state average of 42%. This lower annualized figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy spikes in summer months and drops significantly during the off-season. Investors should plan around this pattern rather than expecting consistent year-round bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ellsworth?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Ellsworth earns approximately $64,630 per year, or about $5,385 per month. Revenue is heavily concentrated in summer, with July alone averaging over $15,000 and August close behind at $14,115. Shoulder months and winter bring in significantly less, so annual income planning should account for this seasonal pattern.

Is Ellsworth a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ellsworth scores 77 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Standout Opportunity category. The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios, stable occupancy trends, and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 12 active listings. However, the seasonal nature of demand and an average home value of $594,580 mean investors need to carefully model cash flow across the full year to ensure the numbers work.

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

The current average daily rate in Ellsworth is $277, which is below the Michigan state average of $350. For the dominant 4-bedroom property segment, the ADR rises to $363. The overall market average is pulled lower by seasonal rate adjustments during off-peak months, so summer nightly rates tend to run considerably higher than the annual figure suggests.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ellsworth?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Ellsworth, Michigan area, though local zoning regulations and permit requirements may apply at the township or county level. Michigan does not have a blanket statewide ban on STRs, but rules can vary by jurisdiction. Prospective hosts should check with Antrim County and the relevant township offices to confirm any registration, zoning, or operational requirements before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ellsworth?

Peak season in Ellsworth runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $15,081 per listing. August follows closely at $14,115. September offers a solid shoulder season at $5,907, likely driven by early fall tourism and foliage. The slowest months are March through April, when average monthly revenue dips below $2,200.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ellsworth?

As of April 2026, there are 12 active Airbnb listings in Ellsworth. This represents a 57% year-over-year increase in supply, suggesting growing investor interest in the area. Despite this growth, the market remains very small, which can be advantageous for hosts since limited competition helps maintain pricing power during peak season.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ellsworth?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ellsworth 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder 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 uses its own historical performance data. 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 the Ellsworth, MI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active 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 and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local short-term rental regulations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.