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

Elmira Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elmira, MI is a small but compelling short-term rental market where favorable property prices relative to revenue give investors an edge that's hard to find in larger Michigan destinations. With an average annual revenue of $28,004 against average home values of $367,602, the revenue-to-price ratio sits above average — a standout metric for this market. The area's seasonal draw, likely tied to northern Michigan's outdoor recreation and lake access, drives a pronounced summer peak that pushes monthly revenues past $4,900 in July. With just 31 active listings, the market remains intimate, offering early movers room to establish a foothold before supply catches up.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elmira 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 Elmira

Investors are drawn to Elmira for its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, manageable competition, and access to northern Michigan's year-round recreational appeal.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elmira presents an attractive opportunity for STR investors seeking a northern Michigan foothold without the price tags of better-known resort towns. The ROI score of 69 out of 100 reflects genuine upside, driven primarily by the above-average revenue-to-price ratio and supported by stable — if unspectacular — occupancy and growth metrics. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: July and August together generate nearly $9,400 in average revenue, while April dips to around $1,012, so investors need to budget for lean spring months. For those comfortable with a seasonal cash-flow profile and willing to optimize amenities and pricing, the market delivers solid earning potential relative to acquisition costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elmira

Average revenue by month in Elmira

Elmira's revenue profile is sharply seasonal, with July ($4,901) and August ($4,483) generating roughly three to four times more than the slowest months of April ($1,012) and November ($1,315). This pattern underscores the importance of maximizing summer bookings while maintaining competitive pricing during shoulder and off-peak months to stabilize cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elmira

Supply in Elmira is evenly divided between two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties, each accounting for 10 of the market's listings. The absence of larger four- or five-bedroom listings in the data could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to offer group-sized accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elmira

Three-bedroom properties command an ADR of $230 compared to $188 for two-bedrooms — a 22% premium that reflects guests' willingness to pay more for extra space. Given that the cost gap between acquiring a two- and three-bedroom home may be modest in this price range, the ADR uplift makes the larger configuration worth evaluating closely.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elmira

RevPAN is remarkably close across both sizes, with three-bedrooms at $87 and two-bedrooms at $82. The narrow $5 gap suggests that while three-bedrooms charge more per night, their lower occupancy partially offsets the ADR premium in terms of revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elmira

Two-bedroom listings achieve a 44% occupancy rate, outpacing three-bedrooms at 38% by six percentage points. For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and cash-flow predictability, two-bedroom properties offer a more reliable fill rate in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elmira

Two-bedroom properties slightly outperform three-bedrooms on a monthly revenue basis, averaging $2,438 versus $2,341. The difference is marginal at under $100 per month, suggesting both configurations deliver comparable income in Elmira.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elmira

On an annual basis, two-bedroom properties generate approximately $29,260 while three-bedrooms bring in $28,092 — a difference of about $1,168. Both configurations offer similar return potential, so the investment decision may hinge more on acquisition price and guest experience differentiation than on raw revenue.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elmira

Parking (97%), kitchen (94%), and backyard access (90%) top the amenity list, reflecting a market geared toward self-sufficient vacation stays in a rural setting. Notably, 68% of listings are pet-friendly and 45% offer hot tubs — amenities that can meaningfully boost booking rates and nightly pricing in outdoor recreation markets like Elmira.

Understanding Elmira's ROI Score: 69/100

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

Elmira's ROI score of 69 out of 100 lands it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that gives investors meaningful earning potential relative to property costs. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all register as average — solid enough to support consistent returns without signaling overheating or saturation. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a sharp seasonal pricing strategy will help investors capture the full upside this market offers.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elmira

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Elmira, Michigan may need to obtain local permits or register their property with the township or county before listing. Investors should verify specific requirements with Antrim County and local authorities, as Michigan does not impose a statewide STR registration mandate.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and minimum-stay rules during certain seasons. HOA covenants in some communities can impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any deed restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and hosts may also be subject to local accommodation or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle state-level tax collection automatically, but investors should confirm local obligations with a tax advisor to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elmira's short-term rental performance is expected to hold steady, with occupancy rates likely hovering in the 37–42% range and ADR potentially rising 2–4% as northern Michigan continues to attract vacation-home demand. Summer will remain the revenue engine — investors should plan for July and August to generate roughly 35% of annual income, while shoulder months like September and June provide meaningful supplemental bookings. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both register as average, suggesting the competitive landscape isn't shifting dramatically, which bodes well for stable returns. Investors who optimize pricing during the winter lull could compress the seasonal gap and improve year-round cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elmira, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elmira?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Elmira is currently 39%, which sits slightly below the Michigan state average of 42%. Two-bedroom properties tend to fill more consistently at 44%, while three-bedroom listings average around 38%. The seasonal nature of the market means occupancy spikes significantly during summer months and softens in spring and late fall.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elmira?

Airbnb hosts in Elmira earn an average of $2,333 per month and approximately $28,004 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season — July is the highest-earning month at roughly $4,901, while April is the slowest at around $1,012. Two-bedroom properties edge out three-bedrooms slightly with an average annual revenue of $29,260 compared to $28,092.

Is Elmira a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elmira scores 69 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning investors can generate meaningful returns relative to the cost of acquiring property here. Occupancy stability and growth trends are average, so returns depend on effective seasonal pricing and strong summer performance. With only 31 active listings, there's limited direct competition.

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

The average daily rate in Elmira is $208, which is well below the Michigan state average of $350. This reflects the market's positioning as an affordable vacation destination rather than a luxury resort area. Three-bedroom properties command a higher ADR of $230 compared to $188 for two-bedroom listings, offering a $42 nightly premium for the additional space.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elmira?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Elmira, Michigan area, though operators should check with local township and Antrim County authorities for any permit, registration, or zoning requirements that may apply. Regulations can vary at the local level, so it's important to confirm compliance before listing a property. Consulting with a local real estate attorney or the municipal clerk's office is a recommended step.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elmira?

Peak season in Elmira runs from June through August, with July topping the charts at an average monthly revenue of $4,901 and August close behind at $4,483. June and September serve as strong shoulder months, generating $2,776 and $2,619 respectively. The slowest months are March, April, and November, when average revenue drops below $1,400.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elmira?

There are currently 31 active Airbnb listings in Elmira as of April 2026. The supply is evenly split between two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties, with 10 listings in each category. This relatively small inventory means the market isn't saturated, which can work in favor of well-positioned new listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elmira?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Elmira 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Elmira, MI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for key performance indicators across bedroom counts
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 seasonal anomalies. Local regulations and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before purchasing.