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

Empire Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Empire, MI is a small but compelling short-term rental market nestled along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore corridor, where just 18 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $66,383 per property. With an average daily rate of $391—well above Michigan's $350 state average—and above-average occupancy stability, the market rewards hosts who can capture the intense summer demand that drives July revenue past $15,000. The limited supply and high property values ($1,378,737 average) create a niche opportunity best suited for investors who can secure the right property in this premium lakefront destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Empire 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 Empire

Empire appeals to investors seeking a seasonal premium market with limited competition, strong nightly rates, and a built-in demand driver in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Expert Market Assessment

"Empire earns an ROI score of 62 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier—a market where healthy demand and above-average nightly rates create real earning potential despite pronounced seasonality. The revenue cycle swings dramatically from a $1,525 low in February to a $15,166 peak in July, meaning investors need to plan for roughly five months of modest income balanced by an explosive summer. With average occupancy stability rated above average and both market growth and supply/demand balance in the average range, the fundamentals support a property that's well-maintained and priced competitively. This is a market where operational execution during the 20-week summer window largely determines annual performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Empire

Average revenue by month in Empire

Empire's revenue profile is sharply seasonal, with July ($15,166) and August ($13,908) generating 7–10x more than winter months like February ($1,525) and December ($1,987). Investors should plan for roughly 70% of annual revenue to concentrate in the May–October window, making summer pricing optimization critical to overall returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Empire

The market's 18 active listings are split almost evenly between two-bedroom (5 listings) and four-bedroom (6 listings) properties, with the remaining units falling outside these categories. The absence of one-bedroom and three-bedroom listings in the data could signal either limited demand for those configurations or a gap that a new investor might explore.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Empire

ADR scales modestly from $332 for two-bedroom listings to $383 for four-bedroom properties—a 15% premium for double the bedroom count. This relatively narrow spread suggests that larger homes offer only a modest per-night pricing advantage, though their ability to accommodate bigger groups may drive higher total revenue through longer stays.

Average RevPAN by property size in Empire

RevPAN is remarkably similar across property sizes, with two-bedroom listings at $140 and four-bedroom homes at $138 per available night. This near-parity means both configurations generate comparable income on a per-night-available basis, so the revenue gap between them is driven more by total nights booked and seasonal pricing than by inherent efficiency differences.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Empire

Two-bedroom properties lead in occupancy at 42%, compared to 36% for four-bedroom listings, suggesting smaller units attract more consistent bookings—possibly from couples and small groups visiting year-round. The six-point gap means two-bedroom owners can expect slightly more predictable cash flow, while four-bedroom operators will lean more heavily on peak-season revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Empire

Four-bedroom properties earn significantly more on a monthly basis at $7,360 compared to $3,191 for two-bedroom units, more than doubling the revenue despite only a modest ADR premium. This gap is driven by the larger homes' ability to command higher absolute nightly revenue and attract family and group bookings during the peak summer season.

Average annual revenue by property size in Empire

Four-bedroom listings generate an average of $88,326 annually—more than 2.3x the $38,292 earned by two-bedroom properties. For investors weighing acquisition costs against revenue potential, four-bedroom homes clearly deliver higher gross income, though the higher purchase price and operating costs of larger properties should factor into the return calculation.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Empire

Parking and a full kitchen are universal at 100% of listings, while washer (83%), backyard (78%), outdoor furniture (72%), and dryer (72%) round out the essentials. The prevalence of outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards, patios, BBQ grills, and lake access (28%) signals that guests expect a nature-forward vacation experience, and listings offering waterfront access or a hot tub may command premium rates given their relative scarcity.

Understanding Empire'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

Empire's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and average revenue-to-price ratios that reflect the market's high property values alongside strong nightly rates. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, suggesting a stable but not overheated environment where new supply is being absorbed without dramatic pricing pressure. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of seasonal cash flow to determine whether the summer-heavy revenue cycle aligns with their investment goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Empire

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Empire, Michigan, may need to obtain permits or register with Leelanau County or the local township. Investors should verify current STR permit and zoning requirements directly with Empire Township and the State of Michigan before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar Michigan lakefront communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during peak season, noise ordinances, and parking limitations. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to certain properties, so reviewing covenants carefully before purchase is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally required to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and local accommodations or tourism taxes may also apply in Leelanau County. Many platforms like Airbnb 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 Empire can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Empire's short-term rental market is expected to continue benefiting from its position as a gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan recreation. Summer months should remain the primary revenue engine, with July and August likely sustaining ADRs in the high $300s to low $400s. The 128% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests new supply entering the market, which could moderate occupancy rates slightly—expect annual occupancy to hover around 28–33% as the market finds equilibrium. Investors who optimize pricing during the shoulder months of May, September, and October could capture meaningful incremental revenue as awareness of the area grows."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Empire, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Empire?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Empire is currently 31%, which falls below Michigan's 42% state average. This reflects the market's strong seasonality—properties fill up during the summer months but see lighter bookings through winter. Two-bedroom properties lead with 42% occupancy, while four-bedroom homes average 36%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Empire?

Airbnb hosts in Empire earn an average of $5,531 per month, which translates to approximately $66,383 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: two-bedroom listings average $38,292 annually, while four-bedroom properties generate roughly $88,326 per year. Peak summer months can produce $13,000–$15,000 in a single month.

Is Empire a good market for Airbnb investment?

Empire scores 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability, a strong ADR of $391, and the natural draw of Sleeping Bear Dunes. However, the high average home value of $1,378,737 and pronounced seasonality mean investors need to carefully evaluate whether summer earnings can justify the purchase price. Properties that maximize bookings from May through October tend to perform best.

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

The average daily rate in Empire is $391, which is about 12% higher than the Michigan state average of $350. ADR varies by property size, with two-bedroom listings averaging $332 per night and four-bedroom homes commanding $383 per night. These premium rates reflect the desirability of the Sleeping Bear Dunes area and the limited supply of vacation rentals.

Are short-term rentals legal in Empire?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Empire, Michigan area, though operators should check with Empire Township and Leelanau County for any permit, registration, or zoning requirements that may apply. Regulations in northern Michigan lake communities can change, so it's important to verify the latest local rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Empire?

Peak season in Empire runs from June through August, with July being the single strongest month at an average revenue of $15,166 per listing. August follows closely at $13,908. The shoulder months of May ($4,892), September ($6,938), and October ($5,417) also contribute meaningfully, while winter months from November through March typically see revenues between $1,500 and $2,500.

How many Airbnbs are there in Empire?

There are currently 18 active Airbnb listings in Empire as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in two property sizes: five two-bedroom listings and six four-bedroom listings. This small inventory relative to the area's tourist appeal means competition is limited, though listing counts have grown 128% year over year.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Empire?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Empire 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 results 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 well 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 Empire, MI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns covering listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue by bedroom count
• Amenity prevalence data reflecting current guest expectations 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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change—verify with local authorities before investing.