Fife Lake, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Fife Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fife Lake is a small, lake-oriented market in northern Michigan with just 25 active Airbnb listings — a micro-market where individual properties can meaningfully shape overall performance. At an average daily rate of $156 (well below the $350 Michigan state average) and a 26% occupancy rate, the market caters primarily to seasonal vacationers drawn to waterfront recreation during the warmer months. Average annual revenue sits at $21,687, reflecting a heavily seasonal demand pattern that concentrates most earning potential into the summer window.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fife Lake short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Fife Lake

Investors are drawn to Fife Lake for its affordable entry points, limited competition, and strong summer demand fueled by northern Michigan's lake recreation appeal.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fife Lake presents a niche opportunity best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. July revenue of $4,697 per listing dwarfs the January figure of $544, creating a roughly 8.6x spread between peak and trough — one of the widest seasonal swings you'll encounter. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the strongest performers, pulling in an estimated $43,049 annually compared to $13,507 for one-bedrooms. With limited supply and clear lake-driven demand, the market rewards operators who can deliver a premium guest experience during the compressed high season while minimizing costs through the quieter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fife Lake

Average revenue by month in Fife Lake

Revenue in Fife Lake follows an extremely seasonal arc, peaking in July at $4,697 and bottoming out in January at just $544 — nearly a 9x spread. The profitable window runs roughly from May through October, with the core summer months (June–August) accounting for the lion's share of annual income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fife Lake

One-bedroom listings make up the largest share of supply with 8 units, while two- and three-bedroom properties each account for 5 listings. The relatively thin inventory across all sizes means there may be room for additional well-differentiated properties, particularly in the two- and three-bedroom categories where revenue per unit is significantly higher.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fife Lake

ADR scales steeply with size in Fife Lake: one-bedrooms average $71/night, two-bedrooms $105, and three-bedrooms command $213 — roughly triple the rate of the smallest units. The jump from two to three bedrooms is particularly notable, suggesting that larger family-friendly or group-oriented homes can charge a meaningful premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fife Lake

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $34 per available night, followed by two-bedrooms at $29 and one-bedrooms at $19. While the gap between sizes is narrower than ADR alone would suggest (due to lower occupancy for three-bedrooms), larger units still deliver the best per-night yield after factoring in vacancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fife Lake

One- and two-bedroom listings share the highest occupancy at 28%, while three-bedroom properties lag at 16%, reflecting their higher price point and likely more selective booking patterns. Investors in larger properties should expect fewer but higher-value bookings, particularly concentrated in summer months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fife Lake

Three-bedroom properties generate the highest average monthly revenue at $3,587 — more than double the $1,685 that two-bedrooms earn and over three times the $1,125 for one-bedrooms. This confirms that despite lower occupancy, the premium nightly rates of larger homes translate into substantially greater total income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fife Lake

Annual revenue differences are striking: three-bedroom listings average $43,049 per year, roughly 3.2x the $13,507 earned by one-bedroom units and more than double the $20,221 for two-bedrooms. For investors seeking the strongest return potential in Fife Lake, larger properties clearly offer the most compelling top-line performance.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fife Lake

Outdoor-oriented amenities dominate in Fife Lake, with backyards (92%), self check-in (88%), kitchens (88%), and BBQ grills (84%) appearing on the vast majority of listings. Waterfront access (76%) and lake access (56%) reinforce that guests expect a nature-immersive experience, while hot tubs remain relatively uncommon at 24% — potentially a differentiator for new listings.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fife Lake

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Fife Lake, Michigan may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with the township or Grand Traverse County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Michigan communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking capacity mandates, and limitations imposed by HOAs or lakefront property associations. Some jurisdictions also cap the number of permits issued, so early research is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires collection of the state's 6% use tax on short-term accommodations, and some localities may impose additional lodging or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes 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 Fife Lake can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect Fife Lake's strongly seasonal revenue pattern to persist, with the bulk of earning power concentrated from June through September. Summer ADRs may see modest gains of 1–3% as northern Michigan lake destinations continue to attract drive-market vacationers, though winter months will likely remain soft with sub-$800 monthly averages. Investors should plan for cash reserves to cover carrying costs during the long off-season, and properties with standout amenities like hot tubs or direct lake access may outperform the market average during shoulder months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fife Lake, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fife Lake?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Fife Lake is currently 26%, which falls below Michigan's statewide average of 42%. This lower figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy spikes during summer lake season and drops significantly in winter. One- and two-bedroom properties average around 28% occupancy, while three-bedroom units sit at 16%, suggesting larger homes command higher nightly rates but book fewer nights overall.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fife Lake?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Fife Lake earn approximately $1,807 per month or $21,687 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size: one-bedroom listings average around $13,507 annually, two-bedrooms bring in about $20,221, and three-bedroom properties lead the market at roughly $43,049 per year. Keep in mind that most revenue is concentrated in the summer months, with July alone averaging $4,697.

Is Fife Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fife Lake can be a worthwhile investment for buyers who understand its seasonal dynamics and plan accordingly. The market benefits from limited competition (just 25 active listings), strong summer demand driven by lake recreation, and relatively affordable property prices compared to nearby Traverse City. However, the 26% average occupancy rate and sharp winter slowdown mean investors need to budget for several months of minimal income. Three-bedroom properties offer the best revenue potential, and standout amenities like waterfront access and outdoor living spaces are essential for attracting bookings.

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

The average daily rate in Fife Lake is $156, which is considerably lower than Michigan's $350 state average. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: one-bedroom listings average $71 per night, two-bedrooms come in at $105, and three-bedroom properties command $213 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects the market's rural, vacation-oriented character rather than a lack of demand during peak periods.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fife Lake?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Fife Lake, Michigan, but local regulations can change. Operators may need permits or registration at the township or county level, and there could be restrictions on occupancy, parking, or noise. We recommend checking directly with Fife Lake Township and Grand Traverse County for the most current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fife Lake?

Peak season in Fife Lake runs from June through August, driven by warm-weather lake activities. July is the strongest month with average revenue of $4,697 per listing, followed by August at $4,226 and June at $2,584. Shoulder months like September ($2,300) and October ($1,907) still see decent activity, likely from fall color tourism. The off-season stretches from November through April, with January being the slowest month at just $544 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fife Lake?

As of April 2026, there are 25 active Airbnb listings in Fife Lake. The supply breaks down as 8 one-bedroom properties, 5 two-bedrooms, and 5 three-bedrooms. This small inventory means the market is relatively uncrowded, but it also means performance data can be influenced by individual listing results.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fife Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Fife Lake 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 roll the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, seasonal peaks and slower periods are naturally reflected in the figures. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, amenity offerings, 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 Fife Lake market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and aggregated for market-level consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. With only 25 active listings, market-level averages may be disproportionately influenced by individual property performance. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before purchasing.