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

Frankfort Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Frankfort, MI sits along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Benzie County, drawing vacationers who fuel a sharply seasonal short-term rental market. With an average annual revenue of $42,043 across just 41 active listings, the market offers meaningful earning potential during peak summer months—July alone averages nearly $10,000 per listing. However, high average home values of roughly $1,014,473 and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio mean investors need to be strategic about deal sourcing and property selection to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Frankfort

Frankfort's appeal to investors centers on its concentrated summer tourism demand and limited listing supply in a desirable lakefront Michigan destination.

Expert Market Assessment

"Frankfort presents a competitive opportunity rather than a slam-dunk—the ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects strong seasonal demand offset by elevated property prices and tight supply-demand dynamics. The market's extreme seasonality is the defining characteristic: July revenue ($9,975) runs nearly ten times higher than April's ($1,032), so investors must underwrite conservatively and account for lean winter months. Larger properties consistently outperform on occupancy, RevPAN, and total revenue, suggesting that 3- and 4-bedroom homes offer the clearest path to viable returns. For buyers who can source below the $1,014,473 average home value and optimize for summer peak performance, Frankfort remains an attractive niche market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Frankfort

Average revenue by month in Frankfort

Frankfort's revenue profile is steeply seasonal: July ($9,975) and August ($9,061) together account for nearly half of annual earnings, while the November-through-April stretch averages roughly $1,400 per month. The nearly 10x spread between peak and trough months means investors should build cash reserves for the off-season and optimize pricing aggressively during the summer window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Frankfort

Supply is relatively balanced across bedroom counts, with 2- and 3-bedroom properties tied at 10 listings each, followed by 8 four-bedrooms and 7 one-bedrooms. The even distribution means no single property size dominates, though the slightly lower count of 1-bedroom units combined with their weak performance metrics suggests limited demand for smaller configurations in this vacation-oriented market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Frankfort

ADR jumps meaningfully at the 3-bedroom mark—$280 versus $191–$194 for 1- and 2-bedroom units—and reaches $379 for 4-bedroom properties. The premium for larger homes is substantial and reflects the family and group travel demand typical of lakefront vacation markets, making 3- and 4-bedroom configurations the most compelling from a rate perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in Frankfort

RevPAN scales dramatically with size, from just $15 for 1-bedroom units to $151 for 4-bedroom properties—a tenfold difference. Three-bedroom listings deliver $106 in RevPAN, which represents a strong middle ground for investors who want meaningful per-night revenue without the higher acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom home.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Frankfort

Occupancy climbs steadily with property size: 1-bedrooms fill only 8% of available nights, while 4-bedrooms achieve 40%. The stark gap underscores that larger properties are what vacationers in Frankfort are booking, and investors targeting 1-bedroom units face a significant cash-flow challenge given the extremely low fill rate.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Frankfort

Four-bedroom properties lead with $5,221 in average monthly revenue, roughly double the $2,580 earned by 1-bedroom listings. Three-bedroom units generate $3,854 monthly, sitting comfortably above the market average, which positions them as a balanced option for investors seeking solid revenue without the highest-tier acquisition costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Frankfort

Annual revenue ranges from $30,964 for 1-bedroom listings to $62,660 for 4-bedroom properties, a spread that clearly rewards scaling up. Given average home values above $1 million, the $62,660 annual revenue from 4-bedroom units still implies a tight revenue-to-price ratio, making below-market acquisitions particularly important for achieving acceptable yields.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Frankfort

Parking (98%) and kitchen access (95%) are virtually universal, while outdoor living amenities like outdoor furniture (78%), backyards (76%), patios (73%), and BBQ grills (66%) signal that guests expect a full vacation-home experience. Lake access (34%), waterfront (22%), and beach access (20%) listings likely command a premium—investors with water-adjacent properties hold a distinct competitive advantage in this market.

Understanding Frankfort's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Frankfort's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning the market has genuine demand but requires careful deal selection. Above-average occupancy stability is a positive signal—guests reliably return each summer—but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance indicate that high home prices compress yields and competition for quality listings is real. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting properties priced well below the $1,014,473 average will be essential for investors aiming to generate attractive returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Frankfort

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Frankfort, Michigan may need to obtain a local rental permit or register their property with the city or Benzie County before accepting guests. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Frankfort and the State of Michigan, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan STR markets can include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, especially in lakefront communities, so reviewing any applicable association rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are typically responsible for collecting and remitting state sales tax and any applicable local lodging or excise taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle some tax collection automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the Michigan Department of Treasury to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Frankfort's summer-driven demand pattern is expected to hold steady, with July and August continuing to anchor the bulk of annual revenue. ADR may see modest increases in the 1–3% range as the small supply of listings keeps pricing power relatively firm during peak season. Occupancy during shoulder months (May, September, October) could tick up slightly as the region gains visibility, but winter months will likely remain soft. Investors should plan cash reserves to bridge the quieter November-through-April stretch, when monthly revenue can dip below $1,500."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Frankfort, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Frankfort?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Frankfort is currently 29%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature—larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) achieve occupancy rates of 38–40%, while 1-bedroom units average just 8%. Peak summer months drive the majority of bookings, with winter and early spring seeing significantly lower demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Frankfort?

Airbnb hosts in Frankfort earn an average of $3,503 per month and approximately $42,043 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 4-bedroom listings average $62,660 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in around $30,964. Revenue is heavily concentrated in summer, with July averaging $9,975 and slower months like April dropping to about $1,032.

Is Frankfort a good market for Airbnb investment?

Frankfort scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong summer tourism demand along Lake Michigan, but high average home values ($1,014,473) and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio mean investors need to find well-priced properties to achieve solid returns. Larger homes with 3–4 bedrooms tend to pencil out best, and selective deal sourcing is key.

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

The average daily rate in Frankfort is $304, which is below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales notably with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $194, 2-bedrooms come in at $191, 3-bedrooms reach $280, and 4-bedroom properties command $379 per night. Investors targeting larger homes can capture significantly higher nightly rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Frankfort?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Frankfort, MI, though operators may need to secure local permits or registrations. Regulations can vary at the city, county, and state level, so prospective investors should check with the City of Frankfort and Benzie County for the latest requirements on permits, zoning, and any applicable restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Frankfort?

Peak season in Frankfort runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $9,975 per listing. August follows closely at $9,061. Revenue drops sharply outside of summer—September averages $4,006, and the slowest month, April, sees just $1,032. This pronounced seasonality is typical of Lake Michigan vacation markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Frankfort?

As of April 2026, there are 41 active Airbnb listings in Frankfort. Supply is distributed fairly evenly across property sizes: 7 one-bedroom listings, 10 two-bedrooms, 10 three-bedrooms, and 8 four-bedrooms. The relatively small number of listings means the market is compact, which can benefit hosts during high-demand summer months.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Frankfort?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Frankfort 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $9,975 average) and slower periods (like April's $1,032). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 Frankfort, MI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• 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 Mar, 17 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. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.