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

Gaylord Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gaylord, MI presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and strong seasonal demand driven by northern Michigan's outdoor recreation scene. With 142 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $306, and annual revenue averaging $34,616, the market rewards investors who can capitalize on summer peaks while managing leaner shoulder months. Property values averaging $372,884 keep the entry point accessible relative to the revenue potential, making Gaylord worth a closer look for investors comfortable with seasonal markets.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gaylord 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 Gaylord

Gaylord's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and northern Michigan's year-round recreation draw make it a compelling option for investors seeking affordable entry into a seasonal but rewarding STR market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Gaylord earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 64 out of 100, reflecting solid revenue potential against moderate property costs. The market's pronounced seasonality — July revenue of $6,059 is nearly five times the April low of $1,250 — means cash flow planning is critical, but the summer peak is robust enough to carry the year for well-managed properties. Larger units in the 4+ bedroom range stand out as particularly strong performers, generating over $50,000 annually. Investors who pair the right property type with competitive amenities and smart pricing through the off-season can extract meaningful returns from this northern Michigan destination."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Gaylord

Average revenue by month in Gaylord

Gaylord's revenue curve is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $6,059 and bottoming out in April at just $1,250 — a nearly 5x spread that underscores the importance of summer tourism. The June–August window accounts for the lion's share of annual income, while a modest winter bump in January ($2,543) and December ($2,177) hints at some ski and holiday demand.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Gaylord

Three-bedroom units dominate supply with 42 listings, followed by 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom homes tied at 30 each. Studios (5) and 5-bedroom properties (9) are relatively scarce, which may present less competitive niches for investors looking to differentiate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Gaylord

ADR climbs steeply with property size, from $135 for 1-bedrooms all the way to $750 for 6+ bedroom homes — a premium that reflects group and family travel demand in the region. The jump from 3-bedroom ($241) to 4-bedroom ($427) is particularly notable, suggesting a significant pricing inflection point at that size.

Average RevPAN by property size in Gaylord

Revenue per available night heavily favors larger properties, with 6+ bedrooms leading at $242 and 5-bedrooms close behind at $178, while 1-bedrooms generate just $29. Even after accounting for occupancy, the 4+ bedroom tier delivers meaningfully stronger daily yield, making larger configurations the clear RevPAN winners.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Gaylord

Occupancy is relatively flat across most property sizes, generally ranging from 32% to 38%, with studios topping out at 38% and 1-bedrooms lagging at 22%. The consistency across mid- and large-size properties suggests demand scales well with group capacity, though none of the sizes reach the 42% Michigan state average.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Gaylord

Six-plus bedroom properties are the top monthly earners at $9,660, more than double the $4,503 generated by 4-bedroom homes and roughly 11 times the $886 from 1-bedrooms. For investors seeking meaningful monthly cash flow, the 4-bedroom and above tier is where the returns become most compelling.

Average annual revenue by property size in Gaylord

Annual revenue tells a clear story: 6+ bedroom properties generate $115,929 per year, dwarfing the $28,497 earned by the most common 3-bedroom configuration. Four-bedroom homes at $54,036 offer a strong middle ground, delivering over 50% more revenue than 3-bedrooms while competing in a less saturated segment of the market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Gaylord

Parking is nearly universal at 99%, and kitchen access (85%) and self check-in (82%) have become baseline expectations for Gaylord guests. Outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (70%), patios (67%), and lake access (42%) signal that travelers are drawn to the area's natural setting, making these features important differentiators for competitive listings.

Understanding Gaylord's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Gaylord's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that makes the math work for investors at current home values. Occupancy stability rates as average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance both register below average — a reflection of the rapid 187% listing growth that's adding competitive pressure. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gaylord

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

Permit Requirements

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

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules during certain seasons. HOA covenants can also impose additional limitations, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally subject to the state's 6% Use Tax and may also owe local accommodations or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit state taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Gaylord's STR market is expected to remain heavily seasonal, with summer months continuing to drive the bulk of annual income. ADR may see modest movement in the 1–3% range as the listing count stabilizes after a significant year-over-year supply increase of 187%. Occupancy rates are likely to hover around 28–35% market-wide, with larger properties potentially outperforming due to group travel demand. Investors entering the market should plan for conservative cash flow during the November–April window and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gaylord, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gaylord?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Gaylord is currently 31%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with studios and 2- and 4-bedroom homes reaching 35–38%, while 1-bedroom units average just 22%. The seasonal nature of northern Michigan tourism is a key factor — summer months pull overall averages up, while the slower winter and spring months bring them down.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gaylord?

Airbnb hosts in Gaylord earn an average of $2,884 per month, which works out to roughly $34,616 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary widely by property size: a 1-bedroom averages $886/month, while a 6+ bedroom property can bring in $9,660/month. July and August are the highest-earning months, with revenue exceeding $5,500, so the bulk of annual income is concentrated in the summer season.

Is Gaylord a good market for Airbnb investment?

Gaylord scores a 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values of $372,884 paired with $34,616 in annual revenue offer a favorable entry point. That said, occupancy stability is average and both market growth and supply/demand balance are below average, so investors should plan for pronounced seasonality and increasing competition from new listings.

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

The average daily rate in Gaylord is $306, slightly below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales sharply with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms command $135–$140 per night, while 4-bedroom properties average $427 and 6+ bedroom homes reach $750. Larger properties offering group accommodations clearly capture a significant pricing premium in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Gaylord?

Short-term rentals operate in Gaylord, MI, with 142 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations and permit requirements can evolve, so prospective investors should check with the City of Gaylord and the State of Michigan for the most up-to-date rules on STR licensing, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Gaylord?

Peak season in Gaylord runs through the summer months, with July leading the pack at $6,059 in average revenue, followed closely by August at $5,542. June and September serve as strong shoulder months at $3,435 and $3,237 respectively. The slowest stretch runs from November through April, with April being the lowest-earning month at just $1,250 — a pattern consistent with northern Michigan's outdoor recreation-driven demand cycle.

How many Airbnbs are there in Gaylord?

As of April 2026, there are 142 active Airbnb listings in Gaylord. The market has seen significant growth, with a 187% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 42 listings, followed by 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom homes at 30 each. Studios and 5+ bedroom units are less common, which could represent niche opportunities depending on your investment strategy.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gaylord?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Gaylord 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 because each month uses its own historical data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well a 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 Gaylord, MI
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity data reflecting current listing features across the market
• Home value benchmarks 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 as of the dates noted and may not capture the most recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before investing.