Grand Marais, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Grand Marais Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Grand Marais, Michigan is a micro-market on the Lake Superior shoreline with just 12 active Airbnb listings, offering investors an unusually low-competition entry point. Average annual revenue sits at $44,797 per listing, driven by a dramatic summer peak—August alone averages $8,478—while the average daily rate of $283 comes in below Michigan's $350 state average but is paired with a 45% occupancy rate that edges above the 42% state benchmark. For investors drawn to Upper Peninsula tourism and outdoor recreation, this small-scale market rewards those who can capture seasonal demand effectively.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Grand Marais

Investors are drawn to Grand Marais for its extremely limited supply, Lake Superior appeal, and occupancy rates that outperform the Michigan state average despite the market's seasonal profile.

Expert Market Assessment

"Grand Marais presents a niche opportunity rather than a high-volume play—its 12 active listings and strong summer revenue curve make it appealing for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. Peak months from June through September account for the lion's share of annual earnings, with August topping $8,478 in average revenue, while November dips to just $972. The market's occupancy edge over the state average and its below-average ADR suggest guests are finding value here, which keeps demand steady even as pricing remains moderate. Investors who optimize for peak-season bookings and manage costs carefully during winter can extract solid returns from this remote lakeside destination."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Grand Marais

Average revenue by month in Grand Marais

Grand Marais exhibits extreme seasonality: August leads at $8,478 in average revenue, while November bottoms out at just $972—a roughly 8.7x spread between peak and trough. The core earning window runs June through October, accounting for the vast majority of annual income, so investors should budget for very lean winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Grand Marais

Property size breakdowns are not currently available for this market. With only 12 total listings, the inventory is too small to segment meaningfully by bedroom count, though this also signals that virtually any well-positioned property type could find demand.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Grand Marais

ADR data by property size is not available for Grand Marais at this time. The market-wide average of $283 per night provides a useful baseline, but investors should research comparable properties individually to estimate rate potential for specific bedroom configurations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Grand Marais

RevPAN breakdowns by property size are not currently reported for this market. The overall market RevPAN of $127 per available night reflects the combined effect of the $283 ADR and 45% occupancy rate, and serves as a starting benchmark for investment analysis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Grand Marais

Occupancy data segmented by bedroom count is unavailable for Grand Marais. The market-wide 45% average occupancy rate—above the Michigan state average—suggests healthy demand, though individual performance will depend heavily on property features like lake access and seasonal pricing adjustments.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Grand Marais

Monthly revenue by property size is not broken out in the current data. At the market level, the $3,733 average monthly revenue reflects the blended effect of strong summer peaks and quiet winter months across all listing types.

Average annual revenue by property size in Grand Marais

Annual revenue by property size is not available for this micro-market. The overall average of $44,797 per listing per year provides a useful benchmark, though properties with premium features such as lake or beach access may outperform this figure significantly.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Grand Marais

Parking is universal (100%) among Grand Marais listings, while kitchens, BBQ grills, and backyards each appear in 92% of properties—reflecting the outdoor-recreation character of this market. Lake access (50%) and beach access (42%) are notable differentiators, and investors offering waterfront or beachfront positioning may command pricing premiums given that only 25% and 17% of listings currently feature those amenities.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Grand Marais

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Grand Marais, Michigan may need to register or obtain a permit from local authorities in Alger County. Investors should verify current requirements with the Township and the State of Michigan before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar Michigan communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay provisions. HOA covenants may also apply to certain properties, so reviewing deed restrictions and local zoning rules is an important step before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Michigan generally requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and any applicable local accommodations taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with Michigan's Department of Treasury.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Grand Marais should continue to benefit from growing interest in remote, nature-focused getaways across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Summer months (June through September) will likely remain the primary revenue engine, and modest ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible as demand for lakeside retreats stays firm. The off-season from November through April will remain soft, so investors should plan for average monthly revenues potentially dipping below $1,500 during those months. With supply still limited at 12 listings, any uptick in regional tourism could meaningfully boost individual property performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Grand Marais, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grand Marais?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grand Marais is currently 45%, which is slightly above the Michigan state average of 42%. This indicates that despite being a small and seasonal market, Grand Marais listings attract consistent bookings relative to their availability, particularly during the warmer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Grand Marais?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Grand Marais earn approximately $3,733 per month and $44,797 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season—August is the strongest month at roughly $8,478, while November is the slowest at around $972. Individual results depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well hosts capture peak-season demand.

Is Grand Marais a good market for Airbnb investment?

Grand Marais offers a compelling opportunity for investors looking for a low-competition market with strong seasonal demand. With only 12 active listings and occupancy above the state average, well-managed properties can capture a meaningful share of tourism revenue. The trade-off is pronounced seasonality—most income is earned between June and October—so investors should plan their finances around quieter winter months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Grand Marais is $283, which is below Michigan's statewide average of $350. This lower rate likely reflects the market's remote location and seasonal nature, but the competitive pricing helps sustain above-average occupancy.

Are short-term rentals legal in Grand Marais?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Grand Marais, Michigan, though operators may need to comply with local registration requirements, zoning rules, and state tax obligations. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should verify current rules with Alger County and Township officials before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Grand Marais?

Peak season in Grand Marais runs from June through September, with August generating the highest average monthly revenue at $8,478 and July close behind at $8,080. October also performs well at around $4,047, likely driven by fall color tourism. The off-season stretches from November through April, with the slowest month being November at approximately $972.

How many Airbnbs are there in Grand Marais?

As of April 2026, there are 12 active Airbnb listings in Grand Marais. This very limited supply means new entrants face minimal direct competition, though it also reflects the small size of the market and its seasonal demand pattern.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Grand Marais?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Grand Marais 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Grand Marais and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current market conditions
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from trailing 12-month booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.