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

Grand Marais Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Grand Marais, a small North Shore community on Lake Superior, punches above its weight as a short-term rental market thanks to strong revenue relative to property prices and consistent seasonal demand. With an average annual revenue of $51,460 across 120 active listings and an ROI score of 74 out of 100, the market offers an attractive entry point for investors drawn to outdoor recreation and tourism-driven destinations. ADR sits at $286—well below Minnesota's $429 state average—but the market's favorable revenue-to-price dynamics and above-average occupancy stability help compensate.

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 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Grand Marais

Investors are drawn to Grand Marais for its compelling revenue-to-price ratio, stable seasonal demand anchored by Lake Superior tourism, and above-average market growth trends.

Expert Market Assessment

"Grand Marais represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who understand its seasonal rhythm. Revenue swings meaningfully from a low of roughly $2,174 in November to a high of $7,610 in August, so cash-flow planning around a strong summer peak and softer shoulder months is critical. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are genuine strengths, though the below-average supply/demand balance—driven by that 80% year-over-year listing growth—warrants monitoring. Investors who target 3-bedroom properties and optimize for peak-season pricing stand to capture the most value here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Grand Marais

Average revenue by month in Grand Marais

Grand Marais exhibits pronounced seasonality, with August ($7,610) and July ($7,079) delivering peak revenue that's roughly 3.5 times the lows seen in April ($2,175) and November ($2,174). Investors should plan for a concentrated earning window from June through October and budget for leaner months in late fall and early spring.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Grand Marais

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 48 of the market's 120 listings, while studios are notably scarce at just 5 listings. The relative undersupply of 3-bedroom properties (26 listings) paired with their strong revenue performance could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger homes.

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

ADR scales sharply with size in Grand Marais—3-bedroom properties command $398 per night, more than double the $187 rate for 1-bedrooms. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($273) to 3-bedrooms is especially steep, suggesting strong group and family demand that rewards larger configurations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Grand Marais

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $121, nearly double the $62 generated by 2-bedrooms and well ahead of 1-bedrooms ($50) and studios ($44). This gap reflects both higher nightly rates and better occupancy for 3-bedroom units, making them the clear RevPAN leader in Grand Marais.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Grand Marais

Occupancy rates are relatively tight across property sizes, ranging from 22% for studios to 30% for 3-bedrooms. The fact that 3-bedroom properties maintain the highest occupancy despite their premium pricing underscores consistent demand from families and groups visiting the North Shore.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Grand Marais

Three-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $6,480, nearly double the $3,420 earned by 1-bedrooms and well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $4,515. Studios trail at $3,078, suggesting that the smallest units face both lower pricing power and lighter booking frequency.

Average annual revenue by property size in Grand Marais

Annual revenue ranges from $36,939 for studios to $77,762 for 3-bedroom properties, a more than twofold difference that highlights the earning premium of larger homes in this market. Two-bedroom units at $54,184 represent a solid middle ground for investors seeking a balance between acquisition cost and revenue potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Grand Marais

Parking (96%) and kitchens (93%) are near-universal, reflecting the self-sufficient nature of Grand Marais guests who typically drive in and cook during their stays. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (71%), BBQ grills (65%), and lake access (40%) signal that guests prioritize nature experiences, making these features important differentiators for competitive listings.

Understanding Grand Marais's ROI Score: 74/100

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

Grand Marais earns a 74 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band. The market's strongest signals come from its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability, supplemented by an above-average growth trend—though the rapid increase in supply has pushed the supply/demand balance below average, a factor worth monitoring. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough research into local STR regulations and property-level due diligence to validate the opportunity.

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

Grand Marais and Cook County, Minnesota may require short-term rental registration or permits, and investors should verify current requirements directly with the city and county before listing a property. State-level rules in Minnesota can also apply, so confirming compliance at both levels is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small tourism-driven communities like Grand Marais can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules during certain seasons. HOA covenants or deed restrictions may further limit STR activity in specific neighborhoods, so reviewing these before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Minnesota are typically subject to state sales tax, local lodging taxes, and potentially a tourism-related surcharge. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and Cook County.

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 benefiting from its status as a year-round North Shore getaway, with summer peak months (July and August) likely sustaining ADRs in the mid-to-upper $200s and strong weekend bookings through fall foliage season. Market growth has been robust—active listings grew 80% year over year—so investors should watch for supply catching up to demand, which could put modest pressure on occupancy rates. We estimate occupancy may settle in the 25–30% range annually, with ADR holding steady or ticking up 1–3% as the destination continues to gain visibility among Midwest travelers."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Grand Marais, MN

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grand Marais?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Grand Marais is currently 27%, which falls below Minnesota's 40% state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom units leading at 30% and studios trailing at 22%. Because Grand Marais is a seasonal tourism market, occupancy concentrates heavily in the summer months, so annualized rates naturally look lower than year-round urban destinations.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Grand Marais?

Airbnb hosts in Grand Marais earn an average of $4,288 per month and approximately $51,460 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: studios average about $36,939 annually, while 3-bedroom properties bring in roughly $77,762. Peak months like July and August can generate $7,000–$7,600 in monthly revenue, while slower months like April and November may dip below $2,200.

Is Grand Marais a good market for Airbnb investment?

Grand Marais scores a 74 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and solid occupancy stability, making it appealing relative to property costs. However, supply has grown rapidly (80% year over year), which may tighten margins going forward. Investors targeting larger properties—particularly 3-bedroom homes—tend to see the strongest returns.

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

The average daily rate in Grand Marais is $286, compared to the Minnesota state average of $429. ADR scales with property size: studios average $201, 1-bedrooms $187, 2-bedrooms $273, and 3-bedrooms command $398 per night. While lower than the state average, the market's property prices are positioned to make these rates work favorably from an investment returns perspective.

Are short-term rentals legal in Grand Marais?

Short-term rentals do operate in Grand Marais, with 120 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, registration, and zoning can change, so prospective investors should verify the latest requirements with the City of Grand Marais and Cook County before purchasing or listing a property. Consulting a local real estate attorney familiar with STR regulations is also a prudent step.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Grand Marais?

Peak season in Grand Marais runs from June through September, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $7,610 and July close behind at $7,079. September and October offer a strong secondary season thanks to fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are April and November, when average revenue dips to around $2,175. Winter months see moderate activity, likely driven by cross-country skiing and snowshoeing visitors.

How many Airbnbs are there in Grand Marais?

As of April 2026, there are 120 active Airbnb listings in Grand Marais. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (48 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (33), 3-bedrooms (26), and studios (5). Notably, active listings have grown 80% year over year, reflecting increasing investor interest in this North Shore market.

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—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder 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 actively 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data showing how listings are equipped across the market

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.