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

Grayling Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Grayling, MI earns a 74 out of 100 ROI score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier for short-term rental investors. With an average daily rate of $237, average annual revenue of $29,668, and home values around $289,040, the revenue-to-price ratio stands above average — a key draw for investors looking to stretch their capital in Michigan's northern recreational corridor. Occupancy sits at 27%, well below the 42% state average, but the market's pronounced summer peak and affordable entry point create a compelling seasonal play for the right investor.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Grayling 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 Grayling

Grayling's affordable home prices paired with above-average revenue-to-price ratios make it an appealing entry point for investors seeking seasonal rental income in a northern Michigan recreation market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Grayling presents a moderate-to-strong seasonal opportunity rather than a year-round cash-flow play. Revenue swings dramatically from a low of $710 in April to nearly $5,994 in August, so investors should budget for lean shoulder months and plan maintenance around the off-season. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the market's standout strength, partially offset by below-average supply/demand balance and modest growth trend scores. For investors comfortable with seasonal income concentration and who can optimize peak-season pricing, Grayling delivers a genuine path to attractive returns — especially with larger properties that capture the highest RevPAN."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Grayling

Average revenue by month in Grayling

Grayling exhibits extreme seasonality, with August ($5,994) and July ($5,882) generating roughly 7–8x the revenue of the slowest month, April ($710). Investors should expect the bulk of annual income to arrive between June and September, making cash-flow planning around the off-season essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Grayling

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 21 of the 55 active listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 16. Four-bedroom listings are relatively scarce at just 8 units, which — combined with their superior revenue metrics — could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Grayling

ADR scales steadily from $149 for 1-bedroom listings to $311 for 4-bedroom properties, roughly doubling across the range. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($192) to 3-bedrooms ($288) is particularly steep, suggesting that adding a third bedroom significantly expands pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Grayling

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $112, nearly triple the $41 earned by 2-bedroom units and well ahead of 3-bedrooms at $77. This gap highlights that larger properties not only command higher nightly rates but also convert those rates into meaningfully better per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Grayling

Four-bedroom listings lead in occupancy at 36%, while 2-bedroom units lag at just 21%, suggesting that group-oriented travelers filling larger homes are the most reliable demand segment. One-bedroom (29%) and 3-bedroom (27%) properties fall in between, indicating that smaller units may struggle with consistency in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Grayling

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,769 for 1-bedroom properties to $3,724 for 4-bedroom listings, with a notable step up at the 3-bedroom level ($2,796). For investors weighing acquisition costs against cash flow, the 3- and 4-bedroom tiers offer the clearest path to meaningful monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Grayling

Four-bedroom properties generate the highest annual revenue at $44,693 — more than double the $21,238 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom listings come in at $33,562, making them a solid middle-ground option that balances revenue potential against typically lower purchase and maintenance costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Grayling

Parking (96%), kitchens (86%), and BBQ grills (82%) are near-universal in Grayling, reflecting a guest base that expects self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented accommodations. Notably, 35% of listings highlight waterfront access and 26% offer lake access — differentiators that likely command premium rates in this recreation-focused market.

Understanding Grayling'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

Grayling's ROI score of 74 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the most heavily weighted factor at 40%. Occupancy stability scores average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate below average, reflecting the rapid 161% increase in active listings that could intensify competition. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property configurations (especially 3–4 bedrooms) that have demonstrated the strongest per-night revenue performance.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Grayling

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Grayling, Michigan may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with Crawford County or the City of Grayling before listing. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the local zoning and planning department, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking capacity rules, and any applicable HOA or deed restrictions on the property. Michigan communities have been increasingly active in updating STR regulations, so checking for permit caps or zoning overlays is a smart step before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally subject to the state's 6% use tax and may owe local lodging or assessment taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level 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 Grayling can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Grayling's summer-driven demand pattern is expected to remain the primary revenue engine, with July and August likely continuing to account for a disproportionate share of annual income. ADR could see modest increases in the 1–3% range as property improvements and amenity upgrades raise guest expectations. The 161% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which may compress occupancy rates further unless visitor demand keeps pace. Investors should plan conservatively around 25–30% annualized occupancy and lean into peak-season pricing strategy to maximize returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Grayling, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grayling?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Grayling is currently 27%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 4-bedroom properties leading at 36% and 2-bedroom units trailing at 21%. The lower overall rate reflects Grayling's seasonal demand profile, with most bookings concentrated during the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Grayling?

Airbnb hosts in Grayling earn an average of $2,472 per month and approximately $29,668 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies substantially by property size — 4-bedroom listings generate the highest average at $3,724 per month ($44,693 annually), while 1-bedroom properties average $1,769 per month ($21,238 annually). Peak summer months like July and August can produce nearly $6,000 in revenue, so much of the annual total is earned during the warm season.

Is Grayling a good market for Airbnb investment?

Grayling scores a 74 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, classified as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, thanks to affordable home values averaging $289,040 paired with roughly $30K in annual revenue. Occupancy stability is average and growth trends are below average due to rising competition, so success depends on buying the right property size (3–4 bedrooms perform best) and executing a strong peak-season pricing strategy.

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

The average daily rate in Grayling is $237, which is below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $149, 2-bedrooms are at $192, 3-bedrooms reach $288, and 4-bedroom properties command $311 per night. The gap between the market and state average reflects Grayling's positioning as an affordable outdoor-recreation destination rather than a premium resort market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Grayling?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Grayling, MI, though operators may need to secure a local permit or registration. Michigan municipalities have varying regulations regarding STRs, including potential zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and permit requirements. We recommend contacting the City of Grayling or Crawford County planning office directly to confirm current rules before making a purchase, as local regulations are evolving.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Grayling?

Peak season in Grayling runs from June through August, with July and August being the strongest months. August leads with average revenue of $5,994 per listing, followed closely by July at $5,882. Shoulder months like May ($2,347), September ($2,770), and October ($2,458) offer decent supplemental income, while the slowest period stretches from March through April, when average monthly revenue drops to $846 and $710 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Grayling?

As of April 2026, there are 55 active Airbnb listings in Grayling. The supply is concentrated in 2- and 3-bedroom properties (16 and 21 listings respectively), with smaller numbers of 1-bedroom (7) and 4-bedroom (8) units. The market saw 161% year-over-year growth in active listings, suggesting rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Grayling?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Grayling 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. 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 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 Grayling, MI market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarks by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.