Harbor Springs, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Harbor Springs Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Harbor Springs sits at the intersection of northern Michigan's lakefront appeal and a highly seasonal vacation rental market, drawing visitors primarily during the summer months. With an average daily rate of $416—well above the $350 state average—and average annual revenue of $53,076 across 177 active listings, the market rewards properties that can capture peak-season demand. However, a 34% average occupancy rate (below Michigan's 42% average) and elevated home values near $1.16 million mean investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to generate meaningful returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Harbor Springs 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 Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs appeals to investors seeking premium nightly rates in a resort-driven Michigan market, though high home prices and sharp seasonality demand careful deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Harbor Springs presents a competitive but demanding opportunity for short-term rental investors. The market's strength is concentrated in a narrow summer window—July revenue of $11,576 is nearly ten times April's $1,208—which means annual performance hinges on how effectively hosts capture those peak weeks. With a 209% surge in active listings and below-average scores for both market growth trend and supply/demand balance, the window for easy returns may be narrowing. Investors who target larger, well-appointed properties and price aggressively during shoulder months stand the best chance of differentiating in an increasingly crowded field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Harbor Springs

Average revenue by month in Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs displays extreme seasonality, with July ($11,576) and August ($10,372) generating roughly 5–10 times the revenue of shoulder and off-season months like April ($1,208) and November ($1,590). Investors should plan cash flow around this compressed earning window, as nearly 40% of annual revenue is concentrated in just two months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Harbor Springs

Three- and four-bedroom homes dominate the market with 48 listings each, making up over half of the 177 total active listings. Studios (5) and 6+ bedroom properties (5) are the most underrepresented segments, which could signal less competition for investors willing to target those niches.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Harbor Springs

ADR climbs steeply with bedroom count, from $174 for 1-bedroom units to $1,237 for 6+ bedroom properties—a more than 7x premium. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 4 bedrooms ($470) and 5 bedrooms ($783), suggesting larger group-oriented homes command outsized nightly pricing in this resort market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Harbor Springs

Revenue per available night follows a clear upward trajectory from studios ($43) through 6+ bedrooms ($660), with larger properties far outpacing smaller ones even after accounting for occupancy differences. The 6+ bedroom category stands out dramatically, delivering RevPAN more than 2.5 times that of 5-bedroom units ($256), indicating strong demand for large group accommodations.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Harbor Springs

Occupancy rates cluster tightly between 28% and 35% for most property sizes, with the notable exception of 6+ bedroom homes at 53%—the only segment to exceed 50%. Studios trail at just 23%, suggesting smaller units struggle to attract consistent bookings in a market oriented toward family and group getaways.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Harbor Springs

Monthly revenue ranges from roughly $2,500 for studios and 1-bedrooms to $17,004 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in bedrooms delivering meaningful incremental income. The jump from 5-bedroom ($7,967) to 6+ bedroom ($17,004) homes is especially pronounced, more than doubling monthly revenue and highlighting the premium guests pay for large, group-ready accommodations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Harbor Springs

Annual revenue scales from around $30,000 for studios and 1-bedrooms up to $204,051 for 6+ bedroom properties, offering the strongest absolute return potential at the top end. Four-bedroom homes earning $65,621 annually represent a solid middle ground for investors seeking meaningful revenue without the acquisition costs associated with the largest properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Harbor Springs

Kitchens (97%) and parking (96%) are near-universal, reflecting a market where guests expect home-like convenience and arrive by car. Outdoor living amenities—patios (71%), outdoor furniture (69%), and BBQ grills (67%)—are highly prevalent, signaling that guests prioritize outdoor recreation, while differentiators like hot tubs (23%), pet-friendliness (23%), and lake access (16%) represent opportunities to stand out from the competition.

Understanding Harbor Springs's ROI Score: 43/100

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

Harbor Springs earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 43 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band—meaning investor interest and demand exist, but elevated property prices and growing competition require disciplined deal sourcing. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both score as average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance register below average, largely reflecting the 209% listing surge and a seasonal demand pattern that concentrates earnings into a few months. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-bedroom-count properties can help investors find the most viable opportunities in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Harbor Springs

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Harbor Springs, Michigan may need to obtain a local permit or register with the city before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Harbor Springs municipal offices and Emmet County authorities, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan resort communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants in lakefront or resort-adjacent communities may impose additional limitations or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing any 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 excise or accommodation taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit state taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm all obligations with a tax professional familiar with Michigan STR regulations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Harbor Springs is likely to see continued summer-driven demand with July and August remaining the dominant revenue months, though the dramatic 209% year-over-year listing growth signals increasing competition. ADR may hold steady or see modest pressure in the $400–$430 range as new supply enters the market and hosts compete for bookings. Occupancy could soften slightly to the 30–35% range if supply growth outpaces demand, making larger properties with strong amenity packages the best hedge against a more crowded field. Investors should treat these estimates cautiously given the below-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance scores."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Harbor Springs, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harbor Springs?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Harbor Springs is currently 34%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality—occupancy climbs significantly during summer months and drops off considerably in spring and late fall. Larger properties with 6+ bedrooms buck the trend somewhat, averaging 53% occupancy, likely due to group bookings and family reunions during peak season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Harbor Springs?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Harbor Springs earn approximately $4,423 per month or $53,076 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, revenue varies dramatically by property size: studios and 1-bedroom units average around $30,000 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $65,621 and 6+ bedroom homes can generate over $204,000 per year. Summer months account for the bulk of annual earnings, with July alone averaging $11,576.

Is Harbor Springs a good market for Airbnb investment?

Harbor Springs earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 43 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers above-state-average daily rates of $416, but high home values averaging $1,163,490 and a 34% occupancy rate mean returns require careful property selection. Investors who focus on larger homes with strong summer appeal and competitive amenity packages are best positioned, while those looking for year-round cash flow consistency may find the deep seasonality challenging.

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

The average daily rate in Harbor Springs is $416, which is notably higher than the $350 Michigan state average. ADR scales significantly with property size—studios average $187, while 6+ bedroom properties command $1,237 per night. This premium pricing reflects the resort-market positioning and the expectations of guests visiting northern Michigan's lakefront communities.

Are short-term rentals legal in Harbor Springs?

Short-term rentals do operate in Harbor Springs, Michigan, with 177 currently active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations, permit requirements, and zoning rules can vary and may change over time. Prospective investors should check directly with the City of Harbor Springs and Emmet County for the most current rules, and review any HOA or deed restrictions before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Harbor Springs?

Peak season in Harbor Springs is firmly centered on summer. July is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $11,576, followed closely by August at $10,372. June ($5,001) and September ($5,269) serve as strong shoulder months. The off-season runs from November through April, with April being the slowest month at just $1,208 in average revenue—roughly one-tenth of the July peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Harbor Springs?

There are currently 177 active Airbnb listings in Harbor Springs as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 209% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is concentrated in mid-size properties: 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom homes each account for 48 listings, while studios (5) and 6+ bedroom homes (5) represent the thinnest segments of the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Harbor Springs?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Harbor Springs 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 rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data compiled from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party sources for consistency

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 historical averages and may not capture recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local short-term rental regulations vary and are subject to change; investors should verify all requirements with municipal and county authorities before purchasing.