Houghton Lake, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Houghton Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Houghton Lake is a seasonal lakefront market in Michigan where short-term rentals benefit from a strong revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $348,025 and annual revenue averaging $26,303 across 70 active Airbnb listings. The market's ADR of $213 sits well below the $350 state average, but affordable property prices help offset that gap, making the economics appealing for investors targeting vacation-rental demand. Occupancy runs at 21% overall — heavily concentrated in the summer months — so cash-flow planning needs to account for a pronounced off-season.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Houghton Lake 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 Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake attracts investor attention because affordable lakefront property prices paired with healthy summer ADRs create an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that can offset seasonal occupancy swings.

Expert Market Assessment

"Houghton Lake presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for investors who understand and plan for its sharp seasonality. Revenue is heavily front-loaded into summer — July and August alone account for roughly half of the annual total — while the winter months from November through March each produce under $1,200. The ROI score of 62 out of 100 reflects a genuinely strong revenue-to-price ratio tempered by below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance. Investors who pair waterfront amenities with competitive pricing during shoulder months stand the best chance of smoothing out the seasonal revenue curve."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Houghton Lake

Average revenue by month in Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake's revenue is sharply seasonal: July leads at $6,760 and August follows at $6,315, while the winter trough bottoms out in March at just $562. This roughly 12:1 spread between peak and off-peak months means investors should plan for a summer-dependent cash-flow model with limited winter income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Houghton Lake

Two- and 3-bedroom properties dominate the supply, accounting for 48 of the 70 active listings. One-bedroom units are notably scarce with just 5 listings, which could represent either limited demand for smaller units in a lakefront market or a potential niche for budget-conscious travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Houghton Lake

ADR nearly triples from 1-bedroom ($117) to 4-bedroom ($341) properties, with 3-bedroom listings hitting $226 — a meaningful jump from the 2-bedroom rate of $146. The steepest ADR premium kicks in at the 3- and 4-bedroom tiers, where lake-house-style accommodations likely command higher group-travel rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Houghton Lake

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $73, nearly double the $38–$39 range for 2- and 3-bedroom units. One-bedroom listings trail significantly at $15 RevPAN, suggesting that larger properties convert their rate premium into meaningfully better revenue efficiency despite modest overall occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Houghton Lake

Two-bedroom units lead occupancy at 27%, while 1-bedroom listings lag behind at just 13% — indicating that smaller units struggle to attract consistent bookings in this lake-oriented market. Three-bedroom (17%) and 4-bedroom (21%) properties fall in between, reflecting that larger homes may book fewer but more lucrative stays.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Houghton Lake

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with size: 4-bedroom properties earn $3,509 per month on average, roughly 3.6 times the $978 generated by 1-bedroom units. The jump from 2-bedroom ($1,790) to 3-bedroom ($2,485) is notable and suggests the 3-bedroom tier offers a strong balance of revenue and likely lower acquisition costs compared to 4-bedroom homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Houghton Lake

Four-bedroom homes top the revenue chart at $42,109 annually, while 3-bedroom properties generate $29,830 — both configurations that may offer favorable return profiles against Houghton Lake's average home value of $348,025. One-bedroom units at $11,738 annually are unlikely to cover carrying costs on most properties without supplemental income streams.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Houghton Lake

Parking (97%), kitchen (90%), and self check-in (84%) are table-stakes amenities in Houghton Lake, while lake access (66%) and waterfront positioning (57%) are the standout differentiators that align with guest expectations in a lake-destination market. BBQ grills (76%) and outdoor furniture (67%) further underscore that guests are booking for outdoor lakeside experiences.

Understanding Houghton Lake's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Houghton Lake's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity tier, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects affordable property values relative to summer earning potential. The score is tempered by below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance, both consequences of the market's pronounced seasonality and concentrated summer demand. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and realistic off-season budgeting to fully evaluate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Houghton Lake

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

Permit Requirements

Houghton Lake, Michigan may require short-term rental operators to obtain a local permit or register their property with the township or county. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Roscommon County and the local municipality before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan lakefront communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking limitations, and septic system capacity rules. HOA covenants in lakeside developments may also restrict or 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 owe local accommodations or tourism taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm whether any additional local obligations apply in the Houghton Lake area.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Houghton Lake should continue to see its strongest booking activity from June through August, when monthly revenue can exceed $6,000. We estimate ADR could edge up 1–3% as waterfront inventory remains limited, though occupancy is likely to hover in the 20–25% range annually given the market's deep winter lull. Listing growth has been moderate — year-over-year active listings sit at 97% of the prior year — suggesting supply is relatively stable and unlikely to flood the market. Investors should budget conservatively for the November-through-April stretch and consider dynamic pricing strategies to capture shoulder-season demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Houghton Lake, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Houghton Lake?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Houghton Lake is currently 21%, which is below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature — summer months drive the bulk of bookings, while winter and early spring see significantly lower demand. Two-bedroom properties lead at 27% occupancy, while 1-bedroom units average just 13%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Houghton Lake?

Airbnb hosts in Houghton Lake earn an average of $2,191 per month and approximately $26,303 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 4-bedroom homes lead at about $42,109 annually, while 1-bedroom units average closer to $11,738. Monthly income swings dramatically with the seasons, peaking above $6,700 in July and dipping below $600 in March.

Is Houghton Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Houghton Lake earns an ROI score of 62 out of 100, rated as an Attractive Opportunity. The market's biggest strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — property values averaging $348,025 paired with summer nightly rates up to $341 for 4-bedroom homes create solid income potential relative to acquisition cost. The main consideration is seasonal cash flow: investors need to plan for several low-revenue months from late fall through early spring.

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

The average daily rate in Houghton Lake is $213, compared to a Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales meaningfully with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $117 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $146, 3-bedrooms at $226, and 4-bedroom properties command $341 per night. This makes larger lakefront homes particularly compelling for maximizing nightly revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Houghton Lake?

Short-term rentals operate in Houghton Lake, but local regulations can change. Hosts may need permits or registration at the township or county level, and Michigan state tax obligations apply. We strongly recommend checking with Roscommon County and local authorities for the most current rules before purchasing or listing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Houghton Lake?

Peak season runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $6,760 per listing. August follows closely at $6,315. The shoulder months of May ($1,652) and September ($1,988) offer moderate returns, while the off-season from November through March sees monthly revenue drop below $1,200. This concentrated peak season is typical of Michigan lake destinations.

How many Airbnbs are there in Houghton Lake?

Houghton Lake currently has 70 active Airbnb listings. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom (25 listings) and 3-bedroom (23 listings) properties, followed by 10 four-bedroom homes and just 5 one-bedroom units. Year-over-year listing count sits at 97% of the prior period, indicating a stable and relatively compact market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Houghton Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Houghton Lake are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 Houghton Lake market
• Trailing 12-month revenue, occupancy, and average daily rate metrics across property sizes
• Revenue per available night (RevPAN) calculations combining ADR and occupancy data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectation patterns

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 regulatory or market shifts. Local short-term rental regulations vary and can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.