Indian River, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Indian River Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Indian River, MI is a seasonal vacation market in northern Michigan where short-term rentals earn an average of $34,284 annually across 59 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $263 — below the $350 state average — and lake- and nature-oriented amenities dominating the supply, this market caters primarily to summer leisure travelers. Revenue swings dramatically between seasons, but competitive property prices relative to earnings create an approachable entry point for investors comfortable with a highly seasonal cash-flow profile.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Indian River 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 Indian River

Indian River appeals to investors seeking affordable entry into a northern Michigan vacation-rental market where summer revenue can be substantial relative to property costs.

Expert Market Assessment

"Indian River presents an attractive but seasonal opportunity. Revenue is heavily concentrated between June and September — July alone averages $7,898 per listing — while winter months like January and February dip below $850. This sharp seasonality means investors need to budget for lean months and avoid over-leveraging based on peak-season projections. The ROI score of 56 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability, tempered by below-average growth trends and supply/demand balance as the listing count has more than doubled year over year."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Indian River

Average revenue by month in Indian River

Indian River exhibits extreme seasonality, with July ($7,898) and August ($7,117) generating roughly ten times the revenue of January ($803) and February ($836). Investors should plan for roughly 70% of annual income to arrive between June and September, making cash reserves essential for covering expenses during the quieter winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Indian River

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 21 of the 59 active listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (13) and 1-bedrooms (12), while 4-bedroom homes represent just 9 listings. The relatively limited supply of 4-bedroom properties — combined with their higher revenue potential — may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger vacation homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Indian River

ADR scales steeply with size in Indian River, rising from $109 for 1-bedroom units to $390 for 4-bedroom properties — a 3.6x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($214) to 3-bedrooms ($280) offers a solid incremental gain, though the largest per-night premium belongs to the 4-bedroom tier where family and group demand supports higher pricing.

Average RevPAN by property size in Indian River

RevPAN clusters tightly for 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom properties at $58, $59, and $56 respectively, while 1-bedrooms lag at $43. This compression at the larger sizes suggests that while 4-bedrooms command much higher nightly rates, their lower occupancy erodes the per-night revenue advantage — making 3-bedrooms the slight RevPAN leader.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Indian River

Occupancy drops steadily as property size increases: 1-bedrooms lead at 40%, 2-bedrooms sit at 27%, 3-bedrooms at 21%, and 4-bedrooms trail at 15%. For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and cash-flow stability, smaller units offer a meaningful occupancy advantage, though they earn less per stay.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Indian River

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $4,283, nearly 57% more than 3-bedrooms ($2,728) and over three times the $1,244 earned by 1-bedroom listings. The gap between 2-bedrooms ($2,241) and 3-bedrooms is more modest, suggesting the biggest revenue step-up comes when moving to the 4-bedroom category.

Average annual revenue by property size in Indian River

Annual revenue ranges from $14,936 for 1-bedroom listings to $51,406 for 4-bedroom properties, a spread of over $36,000. Investors targeting the highest gross returns should focus on 4-bedroom homes, though acquisition costs and operating expenses for larger properties should be carefully weighed against the roughly 57% revenue premium over 3-bedroom units ($32,739).

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Indian River

Parking (98%), kitchen (93%), and BBQ grill (88%) are near-universal across Indian River listings, reflecting the outdoor, self-catering nature of the market. Lake access (39%) and waterfront (37%) are present on a meaningful minority of listings and likely serve as key differentiators — investors with properties offering direct water access can stand out in a market where these features are in high demand but limited supply.

Understanding Indian River's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Indian River's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property values is reasonable but tempered by notable headwinds. Occupancy stability rates as average given the extreme seasonality, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance both score below average — largely driven by the 143% surge in new listings outpacing demand gains. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal budget to determine whether the summer revenue upside outweighs the quieter winter months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Indian River

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Indian River, Michigan may need to obtain a short-term rental permit or register with the local township before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Cheboygan County and the State of Michigan, as rules can change and enforcement varies by jurisdiction.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in northern Michigan communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and quiet-hour ordinances, and parking caps to minimize impact on residential neighbors. HOA covenants — especially in lakefront developments — may impose additional limits or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and some local jurisdictions layer on an additional accommodation or tourism assessment. Platforms like Airbnb often collect state taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations are also being satisfied to avoid compliance issues.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Indian River's STR performance is likely to remain tightly tied to summer tourism, with July and August continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. Active listing counts surged 143% year over year, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy and nightly rates unless demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate ADR holding near current levels or dipping 1–3% as competition intensifies, with overall occupancy likely remaining in the 24–28% range on an annualized basis. Positioning a property with standout amenities — particularly lake access and waterfront features — will be key to capturing above-average bookings in an increasingly crowded field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Indian River, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Indian River?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Indian River is currently 26%, which sits below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — occupancy climbs sharply during summer months and drops significantly in winter. One-bedroom properties lead with 40% average occupancy, while larger 4-bedroom homes average around 15%, suggesting smaller units stay booked more consistently across the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Indian River?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Indian River earn approximately $2,857 per month and $34,284 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $14,936 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate around $51,406. Keep in mind that most of this revenue is earned during the June–September peak, so monthly income fluctuates considerably throughout the year.

Is Indian River a good market for Airbnb investment?

Indian River scores a 56 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier. The market offers a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio with average home values around $647,000 and average annual revenue of $34,284. However, investors should factor in the highly seasonal demand pattern and the rapid growth in supply — active listings grew 143% year over year — which could increase competition. Properties with lake access or waterfront positioning tend to stand out and may deliver above-average returns.

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

The average daily rate in Indian River is $263, which is below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $109 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $214, 3-bedrooms at $280, and 4-bedroom properties command roughly $390 per night. This pricing structure reflects the vacation-home nature of the market, where larger properties that accommodate families and groups earn a significant premium.

Are short-term rentals legal in Indian River?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Indian River area of Michigan, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, zoning, and registration requirements. Regulations can vary at the township and county level, so investors should check directly with Cheboygan County and any applicable homeowners' association before purchasing a property for STR use. Michigan also requires collection of state use tax on short-term accommodations.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Indian River?

Peak season in Indian River runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $7,898 per listing. August follows closely at $7,117, and September rounds out the strong season at $3,471. The off-peak months of January and February see the lowest revenue, averaging $803 and $836 respectively. This pronounced seasonality is typical of northern Michigan vacation markets driven by lake recreation and summer tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Indian River?

As of April 2026, there are 59 active Airbnb listings in Indian River. The supply is concentrated in mid-size properties, with 3-bedroom listings being the most common at 21 units, followed by 2-bedrooms (13), 1-bedrooms (12), and 4-bedrooms (9). Notably, the market saw 143% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating significant new supply entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Indian River?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Indian River 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls 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, 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 for Indian River and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue performance based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings

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 may change; always verify current rules with municipal authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.