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

Irons Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Irons, MI is a small lakeside market in northern Michigan that punches above its weight for STR investors thanks to a strong revenue-to-price ratio. With average home values around $312,297 and trailing annual revenue of $25,403, the market delivers meaningful yield relative to entry cost. The 31 active listings signal a tight supply environment, and the pronounced summer peak — July revenue tops $4,477 — reflects the area's draw as a cabin and lake getaway destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Irons short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Irons

Irons appeals to investors seeking affordable lake-country properties where favorable revenue-to-price ratios can offset lower year-round occupancy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Irons presents an attractive but highly seasonal opportunity for STR investors. The market's ROI score of 73 out of 100 reflects a favorable revenue-to-price ratio, though occupancy sits at 17% — well below the 42% Michigan state average — because demand is heavily concentrated in summer. July and August alone account for roughly a third of total annual revenue, so cash-flow planning around the off-season is essential. Investors willing to accept that seasonal rhythm and position properties with outdoor amenities like waterfront access and BBQ areas can capture meaningful returns during the peak months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Irons

Average revenue by month in Irons

Irons exhibits extreme seasonality, with July ($4,477) and August ($4,095) generating roughly 3–4x the revenue of winter months like March ($1,123) and April ($1,068). Investors should plan for a summer-heavy cash-flow cycle, as the top two months alone account for about a third of total annual revenue.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Irons

Supply is spread relatively evenly, with 2-bedrooms leading at 8 listings, studios and 4-bedrooms each at 7, and 3-bedrooms at just 5. The lower count of 3-bedroom properties could represent a niche opportunity for investors, especially given that families visiting lake country often seek that mid-range size.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Irons

ADR climbs from $126 for studios to $237 for 3-bedroom homes, though 4-bedrooms slightly trail at $224 — suggesting the premium-to-cost sweet spot may be the 3-bedroom tier. The gap between studios and larger properties is substantial, making multi-bedroom cabins the stronger play for nightly rate optimization.

Average RevPAN by property size in Irons

RevPAN scales steadily from $19 for studios up to $34 for 4-bedroom properties, indicating that larger homes extract meaningfully more revenue per available night even after accounting for occupancy. The $34 RevPAN for 4-bedrooms versus $32 for 3-bedrooms is a narrow gap, so investors should weigh acquisition and maintenance costs carefully between those two sizes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Irons

Occupancy rates are notably consistent across all property sizes, ranging from 14% for 3-bedrooms to 16% for studios, 2-bedrooms, and 4-bedrooms. This uniformity suggests that demand limitations are market-wide and seasonal rather than tied to a specific property type, reinforcing the importance of summer-season pricing strategy.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Irons

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,437, followed by 2-bedrooms at $2,308, while studios trail at $1,515. The relatively modest gap between 2- and 4-bedroom earnings ($129/month) suggests that mid-size properties can be competitive without the higher operating costs of larger homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Irons

Annual revenue tops out at $29,254 for 4-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms close behind at $27,705 — a difference of just $1,549. Studios at $18,184 generate notably less, making them better suited for investors focused on lower acquisition costs rather than maximizing gross income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Irons

Parking and kitchens are near-universal at 97%, and BBQ grills and self check-in each appear on 94% of listings — setting a high baseline for guest expectations. Nearly half of listings advertise waterfront access (48%) and a third offer lake access (32%), underscoring that proximity to water is a key differentiator investors should prioritize when sourcing properties in Irons.

Understanding Irons's ROI Score: 73/100

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

Irons earns an ROI score of 73 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band — driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects affordable entry costs relative to STR income potential. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, which is consistent with a seasonal, rural market that hasn't yet become oversaturated. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to determine whether the summer-heavy revenue pattern fits their investment strategy.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Irons

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Irons, Michigan may need to register or obtain a permit depending on Lake County and township-level requirements. Investors should verify current permit and licensing obligations with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Michigan communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking standards, and septic or wastewater capacity rules — particularly relevant in rural lake areas. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to certain properties, so reviewing covenants before purchase is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Michigan levies a 6% state use tax on short-term accommodations, and some local jurisdictions may impose additional lodging or assessment fees. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm local obligations are covered as well.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Irons is likely to see continued seasonal demand concentrated in the June–September window, with summer monthly revenues estimated in the $2,500–$4,500 range. The 52% year-over-year listing growth suggests new supply is entering the market, which could moderate occupancy gains if demand doesn't keep pace. ADR may see modest increases of 2–4% as hosts upgrade properties to compete, though off-season months will likely remain soft with revenues hovering near $1,100–$1,300. Investors should plan for highly seasonal cash flow and budget reserves to cover the quieter winter and spring periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Irons, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Irons?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Irons is currently 17%, which is below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature, with demand concentrated during summer months and softer bookings through the winter and early spring. Property-level results can vary depending on amenities, pricing strategy, and whether the listing offers waterfront or lake access.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Irons?

Airbnb hosts in Irons earn an average of $2,116 per month and roughly $25,403 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by season — July is the strongest month at $4,477 on average — and by property size, with 4-bedroom homes leading at about $29,254 annually. Individual results depend on property quality, location, guest reviews, and operational management.

Is Irons a good market for Airbnb investment?

Irons scores 73 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier. The market's standout strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with homes averaging $312,297 and annual STR revenue near $25,400. Investors should be comfortable with pronounced seasonality and lower overall occupancy, but the affordable entry point and limited competition — just 31 active listings — make it worth serious consideration for those targeting northern Michigan's lake and recreation market.

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

The average daily rate in Irons is $194, which is well below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR varies by property size: studios average $126, 2-bedrooms come in at $179, 3-bedrooms at $237, and 4-bedrooms at $224. The lower overall ADR reflects the rural, cabin-style nature of the market rather than any deficiency in demand during peak periods.

Are short-term rentals legal in Irons?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Irons, MI, as evidenced by the 31 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, Michigan municipalities and townships can impose their own licensing, zoning, or permit requirements. Prospective investors should check with Lake County and the applicable township for current regulations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Irons?

Peak season in Irons runs from June through September, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,477 in revenue. August follows closely at $4,095. The shoulder months of June ($2,741) and September–October ($2,537 and $2,409) also perform well. Winter and early spring months see much lower demand, with revenues dropping to roughly $1,100–$1,350.

How many Airbnbs are there in Irons?

There are currently 31 active Airbnb listings in Irons as of April 2026. The supply is distributed fairly evenly across property sizes: 7 studios, 8 two-bedroom units, 5 three-bedroom homes, and 7 four-bedroom properties. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 52%, indicating growing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Irons?

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

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and zoning restrictions vary and should be independently verified before investing.