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

Ironwood Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ironwood, MI stands out as a compelling short-term rental market where affordable home prices — averaging $186,588 — pair with an above-average revenue-to-price ratio to create unusually accessible entry points for investors. With 83 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $22,670 and occupancy running at 46% (above the 42% Michigan state average), the market punches above its weight relative to acquisition costs. The area's dual-season appeal — ski country in winter and outdoor recreation in summer — creates two distinct revenue peaks that help smooth out cash flow across the year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ironwood 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 Ironwood

Ironwood's combination of low acquisition costs, above-average revenue-to-price ratio, and year-round demand from winter sports and summer recreation makes it an attractive market for STR investors seeking strong yield on modest capital outlay.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ironwood presents a standout opportunity for STR investors who appreciate the combination of low entry costs and meaningful revenue potential. The market exhibits clear seasonality — August leads at $2,783 in average monthly revenue while April dips to just $791 — but the winter ski season creates a valuable second peak that many seasonal markets lack. With an ROI score of 79 out of 100 driven by above-average revenue-to-price and growth metrics, the fundamentals look strong, though the below-average supply/demand balance and 93% listing growth suggest investors should act strategically and focus on differentiated properties that can command premium rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ironwood

Average revenue by month in Ironwood

Ironwood's revenue follows a clear dual-peak pattern: August leads at $2,783 and January comes in strong at $2,504, while April bottoms out at just $791. The roughly 3.5x spread between peak and trough months means investors need to price for seasonality and build reserves during high-earning periods to cover the spring and late-fall slowdowns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ironwood

Two- and three-bedroom properties dominate Ironwood's supply with 26 and 25 listings respectively, while 5-bedroom homes are notably scarce at just 5 listings. Given that larger properties generate significantly higher revenue and occupancy, the limited supply of 4- and 5-bedroom homes could represent an underserved niche with less competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ironwood

ADR scales steadily from $143 for 1-bedroom listings to $343 for 5-bedroom properties, representing a 140% premium at the top end. The jump from 3-bedroom ($253) to 4-bedroom ($283) is relatively modest at $30, suggesting the strongest price-per-bedroom premium sits in the 2- to 3-bedroom range.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ironwood

Revenue per available night climbs sharply with size — 5-bedroom listings deliver $205 RevPAN compared to just $39 for 1-bedrooms, a more than fivefold difference. Even 3-bedroom ($128) and 4-bedroom ($131) units outperform smaller configurations meaningfully, confirming that larger properties are the most efficient revenue generators in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ironwood

Five-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 60%, while 3-bedrooms hold steady at 51% and both 2- and 4-bedroom units sit at 46%. One-bedroom listings lag significantly at 28%, suggesting that solo or couple travelers are a smaller demand segment and that group-oriented accommodations are what drives bookings in Ironwood.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ironwood

Five-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $3,089 per month, nearly double the $1,533–$1,561 range seen in 1- and 2-bedroom units. Three-bedroom listings generate $1,941 monthly, making them a solid mid-tier option, while 4-bedrooms at $1,793 slightly underperform relative to their higher ADR — likely due to occupancy not keeping pace.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ironwood

At $37,068 in annual revenue, 5-bedroom properties nearly double the $18,403–$18,734 range of 1- and 2-bedroom listings, offering the strongest absolute return potential. When paired with Ironwood's average home value of $186,588, even mid-range 3-bedroom properties earning $23,294 annually can deliver attractive gross yield, making multiple property sizes viable depending on an investor's budget and strategy.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ironwood

Parking and a full kitchen are virtually universal at 99% of listings, reflecting the car-dependent, cabin-style nature of Ironwood's rental market. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (78%), BBQ grills (68%), and pet-friendliness (58%) are common, while ski-in/ski-out access (10%) and hot tubs (10%) remain differentiators that could help a property stand out during peak winter season.

Understanding Ironwood's ROI Score: 79/100

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

Ironwood's ROI score of 79 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the most heavily weighted factor — which reflects strong yield potential relative to the market's affordable home prices. Occupancy stability is rated average and market growth trends are above average, both supporting the case for sustained performance, though the below-average supply/demand balance (reflecting 93% year-over-year listing growth) warrants attention. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and on-the-ground market knowledge to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ironwood

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ironwood, Michigan may need to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Ironwood and Gogebic County, as regulations can evolve as the market grows.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Michigan communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA covenants in certain neighborhoods may impose additional rules, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax and any applicable local lodging or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with the Michigan Department of Treasury.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ironwood's STR market is expected to sustain its dual-peak seasonality, with winter months (January–February) and late summer (August) continuing to drive the strongest booking volumes. ADR could see modest increases in the range of 2–5% as the market matures and operators refine pricing strategies, though the 93% year-over-year growth in active listings signals that supply is expanding rapidly and could temper occupancy gains. Investors entering now should plan for softer shoulder months — particularly April and May — and price accordingly. Overall, the above-average market growth trend and favorable revenue-to-price dynamics suggest continued opportunity, though monitoring new supply closely will be important."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ironwood, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ironwood?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ironwood is currently 46%, which sits above the Michigan state average of 42%. Occupancy varies considerably by property size — 5-bedroom homes lead at 60%, while 1-bedroom units average just 28%. Larger properties tend to attract group travelers and families, which helps explain their stronger booking rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ironwood?

Airbnb hosts in Ironwood earn an average of $1,889 per month and approximately $22,670 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 5-bedroom listings top the market at $3,089 per month ($37,068 annually), while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties average closer to $1,533–$1,561 per month. Seasonal peaks in winter and late summer can push monthly earnings well above these averages.

Is Ironwood a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ironwood scores 79 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Standout Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio thanks to affordable home values averaging $186,588, along with above-average market growth trends. While the supply/demand balance is rated below average due to rapid listing growth (93% year-over-year), the dual-season demand from skiing and summer recreation provides a solid foundation for cash flow.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ironwood is $244, which comes in below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $143 for 1-bedroom units up to $343 for 5-bedroom homes. The lower ADR compared to the state average reflects Ironwood's positioning as a more affordable, value-oriented destination, which also means lower acquisition costs for investors.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ironwood?

Short-term rentals operate in Ironwood, MI, with 83 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, registration, and operational requirements can change, so investors should verify the latest rules directly with the City of Ironwood and relevant Gogebic County authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ironwood?

Ironwood has two distinct peak seasons. Late summer is the strongest, with August averaging $2,783 in monthly revenue. Winter ski season also performs well — January averages $2,504 and February $2,408. October sees a notable bump to $2,420, likely driven by fall foliage visitors. The softest months are April ($791) and November ($1,041), representing the shoulder periods between the two main seasons.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ironwood?

There are currently 83 active Airbnb listings in Ironwood as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with active listings increasing by 93% year-over-year. Two- and three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 26 and 25 listings respectively, while larger 4- and 5-bedroom homes remain less common with 13 and 5 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ironwood?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ironwood 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 up the results 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, 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition cost context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and differentiation opportunities

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. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations and tax requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and state authorities before purchasing.