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

Ishpeming Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ishpeming, MI presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors, with an ROI score of 72 out of 100 driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and strong occupancy stability. With average home values around $270,554 and annual STR revenue averaging $21,302, the market offers a favorable yield profile compared to many Michigan markets. The ADR of $170 sits well below the $350 state average, reflecting the area's affordability-oriented guest base, while the compact supply of just 22 active listings keeps competition manageable.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ishpeming 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 Ishpeming

Ishpeming's low property costs relative to STR revenue, combined with a small competitive field and consistent seasonal demand from Upper Peninsula recreation, make it worth a closer look for yield-focused investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ishpeming represents an attractive opportunity for investors seeking affordable entry into a niche outdoor-recreation market. Revenue peaks sharply in July and August — with monthly averages above $3,500 — before tapering to below $1,000 in the quieter months of March, April, and November. This seasonality is typical for Upper Peninsula destinations and manageable with proper cash-flow planning. The combination of a 72-point ROI score, above-average revenue-to-price dynamics, and a lean supply base positions Ishpeming as a market where well-managed properties can generate meaningful returns relative to their acquisition cost."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ishpeming

Average revenue by month in Ishpeming

Ishpeming's revenue curve is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $3,622 and bottoming out in April at $895 — a 4:1 spread that underscores the importance of summer tourism. A secondary uptick in February ($1,335) likely reflects winter recreation demand, giving hosts a modest mid-winter boost.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ishpeming

The market's 22 listings skew heavily toward smaller units, with 1-bedroom properties accounting for 10 listings and 2-bedrooms making up 6. The absence of larger 3+ bedroom properties in the data could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to cater to families or groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ishpeming

One-bedroom units command a higher ADR of $141 compared to $110 for 2-bedroom properties, an unusual inversion that may reflect premium positioning or superior locations among the smaller listings. Investors considering 2-bedroom acquisitions should evaluate whether pricing optimization could close this gap.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ishpeming

One-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $66, nearly double the $36 generated by 2-bedroom properties. This significant gap is driven by both the higher ADR and stronger occupancy of 1-bedroom units, making them the clear efficiency leaders in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ishpeming

One-bedroom properties achieve a 47% occupancy rate versus just 33% for 2-bedroom listings, a 14-point gap that directly impacts revenue consistency. For investors prioritizing steady cash flow, 1-bedroom units in Ishpeming offer meaningfully better booking frequency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ishpeming

Monthly revenue averages $1,777 for 1-bedroom units and $1,332 for 2-bedroom properties, a roughly 33% premium for the smaller configuration. This difference compounds over the year and reinforces the stronger overall performance profile of 1-bedroom listings in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ishpeming

One-bedroom properties generate approximately $21,325 in annual revenue, outpacing 2-bedroom units at $15,993 by over $5,300. Given that 1-bedroom homes typically have lower acquisition and operating costs, they appear to offer the strongest return potential in Ishpeming's current market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ishpeming

Every listing in Ishpeming offers a kitchen (100%) and nearly all include parking (96%), reflecting the car-dependent nature of this Upper Peninsula destination. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (59%), patios (55%), and BBQ grills (46%) are common, signaling that guests expect comfortable outdoor living spaces — and lake access, available at 18% of listings, could serve as a meaningful differentiator.

Understanding Ishpeming's ROI Score: 72/100

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

Ishpeming's ROI score of 72 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is above average and occupancy remains stable enough to support consistent income. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both score above average, while market growth and supply/demand dynamics land at average — a profile that suggests dependable returns rather than speculative upside. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and property-level due diligence to confirm that the market-wide averages hold for their specific target property.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ishpeming

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

Permit Requirements

Ishpeming and the state of Michigan may require short-term rental operators to register or obtain a permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Ishpeming and Marquette County, as local STR ordinances in Michigan's Upper Peninsula communities can vary.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules can also impose additional limitations, and some municipalities cap the total number of STR permits issued, so confirming availability before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires STR operators to collect and remit a 6% state use tax, and local jurisdictions may impose additional accommodations or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms like Airbnb handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with a tax professional familiar with Michigan's STR landscape.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ishpeming's STR market is expected to maintain steady seasonal demand anchored by its summer peak, where monthly revenues can exceed $3,600 in July. Occupancy rates are likely to hold in the 38–42% range annually, with modest upward pressure if listing growth stabilizes after the 63% year-over-year surge. ADR may inch up 2–4% as hosts optimize pricing during peak months, though shoulder seasons like March and April will likely remain softer. Investors should plan for meaningful revenue swings between summer highs and late-fall lows when budgeting cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ishpeming, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ishpeming?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Ishpeming is currently 40%, which is just slightly below the Michigan state average of 42%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average 47% while 2-bedroom properties come in at 33%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, with summer months driving the highest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ishpeming?

Airbnb hosts in Ishpeming earn an average of $1,775 per month, which translates to approximately $21,302 in annual revenue based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue is heavily seasonal, ranging from around $883 in November to $3,622 in July. One-bedroom properties lead with about $21,325 annually, while 2-bedroom listings average roughly $15,993 per year.

Is Ishpeming a good market for Airbnb investment?

With an ROI score of 72 out of 100, Ishpeming is rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity' for short-term rental investment. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values sit around $270,554 while annual STR revenue averages over $21,000. The small supply of just 22 active listings also means less head-to-head competition, though investors should account for pronounced seasonality when planning cash flow.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ishpeming is $170, which is notably lower than the $350 Michigan state average. Interestingly, 1-bedroom units command a higher ADR of $141 compared to $110 for 2-bedroom properties, likely reflecting the premium positioning of certain boutique or well-located smaller rentals in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ishpeming?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Ishpeming, MI, though operators may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Ishpeming and Marquette County for the latest requirements regarding permits, zoning, and any applicable restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ishpeming?

Peak season in Ishpeming runs from June through September, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,622 and August close behind at $3,578. This aligns with the Upper Peninsula's warm-weather outdoor recreation season. The slowest months are March ($911), April ($895), and November ($883), representing a roughly 4:1 spread between peak and off-peak revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ishpeming?

There are currently 22 active Airbnb listings in Ishpeming as of April 2026. The supply has grown 63% year-over-year, indicating rising investor interest. The market is dominated by smaller properties, with 10 one-bedroom listings and 6 two-bedroom listings making up the bulk of the inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ishpeming?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ishpeming 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. 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 while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Ishpeming and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market

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 or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.