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

Kalkaska Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kalkaska, MI earns an ROI score of 80 out of 100, placing it squarely in the Standout Opportunity tier for short-term rental investors. With an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and average home values around $321,082, the market offers an accessible entry point relative to many Michigan vacation destinations. A compact supply of just 22 active Airbnb listings and pronounced summer seasonality create favorable dynamics for hosts who can capture peak-season demand near the region's lakes and outdoor recreation.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kalkaska 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 Kalkaska

Kalkaska appeals to investors seeking high revenue-to-price efficiency in a small, recreation-driven Michigan market with limited competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kalkaska presents a compelling opportunity for investors who can tolerate pronounced seasonality. Revenue swings from a low of roughly $671 in March to nearly $9,400 in August, so cash-flow management and pricing strategy during the off-season are critical. That said, the market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and tight listing count signal real upside for operators who differentiate with amenities like lake access, backyards, and pet-friendly policies. Investors targeting 4-bedroom properties in particular will find strong RevPAN and occupancy metrics that justify the higher acquisition cost."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kalkaska

Average revenue by month in Kalkaska

Kalkaska's revenue cycle is dramatically seasonal: August leads at $9,386, closely followed by July at $9,312, while March bottoms out at just $671 — a nearly 14x spread between peak and trough. Investors should expect roughly 70% of annual revenue to concentrate in the May-through-October window and plan operating reserves for the lean winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kalkaska

The market's 22 active listings are split between 3-bedroom properties (10 listings) and 4-bedroom properties (6 listings), with no data on other sizes represented. This narrow supply composition suggests that studio, 1-bedroom, or 5+ bedroom configurations are either absent or too rare to track, which could signal untapped niches for investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kalkaska

ADR jumps sharply from $223 for 3-bedroom units to $379 for 4-bedroom properties — a 70% premium for just one additional bedroom. That premium, combined with significantly higher occupancy and RevPAN for 4-bedroom listings, suggests the extra bedroom more than pays for itself.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kalkaska

Four-bedroom listings deliver $164 in RevPAN compared to just $48 for 3-bedroom properties, more than a 3x difference that reflects both higher nightly rates and substantially better occupancy. This makes 4-bedroom configurations the clear efficiency leader in Kalkaska.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kalkaska

Four-bedroom properties maintain a 43% occupancy rate — nearly double the 22% seen by 3-bedroom listings — indicating that larger group-oriented rentals are in much stronger demand. The gap suggests that 3-bedroom hosts may face stiffer competition or weaker demand positioning relative to what the market's visitors are seeking.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kalkaska

Monthly revenue for 4-bedroom listings averages $7,983, roughly 2.8 times the $2,826 earned by 3-bedroom properties. This stark difference underscores how powerfully property size influences earnings in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kalkaska

Four-bedroom properties generate approximately $95,796 in annual revenue, nearly three times the $33,915 earned by 3-bedroom listings. Against average home values of $321,082, the 4-bedroom configuration offers the most compelling revenue-to-price profile for investors targeting Kalkaska.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kalkaska

Every listing in Kalkaska offers parking and a kitchen, while 96% include a backyard and 91% provide a BBQ grill, washer, and dryer — signaling that guests expect a fully equipped, home-like outdoor experience. Lake access (55%) and pet-friendliness (50%) are present in about half of listings, making these differentiators that could help newer properties stand out in a small market.

Understanding Kalkaska's ROI Score: 80/100

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

Kalkaska's ROI score of 80 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average market growth trend — two factors that account for 55% of the score's weight. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance each rate as average, which is consistent with a seasonal market that hasn't yet seen oversaturation. Pairing this score with local regulatory research and a property-level cash flow analysis will give investors the clearest picture of whether Kalkaska fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kalkaska

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Kalkaska, MI should verify whether a short-term rental permit or registration is required by the Village of Kalkaska and Kalkaska County, as local jurisdictions across Michigan have been increasingly adopting STR-specific ordinances. Investors are encouraged to contact the local zoning office or planning department before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance rules, parking mandates, and HOA covenants — especially in lakefront or subdivision communities. Some Michigan municipalities also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued, so early engagement with local authorities is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally subject to the state's 6% use tax and any locally imposed lodging or accommodations taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and Kalkaska County requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kalkaska's STR market is likely to follow the same sharp summer surge — July and August revenue historically tops $9,300 per listing — while shoulder months gradually strengthen as awareness of the area grows. With above-average market growth trends already in place, we estimate ADR could edge up 2–4% as demand firms and supply remains limited. Occupancy may settle in the 30–35% annual range, reflecting the seasonal nature of the market, though operators offering lake access and pet-friendly stays are well-positioned to outperform. Investors should plan for lean winter months (sub-$1,200 revenue) and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kalkaska, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kalkaska?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Kalkaska is currently 32%, which sits below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's heavy seasonal orientation — summer months drive most of the bookings, while winter and early spring see considerably lighter demand. Four-bedroom properties outperform at 43% occupancy, while three-bedroom units average 22%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kalkaska?

Airbnb hosts in Kalkaska earn an average of $3,693 per month and approximately $44,319 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: four-bedroom listings average $7,983 per month ($95,796 annually), while three-bedroom properties bring in around $2,826 per month ($33,915 annually). Peak summer months can generate over $9,300 in a single month.

Is Kalkaska a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kalkaska scores 80 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a Standout Opportunity rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $321,082 — making acquisition costs relatively modest compared to earnings potential. Investors should be prepared for strong seasonality, with most revenue concentrated between May and October, and plan their budgets to account for quieter winter months.

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

The average daily rate in Kalkaska is $275, which comes in below the Michigan state average of $350. However, ADR varies by property size: three-bedroom listings average $223 per night, while four-bedroom properties command $379 per night. The lower market-wide ADR partly reflects the seasonal nature of the area and the mix of property sizes in the small listing pool.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kalkaska?

Short-term rentals operate in Kalkaska, and there are currently active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations can change, and investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning rules, and any applicable restrictions with the Village of Kalkaska and Kalkaska County before purchasing a property. Michigan municipalities have been increasingly adopting STR-specific ordinances in recent years.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kalkaska?

Peak season in Kalkaska runs from June through September, with July and August delivering the highest revenues — averaging $9,312 and $9,386 per listing, respectively. June and September also perform well at roughly $5,019 and $5,160. The off-season runs from November through April, with March being the slowest month at an average of just $671 per listing.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kalkaska?

There are currently 22 active Airbnb listings in Kalkaska as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in two property sizes: 10 three-bedroom listings and 6 four-bedroom listings. This compact market means new listings can potentially capture meaningful market share, though investors should monitor year-over-year growth — active listings have seen 97% growth — for signs of increasing competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kalkaska?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kalkaska are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. 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 into 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. 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 Kalkaska market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify market expectations

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 performance and may not capture very recent regulatory or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.