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

Lakeside Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lakeside, Michigan is a highly seasonal beach-community market where short-term rental revenue swings dramatically between summer peaks and winter lows. With just 23 active Airbnb listings, the market is small but commands a premium average daily rate of $479—well above the $350 Michigan state average. Average annual revenue sits at $84,920, though the high average home value of roughly $1.92 million means investors need to be especially selective about deal sourcing to generate meaningful returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lakeside 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 Lakeside

Investors are drawn to Lakeside for its premium nightly rates, limited supply, and proximity to Lake Michigan's desirable shoreline, though the market demands careful deal selection given elevated home prices.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lakeside presents a competitive opportunity that rewards disciplined investors willing to navigate high property costs and deep seasonality. The market's strength lies in a compressed but powerful peak season—July and August alone can generate more than $33,000 in combined revenue—while the November-through-April stretch sees monthly averages dip below $4,200. Occupancy at 11% overall underscores just how concentrated the earning window is, so success hinges on maximizing summer bookings and pricing strategically during shoulder months. Investors who secure properties at favorable price points relative to the roughly $85K annual revenue benchmark stand to benefit, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio makes thorough underwriting non-negotiable."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lakeside

Average revenue by month in Lakeside

Lakeside exhibits extreme seasonality: July leads at $18,168 in average monthly revenue—nearly seven times the February low of $2,599. The lucrative June-through-September window accounts for the lion's share of annual income, making cash-flow planning around these four months essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lakeside

The market's 23 listings are split between 4-bedroom properties (7 listings) and 6+ bedroom homes (5 listings), with no smaller property sizes represented in the data. This concentration in larger homes suggests the market caters to groups and families, and investors considering mid-size or smaller units may find an underserved niche—though demand validation would be prudent.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lakeside

ADR scales significantly with size: 6+ bedroom properties command $688 per night compared to $435 for 4-bedroom listings, a 58% premium. While the larger homes fetch higher nightly rates, investors should weigh whether the added acquisition and operating costs of bigger properties justify that pricing advantage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lakeside

Four-bedroom properties deliver the stronger RevPAN at $68 per available night, edging out 6+ bedroom homes at $56. This gap suggests that while larger properties charge more per night, their lower occupancy pulls down the effective revenue per available night, making 4-bedroom units somewhat more efficient earners.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lakeside

Four-bedroom listings maintain a 16% average occupancy rate—double the 8% seen by 6+ bedroom properties. Both figures are low in absolute terms due to the market's sharp seasonality, but the occupancy gap highlights that smaller properties are considerably easier to keep booked, offering somewhat more predictable cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lakeside

Six-plus bedroom properties lead in average monthly revenue at $8,301, modestly outpacing 4-bedroom units at $7,823. The relatively narrow $478 monthly gap between the two sizes suggests that the higher ADR of larger homes only partially offsets their lower occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lakeside

On an annual basis, 6+ bedroom homes generate approximately $99,623 compared to $93,881 for 4-bedroom properties. Given the significantly higher acquisition costs typically associated with larger lakefront homes, investors should run property-specific underwriting to determine which configuration offers a better return on invested capital.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lakeside

Parking is universal (100%) and a kitchen is nearly so (96%), reflecting the self-catering, drive-to-destination nature of Lakeside stays. Outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (87%), backyards (70%), and beach access (52%) dominate the list, signaling that guests expect a full lakeside vacation experience—investors should ensure their properties deliver on these expectations to remain competitive.

Understanding Lakeside's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Lakeside's ROI Score of 53 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where strong investor demand and premium pricing create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio (rated below average) alongside average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance. The below-average market growth trend also tempers expectations, even as listing counts have surged. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to identify the subset of properties where the numbers genuinely work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lakeside

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lakeside, Michigan may need to obtain a local rental permit or register with Berrien County or the local township. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Lakeside's local government and the State of Michigan before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Michigan communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements (especially during peak season), noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential caps on the number of permits issued. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply in certain lakefront developments, so reviewing covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally subject to the state's 6% use tax and may owe local accommodations or tourism taxes depending on the jurisdiction. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their full local tax obligations independently.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lakeside's STR market is likely to remain intensely seasonal, with the bulk of revenue concentrated in the June–September window. The 144% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put pressure on occupancy—currently just 11%—if supply outpaces demand. ADR may hold steady or see modest increases of 1–3% given the premium nature of the properties, but investors should plan their cash-flow models around earning the majority of annual income in a roughly four-month peak season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lakeside, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakeside?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lakeside is currently 11%, which is significantly below the Michigan state average of 42%. This low overall figure reflects the market's intense seasonality—properties are heavily booked during the summer months and see very limited demand during the colder parts of the year. Four-bedroom listings average 16% occupancy while 6+ bedroom properties come in at around 8%, suggesting smaller properties maintain slightly steadier bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lakeside?

Airbnb hosts in Lakeside earn an average of $7,076 per month and approximately $84,920 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 4-bedroom listings average $93,881 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties generate about $99,623 per year. Keep in mind that the vast majority of this income is earned during the summer peak, with July alone averaging over $18,000 per listing.

Is Lakeside a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lakeside carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market features strong nightly rates and limited supply, but the high average home value of approximately $1.92 million creates a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source properties at a favorable price point and manage the deep seasonal swings effectively may find rewarding returns, though this market requires more selective deal sourcing than many alternatives.

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

The average daily rate in Lakeside is $479, which is notably higher than the Michigan state average of $350. ADR varies by property size—4-bedroom properties average $435 per night, while 6+ bedroom listings command $688 per night. These premium rates reflect the desirable lakefront location and the vacation-home character of the market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lakeside?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Lakeside, Michigan area, but operators may be required to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can vary at the township and county level, and Michigan communities have been increasingly adopting STR-specific rules. We recommend checking with local government offices and reviewing any HOA or deed restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lakeside?

Peak season in Lakeside runs from June through September, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $18,168 per listing. August follows closely at $15,684, and even September remains strong at $8,525. The off-peak period stretches from November through April, when monthly revenues drop to the $2,599–$4,176 range—a fraction of summer earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lakeside?

There are currently 23 active Airbnb listings in Lakeside as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in larger properties, with 7 four-bedroom listings and 5 properties with 6 or more bedrooms. Notably, active listings have grown 144% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lakeside?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lakeside 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 remaining data 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 performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a host manages their listing.

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 Lakeside, MI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics 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) for acquisition context

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 tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.