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

Ludington Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ludington, MI is a Lake Michigan beach town where short-term rental investors can tap into strong summer tourism demand and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. With an ROI score of 72 out of 100, the market earns an "Attractive Opportunity" rating driven by healthy RevPAN relative to property costs averaging $453,952. The 48 active Airbnb listings indicate a compact, less saturated market, though sharp seasonality means investors should plan for significant revenue swings between summer peaks and winter lows.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ludington 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 Ludington

Ludington's favorable revenue-to-price ratio, lakefront tourism appeal, and compact supply make it a compelling option for investors seeking seasonal vacation rental income in western Michigan.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ludington presents a compelling but distinctly seasonal investment opportunity. July revenue averages $10,998 per listing — more than ten times the February figure of $794 — so investors need to budget for dramatic off-season softness and price aggressively during the summer window. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability scores reinforce that well-managed properties can generate meaningful returns, though the below-average supply/demand balance suggests new entrants should monitor competition closely. Overall, this is a market that rewards operators who lean into peak-season optimization and keep carrying costs manageable through the quieter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ludington

Average revenue by month in Ludington

Ludington's revenue curve is dramatically seasonal: July ($10,998) and August ($10,771) account for nearly half of all annual earnings, while February bottoms out at just $794. Investors should expect a roughly 14x spread between peak and off-peak months, making summer pricing strategy the single biggest lever for annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ludington

Supply is remarkably balanced across property sizes, with 3-bedroom homes holding a slight edge at 14 listings and all other sizes (1BR, 2BR, 4BR) tied at 10 each. This even distribution means no single segment is dramatically oversaturated, though the small total count of 48 listings means competitive dynamics can shift quickly.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ludington

ADR scales steeply with size in Ludington — 4-bedroom properties command $469 per night, more than double the $205 rate for 1-bedroom units. Interestingly, 2-bedroom listings have the lowest ADR at $187, suggesting that mid-size properties may face more pricing pressure than either end of the spectrum.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ludington

Four-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $80, followed by 1-bedrooms at $65, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings trail at $51 and $49 respectively. This indicates that larger homes command enough of a nightly premium to offset their lower occupancy, making them competitive earners on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ludington

Smaller units stay booked more consistently, with 1-bedroom listings reaching 32% occupancy versus just 17% for 4-bedroom homes. The inverse relationship between size and occupancy is typical of seasonal vacation markets, where smaller properties attract a broader range of shorter getaway bookings year-round.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ludington

One-bedroom listings edge out the competition with $4,109 in average monthly revenue, just ahead of 4-bedroom homes at $4,087 — a striking near-tie despite vastly different nightly rates. Two-bedroom properties lag at $2,945 per month, making them the weakest performers in Ludington's current mix.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ludington

On an annual basis, 1-bedroom properties lead at $49,319, closely followed by 4-bedrooms at $49,049, while 2-bedroom units trail at $35,343. For investors weighing acquisition cost against revenue, the strong performance of 1-bedroom listings — likely at a lower purchase price — may offer the most efficient path to returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ludington

Parking and kitchens top the amenity list at 90% prevalence, with outdoor-focused features like BBQ grills (79%), backyards (75%), and patios (71%) rounding out the top five — a clear reflection of Ludington's appeal as a summer lakeside destination. Lake access (35%) and waterfront location (21%) are less common, suggesting properties with direct water access could command a meaningful premium.

Understanding Ludington'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

Ludington's ROI score of 72 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and strong occupancy stability — two factors that together account for 70% of the score. Market growth trend also scores above average, reflecting the 83% year-over-year increase in active listings, though the below-average supply/demand balance is worth watching as more inventory enters this small market. Pairing these metrics with thorough research into local STR regulations and seasonal cash-flow planning will give investors the clearest picture of what Ludington can deliver.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ludington

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ludington, Michigan may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Ludington city officials and Mason County authorities, as STR regulations in Michigan communities can vary significantly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan vacation rental markets include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and off-street parking mandates. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to specific properties, so reviewing any 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 lodging or excise taxes depending on the municipality. Many booking platforms collect and remit certain taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ludington's short-term rental market is expected to continue benefiting from its lakeside appeal and growing visitor interest — active listings grew 83% year over year, signaling increasing investor confidence. Summer months should remain the primary revenue driver, with July and August likely sustaining ADRs in the $250–$475 range depending on property size. Occupancy outside the June–September window will probably hover in the low-to-mid teens percentage-wise, so annual returns will hinge heavily on maximizing peak-season pricing. Investors who position properties with outdoor amenities and flexible booking strategies could see modest 2–4% revenue gains as the market matures."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ludington, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ludington?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ludington is currently 23%, which falls below Michigan's state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy surges during the summer beach season and drops significantly in the colder months. Smaller properties tend to stay fuller, with 1-bedroom listings averaging 32% occupancy compared to 17% for 4-bedroom homes.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ludington?

Airbnb hosts in Ludington earn an average of $3,970 per month and approximately $47,646 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies substantially by season and property size. One-bedroom listings average about $49,319 annually, while 4-bedroom properties earn roughly $49,049 per year. The bulk of annual income is generated during the June through August peak season.

Is Ludington a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ludington scores 72 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning rental income is healthy relative to property acquisition costs averaging $453,952. However, the sharply seasonal demand pattern means investors should be prepared for months where revenue dips well below $1,500. Proper peak-season pricing and low carrying costs are key to making the numbers work.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ludington is $289, which comes in below Michigan's state average of $350. ADR varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average $205, while 4-bedroom homes command $469 per night. These rates reflect the mix of cozy cabins and larger family-friendly vacation homes that characterize the market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ludington?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Ludington, MI, though operators may need to comply with local registration or permit requirements. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Ludington and Mason County offices for the most current rules on STR operations, zoning, and any applicable restrictions.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ludington?

Peak season in Ludington runs from June through August, driven by Lake Michigan beach tourism and warm-weather recreation. July is the highest-earning month by a wide margin, with average listing revenue reaching $10,998, followed closely by August at $10,771. Revenue drops sharply after September, with the slowest months being February ($794) and March ($1,050).

How many Airbnbs are there in Ludington?

As of April 2026, there are 48 active Airbnb listings in Ludington. The supply is evenly distributed across property sizes, with 14 three-bedroom listings making up the largest segment and 10 listings each for 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 4-bedroom properties. Active listings have grown 83% year over year, indicating increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ludington?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ludington 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 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 performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 Ludington and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and property size distribution across active listings

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions can shift due to seasonal patterns, regulatory changes, or economic factors. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.