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

Mancelona Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mancelona, MI presents a compelling opportunity for short-term rental investors looking for favorable revenue-to-price dynamics in northern Michigan. With an average home value of $305,925 and annual STR revenue averaging $24,635, the market delivers an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that stands out relative to many Michigan markets. The area's seasonal draw — anchored by summer lake and outdoor recreation and winter ski access — creates pronounced revenue peaks that reward well-positioned properties, though occupancy at 30% trails the 42% state average.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mancelona 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 Mancelona

Mancelona attracts STR investors primarily because of its strong revenue relative to entry-level property costs, combined with proximity to northern Michigan's four-season recreation.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mancelona earns an ROI score of 70 out of 100 — landing in the "Attractive Opportunity" band — driven largely by its standout revenue-to-price ratio. The market's deep seasonality is both its defining feature and its primary risk: July and August alone can generate more than $11,000 combined, while shoulder months like March and April dip below $900. Investors who plan for this cash-flow rhythm and keep carrying costs lean during quieter months stand to benefit. With only 77 active listings and steady supply levels, the competitive landscape remains approachable for new entrants offering differentiated properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mancelona

Average revenue by month in Mancelona

Mancelona's revenue is heavily summer-weighted, with July ($5,747) and August ($5,379) generating nearly half the annual total, while April ($619) and March ($809) represent the softest months. The nearly 9:1 spread between the peak and trough months underscores the importance of maximizing summer bookings and managing expenses during the off-season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mancelona

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 32 of the 77 active listings, followed by one-bedrooms at 24. Three- and four-bedroom homes are notably scarce at just 9 and 6 listings respectively, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer larger group-friendly accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mancelona

ADR climbs steadily from $138 for one-bedrooms to $324 for four-bedrooms, though the jump from three-bedroom ($314) to four-bedroom ($324) is modest at just $10. The most impactful ADR step-up occurs between one- and two-bedroom properties, where an additional bedroom commands an extra $86 per night.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mancelona

Revenue per available night clusters tightly for two-, three-, and four-bedroom properties at $83, $84, and $86 respectively, while one-bedrooms lag significantly at $29. This suggests that stepping up to at least a two-bedroom configuration is critical for generating meaningful nightly revenue in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mancelona

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 37%, meaningfully ahead of three-bedrooms (27%), four-bedrooms (27%), and one-bedrooms (21%). The stronger fill rate for two-bedrooms, combined with decent ADR, positions them as the most cash-flow-consistent option in the market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mancelona

Monthly revenue scales with size, from $1,350 for one-bedrooms up to $3,114 for four-bedroom properties. The jump from two-bedroom ($1,949) to three-bedroom ($2,876) is the most significant step-up at nearly $930 per month, offering a compelling case for investing in mid-size properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mancelona

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $37,377, followed by three-bedrooms at $34,513, while one-bedrooms trail at $16,203. Given average home values around $305,925, three- and four-bedroom configurations offer the strongest gross yield potential, though investors should weigh higher acquisition and maintenance costs against the incremental revenue.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mancelona

Parking (99%) and kitchen access (94%) are near-universal, reflecting a guest base that expects self-sufficient, drive-to vacation stays. Hot tubs (66%), BBQ grills (73%), and ski-in/ski-out access (40%) signal that outdoor recreation amenities are strong differentiators — investors who include these features are aligning with established guest expectations in the Mancelona market.

Understanding Mancelona's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Mancelona's ROI score of 70 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the single most heavily weighted factor in the calculation. Occupancy stability scores below average, reflecting the pronounced seasonality that concentrates income into summer months, while market growth and supply/demand balance both rate as average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding market. Investors should pair this score with hands-on regulatory research and a clear plan for managing cash flow through the quieter months to get the most out of this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mancelona

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Mancelona, MI may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the local township or Antrim County authorities. Investors should verify current STR licensing requirements directly with Mancelona and the State of Michigan before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan STR markets can include occupancy limits based on septic or well capacity, noise ordinances, minimum stay requirements, and parking provisions. Homeowner association rules may also apply, particularly in lake or resort communities, so reviewing deed restrictions is an important step in due diligence.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires STR operators to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and some localities impose additional accommodations or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and local tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mancelona's STR market is expected to follow its established seasonal cadence, with summer months continuing to drive the lion's share of annual income. ADR may see modest upward pressure in the range of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing and amenity offerings, though occupancy is likely to hover in the 28–33% range given the market's seasonal nature. Supply growth appears stable — year-over-year listing counts are essentially flat at 97% of the prior year — which suggests the market isn't at risk of near-term oversaturation. Investors who optimize for peak-season capture and off-season cost management should find reliable cash flow in this environment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mancelona, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mancelona?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mancelona is currently 30%, which is below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — summer months drive the bulk of bookings, while winter and spring see lighter demand. Two-bedroom properties lead with 37% occupancy, while one-bedrooms average just 21%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mancelona?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Mancelona earn approximately $2,052 per month and $24,635 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: one-bedroom units average $16,203 annually, while four-bedroom properties can bring in around $37,377 per year. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $5,700.

Is Mancelona a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mancelona scores 70 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market's biggest strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values sit around $305,925, which is relatively low compared to the income potential. Occupancy stability is the main area to watch, as the seasonal demand pattern means income is concentrated in summer months. Investors comfortable with that rhythm and willing to optimize pricing can find solid returns here.

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

The average daily rate in Mancelona is $219, well below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales with property size: one-bedrooms average $138, two-bedrooms come in at $224, and three- and four-bedroom properties command $314 and $324 respectively. The lower ADR relative to the state average reflects the market's more affordable positioning while still delivering meaningful per-night income.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mancelona?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Mancelona area, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with township or county authorities. Regulations can vary, and Michigan state law also imposes tax collection requirements on STR operators. We recommend verifying the latest rules with local government offices before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mancelona?

Peak season in Mancelona runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $5,747 per listing. August follows closely at $5,379. Demand tapers in September and October before reaching its lowest points in March ($809) and April ($619). A secondary bump in February ($1,404) likely reflects winter recreation activity.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mancelona?

As of April 2026, there are 77 active Airbnb listings in Mancelona. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 32 listings, followed by 24 one-bedroom units, 9 three-bedroom properties, and 6 four-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing counts are at 97% of the prior year, indicating a stable supply environment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mancelona?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Mancelona 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Mancelona market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue
• Popular amenity data across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with Mancelona and Michigan authorities before purchasing or operating a short-term rental.