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

Manistee Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Manistee, MI presents an attractive opportunity for short-term rental investors looking to capitalize on a classic Northern Michigan lakefront destination. With an ROI score of 66 out of 100, the market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values sit around $411,217 while annual revenue averages $33,311. The sharp summer seasonality, driven by Lake Michigan tourism and outdoor recreation, creates significant peak-season earning potential, though investors should plan for quieter winter months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Manistee 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 Manistee

Manistee's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and strong summer tourism demand make it an appealing market for investors seeking seasonal cash flow with relatively affordable entry points compared to the broader Michigan STR landscape.

Expert Market Assessment

"Manistee presents a moderately strong opportunity characterized by pronounced summer seasonality — July revenue of $6,912 per listing dwarfs the March low of $1,079, creating a roughly 6:1 peak-to-trough ratio. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its standout feature, partially offset by a supply/demand balance that leans below average as listing counts have grown 64% year over year. Investors who price strategically during shoulder months and invest in appealing amenities like lake access and outdoor spaces stand to capture the best returns in this compact but competitive Northern Michigan market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Manistee

Average revenue by month in Manistee

Manistee exhibits dramatic seasonality, with July ($6,912) and August ($6,695) generating roughly five to six times the revenue of the slowest months like March ($1,079) and April ($1,198). Investors should plan for approximately 40% of annual revenue to be concentrated in just two summer months, making cash reserves or alternative income important for covering off-season expenses.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Manistee

Two- and three-bedroom properties dominate Manistee's supply with 24 and 26 listings respectively, while one-bedroom and four-bedroom units are each represented by just 13 listings. The thinner supply at the four-bedroom tier, combined with its superior revenue performance, may signal a competitive advantage for investors willing to acquire larger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Manistee

ADR in Manistee scales sharply with size — four-bedroom properties command $353 per night, nearly 2.4 times the $147 rate for one-bedroom units. The jump from three bedrooms ($211) to four bedrooms ($353) represents the steepest premium, suggesting strong willingness among guests to pay significantly more for larger group-friendly accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Manistee

Two-bedroom and four-bedroom properties tie for the highest RevPAN at $74, while one-bedroom listings trail at $54. Notably, three-bedroom units deliver only $62 in RevPAN despite a higher ADR than two-bedrooms, reflecting their lower occupancy rate and suggesting that mid-size properties face stiffer competition in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Manistee

Smaller properties fill more consistently in Manistee, with one- and two-bedroom units achieving 37–38% occupancy compared to 30% for three-bedrooms and just 21% for four-bedrooms. While larger homes generate more revenue per booking, their lower occupancy means cash flow is more concentrated and seasonal, which investors should factor into their financial planning.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Manistee

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $4,003, outpacing all other sizes by a wide margin — one-bedrooms earn $2,732, two-bedrooms bring in $2,678, and three-bedrooms trail at $2,017. The gap between three- and four-bedroom units is particularly striking, suggesting that the premium ADR of larger homes more than compensates for their lower occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Manistee

At $48,040 per year, four-bedroom homes generate nearly double the annual revenue of three-bedroom properties ($24,208), making them the clear top performer for investors focused on maximizing gross income. One- and two-bedroom listings cluster around $32,000–$33,000 annually, offering solid but more modest returns that may pair better with lower acquisition costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Manistee

Kitchens (99%), parking (90%), and self check-in (84%) are virtually table stakes in Manistee, while outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (73%), outdoor furniture (70%), and BBQ grills (58%) reflect the market's vacation and recreation character. Lake access and waterfront positioning appear in about 34% of listings, suggesting these features can be a meaningful differentiator for properties that offer them.

Understanding Manistee's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Manistee's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the single most heavily weighted factor. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both register as average, while the supply/demand balance scores below average, reflecting the 64% year-over-year jump in active listings that could temper returns if growth continues unchecked. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and property-level analysis to ensure the specific deal they're evaluating aligns with the broader market's appeal.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Manistee

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Manistee, MI may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city or Manistee County before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Manistee and the State of Michigan, as rules can change and enforcement varies by jurisdiction.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Manistee can include occupancy limits based on bedrooms, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the number of STR permits issued. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to specific properties, so due diligence before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and any applicable local accommodations or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the Michigan Department of Treasury and local taxing authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Manistee's STR market is likely to see continued summer-driven demand with July and August remaining the dominant revenue months. ADR could edge up modestly in the range of 2–5% during peak season as traveler interest in Northern Michigan getaways persists. Occupancy may face some pressure given the 64% year-over-year growth in active listings, so new hosts should focus on differentiation through amenities and competitive pricing. Overall, investors can expect stable seasonal performance, though the off-season will continue to require strategic pricing to maintain bookings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Manistee, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Manistee?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Manistee is currently 31%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — one- and two-bedroom units see the highest rates at 37–38%, while four-bedroom homes average around 21%. The lower overall occupancy reflects the market's strong summer seasonality, with much lighter demand during winter months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Manistee?

Airbnb hosts in Manistee earn an average of $2,776 per month, which translates to roughly $33,311 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary substantially by property size: four-bedroom homes lead at about $4,003 per month ($48,040 annually), while three-bedroom properties average $2,017 monthly ($24,208 annually). Peak summer months like July can generate nearly $6,912, so much of the annual revenue is concentrated in a few high-demand months.

Is Manistee a good market for Airbnb investment?

Manistee scores a 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market's strongest factor is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values around $411,217 pair well with annual revenue potential near $33,311. Investors should be aware that rapid listing growth (64% year over year) is shifting the supply/demand balance, and the seasonal nature of the market means cash flow will be uneven throughout the year. Properties with standout amenities like lake access or waterfront positioning tend to perform best.

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

The average daily rate in Manistee is $222, which is notably below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: one-bedroom listings average $147, two-bedrooms sit at $198, three-bedrooms at $211, and four-bedroom properties command a premium at $353 per night. The below-state-average ADR reflects Manistee's positioning as a more affordable Northern Michigan destination compared to higher-end resort areas.

Are short-term rentals legal in Manistee?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Manistee, MI, though operators should verify local permit requirements, zoning rules, and any registration obligations with the City of Manistee and Manistee County. Michigan does not have a statewide ban on STRs, but individual municipalities may impose their own regulations, including permit caps, occupancy limits, or minimum stay requirements. Checking with local authorities before purchasing is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Manistee?

Peak season in Manistee runs from June through August, with July being the highest-revenue month at $6,912 on average — nearly six times the March low of $1,079. August follows closely at $6,695, and June brings in around $3,226. The shoulder months of September and October still see decent activity ($3,086 and $2,675 respectively), while November through April represents the slower off-season with monthly revenues generally ranging from $1,079 to $1,780.

How many Airbnbs are there in Manistee?

As of April 2026, there are 80 active Airbnb listings in Manistee. The supply has grown significantly, with 64% year-over-year growth in active listings. Two- and three-bedroom properties make up the majority of inventory with 24 and 26 listings respectively, while one-bedroom and four-bedroom homes each account for 13 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Manistee?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Manistee 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls 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 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 the Manistee market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data 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 recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.