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

Mears Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mears, MI stands out as a highly seasonal vacation-rental market where summer demand drives outsized returns. With an average annual revenue of $87,466 against an average home value of $500,341, the revenue-to-price ratio lands well above average — a key reason the market earns a 77/100 ROI score. The small supply of just 25 active Airbnb listings and a premium ADR of $420 (versus Michigan's $350 state average) point to a niche market where well-positioned properties can command strong nightly rates during peak months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mears 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 Mears

Investors are drawn to Mears for its exceptional revenue-to-price ratio and premium nightly rates in a compact lakeside vacation market with limited but growing supply.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mears represents a standout seasonal opportunity rather than a year-round cash-flow play. Revenue swings dramatically — from roughly $1,259 in March to over $22,372 in July — so investors need to plan cash reserves for the quieter months spanning November through April. On the upside, the above-average revenue-to-price ratio and premium ADR make the summer earning window potent enough to carry the full year's economics for well-managed properties. Pairing a competitive listing with high-demand amenities like lake access and outdoor living space can help capture disproportionate share in this small, concentrated market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mears

Average revenue by month in Mears

Revenue in Mears follows an extreme seasonal curve: July leads at $22,372 and August follows at $20,133, while March bottoms out at just $1,259 — a roughly 18x spread between peak and trough. Investors should plan for three to four months of strong income to carry the full year's expenses, with September ($8,212) and May ($5,813) offering meaningful shoulder-season contributions.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mears

The 25 active listings in Mears are split across 2-bedroom (6), 3-bedroom (7), and 4-bedroom (9) properties, with larger homes making up the bulk of supply. The absence of 1-bedroom or studio listings suggests the market skews toward family and group travelers, and smaller units could represent an underserved niche if demand exists.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mears

ADR climbs steadily with size — $312 for 2-bedrooms, $402 for 3-bedrooms, and $478 for 4-bedrooms — reflecting a clear premium guests are willing to pay for additional space. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms ($90) is slightly larger than from 3 to 4 ($76), suggesting 3-bedroom properties offer a notable rate boost without the higher acquisition cost of a 4-bedroom.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mears

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $145, far outpacing 3-bedrooms ($66) and 4-bedrooms ($64), primarily because their 47% occupancy rate more than compensates for a lower nightly rate. This gap signals that 2-bedroom units are the most efficient revenue generators per available night in Mears, making them attractive for investors prioritizing yield efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mears

Occupancy rates drop sharply as property size increases: 2-bedrooms lead at 47%, while 3-bedrooms average 17% and 4-bedrooms just 13%. The substantially higher fill rate for smaller units points to steadier booking demand at lower price points, offering more consistent cash flow compared to larger properties that depend heavily on peak-season bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mears

Four-bedroom properties edge out the competition with $7,598 in average monthly revenue, followed by 2-bedrooms at $6,643 and 3-bedrooms at $3,050. The 4-bedroom advantage comes from premium nightly rates during peak season despite low occupancy, while 2-bedrooms achieve nearly comparable revenue through much higher booking frequency.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mears

On an annual basis, 4-bedroom properties lead with $91,176 in revenue, and 2-bedrooms follow closely at $79,722 — both strong figures relative to local home values. Three-bedroom listings trail significantly at $36,606, suggesting that mid-size properties in Mears occupy an awkward middle ground where neither rate nor occupancy is optimized.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mears

Kitchens (100%), parking (96%), and laundry facilities (92% washer, 88% dryer) are table-stakes amenities in Mears, while outdoor-oriented features like BBQ grills (72%), outdoor furniture (68%), and lake access (60%) reflect the vacation character of the market. Investors looking to differentiate should consider premium additions like hot tubs (currently only 28%) or pet-friendliness (24%), which remain relatively uncommon but could attract incremental bookings.

Understanding Mears's ROI Score: 77/100

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

With a score of 77 out of 100, Mears falls into the 'Standout Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that makes acquisition economics attractive relative to income potential. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance score in the average range, while the market growth trend sits below average — reflecting that the rapid 164% increase in active listings could pressure future returns if demand doesn't keep pace. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will give investors the clearest picture of whether Mears fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mears

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Mears should verify whether Oceana County or the applicable township in Michigan requires a short-term rental permit or registration before listing a property. Contacting the local zoning office or county clerk is the most reliable way to confirm current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy caps based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and quiet-hour ordinances, parking limits per property, and any HOA or deed restrictions that prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Because Mears sits within a resort-oriented area, local rules can vary by township, so investors should review both county and township-level regulations.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental operators to collect a 6% state use tax on accommodations, and certain localities may levy an additional assessment or convention and tourism tax. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations separately to stay compliant.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Looking ahead 12–18 months, Mears is likely to remain a summer-driven market with July and August continuing to anchor the revenue calendar. Investors should expect occupancy to hover in the low-to-mid 20% range on an annualized basis, though peak-season fill rates will be substantially higher. ADR may see modest upward pressure of 2–5% given constrained supply, but the 164% year-over-year growth in active listings signals that competition is building quickly. Monitoring how the expanding supply affects occupancy and pricing through next summer will be essential for timing an entry."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mears, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mears?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mears is currently 22%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy spikes significantly during summer months and drops off considerably in the colder season. Investors should factor in this seasonal pattern when projecting cash flow, as peak-month occupancy will be considerably higher than the annual average suggests.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mears?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Mears earns approximately $7,288 per month, which translates to about $87,466 annually. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer, with July averaging $22,372 and August around $20,133, while winter months like March dip to roughly $1,259. Individual results will vary based on property size, location, amenities, and pricing strategy.

Is Mears a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mears scores 77 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' category. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its strongest attribute, meaning the income potential relative to property acquisition cost is compelling. However, the below-average market growth trend and average occupancy stability remind investors that this is a seasonal play — summer months carry the economics. If you're comfortable with the cash-flow rhythm of a vacation-rental market and can manage off-season expenses, Mears offers strong upside.

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

The average daily rate in Mears is $420, which is 20% higher than the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales with property size: 2-bedroom listings average $312 per night, 3-bedrooms come in at $402, and 4-bedroom properties command $478. The premium rates reflect the area's appeal as a lakeside vacation destination where guests are willing to pay more for larger, amenity-rich properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mears?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Mears area, though specific regulations can vary by township within Oceana County, Michigan. Operators should verify local zoning rules, confirm whether a permit or registration is required, and ensure compliance with any occupancy, noise, or parking restrictions. Consulting directly with local government offices or a real estate attorney familiar with the area is strongly recommended before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mears?

Peak season in Mears runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $22,372 in revenue, followed closely by August at $20,133 and June at $13,460. September offers a secondary bump at $8,212 as the season winds down. The off-peak period spans roughly November through March, when monthly revenue drops to the $1,200–$2,200 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mears?

As of April 2026, there are 25 active Airbnb listings in Mears. The supply is concentrated among 2-bedroom (6 listings), 3-bedroom (7 listings), and 4-bedroom (9 listings) properties. Notably, listing count has grown 164% year-over-year, indicating increased investor interest in the market — something to watch as it may affect future occupancy and pricing dynamics.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mears?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Mears 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 data up to 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 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 Mears, MI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level comparisons
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings and Zillow Home Value Index data for property cost benchmarking

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; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or shifts in traveler demand. Local short-term rental regulations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.