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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

62 / 100

Onekama offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Onekama Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Onekama, MI, is a small lakeside market on the shores of Portage Lake and near Lake Michigan that draws strong summer vacation demand, pushing July revenue to over $9,200 per listing. With only 7 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $44,799, the market is compact but offers meaningful earning potential for well-positioned properties. An ADR of $374 — above Michigan's $350 state average — signals that guests are willing to pay a premium for this scenic retreat, though investors should note the pronounced seasonality and below-average occupancy rate of 15%.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Onekama short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 7
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $350 state avg. $374
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 42% state avg. 15%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $57
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $3,733
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $44,799

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Onekama

Investors are drawn to Onekama for its lake-driven vacation demand, limited supply, and nightly rates that exceed the Michigan average — all combining to create a compelling seasonal revenue opportunity.

Key investment factors

  • Premium ADR of $374 outperforms the $350 Michigan state average, reflecting strong guest willingness to pay
  • Very limited supply of just 7 active listings reduces direct competition and supports pricing power
  • Above-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance indicate rising traveler interest
  • Lake access, beach proximity, and outdoor recreation fuel reliable summer demand
  • Average annual revenue near $44,800 offers solid returns relative to markets of similar size

Expert Market Assessment

"Onekama presents an attractive but distinctly seasonal investment opportunity. The summer months of July and August are the clear revenue drivers, each generating over $9,000 in average monthly income, while winter months like March dip below $1,500 — a spread that underscores the vacation-rental nature of this market. The ROI score of 62 out of 100 reflects healthy revenue relative to property values and favorable supply-demand dynamics, balanced against below-average occupancy stability. For investors comfortable with a seasonal cash-flow profile and willing to optimize off-peak pricing, Onekama's limited competition and strong summer premiums create a genuinely appealing niche."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Onekama's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Factor Onekama Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Above average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Above average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Onekama's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven by an average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average marks for both market growth trend and supply/demand balance. Occupancy stability scores below average, reflecting the market's pronounced seasonality rather than a lack of interest from travelers. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a seasonal cash-flow model will give investors the clearest picture of what this lakeside market can deliver.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Onekama

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Onekama, Michigan, may need to obtain a permit or register with the local township and comply with any applicable state-level requirements. Investors should verify current permitting rules directly with Manistee County and Onekama Township officials before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking regulations, and rules imposed by homeowners' associations. Given Onekama's lakefront character, environmental and septic-system regulations could also factor into compliance, so a thorough review of local codes is recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally subject to the state's 6% use tax and may owe local lodging or accommodation taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional familiar with Michigan STR rules.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Onekama

Financing an Airbnb investment in Onekama requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Onekama Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Onekama's short-term rental market is expected to benefit from above-average growth trends in supply and demand, with listing counts expanding rapidly (363% year-over-year growth). Summer months should continue to anchor revenue, and modest ADR increases in the range of 3–5% are plausible as demand outpaces the still-limited supply. However, occupancy during the off-season (November through April) will likely remain subdued, so investors should plan cash reserves around a roughly 5:1 peak-to-trough monthly revenue swing. Improved amenity offerings and competitive pricing during shoulder months may help smooth some of that seasonal gap."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Onekama, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Onekama?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Onekama is currently 15%, which is well below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal character — properties see concentrated bookings during the summer months and significantly lighter demand from late fall through early spring. Investors should factor this seasonality into their financial projections.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Onekama?
Airbnb hosts in Onekama earn an average of $3,733 per month and approximately $44,799 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue is heavily weighted toward summer, with July averaging around $9,295 and August close behind at $9,003, while quieter months like March may bring in closer to $1,452.
Is Onekama a good market for Airbnb investment?
Onekama earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 62 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from limited competition (just 7 active listings), above-average daily rates of $374, and strong summer demand fueled by lake and beach access. The main consideration is pronounced seasonality, which means cash flow is concentrated in a few peak months. Investors who plan for this pattern and optimize shoulder-season pricing can find meaningful returns here.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Onekama?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Onekama is $374, which is above Michigan's statewide average of $350. This premium reflects the area's desirable lakefront setting and the vacation-oriented nature of guest stays.
Are short-term rentals legal in Onekama?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Onekama area, though operators may need to secure local permits or register with the township. Regulations can vary at the township and county level, so prospective hosts should consult Onekama Township and Manistee County directly to confirm current requirements before listing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Onekama?
Peak season in Onekama runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $9,295 in revenue. August follows closely at $9,003. Shoulder months like May, September, and October still generate moderate income ($2,900–$4,152), while the winter months are the softest period.
How many Airbnbs are there in Onekama?
As of April 2026, there are 7 active Airbnb listings in Onekama. This very limited supply means less direct competition for hosts and can help support higher nightly rates, though the small market size also means the data reflects a narrow sample.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Onekama?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Onekama 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 up the results into market-level historical averages. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently and naturally captures seasonal peaks and slower months because each month draws on its own historical data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a 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 Onekama market
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
  • Trailing 12-month revenue and yield data aggregated from active comparable listings
  • Amenity prevalence data across current Airbnb inventory
  • Home value estimates 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. With only 7 active listings, market-level averages may shift meaningfully as new properties enter or exit the market. Local regulations and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before purchasing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Onekama's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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