Port Austin, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Port Austin Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Port Austin, a small lakeside community on Michigan's Thumb, earns a standout ROI score of 79 out of 100 thanks largely to an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. With just 21 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $37,601 against an average home value of $433,332, the market offers a compelling entry point for investors targeting seasonal vacation-rental demand. The extremely concentrated summer season — August revenue tops $8,014 per listing — rewards operators who price aggressively during peak months and manage costs through the quieter winter stretch.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Port Austin

Port Austin attracts STR investors because its strong revenue-to-price ratio and tight supply create an opportunity for outsized seasonal returns in a small, vacation-driven market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Port Austin presents a compelling but highly seasonal opportunity. Revenue swings dramatically — from a low of $739 in January to $8,014 in August — meaning cash-flow planning and reserve management are critical for year-round ownership. The market's small listing pool and above-average revenue-to-price ratio support the 'Standout Opportunity' designation, though the 13% average occupancy rate (well below Michigan's 42% average) underscores just how concentrated demand is in the summer months. Investors who can tolerate four to five lean months and capitalize on the June-through-September surge stand to earn meaningful returns relative to acquisition cost."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Port Austin

Average revenue by month in Port Austin

Port Austin's revenue is overwhelmingly concentrated in summer: August leads at $8,014 per listing while January bottoms out at just $739, a spread of more than 10x. This sharp seasonality means roughly 65–70% of annual income arrives in the four months from June through September, making peak-season pricing and availability critical.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Port Austin

Supply is remarkably balanced across the three tracked sizes — 6 two-bedroom, 6 three-bedroom, and 5 four-bedroom listings — with no single configuration dominating. The even distribution, combined with a total of just 21 listings, suggests the market is still small enough that a well-differentiated property of any size can find demand.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Port Austin

ADR scales sharply with size: 2-bedroom listings average $204 per night, 3-bedrooms reach $292, and 4-bedrooms command $422 — more than double the 2-bedroom rate. The premium for larger properties is substantial, though investors should weigh the higher nightly rate against the significantly lower occupancy these larger homes achieve.

Average RevPAN by property size in Port Austin

Two-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $47 per available night, closely followed by 3-bedrooms at $45, while 4-bedroom properties trail at just $18 despite their higher nightly rate. This suggests that the occupancy advantage of smaller units more than offsets their lower ADR when it comes to revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Port Austin

Occupancy drops dramatically as property size increases: 2-bedroom listings fill 23% of available nights, 3-bedrooms manage 16%, and 4-bedrooms sit at just 4%. For investors prioritizing consistent booking activity and steadier cash flow, smaller units clearly offer more reliable occupancy in this seasonal market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Port Austin

Four-bedroom properties lead average monthly revenue at $3,978, edging out 2-bedrooms at $3,376, while 3-bedroom listings lag at $2,189. The 4-bedroom figure is notable given their very low occupancy — when these larger homes do book, their premium nightly rate drives strong per-booking revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Port Austin

On an annual basis, 4-bedroom listings top the market at $47,739, followed by 2-bedrooms at $40,512, with 3-bedrooms trailing at $26,278. When paired with RevPAN data, 2-bedroom units may offer the best risk-adjusted return since they combine strong annual revenue with the market's highest occupancy rate.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Port Austin

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and kitchens (91%), washer/dryer (76%), and BBQ grills (71%) are near-standard — signaling that guests expect a full cottage-style experience. Lake access (52%) and beach access (43%) appear on roughly half of listings, suggesting these waterfront amenities can be a meaningful differentiator for properties that offer them.

Understanding Port Austin's ROI Score: 79/100

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

Port Austin's ROI score of 79 out of 100 places it in the 'Standout Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that accounts for 40% of the score. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance each rate as average — reflecting a market that performs well on the revenue side but carries typical seasonal variability and a rapidly expanding listing count. Investors should pair this score with hands-on regulatory research and a realistic seasonal budget to confirm that the opportunity aligns with their cash-flow expectations.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Port Austin

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Port Austin, Michigan may need to obtain a local permit or register their property with the township or Huron County before accepting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Port Austin's local government and the State of Michigan, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan lakefront communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-night stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and quiet-hour ordinances, and parking caps per property. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply in some subdivisions, so reviewing any covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Michigan imposes a state sales tax and a use tax that may apply to short-term rental income, and Huron County or the local municipality may levy an additional accommodations or tourism tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit certain taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect Port Austin's deeply seasonal pattern to persist: the bulk of revenue will continue to land between June and September, with August likely remaining the single strongest month. Year-over-year listing growth of 114% signals rising investor interest, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace — though the market's small absolute supply (21 listings) means even a handful of new bookings can move the needle. ADR may hold steady or inch up 1–3% for well-positioned properties, particularly those offering lake or beach access, while off-season occupancy will likely remain in the low-to-mid teens absent a significant new demand driver."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Port Austin, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Port Austin?

The average occupancy rate across active Airbnb listings in Port Austin currently sits at 13%, significantly below the Michigan state average of 42%. This low figure reflects the market's intensely seasonal nature — demand concentrates heavily in the summer months while winter sees very limited booking activity. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 23%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Port Austin?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Port Austin earns approximately $37,601 per year, or about $3,133 per month on average. However, monthly income varies enormously by season: August listings average $8,014, while January drops to just $739. Four-bedroom properties lead with an average annual revenue of $47,739, followed by 2-bedrooms at $40,512 and 3-bedrooms at $26,278.

Is Port Austin a good market for Airbnb investment?

Port Austin scores 79 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average annual revenue of $37,601 against average home values of $433,332. The key trade-off is seasonality — nearly all revenue arrives between May and September, so investors need to budget for lean winter months. With only 21 active listings, competition remains limited, though the 114% year-over-year listing growth suggests more investors are discovering the market.

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

The average daily rate in Port Austin is currently $304, which is below Michigan's state average of $350. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 2-bedroom listings average $204 per night, 3-bedrooms reach $292, and 4-bedroom properties command $422. Larger homes can justify premium pricing thanks to group-travel demand during the busy summer season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Port Austin?

Short-term rentals do operate in Port Austin, Michigan, as evidenced by 21 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations can vary and may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific zoning rules. Prospective investors should contact Port Austin's local government and Huron County offices to confirm current requirements before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Port Austin?

Peak season in Port Austin runs from June through August, with August being the single highest-revenue month at an average of $8,014 per listing. July is close behind at $7,699, and June averages $5,136. September provides a solid shoulder-season boost at $4,343. The off-season stretches from November through March, when monthly revenue drops below $1,600.

How many Airbnbs are there in Port Austin?

As of April 2026, there are 21 active Airbnb listings in Port Austin. Supply is evenly distributed across property sizes, with 6 two-bedroom listings, 6 three-bedroom listings, and 5 four-bedroom listings. Year-over-year listing growth has been 114%, indicating growing investor interest in this small lakeside market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Port Austin?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Port Austin 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Port Austin and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue performance based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026; actual conditions may have shifted since the reporting period. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements can change — always verify with local authorities before investing.