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

Port Sanilac Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Port Sanilac is a small Lake Huron getaway community in Michigan's Thumb region where short-term rental supply remains exceptionally thin — just 14 active Airbnb listings — yet revenue-to-price ratios sit above the state average. With an average annual revenue of $26,396 against home values around $508,729, the market rewards investors who can capture the intense summer demand that drives the bulk of annual earnings. The limited competitive set and above-average supply/demand balance make this a niche opportunity worth exploring for those comfortable with pronounced seasonality.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Port Sanilac 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 Sanilac

A favorable revenue-to-price ratio and very limited supply give Port Sanilac an edge for investors seeking a seasonal lakefront STR with manageable competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Port Sanilac presents an attractive seasonal opportunity anchored by Lake Huron's summer draw. Revenue swings sharply from a winter low of around $614 in January to nearly $5,985 in August, so cash-flow planning must account for several lean months. The ROI score of 73 out of 100 reflects a healthy revenue-to-price ratio and a supply/demand balance that tilts in hosts' favor, offset by average occupancy stability — a natural result of the seasonal pattern. Investors who pair smart pricing with the right lakefront amenities can outperform the market average during the roughly five-month high season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Port Sanilac

Average revenue by month in Port Sanilac

Port Sanilac's revenue curve is sharply seasonal: August peaks at $5,985 while January bottoms out at just $614, a nearly tenfold spread. The June–September corridor accounts for the lion's share of annual earnings, making summer-focused pricing and marketing essential for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Port Sanilac

The entire trackable supply consists of 3-bedroom properties (8 listings), suggesting that other bedroom configurations are either absent or too few to report. This concentration may signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer smaller or larger homes to capture unmet demand segments.

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

Three-bedroom listings command an ADR of $222, which is the only size currently represented in the data. While this is below the market-wide average of $269 (which may include unlisted or emerging property types), it reflects the vacation-cottage pricing typical of a small lakefront community.

Average RevPAN by property size in Port Sanilac

Three-bedroom properties generate a RevPAN of $35, reflecting the combination of a $222 ADR and 16% occupancy. The gap between ADR and RevPAN underscores the seasonal nature of bookings — revenue per available night is diluted significantly by the long off-season.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Port Sanilac

Three-bedroom listings average 16% annual occupancy, reflecting deep seasonality where summer months are heavily booked and winter sees very few reservations. Investors should plan for extended vacancy during colder months and optimize pricing to maximize revenue during the compressed peak window.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Port Sanilac

Three-bedroom properties average $2,124 per month on a trailing basis, though actual monthly income swings dramatically from under $700 in winter to nearly $6,000 in August. This figure is most useful as a long-term planning benchmark rather than a month-to-month expectation.

Average annual revenue by property size in Port Sanilac

A 3-bedroom listing in Port Sanilac generates approximately $25,489 in annual revenue, closely tracking the market-wide average of $26,396. Against average home values near $509K, this yields a gross revenue-to-price ratio of roughly 5%, which the ROI model rates as above average for the state.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Port Sanilac

Every tracked listing offers a BBQ grill, kitchen, and parking — these are table stakes in Port Sanilac. Lake access (79%) and beach access (57%) distinguish the most competitive properties, while pet-friendliness (57%) and hot tubs (36%) provide additional differentiation that can boost bookings during shoulder months.

Understanding Port Sanilac's ROI Score: 73/100

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 Sanilac earns a 73 out of 100 ROI score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band. The strongest driver is an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — annual revenue of roughly $26K against ~$509K home values outpaces many Michigan markets — paired with an above-average supply/demand balance thanks to the extremely limited listing inventory. Occupancy stability and market growth trend are rated average, consistent with a highly seasonal lakefront market, so investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for winter lulls.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Port Sanilac

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Port Sanilac, Michigan may need to register or obtain a local permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Village of Port Sanilac and Sanilac County, as rules can change and enforcement varies across Michigan municipalities.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking provisions for guests. HOA covenants and deed restrictions in lakefront communities can also limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing these before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Michigan levies a 6% state use tax on short-term accommodations, and local jurisdictions may impose additional lodging or assessment taxes. Most major booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm that all local obligations are covered.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, summer months should continue to anchor performance, with July and August alone historically generating roughly 40% of annual revenue. Active listings grew 50% year over year, but the base is so small that even modest additions are unlikely to saturate demand during peak season. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold in the $220–$275 range and occupancy to hover near 18–22% on an annualized basis, though individual summer-month occupancy will be significantly higher. As always, these are estimates informed by trailing data, not guarantees."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Port Sanilac, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Port Sanilac?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Port Sanilac currently sits at 19%, compared to a 42% statewide average. This lower annual figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months carry occupancy well above the yearly average, while winter sees minimal bookings. For 3-bedroom properties, occupancy averages roughly 16% on an annualized basis.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Port Sanilac?

Hosts in Port Sanilac earn an average of about $2,199 per month or approximately $26,396 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Most of that revenue is concentrated between June and September, with August alone averaging nearly $5,985. Properties with lake or beach access, BBQ grills, and other popular amenities tend to command stronger bookings during peak season.

Is Port Sanilac a good market for Airbnb investment?

With an ROI score of 73 out of 100 — rated as an "Attractive Opportunity" — Port Sanilac offers above-average revenue relative to property prices and a favorable supply/demand balance. The market is best suited for investors comfortable with seasonal cash flow, as summer drives the vast majority of annual income. Low competition (just 14 active listings) means a well-positioned property can capture outsized demand during peak months.

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

The average daily rate in Port Sanilac is currently $269, which comes in below the Michigan state average of $350. For 3-bedroom properties — the predominant listing type — the ADR is approximately $222. These rates reflect the market's vacation-cottage character rather than urban or luxury pricing.

Are short-term rentals legal in Port Sanilac?

Short-term rentals do operate in Port Sanilac, but investors should verify local permitting and zoning requirements with the Village of Port Sanilac and Sanilac County before listing a property. Michigan municipalities have varying degrees of regulation, and rules can change, so consulting local authorities or a real estate attorney familiar with the area is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Port Sanilac?

Peak season runs from June through August, with August being the single highest-earning month at an average of $5,985 in revenue and July close behind at $5,365. The shoulder months of May and September also perform well relative to winter. January and February are the softest months, averaging around $614–$637.

How many Airbnbs are there in Port Sanilac?

As of April 2026, there are 14 active Airbnb listings in Port Sanilac. That represents a 50% increase year over year, though the base is small enough that this growth amounts to just a handful of new listings. The vast majority of these are 3-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Port Sanilac?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Port Sanilac 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 aggregate the results 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 Port Sanilac and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN tracked over trailing 12-month periods
• Revenue and yield metrics broken down by property size and month
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide 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 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; market conditions, regulations, and pricing may have shifted since. Individual property results will vary based on location, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.