Rapid River, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Rapid River Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Rapid River, MI, earns an ROI score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Standout Opportunity tier for short-term rental investors. With an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and just 22 active Airbnb listings in the market, the competitive landscape is thin—giving well-positioned hosts a clear lane. Summer months drive the bulk of revenue, and the area's lake and waterfront access point to a leisure-driven demand base that peaks from June through September.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Rapid River 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 Rapid River

Rapid River appeals to investors seeking a high revenue-to-price ratio in a small, leisure-oriented Michigan market with limited competition and strong seasonal upside.

Expert Market Assessment

"Rapid River presents a compelling seasonal opportunity, particularly for investors comfortable with pronounced revenue swings between summer and winter. August leads the calendar at $5,834 in average monthly revenue, while December bottoms out near $1,248—a roughly 4.7x spread that underscores the market's dependence on warm-weather tourism. The ROI score of 82 reflects above-average revenue-to-price dynamics and solid occupancy stability, though overall occupancy sits at 25% versus a 42% state average, reminding investors that nightly rates do much of the heavy lifting here. For buyers who price in the seasonality and secure waterfront or lake-access properties, the return profile looks genuinely attractive."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Rapid River

Average revenue by month in Rapid River

Revenue in Rapid River follows a dramatic seasonal curve, peaking in August at $5,834 and bottoming out in December at $1,248—a nearly 4.7x difference. Investors should expect roughly 60% of annual income to be generated between June and September, making summer performance the primary driver of returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Rapid River

The available data shows 8 one-bedroom listings, which represents the only property-size segment currently tracked in the market. This concentrated supply mix could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer larger properties that cater to families or groups visiting the area's lakes and outdoor attractions.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Rapid River

One-bedroom properties in Rapid River average a $108 daily rate, significantly below the market-wide ADR of $290, suggesting that larger or more premium properties (not broken out in current data) are commanding substantially higher nightly prices. Investors considering one-bedroom units should weigh the lower entry cost against the more modest per-night earnings.

Average RevPAN by property size in Rapid River

One-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of just $17, reflecting the combination of a $108 ADR and 17% occupancy. This indicates that smaller units in Rapid River face meaningful idle time, and investors may find better revenue-per-night efficiency in property types that attract longer or more frequent bookings.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Rapid River

One-bedroom properties average only 17% occupancy, falling below even the market-wide average of 25%. This lower fill rate suggests that one-bedrooms may be less appealing to the leisure travelers who drive demand in Rapid River, and investors should consider whether units with more space and amenities could capture a larger share of bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Rapid River

One-bedroom units bring in an average of $1,262 per month, roughly half the market-wide average of $2,620. The gap highlights how much of the market's revenue is likely driven by larger or more distinctive properties that aren't fully broken out in the current dataset.

Average annual revenue by property size in Rapid River

At $15,153 in average annual revenue, one-bedroom properties earn less than half the market-wide average of $31,441. Investors targeting higher returns in Rapid River should explore larger configurations or waterfront properties that can command premium rates during peak summer months.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Rapid River

Parking and BBQ grills top the amenity list at 96% prevalence, followed closely by kitchens (91%) and backyards (82%)—reflecting the outdoor, self-sufficient vacation style that defines this market. Notably, 55% of listings offer lake access or waterfront positioning, signaling that proximity to water is a key differentiator for guest appeal in Rapid River.

Understanding Rapid River's ROI Score: 82/100

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

Rapid River's ROI score of 82 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability—the two most heavily weighted factors. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both register as average, indicating a stable but not explosive trajectory. Investors should pair these encouraging metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic plan for managing the market's pronounced seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Rapid River

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Rapid River, Michigan, should verify whether a permit or registration is required through Delta County or relevant township authorities, as local requirements can vary across Michigan's Upper Peninsula communities. Investors are encouraged to check with the local zoning office before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Michigan communities may include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and rules imposed by homeowners' associations. Some jurisdictions also cap the number of permits issued, so early research is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Michigan imposes a 6% use tax on short-term rental accommodations, and local or county-level lodging taxes may also apply. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm local obligations independently.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Rapid River's STR market is likely to see continued summer-driven demand, with July and August revenues estimated to remain in the $5,500–$6,000 range per listing. The 131% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the market's small base of 22 listings means even modest additions could shift the competitive picture. Occupancy during the off-season (November through April) will likely stay subdued in the 15–20% range, so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. ADR may see modest gains of 2–5% if supply growth remains measured relative to demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Rapid River, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rapid River?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Rapid River is currently 25%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. This lower figure reflects the market's strong seasonal character—occupancy climbs significantly during summer months and drops off from late fall through early spring. Investors should factor this seasonal pattern into their cash-flow models.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Rapid River?

Airbnb hosts in Rapid River earn an average of $2,620 per month, or roughly $31,441 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer, with August topping out at $5,834 and winter months averaging closer to $1,200–$1,500. Property quality, pricing strategy, and proximity to water features can meaningfully influence individual results.

Is Rapid River a good market for Airbnb investment?

Rapid River scores 82 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a Standout Opportunity designation. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio—average home values sit around $299,955 against $31,441 in annual revenue—and limited competition with only 22 active listings. The main consideration is pronounced seasonality, so investors should be prepared for slower winter months.

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

The average daily rate in Rapid River is $290, which is below the Michigan state average of $350. Despite the lower ADR, the market's affordable property prices help maintain a favorable revenue-to-price ratio for investors. One-bedroom properties specifically average an ADR of $108.

Are short-term rentals legal in Rapid River?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Rapid River, MI, but investors should verify current permit or registration requirements with Delta County or the relevant local township. Michigan communities can impose their own zoning and licensing rules, so it's important to confirm compliance before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Rapid River?

Peak season in Rapid River runs from June through September, with July ($5,620) and August ($5,834) delivering the highest average monthly revenues. The shoulder months of May and October also see moderate activity, while November through April represents the off-season with revenues generally ranging from $1,248 to $1,506.

How many Airbnbs are there in Rapid River?

As of April 2026, there are 22 active Airbnb listings in Rapid River. The market has experienced significant year-over-year growth of 131% in listing count, though the small base means even a handful of new listings represents a large percentage change. The limited supply still offers room for well-differentiated properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Rapid River?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Rapid River are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 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 Rapid River market
• Occupancy, average daily rate, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Average home values sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing, and management quality.