Saint Helen, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Saint Helen Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Saint Helen, MI stands out as a lake-country retreat market where low property values meet outsized summer demand. With average home values around $216,344 and annual STR revenue averaging $31,794, the revenue-to-price ratio sits well above the state norm. An average daily rate of $212 — notably below Michigan's $350 state average — keeps the market accessible for budget-minded vacationers, while the compact supply of just 19 active listings limits direct competition.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Saint Helen 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 Saint Helen

Investors are drawn to Saint Helen for its strong revenue-to-price ratio and the natural demand generated by northern Michigan's lake recreation, all within a small, manageable supply environment.

Expert Market Assessment

"Saint Helen presents a compelling but seasonal opportunity for STR investors willing to ride a pronounced summer peak. July revenue ($8,167) outstrips March ($676) by more than 12x, underscoring how concentrated the earning window is. The ROI score of 74 out of 100 — categorized as an Attractive Opportunity — reflects the market's strong revenue-to-price fundamentals, though below-average occupancy stability tempers the overall outlook. Investors who price aggressively in shoulder months and invest in standout amenities can stretch returns beyond the core June-through-August corridor."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Saint Helen

Average revenue by month in Saint Helen

Saint Helen's revenue curve is sharply seasonal: July leads at $8,167 and August follows at $7,631, while March bottoms out at just $676. The roughly 12x spread between peak and trough months means investors should plan for substantial cash-flow swings and consider winter-use strategies to smooth income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Saint Helen

The market's 19 active listings are concentrated in two-bedroom (6 listings) and three-bedroom (8 listings) configurations. Larger or smaller property types appear underrepresented, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer four-plus bedroom homes suited to bigger groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Saint Helen

ADR more than doubles from two-bedroom listings ($103/night) to three-bedroom properties ($215/night), indicating that the extra bedroom commands a significant premium. For investors, three-bedroom homes offer stronger per-night pricing power relative to the incremental cost of the additional room.

Average RevPAN by property size in Saint Helen

Three-bedroom properties generate $44 in RevPAN compared to $26 for two-bedroom units, reflecting both higher nightly rates and stronger overall revenue extraction. Despite slightly lower occupancy, the three-bedroom segment clearly delivers more revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Saint Helen

Two-bedroom listings edge out three-bedrooms on occupancy (26% vs. 21%), likely because their lower price point attracts more frequent bookings. However, neither size achieves particularly high year-round occupancy, reinforcing the seasonal nature of demand in this lake market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Saint Helen

Three-bedroom properties average $3,277 per month — nearly 2.4 times the $1,346 earned by two-bedroom listings. This gap makes the three-bedroom category the clear revenue leader for investors seeking to maximize monthly cash flow in Saint Helen.

Average annual revenue by property size in Saint Helen

On an annual basis, three-bedroom homes generate roughly $39,327, while two-bedroom units bring in about $16,162. Given average home values of $216,344 in the area, a well-performing three-bedroom property could offer a notably favorable revenue-to-price ratio.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Saint Helen

Kitchens (100%), BBQ grills (95%), and parking (95%) are essentially table stakes for Saint Helen listings, reflecting the outdoor, self-sufficient nature of lake-country stays. Differentiators like lake access (47%), hot tubs (32%), and pet-friendliness (42%) are less common and could help new listings stand out in search results.

Understanding Saint Helen's ROI Score: 74/100

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

Saint Helen's ROI score of 74 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects how affordable local properties are relative to what they can earn. Occupancy stability scores below average due to the market's intense summer-peak seasonality, while market growth and supply/demand balance both sit at average levels. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow plan that accounts for the pronounced off-season.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Saint Helen

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Saint Helen and Roscommon County, Michigan may be required to obtain a local rental permit or register their property with the township. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Richfield Township and the state of Michigan before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in rural Michigan communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and septic system capacity rules. HOA covenants — where applicable — may impose additional limits or outright prohibitions, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires STR operators to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and some jurisdictions layer on additional local lodging or assessment district fees. Major booking platforms often handle state-level tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Saint Helen's STR market is expected to remain heavily seasonal, with July and August driving the lion's share of annual income. Investors can anticipate ADR holding steady or edging up 1–3% as supply remains limited and lake-tourism demand persists. Occupancy, currently at 27% on an annualized basis, is unlikely to break much higher given the pronounced winter slowdown, though shoulder-season tactics like fall hunting packages could modestly extend the earning window. Market growth appears average, and a 132% year-over-year increase in active listings signals rising investor interest that bears watching."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Saint Helen, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saint Helen?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Saint Helen is currently 27%, which falls below Michigan's 42% state average. This figure reflects the market's strong summer seasonality — occupancy spikes during June through August and drops significantly in the colder months. Three-bedroom properties average 21% occupancy while two-bedrooms come in slightly higher at 26%, though the smaller units command much lower daily rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Saint Helen?

Airbnb hosts in Saint Helen earn an average of $2,649 per month and approximately $31,794 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies substantially by property size: three-bedroom listings average $39,327 annually, while two-bedroom units bring in about $16,162. The bulk of this income is concentrated in the summer months, with July alone averaging over $8,100 in revenue.

Is Saint Helen a good market for Airbnb investment?

Saint Helen earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity tier. The market's biggest strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — homes averaging around $216,344 can generate roughly $31,794 in annual STR income. The tradeoff is below-average occupancy stability due to heavy seasonality, so investors should plan cash reserves for the slower winter months and consider strategies to extend shoulder-season bookings.

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

The average daily rate across all Saint Helen Airbnb listings is $212, which is well below Michigan's $350 state average. ADR varies significantly by property size: two-bedroom listings average $103 per night, while three-bedroom properties command $215 per night. This pricing keeps Saint Helen accessible for family and group getaways centered on lake recreation.

Are short-term rentals legal in Saint Helen?

Short-term rentals do operate in Saint Helen, Michigan, with 19 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local permit or registration requirements may apply at the township or county level. Investors should contact Richfield Township and review any applicable Roscommon County ordinances before purchasing a property intended for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Saint Helen?

Peak season in Saint Helen runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $8,167 per listing. August follows closely at $7,631. Revenue drops sharply after September and reaches its lowest point in March at just $676, making this one of the more seasonal STR markets in Michigan.

How many Airbnbs are there in Saint Helen?

As of April 2026, there are 19 active Airbnb listings in Saint Helen. The supply is split between two-bedroom (6 listings) and three-bedroom (8 listings) properties, with the remaining listings in other configurations. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 132%, suggesting rising investor interest in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Saint Helen?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Saint Helen 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 (like July's $8,167 average) and slower periods (like March's $676). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.