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

Saint Joseph Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Saint Joseph, MI stands out as a seasonal lakeside market where summer demand drives outsized returns — July revenue averages $9,628, more than six times the winter lows. With only 40 active Airbnb listings, the market is compact yet generates an average annual revenue of $45,000 per listing against average home values of $504,348. An ROI score of 74 out of 100 places it in "Attractive Opportunity" territory, supported by above-average revenue-to-price ratios and strong occupancy stability.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Saint Joseph 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 Joseph

Investors are drawn to Saint Joseph for its compelling revenue-to-price dynamics and the concentrated summer tourism season that delivers the bulk of annual returns in just a few months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Saint Joseph presents a genuinely attractive investment opportunity for operators who can tolerate — and plan around — sharp seasonality. The summer months from June through August account for the lion's share of annual revenue, with July alone generating $9,628 on average. Winter months drop to the $1,380–$1,862 range, so investors need strong peak-season execution to hit annual targets. With above-average scores across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth, this is a market where disciplined pricing and seasonal preparation can translate compact supply into meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Saint Joseph

Average revenue by month in Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph's revenue curve is sharply seasonal: July peaks at $9,628 and August follows at $8,313, while the winter trough in February bottoms out at $1,380 — a nearly 7x spread that underscores the importance of maximizing summer bookings. Shoulder months like May ($3,548) and September ($4,515) offer meaningful supplemental income for hosts who price aggressively.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Saint Joseph

Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 14 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (12) and 1-bedrooms (6). The relatively thin supply of 1-bedroom units could represent an opportunity for investors targeting couples or solo travelers, though the revenue ceiling is lower for smaller properties.

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

ADR jumps dramatically with size — 3-bedroom listings command $323 per night, more than double the $136 rate for 1-bedrooms and over twice the $154 for 2-bedrooms. This steep premium suggests strong group and family demand in Saint Joseph, making larger homes the clear play for investors focused on nightly rate optimization.

Average RevPAN by property size in Saint Joseph

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $73, nearly double the $38 earned by 1-bedroom units, with 2-bedrooms in between at $45. Despite 3-bedrooms having the lowest occupancy rate, their significantly higher ADR more than compensates, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Saint Joseph

Occupancy rates are relatively close across property sizes, with 2-bedrooms leading at 29%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 28%, and 3-bedrooms at 23%. The modest gap suggests that larger properties trade slightly fewer booked nights for substantially higher rates, a trade-off that still favors 3-bedroom units on a total revenue basis.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Saint Joseph

Three-bedroom units lead monthly revenue at $4,020, followed by 2-bedrooms at $3,477 and 1-bedrooms at $2,353. The $1,667 monthly gap between 1- and 3-bedroom properties adds up to nearly $20,000 annually, making the step up in property size a meaningful lever for return optimization.

Average annual revenue by property size in Saint Joseph

Annual revenue scales clearly with size: 3-bedroom homes average $48,251, 2-bedrooms earn $41,724, and 1-bedrooms bring in $28,247. For investors evaluating acquisition costs against income potential, the 3-bedroom configuration offers the strongest top-line revenue, though total ROI will depend on purchase price and operating expenses for each property type.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Saint Joseph

Kitchens (100%), washers (93%), and parking (88%) are near-universal, while outdoor amenities like patios (78%), BBQ grills (73%), and outdoor furniture (63%) reflect the market's vacation and leisure orientation. Lake access (30%) and waterfront positioning (28%) are present in a meaningful minority of listings, signaling that proximity to the water is a differentiator rather than a baseline expectation.

Understanding Saint Joseph'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 Joseph's ROI score of 74 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven by above-average marks in revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend, with supply/demand balance rated as average. The strong revenue-to-price score is particularly notable given the market's $45,000 average annual revenue against $504,348 average home values, suggesting that entry costs remain reasonable relative to income potential. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and seasonal cash-flow planning, as the market's pronounced summer concentration demands disciplined financial management.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Saint Joseph

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Saint Joseph, Michigan may be required to obtain a local STR permit or register with the city before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Saint Joseph and Berrien County offices, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Michigan communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements (especially in residential zones), noise ordinances, and off-street parking mandates. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, and some municipalities cap the total number of short-term rental permits issued — so prospective hosts should confirm availability early in the due diligence process.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and many local jurisdictions layer on additional accommodation or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle state-level tax collection automatically, but investors should confirm whether any local assessments require separate filing with Saint Joseph or Berrien County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Saint Joseph's summer-driven demand cycle is expected to remain the primary revenue engine, with peak-season ADR likely holding steady or rising 2–4% as Lake Michigan tourism continues to draw Chicago-area visitors. Year-over-year listing growth of 91% signals rising investor interest, which could moderate per-listing revenue if supply outpaces demand — though the market's small base of 40 listings means even modest demand growth can absorb new inventory. Occupancy rates during shoulder months (May, September, October) may edge up 1–3 percentage points as hosts refine pricing strategies, but winter months will likely remain soft at around 20–25% occupancy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Saint Joseph, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saint Joseph?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Saint Joseph is currently 24%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's heavy seasonal skew — occupancy climbs significantly during the summer months and drops during winter. Among property sizes, 2-bedroom units lead at 29% average occupancy, while 3-bedrooms sit at 23%. Investors should factor this seasonality into cash-flow planning and consider dynamic pricing to maximize booked nights during shoulder months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Saint Joseph?

Airbnb hosts in Saint Joseph earn an average of $3,750 per month and $45,000 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking performance. Revenue varies widely by season — July averages $9,628 while February dips to around $1,380. Property size also matters: 3-bedroom listings average $48,251 annually, compared to $28,247 for 1-bedrooms and $41,724 for 2-bedrooms. These figures represent market-wide historical averages, and individual results will depend on property quality, location, and pricing strategy.

Is Saint Joseph a good market for Airbnb investment?

Saint Joseph earns an ROI score of 74 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios, solid occupancy stability, and positive growth trends. With only 40 active listings and average home values around $504,348, the entry point is reasonable relative to the $45,000 average annual revenue. The key consideration is seasonality — investors need to plan for strong summer earnings that carry the property through quieter winter months.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Saint Joseph is $250, which comes in below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $136, 2-bedrooms come in at $154, and 3-bedroom properties command $323 per night. The lower market-wide average reflects the mix of smaller units in the supply, and investors targeting larger homes can capture notably higher nightly rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Saint Joseph?

Short-term rentals are currently operating in Saint Joseph, with 40 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations can vary and may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific zoning rules. Investors should contact the City of Saint Joseph and review any applicable Berrien County ordinances before purchasing or listing a property, as STR regulations in Michigan communities can evolve over time.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Saint Joseph?

Peak season in Saint Joseph runs from June through August, with July being the clear standout at $9,628 in average monthly revenue. August follows at $8,313, and June at $5,222. Shoulder months like May ($3,548) and September ($4,515) also perform respectably. The slowest period is January through April, when monthly revenue ranges from roughly $1,380 to $1,864. This pronounced seasonality is typical for Lake Michigan vacation markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Saint Joseph?

As of April 2026, there are 40 active Airbnb listings in Saint Joseph. The supply breaks down as 6 one-bedroom properties, 12 two-bedroom units, and 14 three-bedroom homes. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 91%, indicating rising investor interest in the market. The relatively small total supply means new entrants should monitor how quickly additional listings are absorbed by demand.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Saint Joseph?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Saint Joseph 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 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 meaningfully based on property quality, location, 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 Saint Joseph market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors. Local short-term rental regulations may change; investors should verify current rules with Saint Joseph and Berrien County authorities before acquiring or listing a property.