Saugatuck, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Saugatuck Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Saugatuck is a charming Lake Michigan resort town that draws vacationers with its art galleries, beaches, and small-town waterfront appeal — all of which fuel a highly seasonal short-term rental market. With 169 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $346, and trailing-12-month annual revenue averaging $60,961, the market offers genuine earning potential for investors who can navigate its concentrated summer demand. Average home values sit around $1,015,464, so returns hinge on capturing premium summer rates and managing carrying costs through the quieter winter months.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Saugatuck

Investors are drawn to Saugatuck for its combination of premium nightly rates, loyal summer tourist demand, and the lifestyle appeal of a Lake Michigan coastal market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Saugatuck represents an attractive but sharply seasonal investment opportunity. July and August are the revenue engine — together they account for roughly 40% of annual income — while winter months dip below $2,200. The ROI score of 61 out of 100 reflects a balanced picture: revenue-to-price ratios are average given elevated home values, but occupancy stability scores above average, signaling that summer demand is reliable. Investors who pair a well-appointed larger property with smart off-season pricing strategies stand to capture the best returns this market has to offer."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Saugatuck

Average revenue by month in Saugatuck

Saugatuck's revenue curve is extremely seasonal: July ($12,642) and August ($12,128) dwarf winter lows like February ($1,561), creating a roughly 8x spread between peak and trough months. Investors should expect the June–September window to deliver the bulk of annual income, with shoulder months in May and October offering moderate supplemental revenue.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Saugatuck

Three-bedroom listings lead supply with 46 active properties, closely followed by 1-bedroom units at 43, while the larger 5-bedroom (16) and 6+ bedroom (8) segments are notably thinner. The limited supply of bigger homes could represent an opportunity, especially given their superior revenue performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Saugatuck

ADR scales steeply with property size in Saugatuck, climbing from $178 for 1-bedroom units to $916 for 6+ bedroom homes — a 5x jump that reflects strong demand for spacious vacation properties. The jump from 4-bedroom ($445) to 5-bedroom ($536) is more modest, suggesting the sweet spot for premium pricing without excessive acquisition cost may fall in the 4–5 bedroom range.

Average RevPAN by property size in Saugatuck

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $135, just edging out 6+ bedrooms ($134), while 1-bedroom listings trail at $34. The 4-bedroom tier at $97 also stands out as a strong performer, offering nearly triple the RevPAN of a 2-bedroom ($55) with proportionally less supply competition.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Saugatuck

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across property sizes, ranging from 15% for 6+ bedrooms to 25% for 5-bedroom units. Five-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties (22%) tend to stay booked more often, while the lower occupancy for the largest homes suggests they command such high nightly rates that fewer bookings still yield competitive revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Saugatuck

Five-bedroom properties are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $9,967, nearly double the $4,966 earned by 3-bedroom listings. Even 4-bedroom homes pull in $5,989 per month on average, making mid-to-large properties the strongest earners in a market where group and family travel dominate.

Average annual revenue by property size in Saugatuck

Annual revenue ranges from $36,567 for 1-bedroom units to $119,606 for 5-bedroom homes, with the 6+ bedroom segment coming in at $92,596 — likely tempered by its lower occupancy rate. Investors targeting the highest annual return potential should focus on the 4-bedroom ($71,868) to 5-bedroom tier, where revenue substantially outpaces smaller configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Saugatuck

Parking (98%) and a full kitchen (95%) are essentially table stakes in Saugatuck, while self check-in (84%), washer/dryer (75–76%), and BBQ grills (69%) round out the near-universal amenities. Differentiators like hot tubs (37%), lake access (16%), and waterfront location (15%) are far less common, signaling that listings offering these features can stand out and potentially command premium rates.

Understanding Saugatuck's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Saugatuck's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where summer demand is dependable but elevated home prices keep revenue-to-price ratios at average levels. Occupancy stability stands out as an above-average factor, meaning peak-season bookings have been consistent year over year — a reassuring signal for investors counting on those critical summer months. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear off-season strategy will help investors make the most informed decision.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Saugatuck

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Saugatuck, Michigan, should expect to register or obtain a permit from the local municipality before listing their property. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current permit requirements with the City of Saugatuck and Allegan County, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan resort communities like Saugatuck may include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and off-street parking mandates. HOA covenants in some developments can also limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Michigan levies a 6% state use tax on short-term rental accommodations, and Saugatuck may impose an additional local lodging or assessment fee. Major platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their obligations for any local levies directly with tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Saugatuck's summer-driven demand pattern shows no signs of weakening, and with above-average occupancy stability as a key ROI factor, investors can expect the peak season to remain robust over the next 12–18 months. ADR is likely to hold steady or edge up 1–3% given the market's premium positioning near Lake Michigan. Off-season revenue will remain modest — estimates suggest winter months may continue to yield $1,500–$2,500 — so annual projections should account for roughly 60% of income arriving between June and September. Listing growth has been strong at 141% year-over-year, which could moderate pricing power if supply continues to expand at that pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Saugatuck, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saugatuck?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Saugatuck is currently 20%, which is below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's pronounced seasonality — occupancy surges in summer when tourists flock to the Lake Michigan coast, then falls significantly in the colder months. Five-bedroom properties lead with a 25% average, while 6+ bedroom homes lag at 15%. Investors should plan cash flows around this seasonal pattern rather than expecting consistent year-round bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Saugatuck?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Saugatuck earns approximately $60,961 per year, or about $5,080 per month. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $36,567 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can reach roughly $119,606. Peak months like July ($12,642) and August ($12,128) drive the lion's share of annual income. Individual results depend on property quality, location, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Saugatuck a good market for Airbnb investment?

Saugatuck earns an ROI score of 61 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong summer demand driven by Lake Michigan tourism. However, average home values near $1,015,464 mean that revenue-to-price ratios are average rather than exceptional. Investors who target larger properties (4–5 bedrooms) and maximize the June-through-September peak season are best positioned to generate meaningful returns.

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

The average daily rate in Saugatuck is $346, which is just slightly below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales meaningfully with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $178 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $916. This premium pricing for larger homes reflects strong demand from families and groups seeking vacation-style accommodations in a resort setting.

Are short-term rentals legal in Saugatuck?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Saugatuck, Michigan, though operators should expect local registration or permitting requirements. As with many resort communities in Michigan, specific rules around occupancy limits, parking, noise, and minimum stays may apply. We recommend contacting the City of Saugatuck directly to confirm current regulations before purchasing an investment property, as local ordinances can evolve.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Saugatuck?

Peak season in Saugatuck runs from June through September, with July ($12,642 average monthly revenue) and August ($12,128) standing out as the top-earning months. These four months account for the vast majority of annual income. Shoulder months like May ($4,933) and October ($4,757) still offer decent returns, while the winter months from November through March see revenues drop to roughly $1,500–$2,500 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Saugatuck?

As of April 2026, there are 169 active Airbnb listings in Saugatuck. The supply is fairly spread across property sizes: 3-bedroom homes lead with 46 listings, followed by 1-bedroom units at 43 and 2-bedroom properties at 28. The market has seen significant listing growth of 141% year-over-year, which is worth monitoring as increased supply could affect pricing and occupancy over time.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Saugatuck?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Saugatuck 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder 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 Saugatuck market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing performance
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates grounded in 12 months of historical booking data
• Property-level breakdowns by bedroom count covering supply, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations can change — always verify current rules with Saugatuck and Michigan authorities before investing.