Sault Sainte Marie, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sault Sainte Marie Short-Term Rental Market Overview

With just 29 active listings and an average daily rate of $182—roughly half the Michigan state average—Sault Sainte Marie presents a compelling entry point for short-term rental investors looking for affordable Upper Peninsula exposure. Occupancy sits at 47%, outpacing the 42% state average, and average annual revenue of $27,919 against home values around $291,277 creates an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. The market's proximity to the Soo Locks, international border crossings, and seasonal outdoor recreation provides a distinct tourism draw that keeps demand concentrated yet meaningful.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sault Sainte Marie 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 Sault Sainte Marie

Sault Sainte Marie attracts investor interest due to its favorable revenue-to-price ratio, above-average occupancy relative to the state, and a small competitive field that rewards well-positioned properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sault Sainte Marie earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven by a revenue-to-price dynamic that outperforms many Michigan markets. Seasonality is pronounced: July and August alone account for roughly 36% of annual revenue, while November and December dip below $750 per month—investors need to budget for lean winter stretches. The 2-bedroom segment stands out as the strongest performer, generating $32,621 annually with the highest occupancy at 56%, making it the clearest cash-flow play. With listing growth at 147% year-over-year, the window for low-competition entry is narrowing, but the market's small absolute size means even modest demand shifts can meaningfully impact individual performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sault Sainte Marie

Average revenue by month in Sault Sainte Marie

Revenue in Sault Sainte Marie swings dramatically by season—July peaks at $5,228 while December bottoms out at just $708, a spread of over $4,500. The core earning window runs June through October, with a notable fall bump in October ($3,097), making it wise for investors to plan cash reserves for the November–April off-season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sault Sainte Marie

Two-bedroom listings dominate the market with 11 of 29 active properties, followed by 9 one-bedrooms and just 6 three-bedroom units. The relatively thin supply of 3-bedroom homes could present an opportunity for investors willing to offer more space, especially given the family and group travel that drives Upper Peninsula tourism.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sault Sainte Marie

ADR scales steadily from $109 for 1-bedroom listings to $220 for 3-bedrooms, roughly doubling across the size range. The jump from 1 to 2 bedrooms ($109 to $177) is particularly steep, suggesting that the additional bedroom delivers outsized pricing power relative to the incremental cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sault Sainte Marie

Two- and three-bedroom properties both deliver $99 in RevPAN, significantly outperforming one-bedroom units at just $37. This gap reflects the compounding effect of lower occupancy and lower ADR for 1-bedrooms, making mid-size properties the clear efficiency leaders in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sault Sainte Marie

Two-bedroom listings fill at the highest rate (56%), well ahead of 3-bedrooms at 45% and 1-bedrooms at 34%. The strong occupancy for 2-bedroom properties points to consistent demand from couples and small groups, offering more predictable cash flow than the other size categories.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sault Sainte Marie

Two-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,718, edging out 3-bedrooms at $2,444 despite the latter's higher ADR—a testament to the 2-bedroom segment's superior occupancy. One-bedroom listings trail at $1,541 per month, earning roughly 57% of what a 2-bedroom generates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sault Sainte Marie

At $32,621 annually, 2-bedroom listings deliver the highest return potential in Sault Sainte Marie, followed by 3-bedrooms at $29,338 and 1-bedrooms at $18,493. For investors weighing acquisition costs against income, the 2-bedroom configuration appears to offer the most favorable balance of revenue and demand consistency.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sault Sainte Marie

Parking is universal across all 29 listings (100%), reflecting the car-dependent nature of Upper Peninsula travel, while kitchens (93%) and self check-in (86%) round out the essentials. Outdoor amenities like backyards (55%), patios (48%), and BBQ grills (45%) are common differentiators, and the low prevalence of waterfront access (10%) and hot tubs (7%) suggests these features could command a meaningful premium for listings that offer them.

Understanding Sault Sainte Marie'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

Sault Sainte Marie's ROI score of 73 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, anchored by above-average marks for revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability—the two most heavily weighted factors. Market growth trend scores below average, reflecting the fact that rapid listing expansion (147% YoY) may be outpacing demand increases, while supply/demand balance holds at average. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground regulatory research and seasonal cash-flow planning to build a realistic investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sault Sainte Marie

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan may need to obtain local permits or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Sault Sainte Marie and Chippewa County offices, as municipal STR regulations in Michigan can vary significantly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking provisions, and signage rules. HOA or deed restrictions can also limit STR use in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing property-level covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Michigan imposes a 6% state use tax on short-term accommodations, and Sault Sainte Marie may levy additional local lodging or excise taxes. Most major booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations are also being satisfied.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect Sault Sainte Marie's sharp summer peak—July revenue reached $5,228 per listing—to remain the primary earnings engine, with shoulder months like June, September, and October providing secondary support. ADR may see modest increases in the 1–3% range as the small supply base (29 listings) limits pricing pressure, though the 147% year-over-year listing growth suggests new entrants are arriving quickly. Occupancy should hold in the mid-40s to low-50s percent range market-wide, with 2-bedroom properties likely maintaining the strongest fill rates near 56%. Investors should monitor whether the rapid supply expansion moderates, as sustained growth at the current pace could compress per-listing revenue."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sault Sainte Marie, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sault Sainte Marie?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sault Sainte Marie is currently 47%, which is notably above the Michigan state average of 42%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—2-bedroom listings lead at 56%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 45% and 1-bedrooms at 34%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a major role, with summer months driving the highest booking volumes.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sault Sainte Marie?

Airbnb hosts in Sault Sainte Marie earn an average of $2,326 per month and approximately $27,919 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary by property size: 2-bedroom listings lead with about $32,621 annually, while 3-bedrooms average $29,338 and 1-bedrooms come in around $18,493. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with July being the top-earning month at $5,228 per listing.

Is Sault Sainte Marie a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sault Sainte Marie scores 73 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. Its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and solid occupancy stability are the primary strengths. However, market growth trend scores below average, and sharp seasonality means investors should be prepared for significantly lower income during winter months. The low average home value of $291,277 makes entry more accessible than many Michigan markets.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Sault Sainte Marie?

The average daily rate in Sault Sainte Marie is $182, which is well below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales predictably with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $109, 2-bedrooms command $177, and 3-bedroom properties reach $220. The lower ADR reflects the market's more affordable positioning but is offset by occupancy rates that exceed the state average.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sault Sainte Marie?

Short-term rentals operate in Sault Sainte Marie, with 29 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local permit or registration requirements may apply, and regulations can change. Investors should check directly with the City of Sault Sainte Marie and Chippewa County authorities for the most current rules regarding permits, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sault Sainte Marie?

Peak season runs from June through October, with July being the highest-earning month at $5,228 in average revenue per listing. August follows closely at $4,785, while October delivers a strong fall shoulder at $3,097. The off-season spans November through April, with December being the slowest month at just $708 in average revenue—a nearly 7.4x difference from the July peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sault Sainte Marie?

There are currently 29 active Airbnb listings in Sault Sainte Marie as of April 2026. The supply breaks down to 9 one-bedroom listings, 11 two-bedroom listings, and 6 three-bedroom properties. Year-over-year listing growth has been substantial at 147%, indicating growing investor interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sault Sainte Marie?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Sault Sainte Marie are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 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 Sault Sainte Marie and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change—always verify with municipal authorities before investing.