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

Sawyer Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sawyer, MI is a seasonal vacation-rental market in Michigan's Harbor Country corridor, where 66 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $47,389. With an average daily rate of $336—just below the $350 state average—and a highly seasonal demand curve that peaks dramatically in summer, the market rewards investors who can capitalize on a compressed high-earning window. Property prices averaging roughly $801K mean careful deal sourcing is essential to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sawyer 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 Sawyer

Investors look at Sawyer for its premium nightly rates and concentrated summer demand near Lake Michigan, though the highly seasonal pattern and elevated home prices require disciplined underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sawyer presents a competitive opportunity with a pronounced seasonal tilt: the summer months from June through August account for the bulk of annual earnings, with July revenues more than five times the winter average. Outside that window, occupancy drops sharply—the market-wide 18% average sits well below Michigan's 42% state average—so investors need realistic cash-flow models that account for several lean months. Larger properties (3- and 4-bedroom homes) tend to command the strongest returns, with 4-bedroom units posting the highest RevPAN at $68. The market's premium pricing and limited supply keep it attractive for the right buyer, but elevated home values near $801K and a below-average supply/demand balance mean returns hinge on acquiring at the right basis."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sawyer

Average revenue by month in Sawyer

Sawyer's revenue curve is extremely seasonal, with July ($10,141) and August ($8,756) generating roughly five to seven times the revenue of winter months like January ($1,504) and February ($1,449). This stark spread means investors should expect the majority of annual income to arrive in a three-month summer window, with shoulder months in May and September providing a helpful but more modest lift.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sawyer

Three-bedroom homes dominate Sawyer's supply with 25 of the 66 total listings, followed by 4-bedrooms (13) and 2-bedrooms (12). One-bedroom units are notably scarce at just 6 listings, which could represent either limited demand for smaller spaces or a potential niche opportunity for budget-conscious travelers and couples.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sawyer

ADR rises sharply from $170 for 1-bedroom units to $338 for 3-bedrooms, but 4-bedroom properties actually dip slightly to $331, suggesting the rate premium plateaus beyond three bedrooms. For investors weighing acquisition costs, the 2-to-3-bedroom jump from $237 to $338 represents the steepest per-bedroom rate increase and may offer the best pricing leverage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sawyer

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $68 per available night, meaningfully ahead of 2-bedrooms ($49) and 3-bedrooms ($42), while 1-bedrooms trail at $23. This indicates that despite slightly lower ADRs than 3-bedroom homes, 4-bedroom listings convert their available nights into revenue more efficiently—likely driven by higher occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sawyer

Occupancy rates are modest across all sizes, but 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties share the lead at 21%, while 1-bedrooms (14%) and 3-bedrooms (13%) lag behind. The relatively low occupancy for 3-bedroom homes—despite being the most common listing type—suggests that supply may be outpacing demand for that configuration, which could put downward pressure on fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sawyer

Three-bedroom listings top the monthly revenue chart at $4,366 on average, edging out 4-bedrooms at $4,053, while 2-bedroom homes generate $3,274 and 1-bedrooms bring in $1,871. The gap between 3- and 4-bedroom revenue is relatively slim, so investors should weigh acquisition and operating costs carefully when choosing between the two sizes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sawyer

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom homes lead with $52,403 in average revenue, followed closely by 4-bedrooms at $48,639, 2-bedrooms at $39,289, and 1-bedrooms at $22,456. Given Sawyer's average home value of roughly $801K, the 3-bedroom configuration appears to offer the strongest gross revenue potential, though actual ROI will depend heavily on purchase price and operating expenses.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sawyer

Parking and a full kitchen are near-universal at 97% of listings, while BBQ grills (92%), washers (86%), and backyards (83%) round out the top five—painting a clear picture of a market geared toward family and group getaways. Lake access (20%) and beach access (18%) are relatively rare, suggesting that properties with these features could command a meaningful premium over the typical listing.

Understanding Sawyer's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Sawyer's ROI Score of 51 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning investor interest and vacation demand are real, but the economics require careful selection. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance fall below average—reflecting rapid new supply entering a seasonally concentrated market. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative financial model will help investors identify deals where the numbers genuinely pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sawyer

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sawyer, Michigan may need to obtain a local STR permit or register with Chikaming Township (the municipality that includes Sawyer). Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with local authorities before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in this area can include occupancy caps tied to property size, minimum-stay requirements (especially during off-peak periods), noise ordinances, and parking limits. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any deed restrictions is a prudent step before closing.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit the state's use tax, and local jurisdictions may impose additional accommodation or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of tax collection, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sawyer's short-term rental performance will likely remain tightly linked to its summer tourism season, with July and August continuing to drive the lion's share of annual revenue. ADR may hold steady or edge up 1–3% as limited inventory and strong leisure demand keep pricing power intact during peak months. However, occupancy outside the June-to-September corridor is expected to stay modest—likely in the low-to-mid teens—so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. Supply growth of 170% year-over-year suggests rising competition, which could put downward pressure on off-season bookings if new listings outpace demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sawyer, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sawyer?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sawyer is currently 18%, which is notably below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature—demand surges in summer and drops off significantly during the colder months. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom listings performing slightly better at around 21%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sawyer?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Sawyer earns approximately $47,389 per year, or about $3,949 per month. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 3-bedroom homes lead with an average annual revenue of $52,403, while 1-bedroom listings average $22,456. Summer months are the primary revenue driver, with July averaging $10,141 per listing.

Is Sawyer a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sawyer earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 51 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers strong summer demand and premium nightly rates, but high home values (averaging around $801K), below-average occupancy outside peak season, and growing competition require investors to be selective. Larger properties—particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes—tend to deliver the best revenue-to-cost dynamics.

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

The average daily rate in Sawyer is $336, which sits just below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $170, 2-bedrooms come in at $237, and 3-bedroom properties command the highest ADR at $338. Interestingly, 4-bedroom homes average $331, suggesting diminishing rate premiums for the largest configurations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sawyer?

Short-term rentals operate in Sawyer, MI, as evidenced by 66 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations—including permit requirements, zoning rules, and occupancy limits—can change. Investors should verify the latest STR rules with the Chikaming Township office and review any HOA covenants before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sawyer?

Peak season in Sawyer runs from June through August, with July standing out as the top-earning month at an average of $10,141 per listing. August follows at $8,756, and June at $5,498. The shoulder months of May and September also see meaningful activity ($3,734 and $4,758 respectively), while winter months from December through March average roughly $1,500–$1,965.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sawyer?

As of April 2026, there are 66 active Airbnb listings in Sawyer. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (25 listings), followed by 4-bedrooms (13), 2-bedrooms (12), and 1-bedrooms (6). Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 170%, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sawyer?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sawyer 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $10,141 average) and slower periods. 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 for Sawyer and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and property-size breakdowns for competitive analysis

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 averages and current market snapshots; conditions may shift due to seasonal variation, regulatory changes, or macroeconomic factors. Individual property results will vary depending on location, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.