South Haven, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

South Haven Short-Term Rental Market Overview

South Haven, MI stands out as a compelling lakeside vacation rental market with an ROI score of 77 out of 100, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. With 272 active Airbnb listings averaging $72,077 in annual revenue and an ADR of $374 — above the Michigan state average of $350 — the market rewards investors who can navigate its pronounced seasonality. The combination of Lake Michigan beach tourism and manageable supply creates a window for well-positioned properties to capture outsized summer returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the South Haven 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 South Haven

South Haven attracts STR investors because its strong summer revenue potential and favorable revenue-to-price ratio can offset the market's seasonal nature, particularly for larger properties that command premium nightly rates.

Expert Market Assessment

"South Haven earns a "Standout Opportunity" designation with its 77/100 ROI score, reflecting a market where summer revenue intensity can more than compensate for a quiet off-season. Seasonality is the defining feature here — July revenue of $17,515 is nearly 13 times the January figure of $1,377, so investors need to plan cash flow accordingly. The supply landscape is balanced across mid-size and larger properties, with 4-bedroom and 5-bedroom homes offering a compelling middle ground between acquisition cost and earning power. For those comfortable with a seasonal cash-flow model, this Lake Michigan destination delivers genuine upside that many year-round urban markets struggle to match."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in South Haven

Average revenue by month in South Haven

South Haven's revenue is extremely seasonal, with July ($17,515) and August ($16,507) generating roughly 10–13 times the revenue of winter months like January ($1,377) and February ($1,748). Investors should expect approximately 60% of annual income to come from the four-month window of June through September, making summer pricing strategy critical to overall returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in South Haven

Three-bedroom homes lead supply with 70 listings, closely followed by 4-bedroom properties at 65, while 1-bedroom (30) and 6+ bedroom (26) units are less common. The relative scarcity of larger 6+ bedroom properties — combined with their significantly higher revenue — could represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger vacation homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in South Haven

ADR scales sharply with size, from $204 for 1-bedroom units up to $612 for 6+ bedroom properties, nearly tripling across the range. The jump from 3-bedroom ($287) to 4-bedroom ($436) is particularly steep, suggesting a strong pricing premium once a property can accommodate larger family and group bookings.

Average RevPAN by property size in South Haven

Revenue per available night peaks at $114 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4- and 5-bedroom units tied at $87 — both well above the 1- to 3-bedroom range of $61–$69. This indicates that despite lower occupancy rates, larger properties more than compensate through higher nightly rates, delivering better per-night revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in South Haven

Smaller units fill more consistently, with 1-bedroom properties leading at 33% occupancy compared to 18–20% for 5- and 6+ bedroom homes. While these occupancy figures are modest across the board due to the seasonal nature of the market, smaller units offer more predictable booking patterns for investors prioritizing cash-flow stability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in South Haven

Six-plus bedroom properties dominate monthly revenue at $11,459, nearly triple the $3,963 earned by 3-bedroom units, which sit at the bottom of the revenue range. The 4-bedroom ($6,577) and 5-bedroom ($7,728) categories offer a solid middle tier that balances earning potential against the higher operating and acquisition costs of the largest homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in South Haven

Annual revenue ranges from $47,558 for 3-bedroom homes to $137,514 for 6+ bedroom properties, with the jump from 3-bedroom to 4-bedroom ($78,932) representing a 66% increase — the steepest gain across any adjacent size tier. Investors targeting the highest absolute returns should focus on 5-bedroom ($92,746) or larger properties, though acquisition costs should be weighed against these top-line figures.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in South Haven

Kitchens (98%), parking (97%), and laundry facilities (92–94%) are essentially table stakes in South Haven, reflecting the self-service expectations of vacation guests staying in a beach destination. Outdoor amenities are notably prevalent — BBQ grills at 84%, patios at 65%, and backyards at 61% — signaling that guests prioritize outdoor living space, while lake access (35%) and hot tubs (30%) serve as premium differentiators.

Understanding South Haven's ROI Score: 77/100

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

South Haven's ROI score of 77 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" tier, anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that signals strong income potential relative to property acquisition costs. Occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all score at average levels, reflecting a healthy but seasonal market where summer intensity drives the bulk of returns. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research to confirm that current permitting rules support their intended strategy.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in South Haven

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in South Haven, Michigan may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city before listing it on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of South Haven and Van Buren County, as rules can change with local legislative action.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan lakefront communities like South Haven can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA or neighborhood association rules may impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any deed restrictions or community covenants before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally subject to the state's 6% use tax and a 5% accommodations tax, along with any locally imposed lodging or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the Michigan Department of Treasury and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, South Haven's short-term rental market is expected to continue benefiting from steady summer tourism demand, with July and August likely remaining peak revenue months generating $16,000–$17,500 per listing. ADR could see modest upward pressure in the range of 2–4% as the market matures, though the 119% year-over-year growth in active listings signals increasing competition that may temper occupancy gains. Investors should anticipate occupancy holding in the 20–25% range on an annualized basis, with earnings heavily concentrated between June and September, making cash reserve planning essential for the quieter winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in South Haven, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Haven?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in South Haven is currently 22%, which is below the Michigan state average of 42%. This lower annualized figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — occupancy concentrates heavily during the summer beach season and drops significantly in winter. Smaller properties like 1-bedroom units tend to fill more frequently at 33% occupancy, while larger homes hover around 18–20%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in South Haven?

On average, Airbnb hosts in South Haven earn approximately $6,006 per month and $72,077 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. However, earnings vary dramatically by property size: 6+ bedroom properties average $137,514 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in about $52,881. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer months, with July alone averaging $17,515 per listing.

Is South Haven a good market for Airbnb investment?

South Haven scores a 77 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning a "Standout Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential relative to property costs is favorable compared to many other markets. The key consideration is seasonality — nearly half of annual revenue is generated between June and August, so investors should be comfortable managing cash flow through slower winter months.

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

The average daily rate in South Haven is $374, which is above the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales significantly with property size, ranging from $204 for 1-bedroom units to $612 for 6+ bedroom properties. This premium pricing reflects the vacation destination nature of the market and guests' willingness to pay more for lakeside getaways, especially during peak summer season.

Are short-term rentals legal in South Haven?

Short-term rentals operate in South Haven, MI with 272 currently active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations around permits, zoning, and operational requirements can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of South Haven and relevant Michigan state agencies to confirm current rules before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in South Haven?

Peak season in South Haven runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $17,515 per listing, followed closely by August at $16,507. Revenue begins climbing in May ($5,079) and tapers through September ($7,080) into October ($4,249). The winter months from November through March see significantly lower earnings, with January being the slowest month at $1,377.

How many Airbnbs are there in South Haven?

There are currently 272 active Airbnb listings in South Haven as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 119% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is spread across property sizes, with 3-bedroom homes being the most common (70 listings), followed by 4-bedroom properties (65 listings) and 5-bedroom homes (45 listings).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in South Haven?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for South Haven 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 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. 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 South Haven market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property size breakdowns for supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment 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 is current as of April 27, 2026 and market conditions may have changed since the last update. Local regulations governing short-term rentals can change; investors should independently verify all permit, zoning, and tax requirements before purchasing.