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

Stanwood Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Stanwood, MI is a small lakeside market with just 22 active Airbnb listings, yet it delivers an average annual revenue of $37,226 per property — a notable figure given average home values of $452,587. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and strong year-over-year listing growth of 86% suggest rising investor interest in this rural Michigan destination. While occupancy runs well below the state average at 19%, the pronounced summer peak and lake-driven demand create a concentrated earning window that can still pencil out for the right property.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Stanwood 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 Stanwood

Stanwood's favorable revenue-to-price ratio and lake-country appeal make it worth evaluating for investors seeking higher yield potential in a small, emerging Michigan market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Stanwood presents a moderately attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to embrace a seasonal revenue model. The market earns its 68/100 ROI score largely on the strength of its revenue-to-price ratio, while occupancy stability and supply-demand balance sit at average levels. Seasonality is stark — August tops $6,055 per listing while January dips to $1,222 — so investors should budget for lean winter months and treat the June-through-October corridor as the primary earning season. For those comfortable with a vacation-rental cadence rather than year-round cash flow, the numbers here tell a compelling story."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Stanwood

Average revenue by month in Stanwood

Stanwood's revenue swings dramatically with the seasons — August leads at $6,055, nearly five times the January low of $1,222, making the June-through-October window critical for annual returns. Investors should expect roughly 70% of annual revenue to concentrate in the warmer months and plan cash reserves accordingly for the winter trough.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Stanwood

The market's supply is tightly concentrated in larger homes, with 7 four-bedroom and 6 three-bedroom listings accounting for the trackable inventory. This narrow size distribution suggests there may be opportunity for differentiated offerings, though it also reflects the lake-vacation nature of the area where guests typically travel in groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Stanwood

Four-bedroom properties command $284 per night compared to $235 for three-bedroom units, a 21% premium that reflects the additional capacity. However, investors should weigh this higher nightly rate against occupancy and total revenue performance before assuming bigger is always better.

Average RevPAN by property size in Stanwood

Three-bedroom listings deliver the stronger RevPAN at $54 versus $39 for four-bedroom properties, indicating that the smaller units' higher occupancy more than compensates for their lower nightly rate. This makes 3-bedroom configurations the more efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Stanwood

Three-bedroom properties achieve 23% occupancy — significantly higher than the 14% seen for four-bedroom units — suggesting they appeal to a broader range of guests and book more consistently. While neither figure is high by national standards, the gap underscores the importance of property sizing in this seasonal market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Stanwood

Three-bedroom listings average $2,993 per month, outpacing four-bedroom properties at $2,554 by roughly $440 monthly. The difference is driven primarily by the occupancy advantage smaller units enjoy, making them the steadier earners in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Stanwood

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom listings generate approximately $35,916 compared to $30,658 for 4-bedroom homes — a $5,258 gap that favors the smaller configuration. Given that 3-bedroom properties also likely carry lower acquisition and operating costs, they may offer the best return potential in Stanwood.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Stanwood

Parking and kitchens appear in 96% of listings, while BBQ grills and washers (91%) round out the near-universal amenities — all consistent with a family-oriented lake vacation market. Lake access (55%) and hot tubs (50%) serve as key differentiators, and their prevalence signals that guests in Stanwood expect an outdoor, self-sufficient vacation experience.

Understanding Stanwood's ROI Score: 68/100

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

Stanwood's ROI score of 68 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that signals hosts earn well relative to property acquisition costs. Occupancy stability and supply-demand balance rate as average, reflecting the market's seasonal character and recent surge in new listings. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Stanwood

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Stanwood, Michigan may need to obtain permits or register with local or county authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements with Mecosta County and the State of Michigan, as rules can evolve quickly in growing STR markets.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan STR markets can include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit rentals. Zoning classifications in rural areas like Stanwood can also affect where short-term rentals are permitted, so a review of local ordinances before purchasing is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit the state's 6% use tax, and some localities impose additional accommodation or tourism taxes. Major booking platforms often handle tax collection on behalf of hosts, but owners should confirm their obligations with a tax professional to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Stanwood's summer-heavy revenue pattern should continue to anchor returns, with July and August likely generating $5,500–$6,100 per listing. The rapid supply growth (86% year-over-year) warrants monitoring — if new listings outpace demand, occupancy and ADR could soften, though the market's small base means a handful of additions can skew the percentage. Investors should anticipate ADR holding near the current $285 range, with modest seasonal occupancy improvements possible as the area gains visibility among Michigan vacationers."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Stanwood, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Stanwood?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Stanwood is currently 19%, which is below the Michigan state average of 42%. This lower figure reflects the market's seasonal nature — demand concentrates heavily in the summer lake season, with lighter bookings through fall and winter. Properties with strong amenities like lake access and hot tubs may outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Stanwood?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Stanwood earns approximately $3,102 per month or $37,226 per year. Revenue varies significantly by season, with August averaging $6,055 and January around $1,222. Property size also matters — 3-bedroom listings average $35,916 annually, while 4-bedroom properties come in at about $30,658.

Is Stanwood a good market for Airbnb investment?

Stanwood scores a 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is a standout strength, meaning hosts earn relatively well compared to what it costs to acquire property here. Investors should be prepared for pronounced seasonality and below-average annual occupancy, but for those who can manage a summer-heavy rental calendar, the economics are favorable compared to many Michigan alternatives.

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

The average daily rate in Stanwood is $285, which is below the Michigan state average of $350. Three-bedroom properties average $235 per night, while 4-bedroom listings command around $284. The lower-than-state-average ADR reflects Stanwood's rural positioning, but the corresponding lower property prices help maintain a strong revenue-to-price ratio.

Are short-term rentals legal in Stanwood?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Stanwood, MI, as evidenced by 22 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or licenses from Mecosta County or local authorities. Prospective investors should consult with local government offices and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Stanwood?

Peak season in Stanwood runs from June through September, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $6,055 per listing. July follows closely at $5,602. The summer months benefit from lake tourism and outdoor recreation, while January and December represent the slowest period with revenues around $1,222 and $1,581 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Stanwood?

As of April 2026, there are 22 active Airbnb listings in Stanwood. The market has seen significant growth, with an 86% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is concentrated in larger properties, with 7 four-bedroom and 6 three-bedroom listings making up the majority of inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Stanwood?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Stanwood 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 up the remaining data 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 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 the Stanwood market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.