Suttons Bay, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Suttons Bay Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Suttons Bay, MI sits on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay in the heart of Michigan wine country, drawing visitors for lakefront vacations, vineyard tours, and charming small-town experiences. With an average annual revenue of $68,708 across just 51 active listings, the market offers meaningful earning potential — though a high average home value of $1,053,134 means investors need to underwrite carefully. An ADR of $477 runs well above the $350 Michigan state average, reflecting strong guest willingness to pay a premium for this scenic destination. The market's 67/100 ROI score places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier, supported by above-average occupancy stability and growth trends.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Suttons Bay 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 Suttons Bay

Investors are drawn to Suttons Bay for its premium nightly rates, concentrated summer demand, and lakefront lifestyle appeal that commands above-average pricing power in Michigan's short-term rental landscape.

Expert Market Assessment

"Suttons Bay presents a compelling but seasonal investment opportunity — the spread between peak-month revenue ($15,696 in July) and winter lows (around $1,581 in February) is dramatic, so investors should plan for several lean months each year. The market's strength lies in its premium positioning: high ADRs, above-average occupancy stability, and a growth trend that signals rising visitor interest in the Leelanau Peninsula. Supply/demand balance scores below average, reflecting the 76% year-over-year listing growth that could intensify competition over time. Investors who target well-located 3-bedroom properties — the top revenue earners at $81,530 annually — and manage pricing strategically through the shoulder seasons stand to benefit most."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Suttons Bay

Average revenue by month in Suttons Bay

Suttons Bay exhibits extreme seasonality — July leads at $15,696 in average monthly revenue, nearly ten times the February low of $1,581. The June-through-September stretch generates the vast majority of annual income, making cash reserve planning for the November-through-April off-season essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Suttons Bay

Supply is distributed fairly evenly across 1- to 5-bedroom properties, with 3-bedroom listings holding a slight edge at 12 units. The relatively balanced spread means no single property size is dramatically underserved, though the smaller total inventory of just 51 listings keeps competition manageable across all sizes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Suttons Bay

ADR scales steeply with size in Suttons Bay: 5-bedroom properties command $808 per night — more than 3.6 times the $222 rate for 1-bedroom units. The 3-bedroom tier at $487 offers a compelling middle ground, delivering a strong nightly rate without the higher acquisition and maintenance costs of larger homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in Suttons Bay

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $97, followed closely by 4-bedroom units at $92, indicating these mid-size configurations best balance nightly rate with booking frequency. Five-bedroom listings drop to $64 RevPAN despite their high ADR, suggesting their low 8% occupancy significantly erodes per-night revenue potential.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Suttons Bay

Occupancy falls notably as property size increases — 1-bedroom units lead at 34%, while 5-bedroom homes fill just 8% of available nights. This pattern suggests smaller properties offer more consistent cash flow, while larger homes depend heavily on peak-season bookings to generate their revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Suttons Bay

Three-bedroom listings top the monthly revenue chart at $6,794, edging out 5-bedroom properties at $6,320 despite a much lower nightly rate — a testament to their stronger occupancy. One-bedroom units bring in $3,506 per month, roughly half of the top-earning tier, making them better suited for lower-cost entry points.

Average annual revenue by property size in Suttons Bay

At $81,530 per year, 3-bedroom properties offer the strongest annual revenue in Suttons Bay, outperforming even 5-bedroom homes ($75,842) by nearly $6,000. Two-bedroom units generate $56,140 annually, while 4-bedroom properties land at $60,449 — suggesting the 3-bedroom configuration hits the sweet spot for return potential in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Suttons Bay

Parking dominates at 98% prevalence, followed by kitchens (88%) and self check-in (82%), reflecting a guest base that expects vacation-home conveniences and independence. Notably, 43% of listings offer lake access and 41% feature waterfront or beach access — these water-oriented amenities likely serve as key differentiators that can justify premium pricing in this lakeside market.

Understanding Suttons Bay's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Suttons Bay's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where healthy demand and premium pricing create real income potential relative to property costs. The score is bolstered by above-average occupancy stability and market growth trends, though a below-average supply/demand balance — driven by the 76% jump in active listings — tempers the outlook slightly. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear seasonal cash-flow strategy to make the most of this market's strengths.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Suttons Bay

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

Permit Requirements

Suttons Bay and Leelanau County in Michigan may require short-term rental permits or registration depending on township-level regulations. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Suttons Bay Village offices and Leelanau County planning department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Michigan lakefront communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-night stay requirements (especially during off-season), noise ordinances, and parking limitations on residential streets. HOA covenants in some waterfront developments may further restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Michigan are generally subject to the state's 6% use tax and may also owe local or county-level accommodations taxes. Major booking platforms often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but investors should confirm whether any additional local tax obligations apply in Leelanau County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Suttons Bay's short-term rental market is expected to benefit from continued tourism interest in the Leelanau Peninsula, with summer months likely to remain the dominant revenue driver. Investors should anticipate ADR holding steady or rising modestly — perhaps 2–4% — given the area's limited inventory and premium positioning. The 76% year-over-year growth in active listings is a trend worth monitoring; if supply continues to expand at that pace, occupancy rates (currently at 22% market-wide) could face additional pressure during off-peak months. That said, above-average occupancy stability and market growth trends suggest underlying demand remains healthy enough to absorb some new supply."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Suttons Bay, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Suttons Bay?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Suttons Bay is currently 22%, which sits below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's pronounced seasonality — summer months drive the bulk of bookings, while winter sees significantly reduced demand. Smaller properties tend to fill more consistently, with 1-bedroom listings averaging 34% occupancy compared to just 8% for 5-bedroom homes.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Suttons Bay?

Airbnb hosts in Suttons Bay earn an average of $5,725 per month and approximately $68,708 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size, with 3-bedroom listings leading at $81,530 annually, while 1-bedroom units average around $42,073. Peak summer months like July can generate over $15,000 in a single month, though winter months typically bring in under $2,100.

Is Suttons Bay a good market for Airbnb investment?

Suttons Bay earns a 67/100 ROI score from Rabbu, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and growth trends, plus a premium ADR of $477 that significantly exceeds the state average. However, average home values of $1,053,134 mean entry costs are high, and the below-average supply/demand balance — driven by 76% year-over-year listing growth — warrants careful analysis. Investors who target the right property size and manage seasonal pricing well can find solid returns here.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Suttons Bay is $477, which is 36% higher than the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $222 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $808. Three-bedroom listings sit at $487, offering a strong balance of nightly rate and booking frequency.

Are short-term rentals legal in Suttons Bay?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Suttons Bay, MI, though specific regulations can vary by township and zoning district within Leelanau County. Permits or registration may be required, and restrictions around occupancy limits, noise, and parking could apply. We recommend verifying the latest rules with Suttons Bay Village and Leelanau County planning offices before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Suttons Bay?

Peak season in Suttons Bay runs from June through September, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $15,696 and August close behind at $14,399. The shoulder months of May ($5,059) and October ($5,609) also show meaningful activity. Winter months from November through March represent the off-season, with average monthly revenue dropping to the $1,581–$2,568 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Suttons Bay?

As of April 2026, there are 51 active Airbnb listings in Suttons Bay. The supply is relatively evenly distributed across property sizes, with 3-bedroom listings being the most common (12 listings), followed by 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties (10 each). The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 76% year over year.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Suttons Bay?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Suttons Bay 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 still 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, location within the market, 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 Suttons Bay and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — always verify current rules with Suttons Bay and Leelanau County authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.