Union Pier, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Union Pier Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Union Pier, MI is a seasonal lakeside destination on Michigan's southwestern shore where short-term rentals command a premium average daily rate of $447—well above the $350 state average. With 97 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $61,916, the market caters primarily to summer vacationers drawn to Lake Michigan beaches. However, an overall occupancy rate of just 23% (compared to 42% statewide) underscores the heavily seasonal nature of demand, meaning investors need to plan for significant off-peak softness. At an ROI score of 53 out of 100, Union Pier is a competitive opportunity that rewards selective deal sourcing and larger property formats.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Union Pier 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 Union Pier

Investors are drawn to Union Pier for its elevated nightly rates and strong summer revenue potential in a beach-market setting, though the seasonal demand profile and rising supply require disciplined property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Union Pier presents a competitive but sharply seasonal investment opportunity. Revenue is overwhelmingly concentrated in the summer months—July alone averages $13,248 per listing—while winter months like January and February dip below $2,000. This means investors must size their financial plans around roughly four to five months of strong cash flow. Larger properties deliver meaningfully better returns and occupancy, so the market favors investors who can underwrite 5- and 6+-bedroom homes at the area's elevated price points."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Union Pier

Average revenue by month in Union Pier

Union Pier displays extreme seasonality, with July ($13,248) and August ($11,438) producing roughly 5–7 times the revenue of winter months like February ($1,895). The spread of over $11,000 between peak and trough months means investors should budget for significant off-season lulls and plan cash reserves accordingly.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Union Pier

Three-bedroom homes dominate supply with 29 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms at 24—together accounting for over half the market. Five-bedroom (8 listings) and 6+ bedroom (10 listings) properties are notably underrepresented, which may present an opportunity given their superior revenue and occupancy performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Union Pier

ADR scales steeply with size, jumping from $238 for 1-bedroom units to $1,112 for 6+ bedroom homes. The sharpest rate premium kicks in at the 5-bedroom tier ($792), suggesting that larger vacation homes command a disproportionate pricing advantage in this group-travel-oriented market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Union Pier

RevPAN climbs dramatically for larger properties, with 5-bedroom ($296) and 6+ bedroom ($300) homes delivering roughly 4–5 times the revenue per available night of 3-bedroom listings ($75). Two-bedroom units lag at just $34 RevPAN, making them the least efficient earners on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Union Pier

Five-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 37%, the only category meaningfully above the 23% market average, while 2-bedroom listings trail at just 14%. This pattern suggests larger group-friendly homes attract more consistent bookings, offering better cash-flow stability despite the overall seasonal market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Union Pier

Monthly revenue ranges from $3,273 for 1-bedroom units to $17,211 for 6+ bedroom homes—a more than fivefold difference. Four-bedroom properties earn $5,656 monthly, roughly in line with the market average, while the jump to 5-bedrooms ($9,740) marks a significant step up in earning potential.

Average annual revenue by property size in Union Pier

At $206,532 annually, 6+ bedroom homes earn more than five times what a 1-bedroom ($39,284) generates, and nearly three times a 4-bedroom's $67,878. For investors targeting the strongest absolute returns, the 5-bedroom ($116,890) and 6+ bedroom tiers clearly offer the highest revenue potential in Union Pier.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Union Pier

Kitchens (95%) and parking (94%) are near-universal, while BBQ grills and self check-in (both 81%) set a high baseline for guest expectations. Notably, 53% of listings offer hot tubs and 32% provide beach access, signaling that outdoor and waterfront amenities are key differentiators in this vacation-driven market.

Understanding Union Pier's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Union Pier's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning the market offers genuine upside but demands careful deal selection. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average—not surprising given $1.2M average home values paired with seasonal occupancy of 23%—while supply/demand balance rates below average due to 133% year-over-year listing growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target larger property formats where revenue and occupancy metrics are notably stronger.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Union Pier

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Union Pier and Berrien County, Michigan, should expect that local permits or registration may be required before listing a property. Investors are encouraged to verify current requirements directly with the Chikaming Township offices and the State of Michigan before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and potential caps on the number of STR permits issued in the area. HOA covenants in lakefront communities can also impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before committing to a purchase.

Tax Obligations

Michigan typically requires collection of the state's 6% use tax and any applicable local accommodations or tourism taxes on short-term rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often handle tax collection and remittance in Michigan, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Union Pier's summer-driven demand pattern is expected to remain firmly intact, with July and August continuing to anchor most of the annual revenue. Active listings grew 133% year over year, which could put downward pressure on occupancy and rates if supply outpaces demand gains—investors should monitor this closely. ADR may hold steady or see modest 1–3% increases for larger, amenity-rich homes, though smaller properties may face pricing headwinds as competition intensifies. Occupancy is estimated to remain in the 20–25% range market-wide, with larger homes likely maintaining a meaningful edge."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Union Pier, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Union Pier?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Union Pier is currently 23%, which is notably below the Michigan state average of 42%. This reflects the market's heavily seasonal demand profile, with most bookings concentrated in the summer months. Larger properties, particularly 5-bedroom homes, achieve higher occupancy around 37%, while 2-bedroom units sit at just 14%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Union Pier?

Based on trailing 12-month historical performance, the average Airbnb host in Union Pier earns approximately $5,159 per month or $61,916 per year. Earnings vary significantly by property size—6+ bedroom homes average $206,532 annually, while 1-bedroom units average around $39,284. Revenue is heavily weighted toward the summer season, with July averaging $13,248 per listing.

Is Union Pier a good market for Airbnb investment?

Union Pier carries an ROI score of 53 out of 100, classified as a Competitive Opportunity. The market offers strong nightly rates well above the state average, and larger properties can produce impressive annual revenue. However, the 23% average occupancy rate and 133% year-over-year growth in supply mean investors need to be selective about property size, location, and amenities. Larger homes with outdoor features like hot tubs and beach access tend to perform best.

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

The average daily rate in Union Pier is $447, which is $97 higher than the Michigan state average of $350. Rates scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $238 per night, while 6+ bedroom homes command $1,112. This premium pricing reflects the market's appeal as a vacation destination for groups and families visiting Lake Michigan.

Are short-term rentals legal in Union Pier?

Short-term rentals do operate in Union Pier, MI, with 97 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local permitting, zoning, and registration requirements may apply through Chikaming Township or Berrien County. Prospective investors should verify the latest regulations directly with local authorities before purchasing, as STR rules in Michigan resort communities can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Union Pier?

Peak season in Union Pier runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $13,248 per listing. August follows closely at $11,438. The shoulder months of May ($4,881), September ($6,216), and October ($4,385) still produce meaningful income. Winter months from January through March are the slowest, averaging between $1,895 and $2,569.

How many Airbnbs are there in Union Pier?

There are currently 97 active Airbnb listings in Union Pier. The market has seen significant growth, with listings increasing 133% year over year. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 29 listings, followed by 4-bedroom homes with 24 listings. Five-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties are less common, with just 8 and 10 listings respectively.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Union Pier?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Union Pier are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 Union Pier and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property-level amenity prevalence data reflecting current listing features
• Home value benchmarks 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical performance and market conditions as of April 2026; future results may differ. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations can change—investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.