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

Watervliet Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Watervliet, MI, earns an ROI score of 81 out of 100, flagging it as a standout opportunity for short-term rental investors. With an average annual revenue of $47,920, an ADR of $287, and average home values around $406,148, this small southwest Michigan market delivers an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. Dramatic summer peaks—July revenue tops $10,254—point to a lake- and beach-driven leisure market with strong seasonal earning power, even as only 9 active listings keep competition thin.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Watervliet 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 Watervliet

Investors are drawn to Watervliet for its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics, limited competition, and proximity to Michigan's popular lakefront and beach destinations.

Expert Market Assessment

"Watervliet presents a compelling, if seasonal, investment profile. The market's 81-point ROI score reflects strong revenue relative to home prices and a favorable supply/demand balance, though occupancy at 21% sits well below Michigan's 42% state average—a clear sign that income is concentrated in the warmer months. Peak season from June through September accounts for the vast majority of annual earnings, with July alone delivering more than five times the revenue of a typical winter month. Investors who price aggressively during shoulder seasons and optimize for summer demand can position themselves well in this tightly supplied lakeside market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Watervliet

Average revenue by month in Watervliet

Watervliet's revenue cycle is extremely seasonal: July leads at $10,254 per month—roughly seven times the February low of $1,468. The May-through-September window generates the vast majority of annual income, making cash-flow planning around this warm-weather peak essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Watervliet

Property-size breakdowns are not currently available for this market. With only 9 total active listings, the supply base is too small to segment meaningfully by bedroom count at this time.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Watervliet

ADR data by property size is not available for Watervliet at this time. The overall market ADR of $287 provides the best current benchmark for evaluating nightly pricing potential.

Average RevPAN by property size in Watervliet

RevPAN breakdowns by bedroom count are not currently available. The market-wide RevPAN of $59 reflects the combined impact of a $287 ADR and 21% occupancy rate, with summer months driving the bulk of that figure.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Watervliet

Occupancy data segmented by property size is not available for this market. The overall 21% occupancy rate underscores the seasonal nature of demand, with significantly higher fill rates likely during the June–August peak.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Watervliet

Monthly revenue by property size is not currently broken out for Watervliet. The market-wide average of $3,993 per month serves as the primary reference point, though individual properties near waterfront or lake access amenities may outperform.

Average annual revenue by property size in Watervliet

Annual revenue by bedroom count is unavailable for this small market. The overall average of $47,920 per year provides a useful baseline, particularly when weighed against the $406,148 average home value for return calculations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Watervliet

Every listing in Watervliet offers a kitchen and self check-in, while 89% include a BBQ grill, dryer, parking, and washer—signaling that guests expect a fully equipped vacation-home experience. Lake access (33%) and waterfront positioning (33%) appear on a meaningful share of listings, reinforcing the market's identity as a lakeside leisure destination and suggesting that properties with water-related amenities may command a premium.

Understanding Watervliet's ROI Score: 81/100

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

An ROI score of 81 out of 100 places Watervliet firmly in the Standout Opportunity tier, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance that keeps competition low. Occupancy stability and market growth trend score at average levels, reflecting the pronounced seasonality and the market's still-developing listing base. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to build a complete picture before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Watervliet

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Watervliet, MI, should verify whether a local permit, registration, or zoning approval is required before listing. Michigan does not impose a statewide STR permit, so requirements are set at the city or township level—investors should check directly with Watervliet's local government offices.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small Michigan communities may include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and rules set by homeowners associations. Because regulations can vary significantly even within a county, it's important to confirm the specific rules that apply to your property before operating.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Michigan are generally required to collect state sales tax and any applicable local lodging or excise taxes. Major booking platforms often remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Michigan Department of Treasury and local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Watervliet's short-term rental market is likely to sustain its pronounced summer-driven revenue cycle, with July and August continuing to generate the lion's share of annual income. The 125% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the supply base remains so small that the market can likely absorb new entrants without significant rate compression. Investors should plan for occupancy in the range of 20–25% on an annualized basis, with ADRs potentially nudging up 2–4% as the area's lakeside appeal continues to attract weekend and vacation travelers from nearby metro areas."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Watervliet, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Watervliet?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Watervliet is currently 21%, which is below Michigan's state average of 42%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality—properties fill up during the summer months but see significantly lower bookings in winter. Investors should budget accordingly, recognizing that most income is earned between May and September.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Watervliet?

Airbnb hosts in Watervliet earn an average of $3,993 per month, which translates to roughly $47,920 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies dramatically by season: July averages over $10,254, while winter months like February dip to around $1,468. Actual earnings depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Watervliet a good market for Airbnb investment?

With an ROI score of 81 out of 100, Watervliet stands out as a strong opportunity. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio—average home values sit near $406,148 against nearly $48,000 in annual STR revenue—and very limited competition with just 9 active listings. The main consideration is seasonality, as the bulk of income arrives during the summer lake season.

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

The average daily rate in Watervliet is $287, which comes in below Michigan's $350 state average. This pricing reflects the market's mix of vacation-style properties in a smaller community setting. Despite the lower ADR, strong summer demand helps drive meaningful revenue during peak months.

Are short-term rentals legal in Watervliet?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Michigan, but local regulations in Watervliet may include permit requirements, zoning restrictions, or other rules. Investors should contact the City of Watervliet or the relevant township office to confirm current STR regulations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Watervliet?

Peak season in Watervliet runs from June through August, with July leading the way at an average monthly revenue of $10,254. August follows closely at $8,852. The shoulder months of May and September also perform well compared to winter, making the warm-weather window from May through September the core earning period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Watervliet?

As of late April 2026, there are 9 active Airbnb listings in Watervliet. This is a very small supply base, which has grown 125% year over year. The limited inventory means less direct competition for hosts, though it also means the market can shift quickly as new listings are added.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Watervliet?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Watervliet are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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. 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 Watervliet market
• Occupancy rate, average daily rate, and RevPAN trends over time
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings

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 performance and market conditions as of the date shown; actual results may differ due to changing demand, regulations, or property-specific factors. Local short-term rental regulations may change without notice. Investors should independently verify all permit, zoning, and tax requirements before purchasing or operating a property.