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

Wellston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wellston, MI is a small but intriguing short-term rental market where favorable property prices create an above-average revenue-to-price ratio for investors willing to lean into its seasonal rhythm. With just 32 active Airbnb listings and average home values around $272,790, the market's limited supply and strong summer demand — July revenue averages hit $3,638 — offer a compelling entry point. The ROI score of 64 out of 100 reflects genuine potential, though occupancy stability sits below average, meaning investors should plan for pronounced off-season softness.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wellston 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 Wellston

Investors are drawn to Wellston for its favorable acquisition costs relative to summer rental income and the limited competition that a 32-listing market provides.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wellston presents an attractive but decidedly seasonal investment opportunity. The market's strength lies in its summer concentration — July and August alone account for roughly 40% of annual revenue — paired with acquisition costs well below the state average ADR benchmark. Occupancy of 16% overall is notably below Michigan's 42% state average, so profitability hinges on maximizing the June-through-September window and pricing strategically during shoulder months. For investors comfortable with a vacation-rental cadence rather than year-round cash flow, the revenue-to-price dynamics here are genuinely appealing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wellston

Average revenue by month in Wellston

Revenue in Wellston follows a dramatic seasonal curve, peaking in July at $3,638 and bottoming out in March at just $570 — a spread of more than 6x. This tells investors that roughly 40% of annual income is earned in July and August alone, making summer pricing and availability optimization critical to overall returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wellston

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 11 of 32 listings, followed by three-bedrooms (7) and one-bedrooms (6). The relatively even distribution across sizes suggests no single configuration is wildly oversaturated, though larger homes (4+ bedrooms) appear absent, which could represent an untapped niche for investors targeting group or family bookings.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wellston

ADR climbs meaningfully with size: one-bedrooms average $112, two-bedrooms $124, and three-bedrooms command $195 — a 74% premium over one-bedroom units. The jump from two to three bedrooms is especially pronounced, suggesting that the added space commands a significant pricing premium from guests seeking vacation-style accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wellston

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $31, more than double the $14 figure for one-bedroom listings. Two-bedrooms sit in the middle at $25, indicating that while larger properties have lower occupancy than two-bedrooms, their rate premium more than compensates on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wellston

Two-bedroom listings lead in occupancy at 21%, while three-bedrooms (16%) and one-bedrooms (13%) trail behind. The relatively low occupancy across all sizes underscores the seasonal nature of this market, but two-bedrooms' stronger fill rate suggests they appeal to a slightly broader range of travelers and booking windows.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wellston

Three-bedroom properties generate the most monthly revenue at $1,827, outpacing two-bedrooms ($1,100) by 66% and one-bedrooms ($854) by more than double. For investors focused on maximizing gross income, three-bedroom configurations clearly offer the strongest earning potential in Wellston.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wellston

Annual revenue ranges from $10,252 for one-bedroom units to $21,928 for three-bedroom properties, with two-bedrooms landing at $13,204. Given average home values of $272,790, three-bedroom properties offer the most compelling gross revenue yield, though investors should weigh acquisition and maintenance costs against the seasonal income profile.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wellston

Parking (100%), kitchen (91%), and BBQ grill (84%) top the amenity list, followed closely by self check-in (81%) and backyard access (78%). This outdoor-recreation-oriented amenity profile signals that guests expect a rustic, self-sufficient vacation experience — investors should prioritize outdoor living spaces and hands-off check-in processes to meet market expectations.

Understanding Wellston's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Wellston's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance in this small market. The score is tempered by below-average occupancy stability — a reflection of the sharp seasonal demand curve — while market growth trends sit at average. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to assess whether Wellston aligns with their investment timeline and risk tolerance.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wellston

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Wellston, Michigan may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the local township or county; requirements can vary across jurisdictions in Michigan, so investors should verify current rules directly with Manistee County or the relevant local authority before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in rural Michigan markets can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum night stays during certain seasons, noise and quiet-hour ordinances, and parking requirements. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to specific parcels, so reviewing property-level covenants is an important step before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Michigan imposes a state use tax and potentially a local accommodations or excise tax on short-term rentals; platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit the state portion automatically, but hosts should confirm whether any county-level obligations apply in Manistee County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wellston's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its sharply seasonal pattern, with summer months continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. ADR may edge up modestly — perhaps 2–4% — as the listing count has grown 133% year-over-year and competition stabilizes around market-clearing rates. Occupancy will likely hover in the 15–20% range on an annual basis, weighted heavily toward June through September, so investors should budget conservatively for winter cash-flow gaps. Growing supply signals rising awareness of the market, but demand from outdoor recreation visitors should keep pace in the near term."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wellston, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wellston?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Wellston is currently 16%, which falls below Michigan's state average of 42%. This reflects the market's highly seasonal nature — demand concentrates heavily in the summer months, with much lighter bookings through fall and winter. Two-bedroom properties tend to perform best at 21% occupancy, while one-bedroom units average around 13%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wellston?

Airbnb hosts in Wellston earn an average of $1,462 per month and approximately $17,551 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: three-bedroom listings lead with about $21,928 annually, while one-bedroom properties average closer to $10,252. Summer months dramatically outperform the rest of the year, so actual monthly income swings widely.

Is Wellston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wellston scores 64 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. Its strongest attribute is an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning property acquisition costs are favorable relative to the income listings generate. The main trade-off is below-average occupancy stability — revenue is concentrated in summer. Investors who can manage seasonal cash-flow variability and keep costs low during winter will find the economics work well, especially for three-bedroom properties.

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

The average daily rate in Wellston is $195, which is notably lower than the Michigan state average of $350. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom listings average $112, two-bedrooms come in at $124, and three-bedroom properties command $195 per night. The lower ADR compared to the state reflects Wellston's positioning as a more affordable rural getaway destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wellston?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Wellston, MI, as evidenced by the 32 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registrations from the township or county. We recommend checking directly with Manistee County officials and reviewing any applicable zoning or HOA rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wellston?

Peak season in Wellston runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $3,638 in revenue. August follows closely at $3,529. Revenue drops sharply once summer ends — by March, average monthly revenue falls to just $570. Shoulder months like May ($1,136), September ($1,626), and October ($1,409) offer moderate earnings, but the core summer window is where the bulk of annual income is generated.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wellston?

There are currently 32 active Airbnb listings in Wellston as of April 2026. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 11 listings, followed by three-bedrooms (7 listings) and one-bedrooms (6 listings). The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 133% year-over-year, indicating rising investor and host interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wellston?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Wellston 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 the results up to a market-level historical average. This means the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower months because each month draws on its own historical performance window. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, listing optimization, 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 Wellston, MI market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current active listings
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns covering listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue by bedroom count
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and 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 performance and current market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ based on individual property characteristics and management. Local regulations and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Manistee County and relevant Michigan authorities.