West Branch, MI Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

West Branch Short-Term Rental Market Overview

West Branch, MI stands out as a small-market opportunity where favorable revenue-to-price dynamics offset a relatively lean occupancy rate. With average home values around $327,118 and annual STR revenue averaging $30,993, the yield potential is compelling for investors who can weather pronounced seasonality. The market's 17 active listings and 113% year-over-year listing growth suggest rising investor interest in this lakeside Michigan destination, though the supply base remains quite modest.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the West Branch 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 West Branch

Investors are drawn to West Branch for its strong revenue-to-price ratio and the recreational demand generated by nearby lakes and outdoor attractions in northern Michigan.

Expert Market Assessment

"West Branch presents a standout opportunity for investors comfortable with highly seasonal cash flow. Revenue peaks dramatically in July ($6,615) and August ($6,220), while winter months like January dip to roughly $962—a spread that underscores the market's dependence on warm-weather recreation. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance are the primary strengths here, partially offsetting the below-average occupancy stability of 23% against Michigan's 42% state average. For buyers who price acquisitions conservatively and budget for off-season lulls, the numbers can work well."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in West Branch

Average revenue by month in West Branch

West Branch exhibits extreme seasonality, with July ($6,615) and August ($6,220) delivering roughly six to seven times the revenue of January ($962), the softest month. The summer surge aligns with lake and outdoor recreation demand, while a secondary bump in October ($3,108) hints at fall foliage tourism providing a modest shoulder-season boost.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in West Branch

The market's 17 active listings are concentrated in just two categories: studios (5 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (6 listings). This narrow distribution suggests potential gaps at the 1-, 2-, and 4-bedroom levels that could represent underserved niches for new investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in West Branch

ADR nearly doubles from studios ($138) to 3-bedroom properties ($249), reflecting a strong premium for larger accommodations suited to families and groups. The 3-bedroom tier offers a compelling rate relative to the market's overall $225 average, making it the clear pricing leader.

Average RevPAN by property size in West Branch

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $74, nearly double the $38 generated by studios, indicating that larger units convert their higher ADR into meaningfully stronger revenue per available night. This gap makes 3-bedroom configurations the more efficient revenue generators in the West Branch market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in West Branch

Occupancy rates are relatively close across property sizes, with studios at 28% and 3-bedrooms at 30%—both well below the state average of 42%. The narrow spread suggests that seasonality, rather than property size, is the dominant factor driving occupancy in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in West Branch

Three-bedroom properties average $3,604 per month, more than double the $1,478 earned by studios, reflecting both higher nightly rates and slightly better occupancy. For investors targeting stronger monthly cash flow, the larger configuration clearly outperforms in West Branch.

Average annual revenue by property size in West Branch

At $43,255 per year, 3-bedroom properties generate nearly 2.4 times the annual revenue of studios ($17,740), making them the standout configuration for return potential. When weighed against West Branch's average home values of $327,118, the 3-bedroom tier offers a more attractive revenue-to-price profile.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in West Branch

Kitchen and parking are universal at 100% of listings, while outdoor-focused amenities like BBQ grills, outdoor furniture, and patios appear in roughly 77% of properties—reflecting the recreational, nature-oriented guest profile in this market. Notably, 65% of listings highlight waterfront access and 59% offer lake access, signaling that proximity to water is a key competitive differentiator in West Branch.

Understanding West Branch's ROI Score: 75/100

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

West Branch earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 75 out of 100, placing it in the Standout Opportunity band. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance are its strongest attributes, while below-average occupancy stability—driven by sharp seasonality—is the primary risk factor to manage. Investors should pair these data insights with thorough local regulatory research and conservative cash-flow modeling to account for the slower winter months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in West Branch

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in West Branch, Michigan may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of West Branch and Ogemaw County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STRs in the area include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules, if applicable, can impose additional constraints, and some Michigan municipalities have begun capping the number of STR permits issued in specific zones.

Tax Obligations

Michigan requires collection of a 6% state use tax on short-term rentals, and local jurisdictions may impose additional lodging or tourism taxes. Major booking platforms typically handle tax collection and remittance, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and local obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, West Branch's summer-driven demand cycle should continue to anchor revenue, with July and August likely generating monthly returns in the $6,000–$6,600 range for the typical listing. ADR may see modest increases of 2–4% as the supply base, though growing, remains small enough to limit downward pricing pressure. Occupancy will likely remain seasonal and below the state average, so investors should plan cash reserves for slower winter months when monthly revenue can dip below $1,000. Overall market growth trends appear average, suggesting steady but not explosive expansion in the near term."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in West Branch, MI

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in West Branch?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in West Branch is currently 23%, which falls below the Michigan state average of 42%. This lower figure reflects the market's strong seasonality, with demand concentrated in the summer months and softer bookings during winter. Investors should factor this seasonal pattern into their financial projections.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in West Branch?

Airbnb hosts in West Branch earn an average of $2,582 per month, which works out to approximately $30,993 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—studios average around $17,740 annually, while 3-bedroom properties bring in roughly $43,255. Peak summer months like July can generate over $6,600 in a single month.

Is West Branch a good market for Airbnb investment?

West Branch earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 75 out of 100, placing it in the Standout Opportunity tier. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand dynamics, with just 17 active listings. The main trade-off is below-average occupancy stability due to pronounced seasonality, so investors should be prepared for slower winter months.

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

The average daily rate in West Branch is $225, which is below the Michigan state average of $350. ADR varies by property size: studios average $138 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $249 per night. The lower-than-state-average ADR is balanced by accessible home prices, contributing to a strong revenue-to-price ratio.

Are short-term rentals legal in West Branch?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in West Branch, MI, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with the city. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should verify current rules with the City of West Branch and Ogemaw County, and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in West Branch?

Peak season in West Branch runs from June through August, with July being the single highest-earning month at an average of $6,615 in revenue. August follows closely at $6,220. The shoulder months of September and October also show respectable performance ($2,631 and $3,108 respectively), likely driven by fall color tourism. Winter months represent the slowest period, with January averaging just $962.

How many Airbnbs are there in West Branch?

West Branch currently has 17 active Airbnb listings, split between studios (5 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (6 listings). The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 113% year over year. Despite this growth, the total supply remains small, which can benefit existing hosts by limiting competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in West Branch?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for West Branch 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than 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 the West Branch, MI market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and the Zillow Home Value Index

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. Individual results may vary significantly based on property condition, location within the market, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations governing short-term rentals can change; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.