Elk Rapids, Michigan Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Elk Rapids, Michigan? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $31,870 per year — at a $392 nightly rate, 35.8% occupancy, and a $161 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 73 active listings, Elk Rapids is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 62.2% and nightly rates have risen, creating an environment where the most bookable listings stand to capture outsized share. Hosts who pair competitive pricing with strong guest experience are well-positioned to convert the growing traveler base into consistent bookings.
Regulation data is limited for this market, and hosts should verify short-term rental rules with the local government. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Elk Rapids?
In Elk Rapids, the headline Airbnb metrics are $31,870 in average annual revenue,35.8% occupancy, $392 ADR, and $161 in RevPAR, and guests book about 95 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Elk Rapids?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Elk Rapids is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Elk Rapids is typically July, while December often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Elk Rapids across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $9,002+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,826 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,561 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,466, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Elk Rapids
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Elk Rapids?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Elk Rapids STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while April experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Elk Rapids:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 68%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 48% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 27%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 15% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Elk Rapids
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Elk Rapids?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Elk Rapids involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Elk Rapids typically peaks in July and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $708+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $414 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $311 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $236 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Elk Rapids
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
RevPAR in Elk Rapids is currently $161. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $76 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $116 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $192 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $316 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Elk Rapids
RevPAR Insights for Elk Rapids
- The average RevPAR in Elk Rapids is $161. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($316) and bottom 25% ($76) is $239, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Dec, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Elk Rapids benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $116, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $192+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
Elk Rapids's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, June, while the softest stretch is January, February, December. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, August, June)
- Revenue averages $8,121 per month
- Occupancy rates average 55.5%
- Daily rates average $437
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,925 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 26.8%
- Daily rates hold near $357
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $2,056 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 25.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $353
Seasonality Insights for Elk Rapids
- Airbnb seasonality in Elk Rapids is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Elk Rapids's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $9,643, occupancy reaching 64.8%, and ADRs peaking at $453.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,889, occupancy could drop to 20.2%, and ADRs may adjust to $338.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Elk Rapids need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Elk Rapids, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
With 11% of listings showing registration in 2026, understanding potential Airbnb license requirements is crucial in Elk Rapids. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Elk Rapids to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 11% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
Elk Rapids is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Elk Lake | Picturesque lake area perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts. Ideal for vacationers looking for cabin rentals and lake access. | Elk Lake beaches, boating and kayaking, fishing spots, Elk Rapids Township Park |
| Downtown Elk Rapids | Charming downtown area with restaurants, shops, and historic sites. Great for visitors who enjoy exploring local culture and dining options. | Elk Rapids Harbor, local boutiques, cafes and restaurants, Elk River Dam |
| Lake Michigan Beaches | Access to beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, perfect for relaxing and summer activities. Popular among beachgoers and outdoor lovers. | Lake Michigan, swimming and sunbathing, scenic views, water sports |
| Torch Lake | Famous for its stunning turquoise waters and recreational activities like jet skiing and paddleboarding. Highly sought after for summer getaways. | Torch Lake, beach access, water sports, Torch Lake sandbars |
| Chain of Lakes | Scenic waterways that connect multiple lakes, ideal for houseboat rentals and fishing trips. Appeals to nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. | chain of lakes for boating, fishing spots, wildlife viewing |
| Sleeping Bear Dunes | A short drive away, this area offers breathtaking sand dunes and hiking trails. Great for visitors who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. | Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, beach access |
| Interlochen | Known for its arts academy and beautiful natural settings. Attracts families and art enthusiasts looking for cultural experiences. | Interlochen Center for the Arts, natural beauty, arts events |
| Traverse City | Nearby city famous for its wineries and festivals, popular among tourists year-round. A vibrant location for dining and entertainment. | Traverse City beaches, wine tours, film festivals, Old Mission Peninsula |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Elk Rapids offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Elk Rapids
- The Elk Rapids Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 91.8% of the 73 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Elk Rapids, House properties are the most common (61.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 61.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 8.2% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like unique stays (combined 1.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Elk Rapids Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Elk Rapids
- The dominant room capacity in Elk Rapids is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 37% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 56.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Elk Rapids, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 43.8% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Elk Rapids.
Elk Rapids Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Elk Rapids
- The most common guest capacity trend in Elk Rapids vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (43.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Elk Rapids STR market, accounting for 72.6% of listings.
- 76.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Elk Rapids.
- On average, properties in Elk Rapids are equipped to host 6.4 guests.
How Do Listings in Elk Rapids Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Elk Rapids can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Elk Rapids
- At 29.3 photos per listing on average, Elk Rapids hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 20.5% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Elk Rapids averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Elk Rapids?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Elk Rapids
- Essential amenities in Elk Rapids that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, TV, Smoke alarm, Wifi, Coffee maker. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Microwave, Hangers are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Elk Rapids: Free parking on premises, TV, Smoke alarm, Wifi, Coffee maker.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, TV, Coffee maker.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Microwave to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Elk Rapids to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Elk Rapids?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Elk Rapids, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kitchen | 87.7% | $35,628 | $5,141 | 593.0% |
Exterior security cameras on property | 12.3% | $84,184 | $24,513 | 243.4% |
Backyard | 60.3% | $43,979 | $13,496 | 225.9% |
Outdoor furniture | 60.3% | $43,775 | $13,805 | 217.1% |
Stove | 64.4% | $42,094 | $13,388 | 214.4% |
Oven | 64.4% | $42,094 | $13,388 | 214.4% |
BBQ grill | 61.6% | $43,044 | $13,911 | 209.4% |
Dishes and silverware | 74.0% | $38,679 | $12,516 | 209.0% |
Patio or balcony | 60.3% | $43,560 | $14,132 | 208.2% |
Fire extinguisher | 76.7% | $37,805 | $12,317 | 206.9% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Elk Rapids
- Kitchen tops the revenue impact list with a 593.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $35,628 vs. $5,141 without it.
- Kitchen — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making it table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Elk Rapids STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Elk Rapids. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsElk Rapids Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Elk Rapids
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Elk Rapids consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), often arriving from nearby Grand Rapids, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 97.8% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.8%) and DC (1.1%).
- Top languages spoken are English (78.4%) followed by Spanish (11.4%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Grand Rapids and Chicago.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Elk Rapids?
Listings in Elk Rapids average 4.9 out of 5 overall, with about 39.7 reviews per active listing and 42.5% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Elk Rapids
- With an overall rating of 4.9, Elk Rapids listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.96), while Value (4.77) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 42.5% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Elk Rapids Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Elk Rapids
- The most common availability pattern in Elk Rapids falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 68.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 94.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Elk Rapids (42.5%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 6.8% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Elk Rapids
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Elk Rapids is 95 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 133 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 19 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (117 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (35 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (95 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Elk Rapids.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 133 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 117 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Elk Rapids averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
Guests in Elk Rapids stay about 4.9 nights on average, generating roughly 1,101 reservations and 15.1 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Elk Rapids
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Elk Rapids
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- 15.1 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jul (6.1 nights) and shorten in Oct (2.6 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Elk Rapids Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
15 listings
20.5% of total
2 Nights
16 listings
21.9% of total
3 Nights
3 listings
4.1% of total
4-6 Nights
5 listings
6.8% of total
7-29 Nights
2 listings
2.7% of total
30+ Nights
32 listings
43.8% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Elk Rapids is 30+ Nights, adopted by 43.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (43.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Elk Rapids, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 43.8% of Elk Rapids hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 20.5% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 43.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Elk Rapids.
Elk Rapids Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
9 listings
12.3% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
2.7% of total
Flexible
5 listings
6.8% of total
Moderate
10 listings
13.7% of total
Firm
36 listings
49.3% of total
Strict
11 listings
15.1% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Elk Rapids
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Elk Rapids is Firm, used by 49.3% of listings.
- A majority (64.4%) of hosts in Elk Rapids utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 49.3% market standard in Elk Rapids.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Elk Rapids.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Elk Rapids?
Cleaning fees in Elk Rapids are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Elk Rapids
- 87.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Elk Rapids. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $162 is close to the median ($150), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 7.6% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Elk Rapids median of $150. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Elk Rapids Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Elk Rapidsbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Bayshore Waves | On Lake Michigan | Pet Friendly
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
4 Seasons Lake House - Waterfront+Remodeled+HotTub
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Fernhaus - Luxury Cabin Across from East Bay
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
A Short's Walk - Lakefront w/ Spa & Kayaks!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
East Bay Lake house Elk Rapids, Mi
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Shady Pines on Grand Traverse Bay in Elk Rapids!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Elk Rapids?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Elk Rapids based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly | 7 | $238,730 | 171 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Kaitlyn With My Torch Lake | 1 | $204,359 | 78 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Sherree | 1 | $189,553 | 28 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Josh | 12 | $133,329 | 29 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Kelsey | 1 | $125,581 | 153 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Agape Vacation Rentals | 1 | $99,550 | 15 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Kasa | 6 | $92,069 | 53 | 4.65/5.0 |
| Rachel | 5 | $91,831 | 55 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Steven | 2 | $87,751 | 286 | 4.85/5.0 |
| M Bernadette | 1 | $83,875 | 82 | 5.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Elk Rapids.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Elk Rapids?
Elk Rapids is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Elk Rapids
- With 60.3% Superhosts, Elk Rapids has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 4.1% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 1.4% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 50.7% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 15.1% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Elk Rapids averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Elk Rapids
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Elk Rapids, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agape Vacation Rentals | 1 | $99,550 | $426 | 49.1% | 4.80/5 |
| Pree | 1 | $73,051 | $486 | 35.7% | 4.98/5 |
| Katy | 1 | $37,318 | $382 | 34.6% | 4.91/5 |
Management Company Insights for Elk Rapids
- The leading management company, Agape Vacation Rentals, operates 1 listings with $99,550 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Elk Rapids.
- Top managers average 1 properties each, suggesting professional management in Elk Rapids still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.9/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 4.1% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Elk Rapids's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Elk Rapids Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Grattan Township, Elk Rapids has 19 percentage points lower occupancy and about $17 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greilickville | 37 | $6,015 | $506.78 | 50% |
| Friendship Township | 13 | $6,010 | $481.22 | 49% |
| Blair Township | 51 | $5,212 | $521.06 | 45% |
| Wilson Township | 14 | $4,834 | $485.67 | 34% |
| Norton Shores | 55 | $4,751 | $455.80 | 45% |
| Grattan Township | 16 | $4,703 | $375.01 | 55% |
| Ferrysburg | 23 | $4,676 | $479.96 | 40% |
| Walloon Lake | 26 | $4,553 | $475.80 | 43% |
| Bingham Township | 27 | $4,550 | $505.69 | 46% |
| West Traverse Township | 33 | $4,478 | $570.22 | 36% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Elk Rapids
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Elk Rapids.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elk Rapids?
Elk Rapids hosts earn about $31,870 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $392 and RevPAR of $161. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Elk Rapids, Michigan, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Elk Rapids market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elk Rapids?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elk Rapids is 35.8%. July is the strongest month and December is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Elk Rapids?
Listings in Elk Rapids average $392 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Elk Rapids?
Elk Rapids currently has about 73 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Elk Rapids?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Elk Rapids as Moderate. The dataset also shows about 11.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
RevPAR in Elk Rapids is about $161. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Elk Rapids?
Occupancy of 35.8% means Elk Rapids is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $31,870, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
The average booking lead time in Elk Rapids is about 95 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Elk Rapids include Elk Lake, Downtown Elk Rapids, Lake Michigan Beaches. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Elk Rapids?
entire_home listings make up 91.8% of the active supply in Elk Rapids. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Elk Rapids compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Greilickville posts $72,180 in average annual revenue with 50.2% occupancy, compared to Elk Rapids's $31,870 and 35.8%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Elk Rapids?
The average Airbnb stay length in Elk Rapids is about 4.9 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Elk Rapids?
Airbnb listings in Elk Rapids average 4.9 out of 5 overall. About 42.5% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Elk Rapids?
Kitchen and Exterior security cameras on property are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Elk Rapids. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Elk Rapids?
Yes. About 87.7% of active Airbnb listings in Elk Rapids charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $162. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Elk Rapids?
A 60.3% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.