Traverse City, Michigan Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Traverse City, Michigan? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $40,358 per year — at a $310 nightly rate, 44.6% occupancy, and a $152 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Traverse City's 692 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 71.7% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Traverse City?
In Traverse City, the headline Airbnb metrics are $40,358 in average annual revenue,44.6% occupancy, $310 ADR, and $152 in RevPAR, and guests book about 54 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Traverse City?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Traverse City 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 Traverse City is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Traverse City across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $7,710+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,276 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,483 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,126, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Traverse City
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Traverse City?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Traverse City STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 Traverse City:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 74%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 57% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 41%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 24% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Traverse City
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Traverse City?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Traverse City involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Traverse City 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 $512+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $361 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $255 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $190 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Traverse City
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Traverse City?
RevPAR in Traverse City is currently $152. 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 $99 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $134 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $181 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $257 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Traverse City
RevPAR Insights for Traverse City
- The average RevPAR in Traverse City is $152. 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% ($257) and bottom 25% ($99) is $158, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Mar, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Traverse City benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $134, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $181+ 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 Traverse City?
Traverse City's peak Airbnb season falls in July, August, June, while the softest stretch is February, March, April. 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 $8,277 per month
- Occupancy rates average 63.9%
- Daily rates average $398
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,200 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 37.4%
- Daily rates hold near $292
Low Season (February, March, April)
- Revenue drops to average $1,935 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 29.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $266
Seasonality Insights for Traverse City
- Airbnb seasonality in Traverse City 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 Traverse City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $10,157, occupancy reaching 72.6%, and ADRs peaking at $420.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,888, occupancy could drop to 26.9%, and ADRs may adjust to $244.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Traverse City.
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 Traverse City, 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 Traverse City?
Traverse City, Michigan, United States currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 692 active listings. Larger markets with light regulation can attract new supply quickly, but that also means regulatory frameworks may evolve as local governments respond to growth — staying informed protects your investment. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Traverse City to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Traverse City?
Location within Traverse City matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Traverse City | The heart of Traverse City, offering a vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining options. Perfect for guests who want to experience local culture and events. | Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City Beach, City Opera House, Traverse City State Park, Historic Downtown shops |
| East Bay Township | A popular area for vacation rentals, featuring beautiful waterfront properties and easy access to Lake Michigan. Ideal for families and those seeking a relaxing getaway. | East Bay Park, Bayside Park, Turtle Creek Casino, Watson Folk School, East Bay Village |
| West Traverse City | Close to the wineries and picturesque landscapes, making it an attractive option for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers. Scenic views and outdoor activities abound. | Wine country, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Leelanau Peninsula, Pirates Cove Adventure Park, Traverse City Golf and Country Club |
| Old Mission Peninsula | Known for its beautiful vineyards and stunning bay views, this area attracts tourists looking for a serene escape with wine tasting experiences. | Old Mission Lighthouse Park, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo Winery, Mission Point Lighthouse, Traverse City State Park |
| Northport | A quaint village situated near the water, ideal for guests looking for a peaceful retreat and charming small-town atmosphere. | Northport Bay, Leelanau State Park, Northport Arts Association, Local farmers market, Historic Northport |
| Lake Ann | A tranquil area known for its lake and outdoor activities. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a more laid-back vacation experience. | Lake Ann Park, Crystal Lake, Lake Ann Brewing Company, Local hiking trails, Rustic cabines |
| Interlochen | Famous for the Interlochen Center for the Arts, it draws culture-seeking visitors and families interested in arts education and outdoor fun. | Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen State Park, Green Lake, Local music festivals, Art galleries |
| Elmwood Township | Offering a mix of residential charm and proximity to outdoor adventures, this area appeals to a diverse range of visitors. | Elmwood Township Park, Near boardman Lake, Close to Traverse City, Local shops and eateries, Outdoor trails |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Traverse City 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 Traverse City?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Traverse City
- The Traverse City Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 96.2% of the 692 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Traverse City, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (70.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 23.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique, outdoor/unique (combined 6.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Traverse City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Traverse City
- The dominant room capacity in Traverse City is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 38.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 76.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Traverse City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
Traverse City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Traverse City
- The most common guest capacity trend in Traverse City vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (42.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the Traverse City STR market, accounting for 67.9% of listings.
- 38.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Traverse City.
- On average, properties in Traverse City are equipped to host 4.7 guests.
How Do Listings in Traverse City Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Traverse City 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 Traverse City
- At 32 photos per listing on average, Traverse City hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 48.1% 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 Traverse City averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Traverse City?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Traverse City
- Essential amenities in Traverse City that guests expect include: Wifi, TV, Air conditioning, Heating, Smoke alarm, Coffee maker, Microwave, Dishes and silverware. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Traverse City: Wifi, TV, Air conditioning, Heating, Smoke alarm, Coffee maker, Microwave, Dishes and silverware.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV, Air conditioning, Heating, Smoke alarm, Coffee maker, Microwave, Dishes and silverware.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or Hot water 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 Traverse City to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Traverse City?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Traverse City, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kitchen | 91.0% | $42,811 | $15,431 | 177.4% |
Boat slipHigh opportunity | 2.9% | $88,739 | $38,918 | 128.0% |
Children's playroomHigh opportunity | 0.7% | $87,024 | $40,019 | 117.5% |
Refrigerator | 91.3% | $42,219 | $20,759 | 103.4% |
Pool table | 0.9% | $79,778 | $40,013 | 99.4% |
Bidet | 1.7% | $72,857 | $39,785 | 83.1% |
Dishwasher | 77.6% | $44,760 | $25,109 | 78.3% |
Oven | 82.5% | $43,425 | $25,885 | 67.8% |
Dishes and silverware | 95.2% | $41,150 | $24,553 | 67.6% |
Sauna | 1.7% | $66,803 | $39,891 | 67.5% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Traverse City
- Kitchen tops the revenue impact list with a 177.4% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $42,811 vs. $15,431 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Boat slip, Children's playroom — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Kitchen, Refrigerator, Oven, Dishes and silverware — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Boat slip — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Traverse City.
- 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 Traverse City STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Traverse City. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsTraverse City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Traverse City
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Traverse City 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 97.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.6%) and DC (0.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (77.9%) followed by Spanish (8.5%).
- 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 Traverse City?
Listings in Traverse City average 4.88 out of 5 overall, with about 98.7 reviews per active listing and 56.1% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Traverse City
- With an overall rating of 4.88, Traverse City listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.95), while Value (4.77) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 56.1% 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.
Traverse City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Traverse City
- The most common availability pattern in Traverse City falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 49% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 84.8% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Traverse City (50%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 16.7% 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 Traverse City?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Traverse City
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Traverse City is 54 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 72 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 31 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (66 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (33 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (54 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Traverse City.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 72 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 66 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Traverse City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Traverse City?
Guests in Traverse City stay about 4.7 nights on average, generating roughly 21,707 reservations and 31.4 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Traverse City
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Traverse City
- 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.
- At 31.4 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Jul (5 nights) and shorten in Oct (2.9 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.
Traverse City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
119 listings
17.2% of total
2 Nights
133 listings
19.2% of total
3 Nights
14 listings
2% of total
4-6 Nights
4 listings
0.6% of total
7-29 Nights
25 listings
3.6% of total
30+ Nights
397 listings
57.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Traverse City is 30+ Nights, adopted by 57.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (57.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Traverse City, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 57.4% of Traverse City hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 17.2% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 57.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Traverse City.
Traverse City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
55 listings
7.9% of total
Limited
14 listings
2% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
16 listings
2.3% of total
Flexible
31 listings
4.5% of total
Moderate
186 listings
26.9% of total
Firm
329 listings
47.5% of total
Strict
61 listings
8.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Traverse City
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Traverse City is Firm, used by 47.5% of listings.
- A majority (56.3%) of hosts in Traverse City utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (8.8%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 47.5% market standard in Traverse City.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 8.8% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Traverse City.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Traverse City?
Cleaning fees in Traverse City 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 Traverse City
- 92.2% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Traverse City. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($362) and median ($140) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 11.1% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Traverse City median of $140. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
- 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 Traverse City Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Traverse Citybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Front Street 4 Level Condo entire building
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Waterfront home w/ private entrance & fireplace
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Front St Lofts in Downtown TC
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Unique 4000SqFt 4BR Chef Kitchen/Sauna The Loft
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Flats at Firehouse One Unit 3-Downtown TC Loft
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Riverview 401 at the heart of Downtown TC
Entire Place • 5 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 Traverse City?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Traverse City 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riley | 95 | $2,883,109 | 6311 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Troy | 52 | $1,999,759 | 2817 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Katy | 28 | $1,622,770 | 1895 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Dandan | 16 | $1,170,012 | 1229 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Bayshore Vacation Rentals | 18 | $776,065 | 1052 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Jeffrey | 9 | $766,667 | 1651 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Michael Powers | 5 | $721,007 | 1223 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Adam | 9 | $616,314 | 484 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Chad | 8 | $606,450 | 385 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Elizabeth | 13 | $579,110 | 964 | 4.95/5.0 |
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 Traverse City.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Traverse City?
Traverse City is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Traverse City
- With 81.6% Superhosts, Traverse City has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 29.2% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 4.9% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 80.8% 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 33.5% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Traverse City averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Traverse City
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Traverse City, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riley | 95 | $2,883,109 | $226 | 41.6% | 4.80/5 |
| Troy | 52 | $1,999,759 | $378 | 37.8% | 4.79/5 |
| Katy | 28 | $1,622,770 | $384 | 43.7% | 4.93/5 |
| Dandan | 16 | $1,170,012 | $392 | 49.7% | 4.91/5 |
| Bayshore Vacation Rentals | 18 | $776,065 | $375 | 44.6% | 4.88/5 |
| Jeffrey | 9 | $766,667 | $447 | 68.4% | 4.95/5 |
| Adam | 9 | $616,314 | $340 | 55.1% | 4.94/5 |
| Mindy | 10 | $553,719 | $254 | 53.0% | 4.78/5 |
| Carrie | 8 | $394,566 | $240 | 54.8% | 4.92/5 |
| Carrie | 7 | $322,174 | $284 | 39.0% | 4.95/5 |
Management Company Insights for Traverse City
- The leading management company, Riley, operates 95 listings with $2,883,109 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Traverse City.
- Top managers average 25 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.89/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- 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 Traverse City's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Traverse City 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, Traverse City has 10 percentage points lower occupancy and about $65 lower 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 Traverse City
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Traverse City.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Traverse City?
Traverse City hosts earn about $40,358 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $310 and RevPAR of $152. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Traverse City, Michigan, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Traverse City market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Traverse City?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Traverse City is 44.6%. July is the strongest month and February 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 Traverse City?
Listings in Traverse City average $310 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 Traverse City?
Traverse City currently has about 692 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 Traverse City?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Traverse City as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% 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 Traverse City?
RevPAR in Traverse City is about $152. 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 Traverse City?
At 44.6% occupancy, Traverse City can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $40,358, 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 Traverse City?
The average booking lead time in Traverse City is about 54 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 Traverse City?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Traverse City include Downtown Traverse City, East Bay Township, West Traverse City. 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 Traverse City?
entire_home listings make up 96.2% of the active supply in Traverse City. 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 Traverse City compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Greilickville posts $72,180 in average annual revenue with 50.2% occupancy, compared to Traverse City's $40,358 and 44.6%. 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 Traverse City?
The average Airbnb stay length in Traverse City is about 4.7 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 Traverse City?
Airbnb listings in Traverse City average 4.88 out of 5 overall. About 56.1% 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 Traverse City?
Kitchen and Boat slip are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Traverse City. 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 Traverse City?
Yes. About 92.2% of active Airbnb listings in Traverse City charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $362. 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 Traverse City?
A 81.6% 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.