Bay City Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Michigan, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Bay City in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Bay City, Michigan, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Bay City, based on AirROI data from June 2024 to May 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 83 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Bay City, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Bay City Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Bay City Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Bay City (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Bay 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 Bay City is typically August, while November often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Bay City across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,039+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,550 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,765 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $838, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Bay City
Bay City Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Bay City STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May 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 Bay City:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 79%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 66% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 45%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 22% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Bay City
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Bay City (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Bay City involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bay City typically peaks in May and dips lowest during December. 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 $294+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $156 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $105 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $85 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Bay City
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Bay City (2025)
Peak Season (August, July, June)
- Revenue averages $2,635 per month
- Occupancy rates average 51.8%
- Daily rates average $139
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,923 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 46.1%
- Daily rates hold near $139
Low Season (January, May, November)
- Revenue drops to average $1,637 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 37.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $148
Seasonality Insights for Bay City
- The Airbnb seasonality in Bay City shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Bay City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $2,936, occupancy reaching a high of 58.1%, and ADRs peaking at $162.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,483, occupancy could drop to 34.6%, and ADRs may adjust down to $129.
- 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 Bay City.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Bay City seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Bay City (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Bay City? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Bay City | The heart of the city, offering a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cafes. A central location that attracts both tourists and business travelers looking to explore Bay City's historic waterfront. | Bay City Riverwalk, Sage Branch Library, Wenonah Park, Bay County Historical Society, Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum |
| West Side | A charming neighborhood known for its quiet residential streets and proximity to parks. Ideal for families visiting the area or those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. | Parker's Topiary Garden, Hemingway Park, Bay City State Recreation Area, Local boutiques and cafes |
| East Side | This area features beautiful views of the Saginaw River and the city skyline, appealing to visitors who appreciate scenic beauty and waterfront activities. | Bavarian Belle Riverboat, Veterans Memorial Park, Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens |
| Historic District | Rich in history, this area boasts beautifully preserved homes and buildings from the 19th century, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists interested in Bay City's past. | The Oliver Art Center, Bay County Historical Society Museum, Historic downtown buildings |
| Kawkawlin River | Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking outdoor activities. This area offers access to water sports and fishing, making it ideal for adventurous travelers. | Kawkawlin River, Local fishing spots, Kayaking opportunities |
| Pinconning | A nearby community known for its cheese products and small-town charm, attracting culinary enthusiasts and families looking for a unique experience. | Pinconning Park, Bay County Pinconning Cheese Company, Local farmers' markets |
| Tittabawassee River | Offering beautiful river views and recreational activities, this area is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and want a more serene getaway. | Tittabawassee River trails, Kayaking and canoeing rentals, Picnic areas by the river |
| Nearby State Parks | Located just outside Bay City, these parks offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching, attracting nature enthusiasts and families. | Bay City State Recreation Area, Linden Park, Fishing opportunities in local lakes |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Bay City (2025)
While Bay City, Michigan, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Bay City to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 2% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Bay City (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Bay Citybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Historic 5th St | Dogs-OK| HotTub-open all yr!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
STAY Harless Hugh | Luxury Home on river.
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
BigBlue! Dog Friendly | Big Groups | First Floor M
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Bay Breeze Mansion | DogsOK | HotTub-open | 6 BDR+
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Captains Landing / Saginaw river
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Bay City Retreat:Year-Round Retreat by Saginaw Bay
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Bay City (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Bay 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason | 5 | $268,104 | 301 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Donald | 10 | $262,694 | 3071 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Lyndsay | 2 | $112,232 | 468 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Alana | 4 | $62,458 | 354 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Deborah | 5 | $54,160 | 49 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Duane | 1 | $49,393 | 20 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Freshwater Vacation Rentals | 1 | $45,939 | 54 | 4.61/5.0 |
| Jason | 2 | $45,791 | 477 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Drew | 5 | $45,297 | 122 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Amanda | 2 | $35,038 | 92 | 4.92/5.0 |
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 Bay City.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Bay City STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Bay City. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsBay City Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Bay City
- The Bay City Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 89.2% of the 83 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Bay City, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (55.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 37.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 7.2% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Bay City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Bay City
- The dominant room capacity in Bay City is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 33.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 61.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Bay City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 22.8% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Bay City.
Bay City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Bay City
- The most common guest capacity trend in Bay City vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (26.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Bay City STR market, accounting for 51.8% of listings.
- 31.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Bay City.
- On average, properties in Bay City are equipped to host 4.1 guests.
Bay City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Bay City
- The most common availability pattern in Bay City falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 45.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 72.3% 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 Bay City (30.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 28.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Bay City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
40 listings
50.6% of total
2 Nights
16 listings
20.3% of total
3 Nights
6 listings
7.6% of total
4-6 Nights
2 listings
2.5% of total
7-29 Nights
3 listings
3.8% of total
30+ Nights
12 listings
15.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Bay City is 1 Night, adopted by 50.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (70.9%) of the Bay City Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (15.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Bay City, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 50.6% of Bay City hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 15.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Bay City.
Bay City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
26 listings
33.3% of total
Moderate
14 listings
17.9% of total
Firm
11 listings
14.1% of total
Strict
27 listings
34.6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Bay City
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Bay City is Strict, used by 34.6% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (51.2%) and stricter (48.7%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 34.6% market standard in Bay City.
- With 34.6% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Bay City, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Bay City.
Bay City STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Bay City
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Bay City is 32 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 45 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 21 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (43 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (26 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (32 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Bay City.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 45 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 43 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Bay City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Bay City (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Bay City
- Essential amenities in Bay City that guests expect include: Smoke alarm, Heating, Wifi, Hot water, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Free parking on premises, Refrigerator are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Bay City: Smoke alarm, Heating, Wifi, Hot water, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Hot water, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Free parking on premises 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 Bay City to stay competitive.
Bay City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Bay City
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Bay City consists of primarily domestic travelers (94%), 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 93.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (93.5%) and Canada (5.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (81%) followed by Spanish (6.9%).
- 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 Bay City.
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Bay 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Frankenmuth | 31 | $4,390 | $308.53 | 51% |
| Grass Lake Charter Township | 16 | $3,989 | $336.21 | 45% |
| Scio Township | 22 | $3,949 | $650.66 | 45% |
| Ann Arbor | 517 | $3,949 | $409.89 | 45% |
| Forester | 13 | $3,512 | $382.94 | 37% |
| Port Sanilac | 33 | $3,511 | $519.62 | 33% |
| Norvell Township | 10 | $3,301 | $269.93 | 46% |
| Port Austin Township | 10 | $3,274 | $389.45 | 38% |
| Hamburg Township | 39 | $3,256 | $394.32 | 39% |
| Otsego Lake Township | 23 | $3,053 | $302.95 | 42% |