Bay City Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Michigan, United States

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

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 April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 73 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

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$156
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Bay City.
Occupancy Rate(?)
44.3%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$21,183
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Bay City. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
9.3%
Positive growth (9.3%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
June
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Bay City.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Bay City.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
73
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

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 June, while February 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 $4,687+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,796 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,952 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $939, 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 January 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 81%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 68% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 47%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 25% 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 November 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 $303+ 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 $87 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 (June, August, July)
  • Revenue averages $2,897 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 52.6%
  • Daily rates average $147
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $2,212 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 46.1%
  • Daily rates hold near $142
Low Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,706 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 40.4%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $143

Seasonality Insights for Bay City

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Bay City shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. 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 $3,075, occupancy reaching a high of 57.2%, and ADRs peaking at $152.
  • 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 $1,660, occupancy could drop to 39.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $134.
  • 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 / AreaWhy 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, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

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.

Bay Breeze Mansion | DogsOK | HotTub-open | 6 BDR+

Bay Breeze Mansion | DogsOK | HotTub-open | 6 BDR+

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$81,234
Revenue
58.9%
Occupancy
$311.97
Daily Rate
Historic 5th St | Dogs-OK| HotTub-open all yr!

Historic 5th St | Dogs-OK| HotTub-open all yr!

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$75,671
Revenue
61.5%
Occupancy
$318.28
Daily Rate
STAY Harless Hugh | Luxury Home on river.

STAY Harless Hugh | Luxury Home on river.

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$69,412
Revenue
46.0%
Occupancy
$412.42
Daily Rate
Pet-Friendly | Large Group | Hot Tub - All Year

Pet-Friendly | Large Group | Hot Tub - All Year

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$69,208
Revenue
60.6%
Occupancy
$260.50
Daily Rate
Captains Landing / Saginaw river

Captains Landing / Saginaw river

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$63,624
Revenue
57.6%
Occupancy
$255.07
Daily Rate
BigBlue! Dog Friendly | Big Groups | First Floor M

BigBlue! Dog Friendly | Big Groups | First Floor M

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$63,015
Revenue
59.8%
Occupancy
$295.95
Daily Rate

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 NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Jason5$331,4373004.88/5.0
Donald10$273,36530504.92/5.0
Lyndsay3$112,5744693.26/5.0
Alana4$69,7433524.91/5.0
Duane1$63,624204.60/5.0
Deborah5$56,275494.97/5.0
Jason2$47,1914774.91/5.0
Freshwater Vacation Rentals1$45,786544.61/5.0
Drew4$45,5211184.75/5.0
Patty3$42,470934.60/5.0

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 Metrics

Bay 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 87.7% of the 73 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 (52.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 38.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 8.2% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 1.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

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 35.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 65.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Bay City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 21.9% 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 (28.8%). 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 50.7% of listings.
  • 30.2% 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 35.6% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 61.6% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Bay City (34.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 39.7% 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 (47.8%)

1 Night

32 listings

47.8% of total

2 Nights (20.9%)

2 Nights

14 listings

20.9% of total

3 Nights (9%)

3 Nights

6 listings

9% of total

4-6 Nights (3%)

4-6 Nights

2 listings

3% of total

7-29 Nights (3%)

7-29 Nights

2 listings

3% of total

30+ Nights (16.4%)

30+ Nights

11 listings

16.4% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Bay City is 1 Night, adopted by 47.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (68.7%) of the Bay City Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (16.4%) 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 47.8% of Bay City hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 16.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Bay City.

Bay City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Flexible (31.8%)

Flexible

21 listings

31.8% of total

Moderate (16.7%)

Moderate

11 listings

16.7% of total

Firm (13.6%)

Firm

9 listings

13.6% of total

Strict (37.9%)

Strict

25 listings

37.9% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Bay City

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Bay City is Strict, used by 37.9% of listings.
  • A majority (51.5%) of hosts in Bay City utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 37.9% market standard in Bay City.
  • With 37.9% 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 34 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 53 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 20 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (46 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (25 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (34 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Bay City.
  • For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 53 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 46 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: Heating, Smoke alarm, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Essentials, Hot water, TV 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: Heating, Smoke alarm, Wifi.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Essentials 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 Bay City to stay competitive.

Bay City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

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 93.8% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (93.8%) and Canada (5%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (79.2%) followed by Spanish (8.6%).
  • 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.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Forester11$5,685$390.4843%
City of Frankenmuth29$5,143$304.0654%
Ann Arbor487$4,539$424.0848%
Hamburg Township36$4,279$397.9244%
Grass Lake Charter Township16$4,168$321.8445%
White Lake Charter Township27$4,025$328.9946%
Chester Township11$3,992$332.6941%
Otsego Lake Township22$3,903$302.4445%
Pittsfield Charter Township39$3,862$332.8845%
Scio Township22$3,818$510.4445%

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