Traverse City Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Michigan, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Traverse City in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Traverse City, Michigan, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Traverse City, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 638 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Traverse City, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Traverse 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 Traverse City Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Traverse City (2025)
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 $7,795+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,168 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,344 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,075, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Traverse City
Traverse City Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
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 February 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 77%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 61% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 44%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 28% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Traverse City
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Traverse City (2025)
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 March. 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 $457+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $301 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $209 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $150 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Traverse City
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Traverse City (2025)
Peak Season (July, August, June)
- Revenue averages $7,628 per month
- Occupancy rates average 65.5%
- Daily rates average $336
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,633 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 42.0%
- Daily rates hold near $254
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,601 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 31.8%
- Daily rates adjust to average $207
Seasonality Insights for Traverse City
- The Airbnb seasonality in Traverse 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 Traverse City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $8,541, occupancy reaching a high of 73.9%, and ADRs peaking at $348.
- 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 $1,453, occupancy could drop to 30.4%, and ADRs may adjust down to $201.
- 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.
- 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 Traverse City seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Traverse City (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Traverse 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 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 |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Traverse City (2025)
While Traverse 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 Traverse City to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Traverse City (2025)
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
539 Bay St. Downtown 3BDR Lake View - 301W
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
East Bay Escape | Private Beach | AC | Sunrise |
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
539 Bay St. Downtown 3BDR Lake View - 401W
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Unique 4000SqFt:4BR Chef Kitchen/Sauna The Loft
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Industrial luxury in the heart of Traverse City
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 Traverse City (2025)
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 | 105 | $3,028,734 | 5068 | 4.71/5.0 |
| True North | 18 | $1,652,837 | 137 | 4.31/5.0 |
| Katy | 28 | $1,346,185 | 2030 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Troy | 26 | $1,078,304 | 2087 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Adam | 9 | $734,043 | 224 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Bayshore Vacation Rentals | 14 | $675,791 | 718 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Chad | 9 | $658,429 | 312 | 4.35/5.0 |
| Dandan | 9 | $629,109 | 745 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Jeffrey | 8 | $589,995 | 1124 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Mike | 5 | $544,101 | 919 | 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.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Traverse City STR Market Data (2025)
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 Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
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 97.3% of the 638 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 (75.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 21.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique, outdoor/unique (combined 3.2%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Traverse City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Traverse City
- The dominant room capacity in Traverse City is 1 bedroom listings, making up 39.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 77.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Traverse City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
Traverse City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
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 (41.8%). 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 70.8% of listings.
- 40.0% 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.
Traverse City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): 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 47% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 68.6% 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 (45.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 34.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Traverse City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
199 listings
33% of total
2 Nights
244 listings
40.5% of total
3 Nights
21 listings
3.5% of total
4-6 Nights
6 listings
1% of total
7-29 Nights
19 listings
3.2% of total
30+ Nights
114 listings
18.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Traverse City is 2 Nights, adopted by 40.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (73.5%) of the Traverse City Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (18.9%) 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 2 Nights minimum stay, as 40.5% of Traverse City hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 18.9% 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 (2025)
Super Strict 60 Days
7 listings
1.2% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
6 listings
1% of total
Flexible
30 listings
5.1% of total
Moderate
144 listings
24.6% of total
Firm
227 listings
38.8% of total
Strict
171 listings
29.2% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Traverse City
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Traverse City is Firm, used by 38.8% of listings.
- A majority (68.0%) of hosts in Traverse City 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 38.8% market standard in Traverse City.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Traverse City.
Traverse City STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
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 48 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 89 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 27 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (75 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (30 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (48 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 89 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 75 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Traverse City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Traverse City (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Traverse City
- Essential amenities in Traverse City that guests expect include: Wifi, Air conditioning, TV, Smoke alarm, Heating, Coffee maker, Essentials, Dishes and silverware, Hot water. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Microwave 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, Air conditioning, TV, Smoke alarm, Heating, Coffee maker, Essentials, Dishes and silverware, Hot water.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, TV, Smoke alarm, Heating, Coffee maker, Essentials, Dishes and silverware, Hot water.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like 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 Traverse City to stay competitive.
Traverse City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
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 97.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.7%) and Canada (0.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (82.9%) followed by Spanish (7.3%).
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greilickville | 40 | $5,874 | $469.69 | 47% |
| Blair Township | 48 | $5,303 | $438.00 | 48% |
| Friendship Township | 14 | $5,118 | $376.04 | 59% |
| Bingham Township | 28 | $4,916 | $493.09 | 47% |
| Bay Township | 10 | $4,782 | $550.14 | 44% |
| Livingston Township | 11 | $4,649 | $293.80 | 53% |
| Leelanau Township | 50 | $4,620 | $377.36 | 50% |
| Leland Township | 40 | $4,579 | $568.06 | 37% |
| Walloon Lake | 25 | $4,534 | $401.80 | 44% |
| Grattan Township | 15 | $4,466 | $295.73 | 58% |