Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Traverse City, Michigan, United States
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Traverse City? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Traverse City:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Traverse City?
The short-term rental market in Traverse City shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $3,490 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $5,820 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $9,203+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $2,174
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Traverse City
The market in Traverse City shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 44% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 61% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 77%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 28%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Traverse City
Daily rates in Traverse City vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $220 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $319 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $482+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $159
Daily Rate Variations by Month
Get Live Traverse City Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Seasonality patterns in Traverse City
Peak Season (July, August, June)
- Revenue peaks at $8568.36 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 74.09%
- Daily rates average $348.87
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4674.11 per month
- Occupancy maintains 45.54%
- Daily rates hold at $276.18
Low Season (November, December, January)
- Revenue drops to $1609.09 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 27.47%
- Daily rates adjust to $216.03
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Traverse City in 2025?
Yes! Traverse City demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 46% and strong monthly revenue averaging $4674 and As a mature market with 635 active listings, there's strong demand despite the competition. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Traverse City
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Traverse City | Vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Perfect for guests wanting to experience the urban charm of Traverse City and close to the waterfront. | Independence Square, Traverse City Comedy Club, City Opera House, The City Pier, Local craft breweries |
| The Village at Grand Traverse Commons | Unique historic redevelopment with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Attracts visitors interested in history and local boutiques. | Grand Traverse Commons, The Village Café, Historic buildings, Local shops, Walking trails |
| Old Mission Peninsula | Scenic area known for its wineries and stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay. Ideal for guests looking for a peaceful retreat and wine tasting experiences. | Wineries, Old Mission Lighthouse, Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Parks and trails |
| Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore | National park known for its stunning landscapes, hiking, and beautiful beaches. Popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. | Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, North Bar Lake, Lake Michigan beaches, Hiking trails |
| East Traverse City | Residential area with affordable accommodations and access to local eateries. Attracts families and budget travelers. | Local parks, Swimming spots, Community events, Restaurants, Shopping areas |
| Northport | Charming small town at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula offers a quaint atmosphere and access to outdoor activities. Great for a more laid-back stay. | Northport Marina, Local art galleries, Nelson's Farm Market, Biking trails, Lake Michigan beaches |
| Leelanau Peninsula | Known for its picturesque landscapes and numerous wineries. Ideal for guests looking for a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature and fine wines. | Leelanau Wine Trail, Beaches, Lighthouse tours, State parks, Scenic drives |
| Cherry Capital Airport | Convenient location for travelers flying into Traverse City. Suitable for short-term stays and easy access to the city and surrounding areas. | Flying local, Rental car services, Easy access to attractions, Business travel opportunities, Nearby hotels and amenities |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Traverse City?
We recommend checking directly with Traverse City's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Traverse City
539 Bay St. Downtown 3BDR Lake View - 401W
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
539 Bay St. Downtown 3BDR Lake View - 201W
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Front Street 4 Level Condo entire building
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
539 Bay St. Downtown 3BDR Lake View - 301W
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Front St Lofts in Downtown TC
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Riverview 401 Upper Unit
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Traverse City
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riley | 100 | $3,238,368 | 4976 | 4.63/5.0 |
| True North | 18 | $2,383,628 | 137 | 4.31/5.0 |
| Katy | 28 | $1,417,118 | 2030 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Troy | 26 | $1,171,807 | 2087 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Adam | 9 | $838,633 | 224 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Bayshore Vacation Rentals | 15 | $758,472 | 820 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Chad | 9 | $745,173 | 312 | 4.35/5.0 |
| Dandan | 9 | $650,819 | 745 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Jeffrey | 8 | $616,897 | 1124 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Northland Vacation Rentals | 5 | $573,259 | 30 | 4.97/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Traverse City
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (97.2%), with apartment & condo and house properties comprising 96.5% of inventory
- Untapped potential in others, boutique & hotels, outdoor & mobile segments (3.5% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 635 properties in Traverse City shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 40.2% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 78.7% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (40.2%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (1.1%)
- Market concentration: 78.7% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 635 properties in Traverse City reveals that 4 guests properties dominate the market, representing 41.1% of all listings. The average property accommodates 4.7 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 4 guests and 6 guests make up 70.1% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 4 guests (41.1% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (0.2% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 4.7 guests per property
- Market concentration: 70.1% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 635 properties in Traverse City, the most common availability pattern is 181-270 days (42.4% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 91-180 days (44.6% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 181-270 days (42.4%)
- Most common booking duration: 91-180 days (44.6%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 64.7%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 36.4%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
209 listings
35.2% of total
2 Nights
276 listings
46.5% of total
3 Nights
29 listings
4.9% of total
4-6 Nights
4 listings
0.7% of total
7-29 Nights
17 listings
2.9% of total
30+ Nights
58 listings
9.8% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 81.7%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 0.7% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (9.8%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 86.6% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Consider monthly stay discounts to capture the growing extended-stay market
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Super Strict 60 Days
7 listings
1.2% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
6 listings
1% of total
Flexible
30 listings
5.2% of total
Moderate
145 listings
25% of total
Firm
221 listings
38.2% of total
Strict
170 listings
29.4% of total
Key Insights
- Firm is the preferred policy at 38.2% of listings
- Stricter policies (Firm & Strict) dominate at 67.6% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Firm policies
- Super Strict 30 Days policies are least common at 1.0% of listings
Recommendations
- The market supports stricter policies, with 67.6% using Firm or Strict terms
- Strong market preference for Firm policies suggests this should be your baseline
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Jul, Jun, May, averaging 80 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Dec, Feb, Jan, averaging 31 days
- Summer shows the longest average booking window at 75 days, while Winter has the shortest at 31 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Summer bookings at least 75 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Winter to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Dec-Jan when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Traverse City
Every property in Traverse City comes standard with Wifi. Below shows the distribution of other amenities:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 97.6% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: Canada (0.8%) and DC (0.5%)
- English is the top language at 87%, followed by Spanish (7.8%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 6.1%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Grand Rapids and Chicago markets
- Develop localized content for Canada and DC
- Prioritize English and Spanish language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Traverse City. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greilickville | 39 | $6,558 | $493.53 | 48% |
| Blair Township | 47 | $5,923 | $458.90 | 48% |
| Bingham Township | 29 | $5,552 | $531.66 | 49% |
| Ferrysburg | 24 | $4,965 | $403.22 | 48% |
| Walloon Lake | 22 | $4,854 | $436.60 | 43% |
| Friendship Township | 16 | $4,760 | $390.22 | 57% |
| Livingston Township | 11 | $4,720 | $297.26 | 53% |
| Elmwood Charter Township | 66 | $4,718 | $368.48 | 48% |
| Maple River Township | 11 | $4,624 | $360.90 | 45% |
| Leelanau Township | 54 | $4,562 | $368.53 | 51% |
How is your STR performing?
Your vacation rental may be amazing, but is it better than your competition? Enjoy the best-in-class AI-powered analytics for free!
Discover Insights