Grayling Airbnb Market Analysis 2026: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Michigan, United States

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2026-01-01

Is Airbnb profitable in Grayling in 2026? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Grayling, Michigan, United States to uncover income potential. This 2026 STR market report for Grayling, based on AirROI data from January 2025 to December 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 19 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Grayling, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Grayling 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 Grayling Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$155
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Grayling.
Occupancy Rate(?)
35.8%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$13,742
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Grayling. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-62.8%
Significant decrease (-62.8%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
June
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Grayling.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
March
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Grayling.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
19
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Grayling (2026)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Grayling 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 Grayling is typically June, while March often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Grayling across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,825+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,254 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,493 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,025, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Grayling

Grayling Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2026)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Grayling STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees 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 Grayling:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 67%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 48% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 34%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 21% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Grayling

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Grayling (2026)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Grayling involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Grayling typically peaks in September and dips lowest during February. 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 $258+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $203 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $144 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $120 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Grayling

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Grayling (2025)

Peak Season (June, July, February)
  • Revenue averages $2,866 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 53.2%
  • Daily rates average $163
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $1,762 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 35.4%
  • Daily rates hold near $165
Low Season (March, November, December)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,159 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 25.6%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $165

Seasonality Insights for Grayling

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Grayling 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 Grayling's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $2,987, occupancy reaching a high of 54.8%, and ADRs peaking at $177.
  • 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 $1,047, occupancy could drop to 21.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $153.
  • 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 Grayling.

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 Grayling seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Grayling (2026)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Grayling? 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
Manistee River
A popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and outdoor enthusiasts. The scenic views and tranquil environment make it ideal for travelers seeking a nature retreat.
Manistee River Trail, Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing spots, Wildlife watching, Scenic viewpoints
Grayling State Forest
Known for its vast woods and wildlife, this area is perfect for those looking to connect with nature. Great for hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.
AuSable River, Hiking trails, Fishing, Camping, Wildlife viewing
Crawford County Historical Museum
A charming area with local history and cultural attractions. Visitors can learn about the rich history of Grayling and Crawford County.
Historical exhibits, Local artifacts, Guided tours, Events and programs, Surrounding nature areas
Hartwick Pines State Park
A pristine natural area featuring some of the last remaining old-growth pines in Michigan. It is highly attractive for tourists interested in hiking, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Nature trails, Old-growth forest, Interpretive center, Wildlife viewing, Picnic areas
AuSable River
The AuSable River is famous for its beautiful scenery and recreational activities including tubing, kayaking, and canoeing, making it popular among outdoor lovers.
Tubing and canoeing, Fishing spots, Scenic boat tours, Hiking trails along the river, Wildlife viewing
Grayling City Park
A family-friendly area perfect for picnics and child-friendly activities. It’s a hub for community events and outdoor recreation.
Playground, Picnic areas, Walking paths, Community events, Aquatic facilities
Wilderness State Park
A larger park featuring diverse landscapes from forests to beaches. Ideal for camping, hiking, and enjoying the Great Lakes scenery, attracting nature lovers.
Lake Michigan beaches, Camping, Hiking trails, Wildlife spotting, Scenic drives
North Higgins Lake State Park
An ideal location for beachgoers and campers alike, with beautiful sandy beaches and recreational activities. Access to Higgins Lake makes it particularly appealing.
Sandy beaches, Swimming, Picnicking, Hiking trails, Fishing opportunities

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Grayling (2026)

While Grayling, 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 Grayling to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Grayling (2026)

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Graylingbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Stumblin In

Stumblin In

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$48,457
Revenue
61.9%
Occupancy
$213.25
Daily Rate
Riverfront Retreat in Grayling

Riverfront Retreat in Grayling

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$33,319
Revenue
38.3%
Occupancy
$283.18
Daily Rate
Good Vibes Bungalow in Grayling

Good Vibes Bungalow in Grayling

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$28,030
Revenue
59.2%
Occupancy
$126.59
Daily Rate
Goose Creek Cabin

Goose Creek Cabin

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$18,507
Revenue
32.0%
Occupancy
$233.36
Daily Rate
Romantic & Charming Luxury AuSable River Log Cabin

Romantic & Charming Luxury AuSable River Log Cabin

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$13,660
Revenue
31.5%
Occupancy
$242.84
Daily Rate
The Up North Experience

The Up North Experience

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$12,476
Revenue
50.8%
Occupancy
$114.23
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 Grayling (2026)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Grayling 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
The Windmoor Lodge7$68,708714.84/5.0
Kelly1$48,4571974.97/5.0
MI Vacation Rentals1$33,319354.89/5.0
Garrett1$28,0301154.98/5.0
Jennifer4$24,521144.88/5.0
Clay1$18,507104.70/5.0
Jeffrey1$13,660115.00/5.0
Sara1$12,476374.95/5.0
Michelle1$6,71554.80/5.0
Tony W/ Book N Gather1$6,70285.00/5.0

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 Grayling.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Grayling STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Grayling. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Grayling Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2026): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Grayling

  • The Grayling Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 57.9% of the 19 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • However, a notable 42.1% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Grayling, Hotel/Boutique properties are the most common (42.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 21.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 42.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.

Grayling Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Grayling

  • The dominant room capacity in Grayling is 1 bedroom listings, making up 42.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 78.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Grayling, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.

Grayling Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Grayling

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Grayling vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (57.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
  • Properties designed for 4 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Grayling STR market, accounting for 73.7% of listings.
  • 21.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Grayling.
  • On average, properties in Grayling are equipped to host 4.5 guests.

Grayling Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Grayling

  • The most common availability pattern in Grayling falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 78.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 89.4% 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 Grayling (63.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 10.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Grayling Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (52.6%)

1 Night

10 listings

52.6% of total

2 Nights (21.1%)

2 Nights

4 listings

21.1% of total

30+ Nights (26.3%)

30+ Nights

5 listings

26.3% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Grayling is 1 Night, adopted by 52.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (73.7%) of the Grayling Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (26.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Grayling, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 52.6% of Grayling hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 26.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Grayling.

Grayling Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Flexible (52.6%)

Flexible

10 listings

52.6% of total

Moderate (21.1%)

Moderate

4 listings

21.1% of total

Firm (26.3%)

Firm

5 listings

26.3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Grayling

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Grayling is Flexible, used by 52.6% of listings.
  • The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 73.7% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Grayling may expect booking flexibility.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 52.6% market standard in Grayling.
  • Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (52.6%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Grayling.

Grayling STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2026)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Grayling

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Grayling is 44 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during January (average 103 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in December (average 27 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (60 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (43 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (44 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Grayling.
  • For January stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 103 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 60 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Grayling averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Grayling (2026)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Grayling

  • Essential amenities in Grayling that guests expect include: Smoke alarm, Fire extinguisher, Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Carbon monoxide alarm, Air conditioning, First aid kit are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Grayling: Smoke alarm, Fire extinguisher, Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Carbon monoxide alarm or Air conditioning 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 Grayling to stay competitive.

Grayling Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

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 Grayling

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Grayling consists of primarily domestic travelers (96%), often arriving from nearby Harbor Springs, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 96.1% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (96.1%) and DC (1.9%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (78.9%) followed by Spanish (7.9%).
  • 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 Harbor Springs and Grand Rapids.
  • 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 Grayling 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
Friendship Township13$6,326$459.8052%
Greilickville38$6,201$495.6451%
Blair Township53$5,102$476.0546%
Grattan Township16$5,037$352.1157%
City of Frankenmuth31$4,881$322.0151%
Livingston Township11$4,789$336.0352%
Walloon Lake27$4,734$487.0441%
West Traverse Township34$4,679$531.9939%
Elmwood Charter Township73$4,609$402.1347%
Bingham Township28$4,599$493.3045%

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