Alpena

As of June 2026, Alpena, Mackinaw City, Cheboygan have 1,024 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Alpena generates $24K per year. High-performing properties earn $52K/year, while low-performing properties earn $12K/year. This significant performance variance suggests that revenue in this market is heavily skewed toward top-tier assets, as the broader market experiences stagnant revenue growth.

Average home prices in Alpena vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $107K, 2-bedroom homes average $165K, 3-bedroom properties are around $219K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $291K. These prices reflect median home values across the Alpena, Mackinaw City, Cheboygan area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Alpena, with an average gross yield of 13% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 28%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. These yield figures highlight a distinct separation between average and elite earners despite the recent downward trend in overall market revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Alpena is 29%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $232, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $44 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Alpena, with an average gross yield of 13% and annual revenue of $22K. These properties balance purchase price ($165K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Alpena market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Alpena area. Alpena: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general zoning and business license rules. Minimal enforcement. Mackinaw City: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business licenses apply. Tourist-focused area with minimal restrictions or enforcement. Cheboygan: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or registration required. General zoning and tax compliance expected. Light enforcement in practice. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Alpena Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 39%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in RevPAR alongside modest supply growth points to a market where existing inventory is struggling to capture demand at historical price levels.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 84% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (February-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Alpena listings include: Kitchen (96%), Tv (84%), Air Conditioning (74%), Heating (62%), Washing Machine (60%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Lake Access, Internet, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 35% more ($57K/year vs $42K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Alpena over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $1K, November: $877, December: $628, January: $481, February: $551, March: $499, April: $635. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Alpena is $232, up 11% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $125/night, 2-bedroom properties average $182/night, 3-bedroom properties average $255/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $418/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in March.

Guests in Alpena book an average of 35 days in advance, down 20% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 26 days, 2-bedroom: 34 days, 3-bedroom: 35 days, 4+ bedroom: 44 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Alpena Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 5%, revenue per listing decreased 39%, occupancy fell 18%, average nightly rates increased 11%, and lead time decreased 20%. These metrics reflect a shift toward shorter booking windows and lower utilization, suggesting that aggressive pricing strategies are facing resistance.

In Alpena, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 45% higher occupancy than weekdays.