Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Alpena market averaged 1,076 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 12% from a year earlier and up 127% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

An average Alpena listing earns $26K/year. High-performing listings earn $61K, while low-performing listings earn $12K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

Median Alpena home prices by size are 1-bedroom $113K, 2-bedroom $171K, 3-bedroom $225K, and 4+ bedroom $300K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Alpena is 26%, producing RevPAR of $54 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Alpena. 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-dependent economy with light oversight of rentals.
Cheboygan: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or registration required. General zoning and tax compliance expected. Limited enforcement in practice. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Alpena Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Alpena Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 12% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 5%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and August; it is lowest in January and March.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Kitchen (97%), Parking (97%), TV (95%). The strongest positive revenue associations are TV (+55%), Internet (+52%), Washing Machine (+38%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Alpena is $257, up 20% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in March.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Alpena book an average of 38 days in advance, up 7% from last year. Booking windows range from 29 days for 1-bedroom listings to 47 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Alpena?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 50% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Rogers City and Presque Isle Coast	$43.1K 20 listings	20.8% 20 listings
2.Alpena and Long Lake Country	$37.0K 41 listings	19.2% 41 listings
3.Cheboygan and Inland Waterway	$44.4K 33 listings	18.3% 33 listings
4.Oscoda and Au Sable	$25.2K 84 listings	16.9% 84 listings
5.Tawas Bay	$34.2K 60 listings	16.5% 60 listings
6.Au Gres and Arenac Coast	$28.1K 20 listings	16.3% 20 listings
7.Harrisville and Alcona Coast	$32.0K 30 listings	12.4% 30 listings