Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Bay City?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Bay City market averaged 802 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 18% from a year earlier and up 145% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Bay City?

Accepted Answer

An average Bay City listing earns $30K/year. High-performing listings earn $57K, while low-performing listings earn $13K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Bay City home prices by size are 1-bedroom $59K, 2-bedroom $155K, 3-bedroom $214K, and 4+ bedroom $269K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Bay City?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Bay City is 32%, producing RevPAR of $62 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Bay City?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Bay City. Bay City: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general zoning and business tax rules. Minimal enforcement.
Saginaw: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license and zoning compliance expected. Light enforcement, many operate informally.
Midland: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions in residential areas. Moderate enforcement through complaint-based system.
Frankenmuth: Moderate. Registration and inspections required, insurance mandated. Tourist-friendly but enforces standards through complaints. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Bay City Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Bay City Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 18% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 11%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bay City?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Bay City?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Kitchen (98%), Parking (98%), TV (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Hot Tub (+44%), Washing Machine (+44%), Bbq (+34%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Bay City is $238, up 14% 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 Bay City?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Bay City book an average of 36 days in advance, up 5% from last year. Booking windows range from 30 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 Bay City?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 68% 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.Saginaw and Western County Country	$27.1K 25 listings	21.2% 25 listings
2.Caseville and Western Thumb Coast Country	$43.9K 41 listings	19.0% 41 listings
3.Bay City and Bay County River Country	$29.2K 67 listings	18.9% 67 listings
4.Frankenmuth and Birch Run Country	$49.7K 41 listings	17.4% 41 listings
5.Mount Pleasant and Southern Isabella Country	$32.6K 28 listings	17.0% 28 listings
6.Midland and Tittabawassee River Country	$35.9K 60 listings	16.7% 60 listings