Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Bessemer market averaged 1,584 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 11% from a year earlier and up 53% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

An average Bessemer listing earns $31K/year. High-performing listings earn $64K, while low-performing listings earn $16K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Bessemer home prices by size are 2-bedroom $286K, 3-bedroom $271K, and 4+ bedroom $133K.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Bessemer is 31%, producing RevPAR of $68 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Bessemer. Bessemer, MI: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general zoning. Minimal enforcement.
Ironwood, MI: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license may apply. Light to no enforcement of STR-specific rules.
Houghton, MI: Moderate. Registration required, safety inspections, occupancy limits. Some enforcement but many operate informally given college town demand. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Bessemer Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Bessemer Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 11% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 14%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and August; it is lowest in April and November.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Parking (98%), Kitchen (97%), Heating (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Lake Access (+29%), Sauna (+29%), Parking (+23%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Bessemer is $256, up 15% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in April.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Bessemer book an average of 42 days in advance, up 11% from last year. Booking windows range from 34 days for 1-bedroom listings to 50 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 51% 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.Ironwood and Bessemer Country	$28.2K 74 listings	24.4% 74 listings
2.Copper Harbor and Northern Keweenaw	$44.8K 22 listings	14.5% 22 listings
3.Mercer and Southern Iron County Lakes	$39.8K 26 listings	10.7% 26 listings