Is Ewen, Michigan Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Ewen, Michigan, begin by researching local regulations through Ontonagon County and the Village of Ewen offices, as this small Upper Peninsula community may have specific zoning requirements for short-term rentals that typically require business licenses and compliance with fire safety codes. Obtain necessary permits including a Michigan sales tax license, local business permit, and ensure your property meets health department standards which usually cost between $50-200 in rural Michigan counties. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or consider converting existing residential property, keeping in mind Ewen's proximity to Lake Superior and outdoor recreation areas makes lakefront or wooded properties particularly attractive to tourists. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture focusing on outdoor enthusiasts' needs including gear storage, warm bedding for cold Upper Peninsula winters, and kitchen essentials, budgeting approximately $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with high-quality photos showcasing the natural beauty and outdoor access, setting competitive rates around $75-150 per night based on comparable properties in nearby areas like Ontonagon or Bruce Crossing. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management software or hiring a local co-host since Ewen's remote location may require reliable local support for guest issues, key exchanges, and emergency situations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Ewen, Michigan, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Lake Superior shoreline or near snowmobile trail access points, as this small Upper Peninsula community attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes built after 1980 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, reliable heating systems, and outdoor spaces such as decks or fire pits, ensuring properties can accommodate 4-8 guests comfortably. Analyze pricing using AirDNA or Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Ontonagon County, aiming for average daily rates between $150-250 depending on seasonality, with peak rates during summer months and snowmobile season (December-March). Research competition by monitoring active listings within a 15-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy patterns and guest reviews to identify service gaps or underserved niches like pet-friendly or ATV-accessible properties. Utilize tools like STR Helper for market analysis, connect with local real estate agents familiar with vacation rental regulations in Ontonagon County, and leverage Michigan DNR trail maps to identify properties near popular outdoor recreation areas, while considering acquisition costs under $200,000 to maintain healthy profit margins in this rural market where tourism drives seasonal demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Ewen, Michigan, you must first contact the Ontonagon County Building Department since Ewen is an unincorporated community within Ontonagon County, and apply for a short-term rental license which typically costs between $150-300 annually. Required documents include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, septic system inspection (if applicable), and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. You'll also need to provide a site plan showing parking areas, emergency exits, and maximum occupancy details, along with contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of the property. Submit your application to the Ontonagon County Clerk's Office at 725 Greenland Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953, along with the application fee and all supporting documents. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks, during which time inspections will be scheduled for fire safety, building code compliance, and septic system functionality. Ewen-specific requirements include maintaining adequate parking for guests (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring proper snow removal access during winter months, and compliance with noise ordinances that restrict quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, with final approval contingent upon passing all inspections and meeting county zoning requirements for residential short-term rentals.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Ewen, Michigan, as the small unincorporated community in Ontonagon County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them, and Michigan state law does not ban STRs outright. However, operators must comply with state tax requirements including collecting the 6% sales tax and any applicable local accommodation taxes, obtain proper business licenses, and ensure compliance with zoning regulations which may vary by property location within the township. Ontonagon County may have some oversight regarding health and safety standards for rental properties, and recent trends since 2020-2022 have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in rural Michigan communities due to housing availability concerns, though no specific recent legal changes have been implemented in Ewen itself. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance with Ontonagon County and ensure proper registration with the Michigan Department of Treasury for tax collection purposes, as enforcement of existing regulations has become more stringent statewide.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Ewen, Michigan are primarily concentrated around the Ontonagon River corridor and the areas near the Ottawa National Forest boundary, particularly properties within 2-3 miles of Highway 28 which provides easy access to outdoor recreation activities. The downtown Ewen area near the historic railroad depot offers potential for visitors interested in Upper Peninsula history and serves as a convenient base for exploring the region's mining heritage sites. Properties near Burned Dam Road and along the river systems attract fishing enthusiasts, particularly during salmon runs from September through November, while locations closer to the national forest boundaries appeal to hunters, hikers, and snowmobilers seeking wilderness access. The areas around Lake Gogebic (approximately 15 minutes away) provide spillover opportunities for visitors when lakefront accommodations are full, especially during ice fishing season and summer recreation periods. Investment properties near the intersection of local forest roads and main thoroughfares perform well due to their accessibility for both recreational vehicle users and those seeking remote cabin experiences, with peak demand occurring during fall color season (late September to mid-October), winter snowmobiling months (December through March), and summer fishing seasons.

Airbnb properties in Ewen, Michigan are subject to Michigan's 6% state sales tax on lodging accommodations, which is automatically collected by Airbnb through their platform and remitted directly to the Michigan Department of Treasury on behalf of hosts. Additionally, Ontonagon County (where Ewen is located) imposes a local accommodation tax of approximately 2-4% on short-term rentals, though this may need to be collected and remitted separately by individual hosts depending on local agreements with Airbnb. The city of Ewen itself does not appear to have a separate municipal lodging tax as of 2023. Hosts are required to register with the Michigan Department of Treasury if collecting taxes independently, file monthly returns, and remit taxes by the 20th of the following month. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may also be exempt from taxation.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Ewen, Michigan is approximately $185,000-$225,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Upper Peninsula markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to meet guest expectations. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, potential township permits, and Airbnb registration requirements. Insurance including short-term rental coverage and liability protection costs $2,000-$3,500 annually. Utilities including electricity, heating, water, internet, and cable average $300-$500 monthly in this region. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800-$3,000), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200-$2,000), maintenance reserves ($1,000-$2,000), marketing ($500-$1,000), and miscellaneous expenses ($500-$1,000) total approximately $5,000-$9,000, bringing the complete startup investment to the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in Ewen, Michigan, a small town in the Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior, typically generate modest returns due to the area's seasonal tourism patterns and limited year-round demand. Properties in this region generally earn $8,000-$15,000 annually in gross revenue, with peak earnings during summer months (June-August) when rates can reach $120-180 per night for lakefront cabins, while off-season rates drop to $60-90 per night. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-100 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts focusing on outdoor recreation amenities like snowmobile access, fishing equipment, and proximity to hiking trails in the Ottawa National Forest. Properties within 5 miles of Lake Superior or popular snowmobile trails tend to achieve 60-70% occupancy rates and higher profitability, while inland properties may struggle with 35-45% occupancy. The most successful Airbnb operators in the area typically own multiple properties, leverage local partnerships with outdoor recreation businesses, and maintain strong relationships with repeat guests who visit annually for hunting, fishing, or winter sports activities.

Airbnb investments in Ewen, Michigan, a small rural community in the Upper Peninsula, typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% due to seasonal tourism patterns driven by outdoor recreation activities like snowmobiling, fishing, and fall foliage viewing. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 6-10% annually, with properties near Lake Superior or snowmobile trail access commanding higher rates during peak winter months (December-March) at $80-120 per night and summer months (June-August) at $90-140 per night. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties averaging $150,000-250,000, with occupancy rates typically reaching 45-60% annually due to the area's remote location and limited year-round demand. Properties that cater to outdoor enthusiasts with amenities like heated garages for snowmobiles, hot tubs, and lake access tend to perform better, potentially reaching the higher end of ROI expectations, while basic cabins may struggle to exceed 8% annual returns due to Ewen's small population of approximately 300 residents and limited marketing reach.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Ewen, Michigan. Local real estate agents in the area who understand vacation rental markets include Keweenaw Bay Realty and Century 21 North Country, both serving the Upper Peninsula region since the 1990s. National services like Awning (founded 2017), RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for Airbnb investments in rural Michigan markets. Vacasa and AvantStay offer property management services that can help investors evaluate potential returns in the Ewen area. Local property management companies such as Superior Shores Property Management and UP Vacation Rentals have been serving the region since approximately 2015, helping investors identify and manage profitable short-term rental properties near the Ottawa National Forest and Lake Superior attractions that draw tourists to Ewen year-round.