Anacortes, WA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Anacortes Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Anacortes sits at the gateway to the San Juan Islands, giving it a natural draw for seasonal travelers seeking island-hopping, kayaking, and Pacific Northwest scenery. With 88 active listings and an average annual revenue of $39,016, the market is compact but generates meaningful income during its summer peak. An ADR of $247 comes in well below the Washington state average of $393, which keeps nightly rates accessible to guests while reflecting the smaller-market dynamic. The ROI score of 52 out of 100 signals a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than in high-yield markets.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Anacortes short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Anacortes

Anacortes appeals to investors seeking a seasonal coastal market with strong summer upside, though elevated home prices and growing competition require disciplined deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Anacortes represents a moderately competitive opportunity where the right property can perform well, but broad market conditions require careful entry. Seasonality is pronounced: revenue swings from a low of $1,704 in January to $5,944 in August, creating a roughly 3.5x spread that investors must plan for in their cash-flow models. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by an average home value near $1.1 million against $39,016 in annual revenue—means cap rates will be thin unless investors find properties priced meaningfully below the market median or target higher-yielding 3-bedroom configurations. Occupancy stability is a bright spot, and the market's enduring appeal as a San Juan Islands launch point provides a reliable demand floor during peak season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Anacortes

Average revenue by month in Anacortes

Anacortes displays sharp seasonality, with August peaking at $5,944 and January bottoming at $1,704—a 3.5x swing that underscores how summer tourism drives the majority of annual income. The shoulder months of April ($3,309) and October ($2,704) offer modest revenue, but investors should budget for a sustained soft period from November through March.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Anacortes

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 32 of the market's 88 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (24) and 3-bedrooms (17), with studios rounding out the mix at 11. The relatively thin supply of 3-bedroom properties could represent an opportunity given their substantially higher revenue performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Anacortes

ADR scales meaningfully with size: studios command $147 per night while 3-bedroom properties reach $351, more than double. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($216) to 3-bedrooms is especially steep, suggesting guests are willing to pay a significant premium for the extra space and capacity.

Average RevPAN by property size in Anacortes

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $88, outpacing studios ($53) and the $58 earned by both 1- and 2-bedroom listings. This gap indicates that despite lower occupancy rates, larger properties more than compensate through their higher nightly rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Anacortes

Studios and 1-bedrooms lead occupancy at 36% and 35% respectively, while 2-bedrooms (27%) and 3-bedrooms (25%) fill fewer nights. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, smaller units offer steadier booking patterns, though their lower ADR limits total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Anacortes

Three-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $5,561 per month, nearly double the 2-bedroom average of $3,143 and more than twice the studio figure of $2,413. One-bedroom listings sit at $2,715 monthly, making the revenue case for larger properties compelling despite their higher acquisition and operating costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Anacortes

At $66,741 annually, 3-bedroom properties generate roughly 70% more revenue than the market-wide average of $39,016 and more than double the $28,960 that studios produce. Two-bedroom listings land at $37,722 per year—close to the overall average—suggesting that 3-bedrooms offer the most differentiated return potential in Anacortes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Anacortes

Parking (98%) and a kitchen (97%) are essentially table stakes in Anacortes, while outdoor features like patios (77%), outdoor furniture (69%), and BBQ grills (58%) signal that guests expect to enjoy the Pacific Northwest outdoors. Self check-in is offered by 76% of listings, and the 32% with beach access and 30% with waterfront positioning highlight a premium tier that can likely command higher nightly rates.

Understanding Anacortes's ROI Score: 52/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Anacortes earns an ROI score of 52 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band where strong demand meets higher-than-average entry costs. Occupancy stability rates above average—a positive signal for income reliability—but the revenue-to-price ratio, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all come in below average, reflecting elevated home prices near $1.1 million and rapid 150% listing growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on deal-level underwriting rather than relying on market-wide averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Anacortes

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Anacortes. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Anacortes, Washington may be required to obtain a business license and register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Anacortes and Skagit County, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Washington municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking standards. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing any covenants before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Washington State are generally subject to state sales tax, local lodging tax, and potentially a tourism promotion area surcharge. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the Washington Department of Revenue.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Anacortes can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Anacortes is likely to see continued summer-driven demand with peak-month revenues in the $5,000–$6,000 range, though winter months will probably remain soft in the $1,700–$2,400 band. Active listings grew 150% year-over-year, which introduces meaningful new competition and could pressure occupancy rates that already sit at 30%—below the 36% state average. Investors should anticipate ADR holding relatively steady or rising modestly by 1–3%, but occupancy gains may be limited unless supply growth levels off. Targeting larger properties—particularly 3-bedroom units—could offer the best hedge against tighter competition given their significantly higher RevPAN."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Anacortes, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Anacortes?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Anacortes is currently 30%, which trails the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies by property size—studios lead at 36%, while 3-bedroom properties average 25%. The lower overall rate reflects the market's strong seasonality, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Anacortes?

Anacortes Airbnb hosts earn an average of $3,251 per month and approximately $39,016 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $5,561 per month ($66,741 annually), while studios bring in about $2,413 per month ($28,960 annually). Summer months like July and August can push monthly revenue well above $5,000.

Is Anacortes a good market for Airbnb investment?

Anacortes scores 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong seasonal demand tied to San Juan Islands tourism, but elevated home values (averaging $1,096,372) create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals below median pricing or focus on 3-bedroom properties with higher revenue potential are best positioned to find attractive returns.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Anacortes?

The average daily rate in Anacortes is $247, which is notably lower than the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales with property size—studios average $147, 1-bedrooms $166, 2-bedrooms $216, and 3-bedrooms command $351 per night. This pricing keeps the market accessible to a broad range of travelers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Anacortes?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Anacortes, Washington, though operators may need to obtain local business licenses and register with the city. Regulations can change, so it's important to check directly with the City of Anacortes and Skagit County for the most current permitting, zoning, and tax requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Anacortes?

Peak season in Anacortes runs from June through September, with August being the strongest month at an average revenue of $5,944 per listing. July follows closely at $5,287, and September rounds out the high season at $4,240. The off-season low hits in January at $1,704, making summer bookings critical to annual profitability.

How many Airbnbs are there in Anacortes?

As of April 2026, there are 88 active Airbnb listings in Anacortes. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (32 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (24), 3-bedrooms (17), and studios (11). Active listings grew 150% year-over-year, indicating a significant increase in competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Anacortes?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Anacortes are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data up into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a listing is managed.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Anacortes market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results will vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and management. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements are subject to change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.