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

Bellingham Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bellingham offers a Pacific Northwest STR market with above-average occupancy stability relative to Washington state, though elevated home prices create a tighter revenue-to-price ratio that demands careful deal selection. With 195 active listings, an average daily rate of $187, and trailing annual revenue of $35,561, the market rewards investors who target the right property size and operational strategy. Proximity to outdoor recreation, the San Juan Islands, and the Canadian border provides a steady base of leisure demand, particularly during summer months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bellingham 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 Bellingham

Bellingham attracts STR investors because of its strong leisure-travel appeal and above-average occupancy stability, though higher acquisition costs require more selective sourcing to achieve healthy returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bellingham presents a competitive opportunity where strong guest interest is counterbalanced by rising supply and elevated home values. Seasonality is the defining feature: August revenue of $4,840 is more than double the November trough of $2,180, meaning investors need realistic cash-flow models that account for quieter winter months. The market's occupancy stability — rated above average — is a genuine bright spot, suggesting demand doesn't evaporate outside peak season the way it does in purely resort-driven towns. Selective deal sourcing, particularly in the 3- and 4-bedroom segments where RevPAN reaches $85–$101, can tilt the math in an investor's favor despite the market's 48/100 ROI score."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bellingham

Average revenue by month in Bellingham

Bellingham's revenue cycle peaks sharply in summer, with August ($4,840) and July ($4,578) delivering roughly twice the income of the slowest months like November ($2,180) and October ($2,239). This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for a strong four-month earning window from June through September, with more modest returns through winter and spring.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bellingham

One-bedroom units dominate supply at 86 of the 195 active listings, while studios (17) and 4-bedrooms (16) are the least represented. The relatively thin supply of larger homes could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire 3- or 4-bedroom properties, where competition for bookings is lighter.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bellingham

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $111 for studios to $428 for 4-bedroom homes — nearly a 4× increase. The jump from 2-bedroom ($179) to 3-bedroom ($274) is especially notable, suggesting that adding a third bedroom unlocks a meaningful pricing premium in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bellingham

RevPAN increases steadily from $39 for studios to $101 for 4-bedroom properties, confirming that larger units generate more revenue per available night even after accounting for their lower occupancy. Three-bedroom homes at $85 RevPAN hit a compelling middle ground between nightly yield and booking frequency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bellingham

One-bedroom listings lead in occupancy at 42%, while 4-bedroom units trail at 24%, illustrating the classic trade-off between fill rate and nightly rate. Investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency may lean toward 1- or 2-bedroom units, whereas those targeting higher gross revenue may accept the lower occupancy of larger homes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bellingham

Monthly revenue scales from $1,805 for studios to $6,682 for 4-bedroom homes, with a significant jump between 2-bedroom ($3,287) and 4-bedroom configurations. Even 3-bedroom properties at $3,954 per month meaningfully outpace the market-wide average of $2,963, underscoring the revenue advantage of larger formats.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bellingham

Four-bedroom properties stand out at $80,190 in average annual revenue — more than three times what a studio earns ($21,665) and nearly double a 2-bedroom ($39,453). For investors seeking the highest gross income, larger properties clearly deliver, though acquisition costs and carrying expenses need to be weighed carefully.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bellingham

Parking (97%) and a full kitchen (95%) are near-universal, reflecting Bellingham's car-dependent geography and guest preference for self-catering stays. Self check-in at 82% has become a baseline expectation, while differentiators like hot tubs (15%), pet-friendliness (26%), and lake access (11%) remain less common and could help a listing stand out in search results.

Understanding Bellingham's ROI Score: 48/100

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

Bellingham's ROI Score of 48 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, where investor interest and guest demand are real but higher property prices compress returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by a $958K average home value against $35,561 in annual revenue — is the primary drag, while above-average occupancy stability provides a counterbalancing strength. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting property sizes with stronger RevPAN can help investors identify deals that outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bellingham

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license, land-use permit, or specific STR registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Bellingham's planning department and the Washington State Department of Revenue.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Washington STR markets include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum-stay requirements in certain zones, noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the total number of non-owner-occupied permits issued. HOA covenants can impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Washington are generally subject to state sales tax, a local lodging tax, and any applicable tourism or convention taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Washington State Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bellingham's STR market is expected to maintain its pronounced summer seasonality, with peak-month revenues roughly double the winter baseline. Occupancy could hold in the 36–40% range annually given the market's above-average stability score, though the 137% year-over-year growth in active listings signals increasing competition that may pressure ADRs by 1–3%. Investors who lock in properties before supply further saturates — especially larger homes that command premium nightly rates — should be better positioned to capture summer peaks and shoulder-season demand. We estimate modest overall revenue growth, contingent on disciplined pricing and standout guest experiences."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bellingham, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bellingham?

The average occupancy rate across active Airbnb listings in Bellingham is currently 37%, which edges slightly above the Washington state average of 36%. One-bedroom units tend to fill the most nights at 42%, while larger 4-bedroom properties average around 24% — reflecting their higher nightly rates and more niche guest pool.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bellingham?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Bellingham Airbnb listing generates roughly $2,963 per month and $35,561 per year. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios average about $21,665 annually, while 4-bedroom homes pull in around $80,190. Peak summer months (July and August) can push monthly income above $4,500.

Is Bellingham a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bellingham earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 48 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. Occupancy stability is above average, and leisure demand from nearby outdoor recreation is a reliable draw. However, average home values of nearly $958,000 create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, so investors need to be selective about acquisitions and target property sizes — like 3- or 4-bedroom homes — that generate the strongest returns.

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

The current average daily rate in Bellingham is $187, well below the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales meaningfully with property size, from $111 for studios up to $428 for 4-bedroom homes, giving investors a wide range of price-point strategies depending on their target guest.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bellingham?

Short-term rentals do operate in Bellingham, but specific permit, licensing, and zoning requirements may apply at both the city and county level. Washington State also imposes tax obligations on STR operators. We strongly recommend checking with Bellingham's planning department and the Washington State Department of Revenue for the most current regulations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bellingham?

Peak season runs from June through September, with August topping the chart at $4,840 in average monthly revenue and July close behind at $4,578. The shoulder months of March and December also show moderate activity, while November and October represent the softest periods at roughly $2,180–$2,239 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bellingham?

As of late April 2026, there are 195 active Airbnb listings in Bellingham. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 86 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (40) and 3-bedrooms (33). Notably, active listings have grown 137% year over year, signaling rising investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bellingham?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bellingham are derived from the trailing 12 months of actual booking performance across active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and overall operational management.

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 Bellingham and surrounding zip codes
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active short-term rental listings

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location, condition, management quality, and pricing strategy.