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

Carson Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Carson, WA is a small but growing short-term rental market nestled in the Columbia River Gorge region, with just 11 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $34,949 per property. The market's ROI score of 61 out of 100 reflects an attractive opportunity driven by above-average occupancy stability, positive growth trends, and a favorable supply/demand balance. With a 288% year-over-year increase in active listings, Carson is clearly gaining attention from investors drawn to its outdoor recreation appeal and proximity to natural attractions.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Carson

Investors are drawn to Carson for its combination of outdoor recreation demand, limited existing supply, and a favorable supply/demand dynamic that supports above-average occupancy stability.

Expert Market Assessment

"Carson presents a moderately attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to work within a small, seasonal market. Revenue peaks sharply in July ($4,745) and August ($4,539), while winter months dip to around $1,952–$2,274, creating a pronounced seasonal curve that favors investors comfortable with variable cash flow. The market's above-average supply/demand balance and occupancy stability are encouraging signs that current demand outpaces the limited inventory. However, the below-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values at $643,874 against $34,949 in annual revenue — means investors need to be selective about acquisition price to achieve meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Carson

Average revenue by month in Carson

Carson's revenue curve is heavily seasonal, with July ($4,745) and August ($4,539) generating more than double the revenue of the slowest months like November ($1,952) and December ($2,020). Investors should plan for roughly 55% of annual income to concentrate in the May–September window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Carson

All reportable active listings in Carson are concentrated in the 2-bedroom category, with 6 properties of that size tracked. This extremely narrow supply mix could signal opportunity for investors bringing larger or uniquely configured properties to market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Carson

Two-bedroom properties in Carson command an ADR of $183, which falls below the overall market average of $212 — suggesting that larger or more premium properties in the market are pulling the blended rate higher. Investors acquiring 2-bedroom units should focus on amenity differentiation to push nightly rates above this baseline.

Average RevPAN by property size in Carson

Two-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $41, reflecting the combination of a $183 ADR and 23% occupancy. This relatively modest figure underscores the importance of maximizing bookable nights and optimizing pricing during peak season months.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Carson

Two-bedroom properties average 23% occupancy, slightly below the market-wide 26% average. This suggests that cash-flow stability for smaller units hinges on capturing strong summer bookings and supplementing with shoulder-season demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Carson

Two-bedroom listings generate an average of $1,729 per month, notably below the market-wide average of $2,912. This gap implies that non-2-bedroom properties (or premium outliers) in the market are earning substantially more, pointing to potential upside for investors who can offer differentiated accommodations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Carson

At $20,756 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties sit well below the market-wide $34,949 average. Investors targeting the strongest return potential in Carson may want to consider properties with more bedrooms or unique features that can command higher rates and occupancy.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Carson

Every active listing in Carson offers a kitchen, while parking (91%), self check-in (91%), and a washer (91%) are near-universal — setting a high baseline for guest expectations. Outdoor-focused amenities like backyards (73%), pet-friendliness (73%), and BBQ grills (64%) reflect the market's nature-oriented traveler base, while hot tubs (18%) represent a potential differentiator for properties looking to stand out.

Understanding Carson's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Carson's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, signaling that the market offers a viable entry point for STR investors — particularly given its above-average marks in occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag on the score, reflecting that average home values of $643,874 are relatively high compared to the $34,949 in typical annual revenue. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting properties priced below the market average could help investors close the gap and unlock stronger returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Carson

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Carson, WA may need to obtain permits or register with Skamania County, as Washington state generally allows local jurisdictions to set their own STR requirements. Investors should verify current permit and licensing obligations with the Skamania County planning department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply in the Carson area include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants can also impose additional limitations on short-term rental activity, so prospective investors should review any applicable CC&Rs and local zoning codes thoroughly.

Tax Obligations

Washington state requires STR operators to collect and remit state sales tax and any applicable local lodging taxes; platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of this collection automatically. Investors should confirm their specific tax obligations with the Washington Department of Revenue and Skamania County to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Carson's STR market is likely to continue expanding as investor interest in the Columbia River Gorge corridor grows. Seasonal demand patterns suggest summer months will remain the primary revenue driver, with July and August revenues roughly double the winter lows — investors can reasonably anticipate occupancy holding in the 25–30% range annually with ADR potentially edging up 3–5% as the market matures. The above-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance indicate that new inventory is being absorbed rather than diluting existing hosts' earnings, though the rapid listing growth warrants monitoring. Investors should plan for meaningful revenue seasonality and build conservative winter-month assumptions into their financial models."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Carson, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carson?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carson is currently 26%, which sits below the Washington state average of 36%. While this figure reflects the market's seasonal nature — with higher occupancy during summer months and lighter bookings in winter — it also indicates that well-managed properties with competitive pricing and strong amenities may be able to outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Carson?

Airbnb hosts in Carson earn an average of $2,912 per month, which translates to approximately $34,949 in average annual revenue based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, with July topping out at $4,745 and November dropping to around $1,952. Individual results depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Carson a good market for Airbnb investment?

Carson earns an ROI score of 61 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability, positive growth trends, and a favorable supply/demand balance with just 11 active listings. However, the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values around $643,874, so investors should carefully evaluate acquisition costs and target properties that can command premium nightly rates.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Carson is $212, which comes in below the Washington state average of $393. For 2-bedroom properties specifically, the ADR sits at $183. This lower rate reflects the market's rural character and smaller property sizes, though it also positions Carson as an accessible getaway destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Carson?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Carson, WA area, though operators should verify specific permit requirements and any restrictions with Skamania County authorities. Washington state allows local jurisdictions to regulate STRs, so rules can vary. Investors are encouraged to review local zoning codes, any applicable HOA restrictions, and tax registration requirements before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Carson?

Peak season in Carson runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,745 and August close behind at $4,539. The shoulder months of May ($3,365) and September ($3,289) also perform well. Winter months from November through February represent the softest period, with revenues ranging from roughly $1,952 to $2,274.

How many Airbnbs are there in Carson?

As of April 2026, there are 11 active Airbnb listings in Carson. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 288% year-over-year increase in active listings. Despite this rapid expansion, the overall inventory remains quite small, which contributes to the market's above-average supply/demand balance.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Carson?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Carson 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 results up to 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and 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 the Carson, WA market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — investors should verify current rules with Skamania County and Washington state authorities before purchasing.