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

Chelan Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Chelan, WA is a lake-resort market where summer tourism drives sharp seasonal revenue spikes, with August averaging $6,169 per listing — more than triple the slowest months. The market's 227 active listings generate an average annual revenue of $39,783 against a relatively high average home value of $1,057,575, which means investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to make the numbers work. With an ADR of $343 (below Washington's $393 state average) and occupancy sitting at just 16%, this is a market that rewards peak-season execution over year-round consistency.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Chelan 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 Chelan

Chelan attracts STR investors because of its strong summer tourism draw centered on Lake Chelan, though high property costs and intense seasonality require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Chelan presents a competitive opportunity rather than a straightforward slam dunk. The deeply seasonal revenue curve — peaking at $6,169 in August and dipping to $1,878 in March — means cash flow is lumpy, and investors should plan for months where revenue barely covers carrying costs. That said, larger properties punch well above their weight: a 4-bedroom listing averages $62,541 annually compared to $33,247 for a 2-bedroom, suggesting the path to viable returns runs through bigger, amenity-rich homes. With supply growing rapidly and the supply/demand balance already under pressure, selectivity in deal sourcing and differentiation in guest experience will separate profitable operators from the rest."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Chelan

Average revenue by month in Chelan

Chelan's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal: August leads at $6,169 and July follows at $5,604, while March and April bottom out near $1,880. December's $4,104 average creates a welcome secondary peak, but investors should budget for four to five months of subdued income below $2,800.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Chelan

Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of Chelan's 227 listings at 53 units, with 4-bedrooms (49) and 1-bedrooms (46) close behind. The 5-bedroom (16) and 6+ bedroom (5) segments are notably thin, which could represent an opportunity for investors willing to enter with larger, higher-earning configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Chelan

ADR in Chelan scales steeply with size, ranging from $150 for studios to $1,207 for 6+ bedroom homes. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($372) to 4-bedrooms ($498) is especially significant, suggesting that the premium guests pay for extra space accelerates as properties cross the threshold into group-sized accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Chelan

RevPAN climbs consistently with bedroom count, from just $14 for studios to $173 for 6+ bedroom listings. Four-bedroom units deliver $83 in RevPAN — roughly double the 2-bedroom figure of $38 — making mid-to-large properties the clear efficiency winners after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Chelan

Occupancy rates are low across all property sizes, ranging from 10% for studios to 18% for 1-bedrooms, with most other sizes hovering around 15–17%. The narrow spread suggests that demand limitations are market-wide rather than size-specific, reinforcing the importance of maximizing revenue per booked night rather than chasing volume.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Chelan

Monthly revenue rises dramatically with property size: studios average $1,637 while 6+ bedroom homes pull in $10,962. The 4-bedroom tier at $5,211 per month represents a practical sweet spot for many investors, delivering strong revenue without the operational complexity of managing a very large home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Chelan

Annual revenue ranges from $19,646 for studios to $131,548 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering meaningfully more income. Given Chelan's $1,057,575 average home value, the 4-bedroom ($62,541) and 5-bedroom ($76,047) segments likely offer the most realistic path to a workable revenue-to-price ratio.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Chelan

Parking (98%), BBQ grills (89%), and kitchens (85%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient vacation stays. Lake access at 83% and pools at 80% underscore the outdoor-recreation DNA of this market — investors without waterfront proximity or a pool may face a meaningful competitive disadvantage.

Understanding Chelan'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

Chelan's ROI Score of 48 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, signaling that while demand exists, the investment landscape requires careful navigation. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, but the supply/demand balance scores below average — a direct reflection of the 112% year-over-year listing growth that's intensifying competition. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on differentiated, larger properties to improve their odds of outperforming the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Chelan

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Chelan, WA should expect to obtain any required permits or registrations from the City of Chelan and Chelan County before listing a property. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Chelan may include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and parking regulations, and potential caps on the total number of permits issued. HOA or community covenants can impose additional restrictions, so reviewing any applicable CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Chelan's summer-driven demand pattern is unlikely to shift dramatically, though a 112% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising competition that could put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should anticipate peak-season ADRs holding steady or seeing modest 1–3% increases given the area's enduring appeal as a lakefront getaway, while shoulder months may remain soft. The supply-demand balance is already rated below average, so new entrants will need standout listings — lake access, hot tubs, and larger configurations — to capture their share of bookings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Chelan, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chelan?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chelan is currently 16%, which is well below Washington's 36% state average. This reflects the market's heavy seasonality — demand concentrates in the summer months and drops considerably during the off-season. One-bedroom listings lead at 18% occupancy, while studios trail at 10%. Investors should factor this seasonal rhythm into their revenue projections.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Chelan?

On a trailing 12-month basis, the average Airbnb host in Chelan earns approximately $39,783 per year, or about $3,315 per month. Revenue varies widely by property size: studios average $19,646 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can pull in around $131,548. Peak months like July and August account for a disproportionate share of annual income, with August alone averaging $6,169.

Is Chelan a good market for Airbnb investment?

Chelan holds a Rabbu ROI Score of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. Strong summer tourism and premium nightly rates support revenue during peak season, but high average home values ($1,057,575), low year-round occupancy, and a rapidly growing supply of listings mean investors need to be selective. Larger, well-appointed properties with lake access and premium amenities tend to perform best. Careful underwriting and attention to seasonal cash-flow gaps are key to making the investment work.

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

The average daily rate in Chelan is $343, which is below the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales significantly with property size — studios average $150 per night, while 6+ bedroom homes command around $1,207. Mid-range properties like 3-bedrooms average $372, striking a balance between rate and broader guest appeal.

Are short-term rentals legal in Chelan?

Short-term rentals operate in Chelan, WA, as evidenced by the 227 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, operators should verify that they comply with all applicable City of Chelan and Chelan County regulations, which may include permit or registration requirements, occupancy limits, and other restrictions. Local rules can evolve, so checking with city planning offices and reviewing any HOA covenants before purchasing is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Chelan?

Peak season in Chelan runs from June through August, driven by Lake Chelan's summer recreation appeal. August is the single strongest month, with average revenue reaching $6,169 per listing, followed by July at $5,604. December also provides a notable secondary bump at $4,104, likely tied to holiday and winter getaway demand. The slowest months are March and April, when average revenue dips below $1,900.

How many Airbnbs are there in Chelan?

As of April 2026, there are 227 active Airbnb listings in Chelan. The supply has grown substantially, with a 112% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties are the most common configuration (53 listings), followed by 4-bedrooms (49) and 1-bedrooms (46). Studios and 6+ bedroom homes remain less common.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Chelan?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Chelan 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder 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. 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 Chelan market
• Occupancy, ADR, and RevPAN trends across property sizes and time periods
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics for consistency

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 performance as of April 2026; market conditions, regulations, and competitive dynamics can change. Individual property results will vary based on location, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.