Cle Elum, WA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cle Elum Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cle Elum stands out as a mountain-recreation gateway in Washington State, where a compact market of 287 active Airbnb listings commands a notably high average daily rate of $550—well above the $393 state average. With an average annual revenue of $66,486 per listing and home values around $1.23 million, the revenue-to-price ratio sits at an average level, but the market's seasonal draw from skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation keeps investor interest steady. The ROI score of 57 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity, particularly for larger properties that capture premium nightly rates and stronger occupancy.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cle Elum 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 Cle Elum

Cle Elum attracts STR investors because its proximity to outdoor recreation and high ADR create meaningful revenue potential, especially for larger properties that serve group getaways.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cle Elum presents a moderately attractive investment landscape for short-term rentals, with genuine upside concentrated in larger properties that can accommodate groups. The market exhibits pronounced seasonality: August leads with an average revenue of $10,323 per listing, while April bottoms out at $3,295—a spread that demands disciplined cash-flow planning. Occupancy stability is below the state average at 31%, which is the market's most notable headwind, though larger homes (6+ bedrooms) buck this trend with 38% occupancy and RevPAN of $366. For investors willing to target the right property size and amenity set, the combination of high ADR and dual-season demand creates real opportunity despite the softer shoulder months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cle Elum

Average revenue by month in Cle Elum

Revenue in Cle Elum swings dramatically with the seasons—August tops out at $10,323, more than triple April's low of $3,295. A secondary winter bump in December ($6,014) and June's ramp-up ($6,119) create two distinct earning windows, but investors should budget for soft shoulder months from March through May and again in October–November.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cle Elum

The supply landscape is dominated by 3-to-5 bedroom properties, which together account for 178 of 287 listings (62% of the market). Studios (9 listings) and 1-bedrooms (31 listings) are relatively underrepresented, though their lower revenue potential may explain the thin supply; the 6+ bedroom category (44 listings) offers a niche where competition is more limited relative to earning power.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cle Elum

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count in Cle Elum, rising from $155 for studios to $953 for 6+ bedroom properties—a more than six-fold increase. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($554) to 5 bedrooms ($717) represents one of the sharpest inflection points, suggesting that larger group-oriented properties capture outsized nightly premiums.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cle Elum

Revenue per available night climbs consistently with size, but the gap widens at the top: 5-bedroom properties deliver $261 RevPAN and 6+ bedrooms reach $366, compared to just $109 for 3-bedroom units. This pattern indicates that larger properties not only charge more per night but also convert enough bookings to justify the premium investment.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cle Elum

Occupancy rates range from 17% for studios to 38% for 6+ bedroom properties, with a clear trend favoring larger homes. The 5-bedroom (36%) and 6+ bedroom (38%) segments outperform the market average of 31%, suggesting that group-travel demand in Cle Elum is more reliable than demand from solo or couple travelers.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cle Elum

Monthly revenue rises steadily from $1,640 for studios to $11,059 for 6+ bedroom properties—nearly a seven-fold difference. The 5-bedroom tier at $8,129 per month represents a strong middle ground between the revenue ceiling of the largest homes and the more manageable acquisition and operating costs of mid-size properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cle Elum

At $132,715 annually, 6+ bedroom properties generate roughly 2.2 times the revenue of 4-bedroom listings ($61,379) and nearly seven times what studios earn ($19,684). For investors focused on maximizing gross revenue, the data strongly favors larger configurations, with the 5-bedroom tier at $97,550 also offering compelling annual returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cle Elum

Kitchens (99%), washers (93%), dryers (91%), and parking (91%) are near-universal in Cle Elum listings, reflecting the self-catering, drive-to nature of this mountain market. Hot tubs stand out at 79% prevalence—far above typical markets—signaling that guests treat this as a baseline expectation rather than a luxury differentiator, so investors without one may face a competitive disadvantage.

Understanding Cle Elum's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Cle Elum's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting average revenue-to-price and market growth metrics offset by below-average occupancy stability. The supply/demand balance sits at an average level, suggesting the market isn't yet oversaturated despite recent listing growth. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground research into local STR regulations and seasonal cash-flow planning to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cle Elum

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cle Elum, Washington may need to obtain a permit or business license from local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with the City of Cle Elum and Kittitas County, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain-area STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements (particularly during holiday weekends), noise ordinances, parking mandates to handle snow-season logistics, and potential HOA restrictions in resort communities. Investors purchasing within planned developments or homeowner associations should carefully review governing documents for STR-specific covenants.

Tax Obligations

Washington State requires collection of applicable lodging taxes on short-term rentals, and Kittitas County may impose additional transient accommodation or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection and remittance automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with a local tax advisor to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cle Elum's short-term rental market is likely to follow its established seasonal rhythm, with summer months (especially July and August) continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. ADR could see modest increases in the 2–4% range as larger cabin-style properties remain in high demand among group travelers. Occupancy, currently at 31% versus 36% statewide, may tighten slightly as supply growth stabilizes—listings grew at a rate of 104% year-over-year, suggesting the market is approaching a more balanced state. Investors should plan cash reserves around softer shoulder months like March, April, and October when revenue dips below $4,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cle Elum, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cle Elum?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cle Elum is currently 31%, which sits below the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size—studios average just 17%, while 6+ bedroom properties reach 38%. The lower market-wide figure reflects Cle Elum's seasonal nature, with demand peaking during summer and winter recreation periods and softening in spring and fall shoulder months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cle Elum?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Cle Elum earn approximately $5,540 per month or $66,486 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies substantially by property size: studios average around $19,684 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties bring in roughly $132,715 per year. Peak months like August can generate over $10,000 in a single month, while slower months like April may yield closer to $3,295.

Is Cle Elum a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cle Elum earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 57 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from a high average daily rate of $550 and dual-season recreation demand, though below-average occupancy stability is a factor investors should weigh. Larger properties tend to perform significantly better—5-bedroom homes average $97,550 annually—so investors targeting group-friendly cabins or homes with resort-style amenities like hot tubs are best positioned to capitalize on this market.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Cle Elum is $550, which is approximately 40% higher than the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales sharply with property size: studios average $155 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $953 per night. This premium pricing reflects the area's appeal as a mountain getaway destination where guests are willing to pay for spacious, amenity-rich accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cle Elum?

Short-term rentals do operate in Cle Elum, Washington, with 287 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, STR regulations can vary and evolve, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Cle Elum and Kittitas County for the latest permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable licensing rules before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cle Elum?

Peak season in Cle Elum centers on the summer months, with August generating the highest average revenue at $10,323 per listing and July following closely at $8,568. A secondary winter peak occurs in December ($6,014) and January ($5,075), driven by ski-season demand. The slowest period falls in spring—March through April averages between $3,295 and $3,725—making these the primary shoulder months investors should plan around.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cle Elum?

As of April 2026, there are 287 active Airbnb listings in Cle Elum. The supply is weighted toward mid-to-large properties: 4-bedroom homes make up the largest segment with 62 listings, followed by 5-bedroom (59 listings) and 3-bedroom (57 listings) properties. Studios and 1-bedroom units are relatively scarce, with just 9 and 31 listings respectively.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cle Elum?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Cle Elum 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like August's $10,323 average) and slower months (like April's $3,295). 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 Cle Elum and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance and market conditions as of the date indicated; actual results may vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and local regulation changes. Investors should independently verify local short-term rental regulations and tax obligations before making any purchase decisions.