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

Ellensburg Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ellensburg is a small but competitive short-term rental market in central Washington, anchored by Central Washington University and seasonal outdoor recreation that drives summer demand. With just 48 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $29,053, the market rewards operators who can capture peak-season bookings between June and August. However, an average daily rate of $188—less than half the Washington state average—combined with a 31% occupancy rate means investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to generate meaningful returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg

Investors consider Ellensburg for its relatively low entry cost compared to western Washington markets, combined with recurring university-driven demand and strong summer tourism tied to outdoor recreation.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ellensburg presents a competitive but niche opportunity best suited for investors willing to target specific property types and manage through pronounced seasonality. August is the clear revenue peak at $4,510 per month, while April bottoms out at just $1,440—a spread of over $3,000 that underscores the importance of summer bookings. The ROI score of 50 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply-demand balance, meaning deal sourcing matters more here than in higher-scoring markets. Investors who can secure properties at below-median prices and optimize for peak-season performance stand the best chance of generating competitive returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ellensburg

Average revenue by month in Ellensburg

Ellensburg shows sharp seasonality, with August ($4,510) earning more than triple the April low ($1,440). A secondary bump in December ($2,627) and January ($2,218) suggests holiday and winter-event demand, but the core revenue window is clearly June through September.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ellensburg

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 23 of the 48 active listings, while 3-bedroom properties are the scarcest at just 5 listings. The low supply of 3-bedroom homes—paired with their strong revenue performance—may signal an underserved niche for investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ellensburg

ADR climbs steadily from $127 for 1-bedroom listings to $306 for 4-bedroom properties, with the biggest jump occurring between 2 bedrooms ($191) and 3 bedrooms ($288). That $97 premium suggests group-sized properties command materially higher nightly rates in Ellensburg.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ellensburg

Four-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $141, nearly double the next tier (2-bedrooms at $88), thanks to combining the highest ADR with solid 46% occupancy. One-bedroom units lag significantly at just $26 RevPAN, reflecting both the lowest rates and occupancy in the market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ellensburg

Two-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties share the highest occupancy at 46%, more than double the 21% rate for 1-bedroom units. This gap suggests smaller units face stiffer competition for a limited pool of solo or couple travelers, while larger homes benefit from group and family demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ellensburg

Three-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $3,903, closely followed by 4-bedrooms at $3,491, while 1-bedroom units earn the least at $1,814. The roughly 2x revenue gap between the smallest and largest configurations highlights the financial advantage of targeting multi-bedroom properties in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ellensburg

At $46,844 per year, 3-bedroom properties generate more than double the annual revenue of 1-bedroom listings ($21,775) and also outpace 4-bedrooms ($41,898). Investors focused on maximizing annual return potential should weigh the 3-bedroom segment carefully, especially given its limited supply of just 5 competing listings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ellensburg

Every listing in Ellensburg offers parking—a near-universal expectation likely tied to the market's rural-adjacent location—while kitchens (92%) and self check-in (81%) round out the top three. Outdoor amenities like patios (71%), backyards (67%), and BBQ grills (42%) are well-represented, signaling that guests expect a home-like, outdoor-oriented experience.

Understanding Ellensburg's ROI Score: 50/100

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

Ellensburg's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real demand drivers but requires more careful deal sourcing to achieve strong returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by $655,431 average home values against $29,053 in annual revenue—is the primary drag, while occupancy stability and market growth trend both register as average. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes) where RevPAN and occupancy significantly outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ellensburg

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ellensburg, Washington may be required to obtain a business license and STR permit from the city. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Ellensburg and Kittitas County before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Washington communities include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and potential HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum stay requirements or cap the total number of STR permits available, so it's worth confirming whether Ellensburg enforces any such provisions.

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. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Washington Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ellensburg's STR supply could continue to expand given the 124% year-over-year growth in active listings, which may put additional pressure on occupancy rates that already sit below the state average. Summer months should remain the revenue engine, with estimates suggesting peak monthly earnings between $3,700 and $4,500 for well-positioned properties in July and August. ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible if new supply growth moderates, though investors should expect occupancy to hover in the 28–34% range market-wide. Building a cash reserve to cover slower months from March through May will be important for maintaining positive cash flow year-round."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ellensburg, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ellensburg?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ellensburg is currently 31%, which falls below the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—2-bedroom and 4-bedroom listings perform best at 46%, while 1-bedroom units average just 21%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a major role, with summer months driving the lion's share of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ellensburg?

Airbnb hosts in Ellensburg earn an average of $2,421 per month and approximately $29,053 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead with about $3,903 per month ($46,844 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,814 per month ($21,775 annually). Peak earnings occur during the summer, with August averaging $4,510 across the market.

Is Ellensburg a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ellensburg earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 50 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market features consistent university-driven demand and strong summer tourism, but a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and growing supply mean investors need to be selective. Larger properties—particularly 2- and 4-bedroom units—tend to perform better on occupancy and RevPAN, so targeting those configurations and pricing competitively during peak season can improve outcomes.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ellensburg is $188, which is significantly lower than the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $127, 2-bedrooms $191, 3-bedrooms $288, and 4-bedrooms $306. While rates are modest compared to coastal or metro Washington markets, they reflect Ellensburg's positioning as an affordable college-town and recreation destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ellensburg?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Ellensburg, Washington, though operators may need to obtain local permits or business licenses. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should contact the City of Ellensburg and review any applicable Kittitas County ordinances before listing a property. It's also wise to check HOA rules if the property is in a managed community.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ellensburg?

Peak season in Ellensburg runs from June through August, with August being the top-earning month at an average of $4,510 in monthly revenue. July follows closely at $3,744, and June rounds out the peak at $2,676. The slowest months are March through May, with April recording the lowest average at $1,440. December and January see a modest winter bump, likely tied to the holiday season and university events.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ellensburg?

As of April 2026, there are 48 active Airbnb listings in Ellensburg. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (23 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (9), 4-bedrooms (7), and 3-bedrooms (5). Notably, active listings grew by 124% year over year, indicating increasing investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ellensburg?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ellensburg are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently and naturally reflects seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the 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 Ellensburg market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Average home values sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple proprietary and third-party sources 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 12-month historical averages and may not capture recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.