Fairbanks, AK Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Fairbanks Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fairbanks, AK presents a distinctive opportunity for short-term rental investors, driven by its position as Alaska's interior hub for northern lights tourism, military-related travel, and summer outdoor adventure. With 385 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $29,230 and home values averaging $417,810, the revenue-to-price ratio keeps the market accessible compared to coastal Alaska destinations. Occupancy stability rates above average for the state, and a 109% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest in this market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks

Fairbanks attracts STR investors with its unique dual-season tourism appeal, above-average occupancy stability, and favorable property prices relative to Alaska's broader market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fairbanks earns an ROI score of 67 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier for short-term rental investment. The market exhibits clear seasonality — August leads at $3,567 in average monthly revenue while April dips to $1,335 — but a notable secondary winter peak in March ($3,174) tempers the off-season impact. Larger properties, particularly 4-bedroom and above, deliver outsized returns with RevPAN climbing to $161–$277, suggesting group-travel demand is a meaningful revenue driver. Investors who pair strategic pricing with the right property size can build a compelling income profile here, especially given the relatively moderate home values."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fairbanks

Average revenue by month in Fairbanks

Fairbanks shows a pronounced dual-peak seasonal pattern, with August ($3,567) and March ($3,174) leading the year while April ($1,335) marks the lowest point. The spread between peak and trough is roughly $2,230, so investors should plan cash reserves to cover the quieter shoulder months between seasons.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fairbanks

One-bedroom listings dominate supply at 152 units (39% of inventory), followed by 2-bedrooms at 106. Larger properties with 4+ bedrooms total just 48 listings combined, suggesting less competition and a potential gap for investors targeting group travelers or families.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fairbanks

ADR scales steeply with property size — from $130 for 1-bedrooms up to $608 for 6+ bedroom homes, nearly a 5x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($159) to 3-bedrooms ($261) represents the strongest inflection point, making mid-size properties a compelling sweet spot for rate optimization.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fairbanks

RevPAN climbs consistently with bedroom count, from $56–$57 for studios and 1-bedrooms to $277 for 6+ bedroom properties. Four-bedroom listings at $161 RevPAN nearly triple the efficiency of smaller units, highlighting that larger properties convert their higher nightly rates into meaningfully better per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fairbanks

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across most property sizes (38–44%), but 4-bedroom listings stand out at 50%, the highest in the market. Two-bedroom units lag at 38%, which combined with their moderate ADR makes them the least efficient configuration from an occupancy perspective.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fairbanks

Monthly revenue rises sharply with size — studios average $1,168 while 6+ bedroom homes pull in $10,126, representing nearly a 9x differential. Three-bedroom properties at $3,493 per month offer a notable step-up from 2-bedrooms ($2,268) and may represent the best balance of revenue and manageable acquisition cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fairbanks

Annual revenue potential ranges from $14,018 for studios to $121,520 for 6+ bedroom properties, underscoring how dramatically size drives income. Four-bedroom homes generating $63,543 per year and 5-bedrooms at $77,605 offer strong return potential, particularly given the limited competitive supply in those segments.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fairbanks

Parking (96%) and kitchens (94%) are near-universal, reflecting Fairbanks guests' expectation of self-sufficient, drive-in accommodations suited to Alaska's remote setting. Self check-in at 86% and laundry amenities around 72–74% round out the essentials, while hot tubs (12%) and pet-friendliness (20%) remain differentiators that could help a listing stand out in a growing market.

Understanding Fairbanks's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Fairbanks scores 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band. The score is anchored by above-average occupancy stability and average marks across revenue-to-price ratio, market growth, and supply/demand balance — a profile that suggests reliable but not exceptional returns without active management. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and property-level financial modeling before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fairbanks

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

Permit Requirements

Fairbanks, Alaska may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements with the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the State of Alaska Division of Occupational Licensing before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Alaskan markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Some neighborhoods or HOAs may impose additional covenants on short-term rental activity, so reviewing property-specific deed restrictions and local zoning codes is essential before committing to an investment.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Alaska are generally subject to borough bed taxes and may also owe state-level transient accommodations taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fairbanks is expected to maintain its seasonal revenue pattern with summer months (June through September) continuing to drive the bulk of annual income. ADR may edge up 2–4% as supply growth levels off after the recent 109% listing surge, though occupancy could face modest downward pressure as new inventory absorbs demand. Winter months should remain supported by aurora-viewing tourism, particularly February and March, which already post above-average revenues. Investors entering now should budget conservatively around 40–44% occupancy and plan pricing strategies that capitalize on distinct summer and winter peaks."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fairbanks, AK

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fairbanks?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fairbanks is currently 42%, which trails the Alaska state average of 51%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom listings performing best at 50% and 2-bedroom units sitting lower at 38%. The market's distinct summer and winter tourism seasons contribute to these figures, with peak months pushing well above the annual average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fairbanks?

Fairbanks Airbnb hosts earn an average of $2,435 per month and approximately $29,230 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios average around $1,168 per month while 6+ bedroom properties can generate roughly $10,126 monthly. Summer months like August see revenues peak at $3,567, making property sizing and seasonal pricing critical to maximizing income.

Is Fairbanks a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fairbanks carries an ROI score of 67 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity" by Rabbu. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability, reasonable home values averaging $417,810, and dual-season tourism driven by northern lights viewing and summer adventure travel. While the average daily rate of $196 is below the Alaska state average of $254, the favorable purchase prices help maintain a competitive revenue-to-price ratio. Investors should account for pronounced seasonality and factor in property management during harsh winters.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Fairbanks is $196, compared to the Alaska state average of $254. ADR scales substantially with property size: studios average $144 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $608. Three-bedroom units hit a strong middle ground at $261 per night, offering a good balance between nightly rate and broader guest appeal.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fairbanks?

Short-term rentals do operate in Fairbanks, with 385 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local permitting requirements, tax obligations, and zoning rules may apply. Investors should check with the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the State of Alaska for the latest regulations, including any business license or bed-tax requirements, before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has two distinct peak seasons. The primary peak runs from June through September, with August topping out at $3,567 in average monthly revenue. A notable secondary peak occurs in March ($3,174), driven largely by northern lights tourism and late-winter visitors. April tends to be the slowest month at $1,335, making it the clearest off-peak period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fairbanks?

Fairbanks currently has 385 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth with a 109% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 152 listings, followed by 2-bedroom properties at 106, with larger homes (4+ bedrooms) representing a smaller but potentially more lucrative segment of the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fairbanks?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Fairbanks 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 because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 Fairbanks market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers including Rabbu proprietary analytics

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 market conditions may have changed since the reporting period. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.