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

Ferndale Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ferndale, WA is a small but growing short-term rental market with 31 active Airbnb listings and notable year-over-year listing growth of 93%. With an average annual revenue of $25,402 and an ADR of $164—well below the Washington state average of $393—Ferndale positions itself as an accessible entry point for investors looking at the Pacific Northwest. The market's ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects attractive potential tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, given average home values around $823,331.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ferndale 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 Ferndale

Ferndale appeals to investors seeking an affordable Pacific Northwest entry point with demonstrated market growth and proximity to outdoor recreation and waterfront amenities.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ferndale presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate a market that's still maturing. Revenue is highly seasonal—August's $3,459 average dwarfs November's $1,557—so investors should plan for meaningful cash flow swings between summer and winter. The 3-bedroom segment stands out with 45% occupancy and $105 RevPAN, substantially outperforming smaller units and offering the clearest path to viable returns. While the below-average revenue-to-price ratio warrants caution, the market's above-average growth trajectory and compact supply of just 31 listings suggest that well-positioned properties can capture outsized demand as the area gains recognition."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ferndale

Average revenue by month in Ferndale

Ferndale exhibits strong seasonality, with August ($3,459) and July ($3,272) delivering peak revenue roughly double that of the slowest months like November ($1,557) and October ($1,596). March and September provide moderate shoulder-season income around $2,177–$2,184, giving investors a slightly extended earning window beyond the core summer months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ferndale

Supply across Ferndale's 31 listings is relatively evenly distributed, with 1-bedrooms (9) and 2-bedrooms (8) slightly leading, followed by studios and 3-bedrooms at 6 each. The balanced inventory means no single property size dominates, though the strong revenue performance of 3-bedroom units against comparable supply levels could signal an underserved niche.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ferndale

ADR scales meaningfully with size in Ferndale—3-bedroom properties command $233 per night compared to just $104 for 1-bedrooms, more than doubling the nightly rate. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom ($104 to $188) is particularly steep, suggesting that the extra space carries significant pricing power in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ferndale

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $105, roughly triple the $33–$34 range seen in studios and 1-bedrooms. Two-bedroom units land at $54, matching the market average, which underscores that larger properties capture both higher rates and better occupancy-adjusted returns in Ferndale.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ferndale

Three-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 45%, well ahead of studios (30%), 1-bedrooms (32%), and 2-bedrooms (29%). This gap suggests that larger properties in Ferndale attract more consistent bookings—likely from families or groups—making them the most reliable configuration for steady cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ferndale

Monthly revenue in Ferndale rises sharply with property size, from $1,086 for 1-bedrooms to $3,692 for 3-bedroom listings—a more than threefold increase. Studios ($1,412) actually outpace 1-bedrooms, possibly due to higher nightly rates, but both trail significantly behind the 2-bedroom ($2,388) and 3-bedroom tiers.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ferndale

Three-bedroom properties are the clear revenue leaders in Ferndale, generating $44,305 annually—nearly 3.4 times the $13,041 earned by 1-bedroom units. Two-bedroom listings produce $28,665 per year, making them a solid middle-ground option, while studios at $16,946 outperform 1-bedrooms despite their smaller footprint.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ferndale

Every active listing in Ferndale offers parking (100%), reflecting the car-dependent nature of this rural Washington market, while kitchens (84%) and self check-in (77%) round out the top three. Outdoor amenities like patios (55%), backyards (52%), and BBQ grills (42%) are well-represented, signaling that guests expect a nature-oriented, self-sufficient stay experience—and that waterfront or beach access (23% and 19%) can serve as meaningful differentiators.

Understanding Ferndale's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Ferndale's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with genuine upside but meaningful caveats. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by home values averaging $823,331 against $25,402 in annual revenue—is the primary drag, while average occupancy stability and above-average market growth help balance the picture. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and target higher-performing property configurations like 3-bedrooms to maximize return potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ferndale

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ferndale, WA may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit through the City of Ferndale and comply with Washington state regulations. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Ferndale's planning or permitting department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Washington markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, designated parking mandates, and potential HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also cap the number of STR permits issued, so confirming availability early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Washington state levies a lodging tax and sales tax on short-term rentals, and Whatcom County may impose additional local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ferndale's STR market is likely to benefit from its above-average market growth trend, as the 93% year-over-year increase in active listings signals rising investor and traveler interest. Summer months should continue anchoring revenue—August alone averaged $3,459—while shoulder months like March, June, and September offer secondary peaks that could help stabilize cash flow. Occupancy rates may settle in the 32–36% range annually as new supply absorbs, with ADR potentially edging up 2–4% if demand keeps pace with the expanding inventory. Investors should treat these estimates as directional and monitor local conditions closely."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ferndale, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ferndale?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ferndale is currently 33%, slightly below the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 3-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 45%, while studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms hover between 29% and 32%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ferndale?

Airbnb hosts in Ferndale earn an average of $2,116 per month and approximately $25,402 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies widely by property size—3-bedroom properties lead at $3,692 per month ($44,305 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,086 per month ($13,041 annually). Summer months like July and August can push monthly earnings above $3,200.

Is Ferndale a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ferndale scores a 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market shows above-average growth and balanced supply-demand dynamics, though the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values around $823,331. Investors targeting 3-bedroom properties will find the strongest return profile, but should factor in pronounced seasonality and verify local regulations before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ferndale is $164, considerably lower than the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales with property size: studios average $116, 1-bedrooms $104, 2-bedrooms $188, and 3-bedrooms command $233 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ferndale?

Short-term rentals operate in Ferndale, WA, but hosts may need to secure permits or business licenses from the city and comply with Washington state lodging regulations. Rules can change, so prospective investors should contact the City of Ferndale's planning department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ferndale?

Peak season in Ferndale runs from July through August, when average monthly revenue reaches $3,272 and $3,459 respectively. June and September serve as strong shoulder months at around $2,169 and $2,184. The slowest period is October through January, with November bottoming out at $1,557 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ferndale?

As of April 2026, Ferndale has 31 active Airbnb listings. This represents a 93% year-over-year increase, indicating significant growth in the local short-term rental market. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes, with 1-bedroom (9 listings) and 2-bedroom (8 listings) properties being the most common.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ferndale?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Ferndale 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 roll the results into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors 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 Ferndale, WA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before acquiring or listing a property. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.