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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

46 / 100

Freeland presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Freeland Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Freeland, WA — a small community on Whidbey Island — operates as a highly seasonal short-term rental market with 50 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $44,071 per property. With an ADR of $270 (below the $393 Washington state average) and occupancy sitting at 28%, the market rewards investors who can capture summer demand effectively. The 135% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though higher home values averaging $1,326,511 create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio that demands careful deal sourcing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Freeland short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 50
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $393 state avg. $270
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 36% state avg. 28%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $76
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $3,672
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $44,071

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Freeland

Freeland draws STR investors seeking to capitalize on Whidbey Island's seasonal vacation demand in a market where competition is growing but supply remains modest at just 50 listings.

Key investment factors

  • Strong summer revenue surge — August averages $7,180/month, roughly 4× the January low
  • 4-bedroom properties generate $74,315 annually, offering premium returns for larger investments
  • Island location on Whidbey creates a natural supply constraint that limits future oversaturation
  • Pacific Northwest tourism and outdoor recreation drive consistent seasonal demand
  • 2-bedroom units achieve the highest occupancy rate at 40%, providing more stable cash flow for smaller budgets

Expert Market Assessment

"Freeland presents a competitive but niche opportunity shaped by extreme seasonality and elevated home prices. Revenue peaks sharply in July and August — together those two months account for roughly 30% of annual earnings — while the winter months can test an investor's cash reserves. The ROI score of 46 out of 100 reflects below-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, though the market's growth trend and supply-demand balance remain at average levels. Investors who target larger properties (particularly 4-bedrooms at $74,315/year) and optimize pricing around the summer surge stand the best chance of making the numbers work."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Freeland's ROI Score: 46/100

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

Factor Freeland Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Freeland's ROI score of 46 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, where strong investor interest meets real headwinds on returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values above $1.3 million against $44,071 in average annual revenue — is the primary drag, compounded by below-average occupancy stability tied to the market's pronounced seasonality. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on deal sourcing that brings acquisition costs well below market averages to make the numbers pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Freeland

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Freeland, located in unincorporated Island County, Washington, may need to obtain a business license and register their rental with the county. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with Island County's planning and community development office before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance provisions, parking mandates, and signage rules. HOA or community covenants on Whidbey Island can impose additional STR limitations, so reviewing any deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Washington State requires collection of lodging tax and applicable state and local sales taxes on short-term rentals, and Island County may impose its own tourism or lodging tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with the state Department of Revenue.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Freeland

Financing an Airbnb investment in Freeland requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Freeland Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Freeland's STR performance will likely continue to hinge on its pronounced summer season, with peak revenues concentrated in July and August. Occupancy may face slight downward pressure as the 135% surge in new listings works through the market, though ADR could hold steady or edge up 1–3% as the island's appeal to Pacific Northwest vacationers remains intact. Investors entering now should plan for monthly revenues ranging from roughly $1,800 in winter to over $7,000 in peak summer, and budget conservatively for the slower November-through-February stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Freeland, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Freeland?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Freeland is currently 28%, which falls below the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 40%, while 1-bedroom units average just 20%. The strong seasonality of this island market means occupancy concentrates heavily in the summer months, so annual averages can look modest even when peak-season performance is solid.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Freeland?
Airbnb hosts in Freeland earn an average of $3,672 per month, which translates to roughly $44,071 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $19,241 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in approximately $74,315. Monthly income swings from around $1,783 in January to $7,180 in August, so cash-flow planning around seasonality is important.
Is Freeland a good market for Airbnb investment?
Freeland carries an ROI score of 46 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. Investor interest is strong — active listings grew 135% year-over-year — but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values averaging $1,326,511. The market can work well for investors who secure properties at favorable prices, target larger bedroom counts for higher revenue, and budget for lean winter months. Thorough deal analysis is essential here.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Freeland?
The average daily rate in Freeland is $270, below the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $141, 2-bedrooms $227, 3-bedrooms $255, and 4-bedroom listings command $390 per night. These rates reflect Freeland's appeal as an island getaway while remaining more accessible than some higher-priced Pacific Northwest vacation markets.
Are short-term rentals legal in Freeland?
Short-term rentals can be operated in Freeland, though hosts should verify current permit, licensing, and registration requirements with Island County and the State of Washington. Regulations may include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and tax collection obligations. Any applicable HOA or community covenants should also be reviewed, as they can impose additional restrictions on short-term rental activity.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Freeland?
Peak season in Freeland runs from June through September, with August generating the highest average revenue at $7,180 per month. July is a close second at $6,248. The summer months benefit from warmer weather and Whidbey Island's outdoor recreation appeal. The slowest period spans November through February, when monthly revenue typically ranges from $1,783 to $2,660.
How many Airbnbs are there in Freeland?
There are currently 50 active Airbnb listings in Freeland as of April 2026. The supply skews toward mid-sized properties: 3-bedroom listings are most common with 17 units, followed by 2-bedrooms (13), 1-bedrooms (8), and 4-bedrooms (6). The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 135% year-over-year.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Freeland?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Freeland 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 how well 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 Freeland and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
  • Amenity prevalence data to benchmark competitive listing features

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Freeland's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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