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

Kent Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kent, WA sits in the south King County corridor between Seattle and Tacoma, offering investors access to the broader Puget Sound rental market at a lower entry point than Seattle proper. With 70 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $141, and average annual revenue of $20,913, the market is compact but competitive. A 125% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising investor interest, though the below-average revenue-to-price ratio means deal sourcing requires discipline.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kent 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 Kent

Kent appeals to investors seeking a suburban Pacific Northwest market with lower acquisition costs than Seattle while still tapping into regional demand drivers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kent represents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than in higher-yield markets. The ROI score of 50 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — average annual revenue of $20,913 against home values near $820,000 creates a tight margin that larger or better-optimized properties can partially offset. Seasonality is pronounced: July and August generate nearly three times the revenue of January and February, so cash reserves for slower months are a practical necessity. Investors who target 3- or 4-bedroom properties and price aggressively during peak season stand the best chance of making the numbers work."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kent

Average revenue by month in Kent

Revenue in Kent follows a clear summer-driven pattern, peaking in July at $2,831 and bottoming out in February at $960 — nearly a 3x spread. This strong seasonality means investors should plan for roughly five months of above-average earnings (May–September) to carry the quieter winter period.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kent

One-bedroom units dominate Kent's supply with 29 of 70 total listings (41%), while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties each have just 10 listings. The relative scarcity of larger properties could represent an opportunity, especially given their stronger revenue metrics.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kent

ADR scales sharply with size in Kent, jumping from $70 for 1-bedrooms to $276 for 4-bedroom properties — a nearly 4x premium. Studios command a notable $107, outpacing 1-bedrooms, likely due to niche positioning for solo travelers or business guests.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kent

RevPAN climbs steadily from $26 for 1-bedroom units to $53 for 4-bedroom properties, confirming that larger listings extract more revenue per available night even after accounting for their lower occupancy. Two-bedroom units at $44 RevPAN offer a solid middle ground with less capital required than 3- or 4-bedroom homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kent

Studios and 1-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 38%, while 4-bedroom properties trail significantly at just 19%. Investors targeting larger units will need to rely on higher nightly rates rather than fill rates to achieve attractive returns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kent

Four-bedroom properties top the revenue chart at $3,152 per month, nearly triple the $1,071 earned by 1-bedroom units. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($1,873) to 3-bedrooms ($2,295) is meaningful, suggesting that adding a third bedroom can meaningfully boost monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kent

Annual revenue ranges from $12,856 for 1-bedroom listings to $37,832 for 4-bedroom properties, making larger homes the strongest earners in absolute terms. Given Kent's average home value of $819,978, investors targeting 4-bedrooms will want to carefully model acquisition costs against that $37,832 revenue ceiling to ensure the numbers pencil out.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kent

Kitchens (93%), parking (91%), and self check-in (86%) are near-universal in Kent — essentially table stakes for any new listing. The 66% prevalence of workspace amenities signals a notable extended-stay and remote-work segment, while relatively few listings offer premium differentiators like hot tubs (3%) or EV chargers (9%), which could help a property stand out.

Understanding Kent'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

Kent's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, signaling that while demand and investor interest are present, returns aren't automatic. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag — average annual revenue of about $21K against home values near $820K creates a narrow yield spread that requires careful property selection. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all grade as average, so pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a sharp acquisition strategy will be key to making Kent work as an STR investment.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kent

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Kent, Washington may be required to obtain a business license and register their rental with the city. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Kent and King County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Washington municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking standards, and limits on the number of permits issued. HOA covenants may impose additional restrictions, so reviewing governing documents is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Washington State are generally subject to state sales tax, local lodging taxes, and potentially a special hotel/motel tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Washington Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kent's short-term rental market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 125% year-over-year listing increase, which could put modest pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months will remain the primary revenue driver, with ADR potentially edging up 1–3% during peak periods. Occupancy rates may stabilize in the 32–35% range market-wide, though larger properties that cater to families and groups could outperform. Investors entering this market should plan for meaningful revenue swings between winter lows and summer highs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kent, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kent?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kent is currently 33%, which trails the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies by property size — studios and 1-bedroom units lead at 38%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 19%. These figures reflect year-round averages, so expect higher occupancy during summer months and softer bookings in winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kent?

Airbnb hosts in Kent earn an average of $1,742 per month and roughly $20,913 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $12,856 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in approximately $37,832 per year. Peak summer months like July can push monthly earnings above $2,800, while January and February dip below $1,000.

Is Kent a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kent earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 50 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market has strong investor interest and growing demand, but higher home prices relative to revenue mean you'll need to be strategic about property selection. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) deliver the strongest revenue, and the 125% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising competition. Success here favors investors who can optimize pricing, amenities, and guest experience to stand out in a growing field.

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

The average daily rate in Kent is $141, well below the Washington state average of $393. ADR varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom units average $70, 2-bedrooms come in at $143, 3-bedrooms at $165, and 4-bedroom properties command $276 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects Kent's suburban positioning compared to destination-oriented markets elsewhere in the state.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kent?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Kent, WA, but hosts may need to obtain a business license and comply with local regulations. The City of Kent and King County may impose specific requirements around permits, zoning, and safety standards. We recommend verifying current rules directly with local authorities before purchasing or listing a property, as regulations can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kent?

Peak season in Kent runs from June through August, when average monthly revenue climbs to $2,547–$2,831. July is the top-performing month at $2,831 in average revenue. The off-peak period spans December through February, with monthly revenue dropping to roughly $960–$1,265. This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for leaner winter months and maximize pricing during the summer surge.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kent?

There are currently 70 active Airbnb listings in Kent as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 125% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom units (29 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (14), and equal counts of 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties (10 each), with 5 studios rounding out the mix.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kent?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kent 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. 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. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, guest reviews, and how actively a host manages their listing.

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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.