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

Ketchikan Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ketchikan's short-term rental market is a compact, seasonal niche driven by Alaska's cruise-ship tourism corridor. With just 32 active Airbnb listings and an ROI score of 69 out of 100, the market offers an attractive entry point where limited supply meets strong summer demand — July revenues average $7,019 per listing, roughly nine times the January figure. Average annual revenue sits at $37,747 against a median home value of $576,584, and above-average occupancy stability suggests consistent booking patterns for well-run properties.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan

Investors are drawn to Ketchikan for its tight supply, pronounced seasonal upside, and favorable demand-to-listing ratio that rewards well-positioned properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ketchikan presents a moderately strong opportunity for STR investors who can tolerate pronounced seasonality. The summer months of June through August account for the lion's share of annual income, with July alone generating nearly 19% of the year's revenue. Winter months dip sharply — January averages just $779 — so investors need to plan for lean cash flow from roughly November through March. That said, the market's small listing count, above-average occupancy stability, and healthy growth trend combine to create a favorable setup for operators who price aggressively in peak season and manage costs tightly during the off-season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ketchikan

Average revenue by month in Ketchikan

Ketchikan's revenue cycle is dramatically seasonal: July leads at $7,019, while January bottoms out at just $779 — a roughly 9x spread that underscores the market's dependence on summer cruise tourism. Investors should expect roughly 50% of annual income to arrive in the June–August window, making off-season cost management critical.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ketchikan

One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 13 of 32 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (7) and 3-bedrooms (6). The relatively thin inventory across all sizes — and especially at the 3-bedroom level — may represent an opportunity for investors willing to offer larger, higher-earning properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ketchikan

ADR climbs steadily from $134 for 1-bedroom listings to $245 for 3-bedrooms, an 83% premium that reflects strong willingness to pay for extra space. Given that 3-bedroom units also enjoy the highest occupancy, the premium-to-cost trade-off appears most favorable at the larger end of the spectrum.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ketchikan

Revenue per available night nearly triples from $46 for 1-bedroom units to $136 for 3-bedrooms, making larger properties far more efficient earners on a per-night basis. This gap is driven by both higher nightly rates and meaningfully stronger occupancy at the 3-bedroom level.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ketchikan

Three-bedroom properties lead with a 56% occupancy rate, comfortably above the 2-bedroom (40%) and 1-bedroom (34%) segments. The significantly higher fill rate for larger units suggests group and family travelers — likely tied to cruise itineraries — prefer spacious accommodations, which translates into more predictable cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ketchikan

Monthly revenue scales sharply with size: 3-bedroom listings average $5,557 per month compared to $1,997 for 1-bedrooms, nearly a 3x difference. Two-bedroom units sit in the middle at $3,213, making them a solid mid-tier option for investors seeking a balance of revenue and acquisition cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ketchikan

At $66,692 annually, 3-bedroom properties in Ketchikan generate nearly three times the revenue of 1-bedroom listings ($23,965) and 73% more than 2-bedrooms ($38,566). For investors focused on maximizing gross yield, the 3-bedroom segment stands out as the strongest configuration in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ketchikan

Kitchens dominate at 91% prevalence, followed by laundry facilities and parking at 75% each — reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient, home-like stays in a remote Alaskan destination. Waterfront access (41%) and outdoor features like patios (50%) are meaningful differentiators that investors can leverage to stand out in this small market.

Understanding Ketchikan's ROI Score: 69/100

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

Ketchikan's ROI score of 69 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where healthy demand and favorable growth dynamics offset a more modest revenue-to-price ratio. Above-average marks for occupancy stability and market growth trend are encouraging, while average scores on revenue-to-price and supply/demand balance suggest the market rewards disciplined operators rather than offering easy returns. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and realistic seasonal budgeting before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ketchikan

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

Permit Requirements

Operators considering a short-term rental in Ketchikan, Alaska should verify whether a local business license or STR permit is required by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough or the City of Ketchikan. Requirements can change, so investors are encouraged to confirm current rules directly with the local planning or finance department before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Alaskan municipalities may include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Some areas also impose permit caps or require proof of insurance, and any applicable HOA covenants should be reviewed carefully before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Alaska are generally subject to local bed or lodging taxes, and Ketchikan may impose its own transient accommodation tax on stays under 30 days. Major booking platforms often collect and remit these taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Ketchikan's cruise-driven summer peak should continue to anchor revenue over the next 12–18 months, and above-average market growth trends point to incremental demand gains. We estimate ADR could edge up 2–4% as tourism traffic remains healthy, while occupancy during the June–August window may hold in the 55–65% range. The shoulder months of May and September are worth watching — rising interest from independent travelers could gradually extend the high-earning season. Investors should plan conservatively for winter cash-flow gaps and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ketchikan, AK

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ketchikan?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Ketchikan is currently 38%, which falls below the Alaska state average of 51%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom units achieve roughly 56%, while 1-bedroom listings average around 34%. The lower overall figure reflects Ketchikan's sharp seasonality, with most bookings concentrated in the summer cruise months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ketchikan?

Airbnb hosts in Ketchikan earn an average of $3,145 per month and approximately $37,747 per year, based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies widely by property size: 3-bedroom listings average $66,692 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in around $23,965. Peak summer months like July can generate over $7,000 in a single month, offsetting quieter winter periods.

Is Ketchikan a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ketchikan scores a 69 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a positive growth trend, though the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance are rated average. With only 32 active listings and strong summer tourism demand, investors who can manage seasonal income swings may find compelling returns — especially with larger properties.

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

The average daily rate in Ketchikan is $198, which is below the Alaska state average of $254. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $134, 2-bedrooms come in at $193, and 3-bedroom properties command $245 per night. The lower overall ADR relative to the state likely reflects the market's heavier mix of smaller units.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ketchikan?

Short-term rentals can operate in Ketchikan, though hosts should verify current permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with the Ketchikan Gateway Borough and the City of Ketchikan. Local regulations can evolve, so it's important to confirm compliance before listing a property. Consulting a local real estate attorney or the city's planning department is a prudent first step.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ketchikan?

Peak season in Ketchikan runs from June through August, driven by Alaska's cruise-ship tourism. July is the highest-earning month at $7,019 in average revenue, followed by August at $6,307 and June at $5,627. Revenue drops considerably outside this window, with January being the softest month at just $779 on average.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ketchikan?

As of April 2026, there are 32 active Airbnb listings in Ketchikan. The supply is concentrated among smaller properties: 13 are 1-bedroom units, 7 are 2-bedrooms, and 6 are 3-bedrooms. This small inventory means competition is limited, but it also reflects the market's niche size and seasonal character.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ketchikan?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Ketchikan 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 to a market-level historical average. Because each month draws on its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like Ketchikan's strong summer) and slower periods without any forecasting assumptions. 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• 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 from active listings to inform property setup decisions

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with the appropriate municipal authorities before purchasing.