Lake Stevens, WA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lake Stevens Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lake Stevens, WA presents an interesting niche opportunity for short-term rental investors, with just 19 active Airbnb listings and a notable 122% year-over-year growth in supply — a signal that hosts are catching on to the market's potential. Average annual revenue sits at $34,633 against average home values of $906,510, and the market's ADR of $195 runs well below the Washington state average of $393, reflecting the smaller-home, lakeside-community character of the area. With an above-average supply/demand balance and a pronounced summer peak, investors who time their pricing strategy well can capitalize on seasonal demand spikes.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens

Lake Stevens draws investor interest because its tiny supply base and strong summer demand create a favorable supply/demand balance in an accessible Pacific Northwest lakeside community.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lake Stevens represents a moderate but growing STR opportunity, best suited for investors comfortable with seasonal revenue swings. The market's small inventory of 19 listings and above-average supply/demand balance create favorable conditions, though the 33% average occupancy rate and $63 RevPAN suggest this isn't a year-round cash machine. Summer months from June through August clearly drive the economics, with August peaking at $4,912 in average revenue — roughly three times the February low of $1,650. Investors who can manage carrying costs through the quieter winter period stand to benefit from strong warm-season performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lake Stevens

Average revenue by month in Lake Stevens

Lake Stevens shows strong summer seasonality, with August ($4,912) and July ($4,651) delivering roughly three times the revenue of the weakest month, February ($1,650). The spread between peak and trough is substantial, so investors should budget for lean winter months and capitalize aggressively on the June-through-September window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lake Stevens

Supply is concentrated in smaller units, with 1-bedroom listings accounting for 8 of the 19 active properties and 2-bedrooms making up 5. The absence of larger 3+ bedroom listings in the data could represent an underserved segment worth exploring, particularly for family or group travel demand.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lake Stevens

ADR scales meaningfully with size — 2-bedroom properties command $178 per night compared to $116 for 1-bedrooms, a 53% premium. For investors weighing acquisition costs against nightly rates, the jump to a second bedroom appears to offer strong pricing leverage in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lake Stevens

Two-bedroom units deliver $60 in RevPAN versus just $27 for 1-bedrooms, more than doubling the revenue per available night. This gap reflects both the higher ADR and significantly better occupancy that 2-bedroom properties achieve, making them the clearly stronger performers on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lake Stevens

Two-bedroom listings maintain a 34% occupancy rate compared to 24% for 1-bedrooms, a 10-percentage-point gap that materially impacts cash flow. The lower occupancy for smaller units suggests they may face more competition or less consistent demand, making 2-bedrooms the safer bet for steadier bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lake Stevens

Monthly revenue for 2-bedroom properties averages $2,332 — roughly 52% more than the $1,531 that 1-bedroom units bring in. This difference compounds over the year and underscores the financial advantage of investing in slightly larger properties in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lake Stevens

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom listings generate approximately $27,993 compared to $18,381 for 1-bedrooms. Investors seeking the best return potential in Lake Stevens should weigh the roughly $9,600 annual revenue advantage of 2-bedroom units against any incremental acquisition or renovation costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lake Stevens

Parking (100%), kitchen (95%), and self check-in (90%) are essentially table stakes for Lake Stevens listings, reflecting guest expectations for convenience and self-sufficiency. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (79%), backyards (63%), and BBQ grills (58%) also feature prominently, signaling that guests value the lakeside lifestyle — while lake access (26%) and hot tubs (32%) could serve as meaningful differentiators for listings that offer them.

Understanding Lake Stevens's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Lake Stevens earns a 60 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band — meaning the fundamentals support investment but returns aren't a slam dunk without smart execution. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both land at average levels, while the supply/demand balance scores above average thanks to just 19 listings serving the market. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for significant winter-to-summer revenue swings.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lake Stevens

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Lake Stevens, Washington should verify whether the city requires a short-term rental permit or business license before listing a property. Requirements can vary at both the municipal and county level, so checking directly with the City of Lake Stevens and Snohomish County is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking standards. HOA rules can also limit or prohibit STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so investors should review covenants before purchasing. Permit caps or zoning-based restrictions are increasingly common in Washington communities and worth investigating early.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Washington State are generally required to collect and remit state sales tax, local lodging tax, and any applicable tourism or convention taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with the Washington Department of Revenue and local taxing authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lake Stevens is likely to see continued supply growth as new hosts enter this still-small market, though demand should keep pace given the area's lake recreation appeal during warmer months. Expect ADR to hold steady or tick up modestly by 1–3% as operators refine their pricing, while occupancy may stabilize in the 32–36% range annually. Summer months — particularly July and August — should continue generating roughly two to three times the revenue of winter lows, making cash-flow planning around seasonality essential. Investors entering now benefit from relatively low competition, but should monitor whether the rapid listing growth begins to dilute per-host earnings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lake Stevens, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Stevens?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Stevens is currently 33%, which is slightly below the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around 24%, while 2-bedroom properties perform better at 34%. Seasonal demand fluctuations heavily influence these figures, with summer months driving substantially higher bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake Stevens?

Airbnb hosts in Lake Stevens earn an average of $2,886 per month and approximately $34,633 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary by property size — 1-bedroom units average about $18,381 annually, while 2-bedroom properties bring in around $27,993. Peak summer months like August can yield roughly $4,912 in a single month, while slower months like February average closer to $1,650.

Is Lake Stevens a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lake Stevens scores a 60 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance with only 19 active listings, and rapid 122% year-over-year supply growth signals increasing host confidence. However, the moderate occupancy rate of 33% and strong seasonality mean investors should plan for variable monthly cash flow and consider strategies to boost winter bookings.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lake Stevens is $195, which is notably lower than the Washington state average of $393. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $116 per night, while 2-bedroom properties command $178 per night. These rates reflect the market's character as a lakeside community rather than a major metro or resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake Stevens?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Lake Stevens, but investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable regulations with the City of Lake Stevens and Snohomish County. Washington State requires STR operators to collect and remit applicable sales and lodging taxes. Rules can change, so consulting local authorities and reviewing any HOA covenants before purchasing is essential.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lake Stevens?

Peak season in Lake Stevens runs from June through August, with August generating the highest average revenue at $4,912 per month. July follows closely at $4,651, and June averages $3,865. The off-peak months run from November through March, with February typically being the slowest at around $1,650 in average revenue. This summer-heavy seasonality aligns with the area's lake recreation and outdoor activity appeal.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lake Stevens?

As of April 2026, there are 19 active Airbnb listings in Lake Stevens. This is a relatively small market, but it has experienced significant 122% year-over-year growth in listing count. The current supply is split primarily between 1-bedroom listings (8 properties) and 2-bedroom listings (5 properties), suggesting there may be opportunity for larger property configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lake Stevens?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lake Stevens 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 roll the results 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 data. 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 for the Lake Stevens market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level comparisons
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index

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 historical performance and market conditions may have changed since the last update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements should be independently verified before making investment decisions.