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

Lakebay Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lakebay, WA is a small, waterfront-oriented short-term rental market on the Key Peninsula with just 19 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $33,618 per property. The market's ADR of $291 sits below the Washington state average of $393, though average home values of $800,877 make the revenue-to-price ratio a consideration for investors. Seasonal demand peaks sharply in summer — August alone averages $4,508 — suggesting this is primarily a vacation-driven destination where selective deal sourcing and strong summer performance are key to profitability.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lakebay 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 Lakebay

Lakebay appeals to investors drawn to a low-competition, nature-oriented market with strong summer demand, though below-average occupancy and higher home prices require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lakebay represents a competitive but niche opportunity — the ROI score of 52 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price dynamics paired with below-average occupancy stability. The pronounced seasonality, where August revenue ($4,508) is more than twice what January brings in ($1,984), means investors need to plan for lean winter months and build reserves accordingly. That said, the market's small size and waterfront character create a differentiated product that's hard to replicate, and 3-bedroom properties averaging $37,318 in annual revenue offer the strongest return potential. Investors who can source properties below the $800K average and maximize peak-season bookings have the best chance of making the numbers work."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lakebay

Average revenue by month in Lakebay

Lakebay shows pronounced seasonality, with August ($4,508) and July ($4,131) delivering peak revenue that's more than double the winter low of $1,984 in January. The shoulder months of May, June, and September also perform respectably in the $2,800–$3,400 range, giving investors roughly five months of stronger cash flow to carry the quieter winter period.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lakebay

The market's 19 listings are concentrated in just two size categories — 5 one-bedroom and 6 three-bedroom properties — with the remaining listings not broken out by size. The absence of 2-bedroom or 4+ bedroom listings in the data could signal a gap in supply that a well-targeted acquisition might exploit.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lakebay

ADR scales from $173 for 1-bedroom properties to $221 for 3-bedrooms, a 28% premium that reflects the added space and likely capacity for larger groups. The $221 rate for 3-bedrooms is still well below the state average ADR of $393, suggesting room for premium-positioned properties to command higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lakebay

Three-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $55 compared to $48 for 1-bedrooms, indicating that the larger properties generate more revenue per available night despite slightly lower occupancy. For investors, the 3-bedroom configuration appears to offer a better balance of pricing power and booking activity.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lakebay

One-bedroom listings lead on occupancy at 28% versus 25% for 3-bedrooms, though both figures remain well below the state average of 36%. The modest occupancy across all sizes underscores the seasonal nature of Lakebay's demand and the importance of maximizing peak-season bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lakebay

Three-bedroom properties earn $3,109 per month on average, roughly 36% more than the $2,281 generated by 1-bedroom units. This gap makes larger properties the stronger revenue generators despite their lower occupancy rates, driven by the higher nightly rates they command.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lakebay

At $37,318 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties outpace 1-bedrooms ($27,376) by nearly $10,000 per year. Given the significant home values in the area, investors should model whether that incremental revenue justifies the likely higher acquisition cost of a larger property.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lakebay

Kitchens (100%), parking (95%), and BBQ grills (90%) are near-universal in Lakebay listings, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented stays. Differentiators like hot tubs (47%), beach access (47%), and pet-friendliness (42%) are present in less than half of listings, suggesting these amenities could give new entrants a competitive edge during booking decisions.

Understanding Lakebay's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Lakebay's ROI score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine potential but demands disciplined deal selection. The score reflects average revenue-to-price and market growth dynamics, balanced against below-average occupancy stability — a direct consequence of the area's sharp seasonality. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties that can capture premium summer demand to make the economics work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lakebay

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lakebay may need to obtain permits or register with Pierce County and comply with Washington State regulations governing vacation rentals. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Pierce County Planning and Public Works Department before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Washington communities include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA restrictions that can vary by neighborhood. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued, so confirming availability early in the due diligence process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Washington State are typically subject to state sales tax, local lodging taxes, and any applicable tourism assessments. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm all obligations with the Washington Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lakebay's STR market is expected to continue its seasonal pattern, with summer months driving the bulk of annual revenue and winter occupancy remaining soft. The 25% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should anticipate ADR holding relatively steady or seeing incremental gains of 1–3% as the market matures, with occupancy rates likely hovering in the 20–25% range on an annual basis. Properties that differentiate through amenities like hot tubs, waterfront access, and pet-friendliness may outperform the market average during shoulder and off-peak months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lakebay, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakebay?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lakebay is currently 22%, which falls below the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom listings averaging 28% and 3-bedroom properties at 25%. The lower annual occupancy reflects Lakebay's highly seasonal demand, with the bulk of bookings concentrated in the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lakebay?

Airbnb hosts in Lakebay earn an average of $2,801 per month and approximately $33,618 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $27,376 annually, while 3-bedroom properties bring in around $37,318. Summer months drive the highest earnings, with August averaging $4,508 per property.

Is Lakebay a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lakebay scores a 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market has strong seasonal demand and a small competitive set of just 19 listings, but below-average occupancy and home values averaging $800,877 mean investors need to be selective. Properties with waterfront access, hot tubs, or other premium amenities are best positioned to outperform, and careful deal sourcing is essential to achieving attractive returns.

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

The average daily rate in Lakebay is $291, which is below the Washington state average of $393. ADR ranges from $173 for 1-bedroom listings to $221 for 3-bedroom properties. While the nightly rate is moderate, it reflects Lakebay's positioning as an accessible rural and waterfront getaway rather than a luxury destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lakebay?

Short-term rentals operate in Lakebay, but hosts may need to comply with Pierce County permitting requirements and Washington State regulations. Rules can include registration, occupancy limits, safety standards, and tax collection obligations. We recommend contacting the Pierce County Planning Department and reviewing local ordinances before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lakebay?

Peak season in Lakebay runs from June through August, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,508 in revenue. July follows closely at $4,131, and June averages $3,396. The off-peak months of January and February see the lowest revenue, averaging around $1,984 to $2,028, making summer performance critical to annual profitability.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lakebay?

As of April 2026, there are 19 active Airbnb listings in Lakebay. The supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (5 listings) and 3-bedroom (6 listings) configurations. The market has seen 25% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lakebay?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lakebay 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 up the results 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 draws on its own historical data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 Lakebay market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size and month
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual revenue averages
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 and current listing snapshots; market conditions may shift due to seasonal trends, regulatory changes, or economic factors. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.