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

Lakewood Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lakewood, WA is a compact short-term rental market with 70 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $153, and a market-wide occupancy rate of 38%. While average annual revenue sits at $23,860, larger properties significantly outperform — 4-bedroom homes pull in nearly $52,935 per year — suggesting that selective deal sourcing around property size can meaningfully improve returns in this market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lakewood 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 Lakewood

Lakewood attracts investor attention thanks to its proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, lake-oriented recreation, and ADR well below the Washington state average — creating a lower entry point for STR operators willing to target the right property size.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lakewood presents a competitive but uneven opportunity. The ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values around $706,405 and annual revenue at $23,860, the math only works if investors target higher-performing property types. Seasonality is pronounced: August peaks at $3,198 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $1,410, so cash reserves are essential for riding out the quieter months. Investors who zero in on 3- and 4-bedroom properties and differentiate with lake access or outdoor amenities stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lakewood

Average revenue by month in Lakewood

Lakewood shows strong summer seasonality, with August peaking at $3,198 and January bottoming out at $1,410 — a spread of nearly $1,800 between the best and weakest months. Investors should expect roughly 60% of their annual revenue to concentrate in the May–September window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lakewood

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 32 of 70 active listings (46%), while 3- and 4-bedroom properties together account for just 16 units. The relative scarcity of larger homes, combined with their superior revenue performance, could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lakewood

ADR scales predictably from $97 for 1-bedroom units to $247 for 4-bedroom homes, a 2.5x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($132) to 3-bedrooms ($187) — a $55 increase — represents the steepest absolute climb and may offer the best incremental pricing leverage relative to acquisition cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lakewood

Four-bedroom properties lead with a RevPAN of $77, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at $67, while 2-bedroom units lag at just $33 despite having a higher ADR than 1-bedrooms. This suggests 2-bedroom listings struggle with occupancy, making them the least efficient size in Lakewood on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lakewood

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 44%, likely reflecting their affordability and appeal to solo travelers or couples. Two-bedroom properties trail significantly at 25%, while 3- and 4-bedroom homes land in the 31–36% range — pointing to steadier demand for larger group-friendly accommodations than mid-size units.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lakewood

Monthly revenue rises sharply with property size: 4-bedroom homes average $4,411 per month compared to $1,499 for 1-bedroom units. The gap between 2-bedrooms ($1,619) and 3-bedrooms ($3,095) is especially notable, nearly doubling — reinforcing that stepping up from a 2-bedroom to a 3-bedroom can dramatically improve cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lakewood

At $52,935 in average annual revenue, 4-bedroom properties generate nearly three times the income of 1-bedroom units ($17,988). Three-bedroom homes at $37,142 also offer strong potential, while the gap between 1- and 2-bedroom annual revenue ($17,988 vs. $19,436) is slim, suggesting minimal upside for investors choosing 2-bedrooms over studios or 1-beds.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lakewood

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and kitchen access (96%) and self check-in (89%) are near-standard — these are table stakes for competing in Lakewood. Lake access (34%) and waterfront positioning (21%) appear at meaningful but not dominant rates, suggesting these features can serve as strong differentiators for listings that have them.

Understanding Lakewood's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Lakewood's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand but requires disciplined deal selection to generate attractive returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag — average home values of $706,405 paired with $23,860 in annual revenue leave thin margins unless investors target larger, higher-earning properties. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all score at average levels, so pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on 3- or 4-bedroom homes is the clearest path to making the numbers work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lakewood

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lakewood, WA may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit through the City of Lakewood before listing their property. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with the city, as Washington state allows municipalities to set their own STR rules.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar Washington markets include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA restrictions that can override city policy. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued, so it's worth confirming whether Lakewood has any such limits in place before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Washington are generally subject to state sales tax, local lodging taxes, and potentially a special hotel/motel tax — rates and applicability can vary by jurisdiction. 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 and local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lakewood's STR market is likely to see continued summer-driven seasonality, with peak revenues concentrated in July and August. Year-over-year listing growth of 65% signals rising investor interest, which could tighten competition and put modest downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. ADR may hold steady or see incremental gains of 1–3% for well-positioned larger properties, while occupancy rates are estimated to remain in the 35–40% range market-wide. Investors entering now should plan for meaningful revenue swings between summer highs and winter lows."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lakewood, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakewood?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakewood, WA is currently 38%, which is slightly above the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings lead at 44%, while 2-bedroom units trail at 25%. Investors targeting higher occupancy should consider smaller units, though larger properties can compensate with higher nightly rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lakewood?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Lakewood earn approximately $1,988 per month and $23,860 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, earnings vary widely by property size: 4-bedroom properties average $4,411 per month ($52,935 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,499 per month ($17,988 annually). Peak summer months like August can push monthly revenue above $3,100, while winter months may drop below $1,500.

Is Lakewood a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lakewood carries an ROI score of 54 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values around $706,405, meaning investors need to be strategic about property selection. Larger homes — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom properties — deliver substantially better returns. The market benefits from proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and lake recreation, but strong seasonality and rising competition (65% year-over-year listing growth) require careful underwriting.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lakewood is $153, which is well below the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $97 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $247. This relatively affordable pricing can attract budget-conscious guests, but investors should factor in the lower rate ceiling when projecting returns.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lakewood?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Lakewood, WA, though operators may need to secure appropriate business licenses or permits from the City of Lakewood. Washington state allows individual municipalities to regulate STRs, so local rules around zoning, occupancy limits, and permitting may apply. Investors should check directly with Lakewood city offices and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lakewood?

Peak season in Lakewood runs from June through August, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,198. July follows at $2,934, and June comes in at $2,412. The off-peak season stretches from November through February, when monthly revenue drops to the $1,410–$1,522 range. This seasonal spread of more than 2x between peak and trough months means investors should budget for leaner winter periods.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lakewood?

As of April 2026, there are 70 active Airbnb listings in Lakewood. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (32 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (14), 3-bedrooms (9), and 4-bedrooms (7). Year-over-year listing growth is 65%, indicating growing investor and host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lakewood?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lakewood 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods like Lakewood's summer highs and winter lows. 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, sourced across the Lakewood market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics reflecting current and trailing performance
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on 12 months of historical booking data
• Property size breakdowns covering bedroom count, ADR, occupancy, and revenue
• Data from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index combined for consistency

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 snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.