Lummi Island, WA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

46 / 100

Lummi Island presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Lummi Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lummi Island is a small, scenic island market in Washington State with just 23 active Airbnb listings, making it one of the more intimate STR markets in the Pacific Northwest. Average annual revenue sits at $35,912 against an average home value of $994,167, which means cash-flow margins are tight and investors need to be strategic about acquisition pricing. The market's strong summer seasonality — August peaks near $4,891 per month — offers meaningful upside for well-positioned properties, though occupancy at 23% trails the Washington state average of 36%. With a 186% year-over-year growth in active listings, competition is ramping up quickly on this small island.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lummi Island short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 23
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $393 state avg. $297
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 36% state avg. 23%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $69
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,992
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $35,912

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Lummi Island

Lummi Island draws investor interest as a unique, supply-constrained island getaway with premium nightly rates, though high home prices and seasonal demand require careful underwriting.

Key investment factors

  • Exclusive island setting with limited competition — only 23 active listings market-wide
  • Strong summer peak revenue with August averaging $4,891 per month
  • Average daily rate of $297 commands solid pricing for a small, niche destination
  • 3-bedroom properties generate $45,102 annually, offering stronger returns than smaller units
  • Rapid listing growth (186% YoY) signals rising investor and traveler interest in the market

Expert Market Assessment

"Lummi Island presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than in most markets. The combination of nearly $1 million average home values and sub-$36K annual revenues creates a revenue-to-price ratio that's below average, meaning investors need to find properties priced well below the market mean or with clear upside potential. Seasonality is pronounced — revenue more than doubles from its October–November lows to the August peak — so cash reserves for carrying costs during the quieter months are essential. That said, the island's exclusivity and small listing count give well-run properties a real chance to capture outsized share during peak summer demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Lummi Island's ROI Score: 46/100

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

Factor Lummi Island Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Below average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Below average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Lummi Island's ROI Score of 46 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity tier, reflecting below-average marks on revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend, with only supply/demand balance rated as average. The high average home value relative to revenue is the primary drag on the score, meaning investors need to find favorable entry points or add meaningful value to make the numbers work. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic off-season cash-flow plan will be critical before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lummi Island

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators on Lummi Island should verify whether Whatcom County or Washington State require STR permits, business licenses, or registration before listing. Investors are encouraged to consult directly with local planning and zoning authorities to confirm current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in island and rural Washington communities can include occupancy limits, minimum night-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA or community covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Washington State imposes lodging taxes on short-term rentals, and Whatcom County may levy additional local excise or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should verify they're meeting all state and local obligations.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Lummi Island

Financing an Airbnb investment in Lummi Island requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Lummi Island Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lummi Island's STR landscape will likely be shaped by the rapid supply increase already underway. With listings nearly tripling year-over-year, occupancy rates could face additional pressure unless demand keeps pace, potentially settling in the 20–25% range. Summer months should continue to drive the bulk of annual revenue, with July and August ADRs holding steady or rising modestly by 1–3% as the island's appeal to nature-seeking travelers remains intact. Investors should budget conservatively and plan for meaningful off-season revenue dips, particularly from October through April."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lummi Island, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lummi Island?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate on Lummi Island is currently 23%, which is below the Washington state average of 36%. This lower figure reflects the island's pronounced seasonality — demand surges in summer but drops considerably during the colder months. Two-bedroom listings see slightly higher occupancy at 26%, while 3-bedroom properties average 22%.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lummi Island?
Airbnb hosts on Lummi Island earn an average of $2,992 per month, or roughly $35,912 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $30,383 annually, while 3-bedroom properties bring in about $45,102. Peak months like July and August can push monthly revenue above $4,600.
Is Lummi Island a good market for Airbnb investment?
Lummi Island carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 46 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market's appeal lies in its exclusivity and strong summer demand, but high home values averaging $994,167 paired with modest annual revenues make the revenue-to-price ratio challenging. Investors who can source properties below market averages or add value through premium amenities and experiences may find viable returns, but conservative underwriting is recommended.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lummi Island?
The average daily rate on Lummi Island is $297, which is below the Washington state average of $393. Rates scale significantly with property size — 2-bedroom listings average $205 per night while 3-bedroom properties command $372. The island's niche appeal and limited inventory help support these rates despite the lower occupancy levels.
Are short-term rentals legal in Lummi Island?
Short-term rentals do operate on Lummi Island, as evidenced by 23 active Airbnb listings. However, investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning regulations, and any restrictions with Whatcom County and Washington State authorities before purchasing. Local rules can change, and compliance is essential to protect your investment.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Lummi Island?
Peak season on Lummi Island runs from July through September, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,891 and July close behind at $4,621. The shoulder months of June and September also perform well, averaging around $3,072 and $3,087 respectively. The slowest months are October through April, when revenues dip to the $2,200–$2,618 range.
How many Airbnbs are there in Lummi Island?
There are currently 23 active Airbnb listings on Lummi Island as of April 2026. The market has seen rapid growth, with a 186% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom (8 listings) and 3-bedroom (6 listings) properties, with the remaining listings spread across other configurations.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lummi Island?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lummi Island 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, amenities offered, 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 Lummi Island market
  • Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night metrics
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, 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 averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify with local authorities before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Lummi Island's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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