Oak Harbor, WA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

61 / 100

Oak Harbor offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Oak Harbor Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Oak Harbor, WA sits on Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound, drawing visitors with its waterfront scenery, outdoor recreation, and proximity to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island — a steady source of temporary housing demand. With an average annual revenue of $45,023 across just 73 active listings and an ROI score of 61 out of 100, the market presents an attractive opportunity where above-average occupancy stability offsets a relatively compact supply base. Average home values of $700,169 paired with a $269 ADR position this as a mid-tier investment market that rewards operators who target peak summer months and larger property configurations.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Oak Harbor short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 73
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $393 state avg. $269
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 36% state avg. 27%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $72
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $3,751
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $45,023

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Oak Harbor

Investors consider Oak Harbor for its island tourism appeal, military-adjacent demand, and above-average occupancy stability relative to its revenue-to-price fundamentals.

Key investment factors

  • Naval Air Station Whidbey Island creates consistent demand from military families, contractors, and visiting personnel
  • Summer tourism on Whidbey Island drives a pronounced peak season with August revenues topping $7,300
  • Above-average occupancy stability reduces the risk of prolonged vacancy stretches
  • A small supply of only 73 active listings limits direct competition compared to larger Pacific Northwest markets
  • 4-bedroom properties deliver standout RevPAN of $162, signaling opportunity in larger family-style rentals

Expert Market Assessment

"Oak Harbor earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with its ROI score of 61, reflecting a market where healthy demand and revenue fundamentals align reasonably well with property costs. Seasonality is the defining feature here: August generates roughly four times the revenue of January ($7,333 vs. $1,821), so investors need to budget for soft winter months while capitalizing on a strong June-through-September window. The above-average occupancy stability factor is encouraging for cash-flow predictability, though the below-average supply/demand balance suggests the rapid 132% year-over-year listing growth is something to watch closely. Overall, this is a market that rewards strategic property selection — particularly larger units — and disciplined pricing through the shoulder and off-peak seasons."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Oak Harbor's ROI Score: 61/100

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 Oak Harbor Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Above average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Below average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Oak Harbor's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue fundamentals and occupancy stability create a reasonable foundation for investment returns. The average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability are the primary strengths, while the below-average supply/demand balance — driven by rapid listing growth — warrants monitoring as the market matures. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough research into local permitting requirements and neighborhood-level demand patterns before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Oak Harbor

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Oak Harbor, Washington may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with the City of Oak Harbor and Island County, as rules can change with limited notice.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Washington STR markets include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking standards. HOA rules in specific neighborhoods may impose additional limitations such as rental frequency caps or outright bans, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Washington State are typically responsible for collecting and remitting state lodging tax, local sales tax, and any applicable tourism or convention taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect some taxes automatically, but operators should confirm with the Washington Department of Revenue that all obligations are fully met.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Oak Harbor

Financing an Airbnb investment in Oak Harbor 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 Oak Harbor Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Oak Harbor's short-term rental market is expected to see continued seasonal strength, with summer months likely sustaining the lion's share of annual revenue. We estimate ADR could drift upward by 1–3% as the listing base matures and hosts optimize pricing, while occupancy may settle in the 25–30% range on an annualized basis given the strong summer-winter spread. The 132% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could moderate per-listing revenue if supply outpaces demand growth. Investors entering the market should plan conservatively around off-season cash flow and lean on peak-month performance to drive returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Oak Harbor, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Oak Harbor?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Oak Harbor is currently 27%, which sits below the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 4-bedroom properties leading at 44% and studios at 31%, while 1- and 2-bedroom units average around 22%. The island's seasonal tourism patterns mean occupancy concentrates heavily in summer months.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Oak Harbor?
Oak Harbor Airbnb hosts earn an average of $3,751 per month and approximately $45,023 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies widely by property size — 4-bedroom homes average $6,721 monthly ($80,662 annually), while studios bring in roughly $2,149 per month. Peak summer months like August can generate over $7,300, making seasonal pricing strategy critical to maximizing returns.
Is Oak Harbor a good market for Airbnb investment?
Oak Harbor scores a 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a unique demand mix driven by Whidbey Island tourism and proximity to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. However, the below-average supply/demand balance — driven by a 132% year-over-year increase in listings — means investors should carefully evaluate competition and focus on property types that outperform, such as larger homes.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Oak Harbor?
The average daily rate in Oak Harbor is $269, which is below the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales predictably with property size, ranging from $124 for studios to $365 for 4-bedroom homes. This pricing positions Oak Harbor as a more affordable destination for guests compared to other Pacific Northwest markets, which can help support occupancy during shoulder seasons.
Are short-term rentals legal in Oak Harbor?
Short-term rentals generally operate in Oak Harbor, WA, but hosts should verify local permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with the City of Oak Harbor and Island County before listing a property. Regulations can vary and may include business license requirements, occupancy limits, or other restrictions. It's always wise to consult local authorities and review any HOA rules that may apply to your specific property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Oak Harbor?
Peak season in Oak Harbor runs from June through September, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $7,333 in revenue. July follows closely at $6,381, while June and September average $4,426 and $4,603, respectively. The off-season months of January and February are the slowest, with revenues dropping to $1,821 and $2,239 — making it essential for hosts to build cash reserves during the summer.
How many Airbnbs are there in Oak Harbor?
There are currently 73 active Airbnb listings in Oak Harbor as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across property sizes, with 2-bedroom units being the most common (21 listings), followed by 1-bedrooms (15), 3-bedrooms (14), 4-bedrooms (13), and studios (6). Notably, active listings have grown 132% year-over-year, indicating significant new investor interest in the market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Oak Harbor?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Oak Harbor 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like August's $7,333) and slower periods (like January's $1,821). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Oak Harbor, 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 Oak Harbor and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Popular amenity prevalence data drawn from active listing profiles

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 historical averages and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Oak Harbor and Island County authorities before purchasing.

Next Steps

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