Port Townsend, WA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

58 / 100

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

Port Townsend Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Port Townsend, WA is a charming coastal town on the Olympic Peninsula that draws visitors year-round with its Victorian architecture, arts scene, and maritime heritage. With 67 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $37,299 and an ADR of $193—well below the $393 state average—this small market offers an accessible entry point for investors seeking a leisure-driven destination. Occupancy sits at 37%, just above the Washington state average, suggesting steady but moderate demand that peaks sharply in the summer months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Port Townsend short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 67
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $393 state avg. $193
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 36% state avg. 37%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $71
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $3,108
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $37,299

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

Why Investors Consider Port Townsend

Port Townsend appeals to investors looking for a small, tourism-driven Pacific Northwest market with above-average occupancy stability and manageable competition across a compact listing pool.

Key investment factors

  • Above-average occupancy stability provides more predictable booking patterns compared to many seasonal markets
  • Small supply of just 67 active listings limits direct competition, especially for 3-bedroom properties where only 6 are listed
  • Summer revenue peaks above $5,400/month, creating strong seasonal income potential for well-positioned properties
  • ADR of $193 is significantly below the state average, keeping guest price sensitivity lower and booking friction minimal
  • Outdoor amenities like backyards, patios, and BBQ grills are highly valued, aligning with the coastal leisure guest profile

Expert Market Assessment

"Port Townsend presents an attractive but seasonally dependent investment opportunity. The ROI score of 58 out of 100 reflects a market where healthy occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio are tempered by a below-average growth trend. Revenue swings dramatically between August ($5,455) and February ($1,547), so investors need to plan for lean winter months alongside strong summer earnings. For those comfortable with a pronounced seasonal curve and willing to optimize pricing and amenities, this market rewards operators who can capture the summer wave efficiently."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Port Townsend's ROI Score: 58/100

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

What This Means for Investors

Port Townsend's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio create genuine potential—but a below-average market growth trend tempers the upside. The supply/demand balance is average, meaning the market isn't overcrowded but also isn't seeing accelerating demand that would push returns higher organically. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and conservative cash-flow modeling to account for the market's pronounced seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Port Townsend

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Port Townsend and Jefferson County in Washington State may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with local planning and business licensing offices before committing to an acquisition.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Port Townsend can include occupancy limits, minimum night stays, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also cap the total number of STR permits issued, so it's important to confirm availability early in the process.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Washington State are typically subject to state and local lodging taxes, sales tax, and potentially a tourism promotion area charge. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligation with a local tax professional.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Port Townsend

Financing an Airbnb investment in Port Townsend 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 Port Townsend Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Port Townsend's STR market is likely to follow its established seasonal rhythm, with summer months continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. ADR may see modest increases in the range of 1–3% as the market matures, though the below-average market growth trend suggests supply additions could outpace demand gains. Occupancy should remain in the 35–40% range on an annualized basis, with July and August anchoring performance. Investors should factor in the pronounced seasonality when modeling cash flow—winter months can dip below $1,700 in average revenue, making a strong summer showing essential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Port Townsend, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Port Townsend?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Port Townsend is currently 37%, which slightly edges out the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 39%, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties both average around 35%. Seasonality plays a significant role, with summer months driving the highest booking volumes.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Port Townsend?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Port Townsend earn approximately $3,108 per month or $37,299 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary considerably by property size—1-bedroom listings average $32,643 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $46,288, and 3-bedroom properties lead at roughly $73,014 per year. Peak summer months like July and August can generate over $5,000 in monthly revenue, while winter months may drop below $2,000.
Is Port Townsend a good market for Airbnb investment?
Port Townsend earns an ROI score of 58 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a balanced supply-demand dynamic across its compact 67-listing pool. However, the below-average market growth trend and pronounced seasonality mean investors should model conservatively and ensure they can weather slower winter months. Larger properties (2–3 bedrooms) tend to deliver significantly stronger revenue, which may help offset the seasonal dip.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Port Townsend?
The average daily rate in Port Townsend is $193, which is substantially lower than the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $155, 2-bedrooms come in at $199, and 3-bedroom properties command $324 per night. This lower ADR relative to the state reflects Port Townsend's positioning as a more affordable getaway destination, which can help maintain consistent bookings.
Are short-term rentals legal in Port Townsend?
Short-term rentals do operate in Port Townsend, WA, with 67 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits, business licenses, or registration, and rules can change over time. Investors should contact the City of Port Townsend's planning department and review Jefferson County ordinances to confirm current STR legality, permit availability, and any restrictions before purchasing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Port Townsend?
Peak season in Port Townsend runs from June through September, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $5,455 and July close behind at $5,129. The shoulder months of May and October still perform reasonably well at $3,223 and $2,810 respectively. The slowest period falls in January and February, when average monthly revenue drops to $1,700 and $1,547—roughly a third of peak-month earnings.
How many Airbnbs are there in Port Townsend?
As of April 2026, there are 67 active Airbnb listings in Port Townsend. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (39 listings), followed by 17 two-bedroom listings and just 6 three-bedroom properties. This compact supply base means competition is limited, particularly for larger properties, which could present an opportunity for investors targeting underserved segments.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Port Townsend?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Port Townsend 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 to produce a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like August at $5,455) and slower months (like February at $1,547). 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, occupancy rates, and average daily rates for the Port Townsend market
  • Historical revenue metrics including monthly and annual averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Property size breakdowns covering listings, ADR, occupancy, RevPAN, and revenue by bedroom count
  • Amenity prevalence data showing the most common features across active listings in the market
  • Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking

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. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with city and county authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, management quality, and pricing strategy.

Next Steps

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