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

Poulsbo Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Poulsbo, WA is a small-market gem on the Kitsap Peninsula that punches above its weight for short-term rental investors. With an average occupancy rate of 39% — outpacing Washington's 36% state average — and an ADR of $238, the market generates roughly $47,404 in average annual revenue per listing. The compact supply of just 58 active Airbnb listings and strong above-average occupancy stability suggest a market where demand has room to grow without being diluted by oversupply.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Poulsbo

Investors are drawn to Poulsbo for its above-average occupancy stability, manageable competition from a small listing pool, and the tourism appeal of a waterfront Scandinavian-heritage town within the greater Seattle metro orbit.

Expert Market Assessment

"Poulsbo represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to work within a smaller, seasonally driven market. Revenue peaks sharply in July and August — with average monthly earnings reaching $6,378 and $6,911 respectively — then tapers to winter lows near $2,051 in January, creating a pronounced seasonal curve that investors should plan for. The ROI score of 67 out of 100 reflects solid fundamentals: occupancy stability rates above average and revenue-to-price ratios that hold up against the broader state landscape. This is a market where choosing the right property size and delivering standout guest experience can meaningfully outperform the average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Poulsbo

Average revenue by month in Poulsbo

Poulsbo's revenue curve is heavily summer-weighted, peaking at $6,911 in August and bottoming at $2,051 in January — a spread of more than 3x. Investors should expect to earn the bulk of annual income between May and September, making cash-reserve planning for the quieter winter months essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Poulsbo

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 20 of the 58 active listings, while 2-bedroom properties are the least represented at just 8 listings. The relatively thin supply of 2-bedroom homes may signal a gap in the market where a well-positioned property could capture demand that currently lacks options.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Poulsbo

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $93 for studios to $399 for 4-bedroom properties — a 4.3x premium. Three-bedroom listings at $309/night may offer the strongest value inflection point, delivering a meaningful rate jump over 2-bedrooms ($188) without the acquisition costs of a larger home.

Average RevPAN by property size in Poulsbo

Four-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $96/night, edging out 2-bedrooms at $89 despite having much lower occupancy — their high ADR compensates for fewer booked nights. Studios trail at $41 RevPAN, suggesting that while they fill often, their low nightly rates limit overall revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Poulsbo

Smaller units fill significantly more nights: studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms all achieve 44–47% occupancy, while 3- and 4-bedroom homes drop to 27% and 24% respectively. For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and cash-flow predictability, the 1- and 2-bedroom segment offers the steadiest demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Poulsbo

Monthly revenue nearly doubles at each size step up, from $1,667 for studios to $7,291 for 4-bedroom homes. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($4,488) to 4-bedrooms ($7,291) is the largest absolute increase, representing over $2,800/month in additional revenue for investors willing to operate larger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Poulsbo

Four-bedroom properties stand out with $87,495 in average annual revenue — more than 4x what a studio generates ($20,005) and nearly double a 3-bedroom ($53,864). For investors evaluating return potential against purchase price, the 3- and 4-bedroom tiers offer the strongest top-line revenue, though acquisition costs and lower occupancy should factor into the analysis.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Poulsbo

Parking (95%) and a full kitchen (93%) are near-universal table stakes for Poulsbo listings, while outdoor living features like backyards (76%), patios (67%), and BBQ grills (59%) reflect the Pacific Northwest lifestyle guests expect. Notably, 28% of listings offer waterfront or beach access — a differentiating amenity that likely commands rate premiums in this coastal market.

Understanding Poulsbo's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Poulsbo's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where healthy occupancy stability (rated above average) pairs with average revenue-to-price ratios, growth trends, and supply/demand balance. The above-average occupancy factor is particularly notable — it suggests that demand in Poulsbo is more resilient than in many peer markets, reducing the risk of extended vacancy periods. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a property-specific financial analysis to confirm that the numbers work for their individual investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Poulsbo

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Poulsbo, WA should verify whether a business license or STR-specific permit is required by the City of Poulsbo and Kitsap County. Washington State does not impose a statewide STR registration mandate, so requirements are set locally — investors should check directly with city planning or code enforcement before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-night stay requirements, noise and parking ordinances, and limits on the number of permits issued in certain zones. Homeowners association rules can add another layer of restriction, particularly in planned communities, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is highly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Washington State levies a sales tax and a lodging tax that apply to short-term rentals, and Kitsap County may impose additional local lodging or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state and some local taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm all obligations are covered to avoid compliance gaps.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Poulsbo's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with summer months (June through August) continuing to anchor the bulk of annual revenue. ADR could see modest increases in the 2–4% range during peak season as the Pacific Northwest travel corridor matures, while occupancy is likely to hold steady around 38–42% on an annualized basis. The market's average growth trend and balanced supply/demand dynamics point to gradual, sustainable gains rather than dramatic swings — a profile that favors patient, operationally savvy investors."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Poulsbo, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Poulsbo?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Poulsbo is currently 39%, which exceeds the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units hover around 44–47%, while larger 3- and 4-bedroom properties see lower rates of 27% and 24% respectively, reflecting their higher nightly rates and more selective booking patterns.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Poulsbo?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Poulsbo earn approximately $3,950 per month or $47,404 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: studios average about $1,667/month while 4-bedroom homes bring in roughly $7,291/month. Summer months are by far the highest-earning period, with August topping $6,911 in average revenue.

Is Poulsbo a good market for Airbnb investment?

Poulsbo scores a 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a balanced supply/demand environment with just 58 active listings. Investors should be prepared for pronounced seasonality — summer months drive the majority of annual income — but those who price strategically and offer desirable amenities can build a rewarding portfolio here.

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

The average daily rate in Poulsbo is $238, which is well below the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $93 per night, 1-bedrooms $123, 2-bedrooms $188, 3-bedrooms $309, and 4-bedrooms command $399 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Poulsbo?

Short-term rentals operate in Poulsbo, with 58 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators should verify current permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with the City of Poulsbo and Kitsap County before launching a listing. It's also wise to review any HOA restrictions that may apply to your specific property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Poulsbo?

Peak season in Poulsbo runs from June through August, with August being the single highest-earning month at an average of $6,911 in revenue. July follows closely at $6,378 and June at $5,236. The off-season stretches from November through February, when monthly revenue typically falls to between $2,051 and $3,085.

How many Airbnbs are there in Poulsbo?

There are currently 58 active Airbnb listings in Poulsbo as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (20 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (12), 4-bedrooms (9), 2-bedrooms (8), and studios (6). This relatively small and varied inventory means there's limited direct competition, especially in underserved size categories.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Poulsbo?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Poulsbo 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. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, 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 Poulsbo market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to guide property positioning

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 averages and current snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Local STR regulations in Poulsbo and Kitsap County may change — always verify current rules before investing.