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

Shelton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Shelton, WA is a small but growing short-term rental market situated near the southern end of Puget Sound, where waterfront appeal and outdoor recreation draw seasonal visitors. With 77 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $254, and annual revenue averaging $36,888 per listing, the market offers moderate income potential at a price point well below the Washington state average ADR of $393. The 85% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the current 28% occupancy rate suggests supply is outpacing demand and selective deal sourcing will be essential.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Shelton 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 Shelton

Shelton attracts investor attention due to its waterfront character, lower entry costs relative to Washington state averages, and strong seasonal demand during the Pacific Northwest summer.

Expert Market Assessment

"Shelton represents a competitive opportunity — not a slam-dunk, but a market with genuine upside for investors who choose the right property type and manage expectations around seasonality. Revenue swings dramatically from winter lows around $1,417 in January to summer highs near $6,369 in August, so cash reserves or diversified income streams are important for riding out quieter months. The below-average supply/demand balance and 28% occupancy rate mean the market rewards operators who differentiate through amenities, pricing, and guest experience rather than relying on passive bookings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Shelton

Average revenue by month in Shelton

Shelton's revenue profile is heavily seasonal, with August ($6,369) and July ($6,034) delivering roughly 4x the income of January ($1,417) and February ($1,474). Investors should plan for a pronounced summer peak and budget reserves to cover the five-to-six slower months from November through April.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Shelton

Three-bedroom homes dominate the supply with 28 of 77 listings, followed by two-bedroom units at 19. Studios (5) and one-bedroom properties (8) are the most underrepresented sizes, which could signal a niche opportunity — though investors should weigh lower ADR potential against reduced competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Shelton

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $121 for studios to $434 for five-bedroom properties, though the jump from three bedrooms ($288) to four bedrooms ($285) is essentially flat. The most meaningful rate premium kicks in at the five-bedroom tier, suggesting larger group-friendly properties can command significantly higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Shelton

Five-bedroom listings lead RevPAN at $85, closely followed by three-bedroom units at $83, while studios trail at just $25. One-bedroom properties punch above their size at $74 RevPAN, making them an efficient option for investors seeking solid per-night yield without the capital outlay of a larger home.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Shelton

One-bedroom listings stand out with a 48% occupancy rate — nearly double the market average — while four-bedroom (19%) and five-bedroom (20%) properties sit at the bottom. This pattern suggests smaller properties fill more consistently, providing steadier cash flow even if their nightly rates are lower.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Shelton

Five-bedroom properties are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $5,764, followed by three-bedroom homes at $3,538. Studios ($1,224) and four-bedroom units ($2,488) generate the least, with four-bedrooms underperforming relative to their size due to the lowest occupancy rate in the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Shelton

At $69,175 annually, five-bedroom homes nearly double the revenue of three-bedroom properties ($42,463) and generate more than four times what studios earn ($14,696). For investors seeking the highest absolute return, larger homes offer compelling top-line potential, though higher acquisition and operating costs should be carefully modeled.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Shelton

Parking (97%) and a full kitchen (96%) are near-universal expectations in Shelton, while washer/dryer (86%) and self check-in (83%) round out the baseline. The high prevalence of waterfront access (62%), BBQ grills (82%), and outdoor furniture (75%) reflects a market where guests expect a nature-oriented, self-sufficient stay — listings lacking these outdoor amenities may struggle to compete.

Understanding Shelton'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

Shelton's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, indicating real potential tempered by market friction. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both register as average, while above-average market growth is partially offset by a below-average supply/demand balance driven by the 85% surge in new listings. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types — such as three- or five-bedroom waterfront homes — that have demonstrated stronger individual performance.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Shelton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Shelton, WA may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the city or Mason County before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Shelton's planning department and Washington State's Department of Revenue.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Washington communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also cap the number of permits issued, so confirming availability early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Washington State requires collection of applicable lodging and sales taxes on short-term rentals, and Mason County may impose additional local taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Shelton's pronounced summer seasonality — with August revenue peaking near $6,369 and winter months dipping below $1,500 — is expected to persist, making cash-flow planning around a roughly four-month high season critical. The above-average market growth trend suggests continued demand-side momentum, and ADR could edge up 2–4% as the destination gains visibility, but the rapid 85% listing growth may keep occupancy rates in the 26–30% range unless demand catches up. Investors who price competitively and target underserved property sizes could outperform the market average, though projections remain estimates and local conditions can shift."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Shelton, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shelton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Shelton is currently 28%, which falls below the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — one-bedroom units lead at 48%, while studios and four-bedroom properties see rates closer to 19–21%. Investors should factor in this variability when projecting cash flow.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Shelton?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Shelton earn approximately $3,074 per month and $36,888 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies widely by property size: five-bedroom listings average $5,764 monthly ($69,175 annually), while studios bring in roughly $1,224 per month. Summer months are the primary revenue driver, with August averaging $6,369 compared to January's $1,417.

Is Shelton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Shelton scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market has above-average growth trends and appeal as a waterfront leisure destination, but the rapid 85% increase in listings has created a below-average supply/demand balance. Investors who target higher-performing property sizes — particularly three- and five-bedroom homes — and optimize for the summer peak season can find workable returns, though careful deal sourcing is essential.

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

The current average daily rate in Shelton is $254, which is well below the Washington state average of $393. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $121 per night, while five-bedroom properties command $434. Three-bedroom homes sit at $288, offering a solid middle ground between price point and guest demand.

Are short-term rentals legal in Shelton?

Short-term rentals can operate in Shelton, WA, but operators may need to comply with local permitting, zoning, and registration requirements. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should consult with the City of Shelton's planning department and Mason County officials to confirm current rules before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Shelton?

Peak season in Shelton runs from June through August, with July and August being the strongest months. August leads with average revenue of $6,369 per listing, followed closely by July at $6,034. Revenue drops sharply after September and reaches its lowest point in January at $1,417, making this a heavily seasonal market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Shelton?

As of April 2026, there are 77 active Airbnb listings in Shelton. The market has seen 85% year-over-year growth in listings, indicating significant new supply entering the area. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 28 listings, followed by two-bedroom units at 19.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Shelton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Shelton 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 data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods like Shelton's strong summer and quieter winter. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN benchmarks across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment underwriting
• Data aggregated from multiple proprietary and third-party sources for consistency

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 as of the dates indicated; market conditions can change rapidly. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.