Sterling, AK Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sterling Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sterling, Alaska, is a small but sharply seasonal short-term rental market on the Kenai Peninsula, where summer tourism drives the bulk of annual income. With just 15 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $32,926, the market's limited supply and pronounced peak-season demand create an interesting window for investors willing to work within a highly cyclical revenue pattern. Average daily rates of $245 sit just below the Alaska state average, while the 31% occupancy rate reflects the area's heavy reliance on warm-weather visitors — a dynamic that rewards strong summer pricing strategy.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Sterling

Sterling appeals to investors seeking a low-competition, nature-driven market where a short but intense tourism season can deliver meaningful returns relative to property costs.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sterling presents a moderately attractive STR opportunity shaped almost entirely by its summer season. July revenue of $8,105 is more than twelve times the January figure of $644, making this one of the most seasonally concentrated markets investors will encounter. With average factors across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance, the ROI profile is solid rather than exceptional — but the thin competitive landscape of just 15 listings provides room for a well-run property to outperform. Investors who can tolerate lean winter months and capitalize aggressively from May through September will find the math most compelling here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sterling

Average revenue by month in Sterling

Sterling's revenue curve is among the most seasonal you'll find: July peaks at $8,105, while January bottoms out at just $644 — a roughly 12.5x spread. Virtually all meaningful revenue arrives between May ($3,765) and September ($3,057), so investors should plan for five productive months and seven lean ones.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sterling

The entire tracked supply in Sterling consists of 5 three-bedroom listings, making this the only property size with sufficient data. This extremely concentrated supply suggests that investors exploring other configurations — particularly 1- or 2-bedroom cabins — may find an underserved niche if demand exists.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sterling

Three-bedroom properties command an ADR of $391, well above the market-wide average of $245, reflecting the premium travelers place on spacious accommodations in a vacation-oriented destination. This rate positions Sterling's larger units competitively for families and groups visiting the Kenai Peninsula.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sterling

Three-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of $85 per available night, which accounts for occupancy alongside nightly rates. While this figure reflects the seasonal drag of low winter bookings, it suggests solid per-night earning power during the months when guests are actually booking.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sterling

Three-bedroom properties average 22% occupancy, lower than the overall market figure of 31%, which indicates that these larger units are booked intensively during peak summer months but sit largely empty the rest of the year. Investors should factor this pronounced vacancy into cash-flow projections.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sterling

Three-bedroom listings average $1,568 per month, which is below the market-wide average of $2,743 — a gap likely explained by the higher market average being skewed by peak-season performance across all tracked listings. Revenue for 3-bedroom units is heavily front-loaded into summer months.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sterling

At $18,822 in average annual revenue, three-bedroom properties offer a baseline return that should be weighed against average home values of $540,925. While the annual figure alone suggests a modest yield, top-performing listings that maximize summer pricing could meaningfully outpace this average.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sterling

Kitchen and parking each appear in 93% of Sterling listings, followed closely by BBQ grills at 87% — signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented experience. Notably, only 7% of listings offer lake access or waterfront positioning, which could represent a significant competitive differentiator for properties with those features.

Understanding Sterling's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Sterling's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, reflecting average marks across all four calculation factors: revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. None of these factors flash red, but none stand out as exceptional either — the opportunity lies in a thin competitive field and strong summer pricing rather than year-round consistency. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will give investors the clearest picture of whether Sterling fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sterling

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sterling, Alaska, may need to register or obtain permits through the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Alaskan communities can include occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and rules around signage. HOA covenants in some Sterling-area subdivisions may also limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Alaska does not impose a state sales tax, but the Kenai Peninsula Borough may levy a bed tax or transactional tax on short-term accommodations. Hosts should confirm current local tax obligations, as platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes automatically on behalf of operators.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sterling's STR performance is likely to remain tightly linked to its summer season, with July and August continuing to generate the lion's share of revenue. Given the 123% year-over-year growth in active listings, some compression in occupancy is possible if supply outpaces demand, though the market's small base means even modest new interest can appear as large percentage swings. Investors should anticipate ADR holding steady or rising modestly (1–3%) during peak months, while winter occupancy may remain in the single digits. Planning for five strong months of cash flow — roughly May through September — is a realistic baseline for financial modeling."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sterling, AK

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sterling?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sterling is currently 31%, which sits well below the Alaska state average of 51%. This lower figure reflects the market's extreme seasonality — occupancy spikes during summer months and drops significantly in winter. Properties that optimize pricing and minimum-stay strategies for peak season can often outperform this market-wide average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sterling?

Sterling Airbnb hosts earn an average of $2,743 per month and approximately $32,926 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, revenue is heavily concentrated in summer: July listings average $8,105, while winter months like January bring in closer to $644. Individual host earnings can vary significantly based on property size, amenities, and how effectively they price during peak season.

Is Sterling a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sterling earns an ROI score of 60 out of 100 — categorized as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from limited competition (only 15 active listings), a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, and strong summer demand fueled by Kenai Peninsula tourism. The trade-off is stark seasonality, with most revenue concentrated between May and September. Investors comfortable with a seasonal cash-flow profile and who can keep carrying costs manageable during the off-season will find Sterling worth a closer look.

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

The average daily rate in Sterling is $245, which is slightly below the Alaska state average of $254. For 3-bedroom properties — currently the only tracked property size in the market — the ADR jumps to $391, reflecting the premium guests are willing to pay for larger accommodations suited to group and family travel.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sterling?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Sterling, Alaska, though operators may need to comply with Kenai Peninsula Borough regulations, including possible permit or registration requirements. Local zoning rules, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations can also apply. We strongly recommend verifying current regulations with local authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sterling?

Peak season in Sterling runs from May through September, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $8,105 per listing. June ($5,204) and August ($6,218) are also strong earners. Revenue drops off sharply in October and remains low through the winter, making the five-month summer window the primary revenue driver for STR investors in this market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sterling?

As of April 2026, there are 15 active Airbnb listings in Sterling. This is a notably small market, which has seen 123% year-over-year growth in listing count — though from a very low base. The limited supply means new entrants face less competition but should also be mindful that even a handful of additional listings could shift market dynamics.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sterling?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sterling 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, since each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Sterling, AK market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on active comparable listings
• Monthly and annual revenue figures derived from trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for supply, rates, occupancy, and revenue where data is available
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.