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

Sultan Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sultan, WA is a micro-market nestled along the Skykomish River corridor east of Everett, offering a compact inventory of just 17 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $250—well below the $393 Washington state average—and occupancy at 38% (slightly above the 36% state benchmark), the market delivers roughly $46,930 in average annual revenue per listing. The small supply base and outdoor-recreation appeal of the Cascades foothills create a niche opportunity for investors willing to operate in a less competitive environment.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Sultan

Sultan's low listing count, proximity to Cascades recreation, and below-state-average ADR create a value-oriented entry point for investors seeking a less saturated Washington market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sultan presents a niche opportunity rather than a high-volume play. The market's small inventory and modest occupancy suggest limited but genuine demand, largely driven by seasonal recreation and weekend getaways from the greater Seattle–Everett metro. Revenue swings are significant—August tops $6,659 while February bottoms out near $2,236—so investors should underwrite conservatively around the $3,910 monthly average. Properties that lean into the area's outdoor character with amenities like hot tubs, waterfront access, and pet-friendliness are well-positioned to capture the premium end of this small market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sultan

Average revenue by month in Sultan

Sultan's revenue cycle is heavily seasonal: August leads at $6,659 while February trails at $2,236, representing a nearly 3x spread between peak and trough. The June–August corridor accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, and investors should budget for four to five months of below-average income during the winter.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sultan

The available size data shows 8 one-bedroom listings, representing a significant share of the 17 total active listings. With limited data on larger property types, there may be an opportunity for investors to differentiate with multi-bedroom offerings that can accommodate families or groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sultan

One-bedroom listings in Sultan command an average daily rate of $192, while the overall market ADR of $250 suggests that larger or premium properties (not broken out in available data) are pulling the average upward. This gap indicates that properties beyond one bedroom may capture meaningfully higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sultan

One-bedroom units deliver a RevPAN of $82, compared to the market-wide figure of $94, indicating that larger or more premium properties generate stronger revenue per available night. Investors eyeing one-bedroom units should factor in this slightly lower yield when underwriting.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sultan

One-bedroom listings achieve a 43% occupancy rate, which is notably higher than the market-wide 38% average. This suggests smaller units attract more consistent bookings, offering relatively steadier cash flow even if their nightly rates are lower.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sultan

One-bedroom properties earn an average of $3,524 per month, sitting just below the market-wide $3,910 average. The difference implies that other property configurations in the market are generating higher monthly revenue, potentially offering better returns despite the one-bedroom's stronger occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sultan

At $42,291 annually, one-bedroom listings trail the overall market average of $46,930 by roughly $4,600. Investors considering larger properties may capture that revenue premium, though acquisition and operating costs will also be higher.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sultan

Parking and a kitchen are universal across Sultan's listings (100%), while outdoor-oriented amenities dominate—82% offer outdoor furniture, 77% have a patio or balcony, and 71% include a BBQ grill. A hot tub (53%) and waterfront access (47%) serve as meaningful differentiators, signaling that guests expect a nature-focused, self-sufficient retreat experience.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sultan

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sultan, WA may need to obtain a business license or STR permit from Snohomish County or the City of Sultan. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with local planning and licensing departments before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Washington municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking standards, and caps on the number of STR permits issued in a given area. Homeowner association rules may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Washington State levies lodging taxes on short-term rentals, and Snohomish County may apply additional local hotel/motel taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with the state Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sultan's short-term rental performance is likely to continue tracking its pronounced summer seasonality, with peak revenue in the July–August window potentially reaching $6,300–$6,700 per month. Modest ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible as the region's outdoor tourism base grows, though winter months will likely remain soft with revenue dipping below $2,500. Investors should plan cash reserves or supplemental income strategies to bridge the November-through-March period, when monthly revenue runs roughly 35–40% of summer highs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sultan, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sultan?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sultan is currently 38%, which is slightly above the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy tends to be highest during the summer months when outdoor recreation demand peaks, and softer during the winter season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sultan?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Sultan earns approximately $3,910 per month, or about $46,930 annually. Summer months can push monthly revenue above $6,000, while winter months typically fall below $2,500. Individual results depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and amenities offered.

Is Sultan a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sultan offers a low-competition environment with just 17 active listings and occupancy that slightly outperforms the state average. The market has pronounced seasonality, with strong summer revenue offset by slower winters, so it suits investors comfortable with cash-flow variability. Properties featuring outdoor amenities and proximity to nature tend to perform best in this area.

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

The current average daily rate in Sultan is $250, which is significantly below the Washington state average of $393. This lower ADR reflects the market's small-town positioning and can be attractive for investors looking at lower acquisition costs paired with reasonable nightly rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sultan?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Sultan, WA, but local permit or business license requirements may apply through the City of Sultan or Snohomish County. Investors should check with local authorities for the most current regulations, including any zoning restrictions or permit caps, before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sultan?

Peak season in Sultan runs from June through August, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $6,659 in revenue. July follows closely at $6,303. The shoulder months of May and September also perform above the annual average, making the broader May-through-September window the strongest earning period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sultan?

As of April 2026, there are 17 active Airbnb listings in Sultan. The majority of these with available size data are 1-bedroom properties, making this a very compact market with limited direct competition for new entrants.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sultan?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Sultan are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across 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 remaining data 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 Sultan and surrounding zip codes
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Trailing 12-month revenue data broken down by month and property size
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide property setup decisions
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics 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 as of April 2026; market conditions may shift due to seasonal trends, regulatory changes, or economic factors. Local regulations vary and should be independently verified with Sultan city officials and Snohomish County authorities before investing.