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

Union Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Union, WA is a small but notable short-term rental market on Washington's Hood Canal, where just 35 active Airbnb listings serve a steady stream of waterfront and outdoor recreation visitors. With an average annual revenue of $31,318 and an ADR of $266—well below the $393 state average—the market offers an accessible entry point for investors seeking vacation-rental income in a scenic Pacific Northwest setting. Seasonal demand is pronounced, with summer months driving the bulk of earnings, and an ROI score of 57 out of 100 signals attractive overall potential tempered by below-average occupancy stability.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Union 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 Union

Union appeals to investors seeking a low-competition, vacation-oriented market where waterfront appeal and limited supply create a niche opportunity with reasonable revenue-to-price ratios.

Expert Market Assessment

"Union represents a moderate-opportunity market where the combination of limited supply and scenic waterfront appeal creates a viable niche for STR investors willing to navigate significant seasonality. Revenue swings sharply from winter lows around $1,206 in January to summer highs of $5,407 in August—a nearly 4.5x spread that demands careful cash-flow planning. The ROI score of 57 reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio and average supply/demand balance, but below-average occupancy stability is the main factor holding this market back from a higher rating. Investors who price competitively, offer standout amenities, and market to shoulder-season travelers can outperform these averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Union

Average revenue by month in Union

Union's revenue is sharply seasonal, with August peaking at $5,407 and January bottoming out at $1,206—a spread of over $4,200. The June–August window generates roughly 45% of annual income, making summer optimization critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Union

The market's supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (14 listings) and 2-bedroom (9 listings) properties, reflecting Union's appeal as a couples and small-group getaway destination. Larger properties appear underrepresented, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer more space.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Union

Interestingly, 1-bedroom units command a slightly higher ADR of $222 compared to $211 for 2-bedroom properties, suggesting that well-positioned smaller cabins or waterfront studios can compete on nightly pricing. The relatively narrow gap indicates that adding a second bedroom doesn't automatically translate to a rate premium in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Union

Two-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $91 versus $64 for 1-bedrooms, driven primarily by their significantly higher occupancy rather than rate differences. This makes 2-bedroom units the more efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Union

Two-bedroom listings achieve 43% occupancy compared to just 29% for 1-bedroom properties, a 14-percentage-point gap that meaningfully impacts cash-flow reliability. Investors targeting more consistent bookings should lean toward 2-bedroom configurations in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Union

Two-bedroom properties average $2,592 per month—71% more than the $1,515 earned by 1-bedroom units. The revenue advantage is almost entirely driven by occupancy differences, since ADRs are comparable between the two sizes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Union

At $31,114 annually, 2-bedroom properties earn nearly $13,000 more per year than 1-bedroom listings at $18,183. For investors weighing acquisition costs against income potential, 2-bedroom configurations clearly offer the stronger return profile in Union.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Union

Parking (100%), self check-in (94%), and a full kitchen (91%) are table-stakes amenities in Union, while differentiators like hot tubs (60%), beach access (37%), and waterfront location (26%) can help properties stand out. The prevalence of outdoor-oriented amenities—BBQ grills, patios, and backyards each above 60%—underscores that guests expect a nature-immersive experience.

Understanding Union's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Union's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a balanced but imperfect investment profile. Revenue-to-price and supply/demand factors rate as average, while market growth is tracking at an average pace—but below-average occupancy stability, driven by sharp seasonality, is the primary drag on the score. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough local regulatory research and a financial plan that accounts for lean winter months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Union

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Union, WA should verify whether Mason County or the state of Washington requires a short-term rental permit or business registration before listing a property. Requirements can change, so checking directly with local planning offices and the Washington State Department of Revenue is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Washington communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking rules, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit rentals. In smaller unincorporated areas like Union, county-level regulations typically apply, but investors should confirm whether any overlay zones or community-specific restrictions are in effect.

Tax Obligations

Washington State imposes sales tax and a lodging tax on short-term rentals, and Mason County may levy an additional transient accommodation tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should verify their full obligations with the state Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Union's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its strongly seasonal character, with summer months continuing to account for the lion's share of annual revenue. ADR could see modest increases of 1–3% as hosts invest in amenity upgrades like hot tubs and waterfront access, though occupancy will likely hover in the 33–38% range annually given the market's leisure-driven demand profile. Year-over-year listing growth of 105% suggests new supply is entering, which could put gentle pressure on individual property performance unless demand keeps pace. Investors should plan for lean winter months and build reserves accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Union, WA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Union?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Union is currently 35%, which is just slightly below the Washington state average of 36%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 2-bedroom units achieving 43% and 1-bedroom properties averaging 29%. These figures reflect the market's seasonal, leisure-driven demand pattern.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Union?

Airbnb hosts in Union earn an average of $2,609 per month, which translates to roughly $31,318 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue is highly seasonal—hosts can expect to earn $5,000+ per month during July and August, while winter months like January may bring in closer to $1,200. Two-bedroom properties tend to be the strongest earners, averaging $31,114 annually compared to $18,183 for 1-bedroom units.

Is Union a good market for Airbnb investment?

Union earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 57 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from limited competition (just 35 listings), scenic Hood Canal appeal, and reasonable revenue relative to property costs. The main consideration is below-average occupancy stability due to pronounced seasonality, so investors should plan for strong summers and quieter off-seasons.

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

The average daily rate in Union is $266, which is significantly below the Washington state average of $393. One-bedroom properties command an ADR of $222, while 2-bedroom listings average $211. The lower ADR compared to statewide figures reflects Union's positioning as an accessible, nature-focused getaway rather than a premium urban destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Union?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Union, WA area, but operators should verify current permit requirements, zoning rules, and tax obligations with Mason County and the Washington State Department of Revenue. Regulations can evolve, so it's important to confirm compliance before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Union?

Peak season in Union runs from June through August, with July and August being the highest-earning months at $5,125 and $5,407 in average revenue, respectively. Shoulder months like May ($2,595) and September ($2,728) also perform well. The slowest period is January through February, when monthly revenue drops to approximately $1,200–$1,250.

How many Airbnbs are there in Union?

As of April 2026, there are 35 active Airbnb listings in Union. The market is dominated by smaller properties, with 14 one-bedroom and 9 two-bedroom listings making up the tracked inventory. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 105%, indicating that supply has been expanding.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Union?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Union are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 and naturally reflects seasonal peaks and slower months because each month draws on 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 Union, WA market
• Average daily rates, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations
• Home value benchmarks sourced from 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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify with local authorities before investing.