Washington, DC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Washington Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Washington, DC draws steady short-term rental demand thanks to its status as the nation's capital — a magnet for government travel, tourism, conferences, and events year-round. With 2,425 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $31,241 and an ADR of $179, the market offers solid fundamentals, though high home values averaging $1,116,443 compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Occupancy stability is a standout strength, and investors willing to source deals selectively can still find compelling opportunities, especially in larger property configurations.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Washington 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 Washington

Washington's appeal to STR investors rests on its diversified demand base — government, tourism, and business travel — paired with above-average occupancy stability, though elevated property prices demand careful deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Washington represents a competitive but rewarding market for short-term rental investors who can navigate its high entry costs. Revenue seasonality is noticeable — monthly averages swing from roughly $1,285 in January to $3,528 in May — but the off-season floor remains meaningful thanks to the city's diverse demand drivers. The ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio offset by above-average occupancy stability and average growth and supply-demand dynamics. Investors targeting larger properties (3+ bedrooms) stand to capture significantly higher per-night revenue and annual returns, making property size a key strategic lever in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Washington

Average revenue by month in Washington

Revenue in Washington peaks in May at $3,528 and bottoms out in January at $1,285, a spread of nearly $2,250 that underscores the market's strong spring-summer seasonality. A secondary uptick in October ($3,118) reflects fall conference and tourism activity, while the December–February stretch represents the softest quarter for cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Washington

One-bedroom units dominate the Washington STR landscape with 1,320 of the 2,425 total listings (54%), followed by 2-bedrooms at 540. Larger configurations — 4-bedroom (112), 5-bedroom (44), and 6+ bedroom (16) — are notably scarce, suggesting potential opportunity for investors targeting the higher-revenue, lower-competition end of the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Washington

ADR scales sharply with bedroom count in Washington, climbing from $115 for studios to $734 for 6+ bedroom properties. The steepest jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($189) and 3-bedrooms ($291), making mid-size and larger units the sweet spot where nightly rate premiums begin to outpace incremental acquisition costs for many investors.

Average RevPAN by property size in Washington

RevPAN rises steadily with size, from $45 for studios and 1-bedrooms all the way to $250 for 6+ bedroom listings — more than five times the smallest units. Properties with 3+ bedrooms cross the $90 RevPAN threshold, making them meaningfully more productive on a per-available-night basis even after accounting for occupancy differences.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Washington

Studios lead occupancy at 39%, while 2-bedroom units lag at 29%, and mid-to-large properties (3–6+ bedrooms) cluster tightly in the 30–34% range. The relatively narrow spread across sizes suggests that demand in Washington is broad-based, but smaller units benefit from a larger pool of solo and couple travelers keeping them fuller.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Washington

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,048 for studios to $13,471 for 6+ bedroom properties, with a clear inflection point at 3-bedrooms ($4,946) where earnings nearly double those of 1-bedrooms ($2,101). Investors seeking meaningful monthly cash flow should focus on 3-bedroom or larger configurations, where the revenue premium more than compensates for higher operating complexity.

Average annual revenue by property size in Washington

Annual revenue potential climbs dramatically with property size — 1-bedrooms average $25,216 while 5-bedroom homes pull in $103,461 and 6+ bedroom properties reach $161,655. Given the high average home value in Washington, larger properties that can generate six-figure annual revenue offer the most credible path to a competitive return on invested capital.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Washington

Kitchens (92%), self check-in (87%), and laundry facilities (82% washer, 80% dryer) are essentially table stakes in Washington, DC — any listing without them is at a clear disadvantage. The prevalence of dedicated workspaces (71%) signals strong demand from business and remote-work travelers, while parking (80%) reflects the practical needs of visitors in a city where street parking can be challenging.

Understanding Washington'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

Washington's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning demand and fundamentals are strong but elevated property prices require disciplined deal sourcing. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag, while above-average occupancy stability provides a meaningful counterbalance by reducing income volatility. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types — particularly larger homes — where the revenue math can overcome the market's high entry costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Washington

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

Permit Requirements

Washington, DC requires short-term rental operators to obtain a basic business license and register their property through the city's STR licensing process. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with DC's Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in the District include occupancy limits, potential caps on the number of nights a non-primary residence can be rented, and rules around noise and parking. HOA and condo association bylaws may impose additional limitations, so reviewing governing documents is essential before acquiring a property for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Washington, DC are typically required to collect and remit occupancy taxes and sales tax on rental income. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but operators should confirm compliance with DC's Office of Tax and Revenue to avoid penalties.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Washington's short-term rental market is expected to maintain stable demand, supported by consistent government, tourism, and convention activity. Monthly revenue data suggests a pronounced spring-to-early-summer peak (May hitting $3,528) with a winter trough, so investors should plan for seasonal cash-flow swings of roughly 60–65% between highs and lows. ADR is estimated to hold steady or see modest gains of 1–3%, while occupancy rates are likely to hover in the 30–36% range market-wide. Supply growth of 118% year-over-year signals strong investor interest, which could increase competition and put downward pressure on occupancy for less differentiated listings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Washington, DC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Washington?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Washington, DC is currently 33%, which is just below the 34% state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios leading at 39% and 2-bedroom units at the lower end around 29%. Factors like location within the District, listing quality, and pricing strategy can influence an individual property's occupancy significantly.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Washington?

On average, Washington, DC Airbnb hosts earn approximately $2,603 per month or $31,241 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies considerably by property size — studios and 1-bedrooms average around $24,585–$25,216 annually, while 5-bedroom properties average $103,461 and 6+ bedroom homes can reach $161,655 per year. Individual results depend on property quality, location, amenities, and management approach.

Is Washington a good market for Airbnb investment?

Washington, DC earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 54 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability driven by year-round government, tourism, and business travel. However, the high average home value of $1,116,443 compresses the revenue-to-price ratio, meaning investors need to be selective about acquisition price and property type. Larger homes tend to deliver significantly better returns on a per-night and annual basis.

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

The current average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Washington, DC is $179, well below the $436 state average — likely because DC's market is dominated by smaller units (1- and 2-bedrooms) that pull the overall ADR down. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $115, while 4-bedroom properties hit $406 and 6+ bedroom homes command $734 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Washington?

Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Washington, DC, but operators must comply with the city's licensing and registration requirements. DC has specific regulations governing STRs, including licensing through the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Investors should review the latest local rules — including any restrictions on non-owner-occupied rentals, occupancy limits, and tax obligations — before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Washington?

Peak season for Airbnb in Washington, DC runs from March through June, with May topping the charts at $3,528 in average monthly revenue. April ($3,325) and June ($3,443) are also strong months, coinciding with cherry blossom season, school trips, and spring conferences. October ($3,118) sees a secondary surge. The slowest months are January ($1,285) and February ($1,303), creating a meaningful seasonal swing that investors should factor into their cash-flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Washington?

Washington, DC currently has 2,425 active Airbnb listings. The market has experienced significant year-over-year growth of 118% in active listings, indicating robust investor interest. The majority of supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom units (1,320 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (540) and 3-bedrooms (229), with larger configurations representing a much smaller share of inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Washington?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Washington, DC 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy, average daily rate, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics 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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary — investors should verify current requirements with Washington, DC authorities before acquiring or listing a property.