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

Washington Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Washington, NC is a small but intriguing short-term rental market with 42 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $22,824 per property. While occupancy sits at 25% — below the 34% state average — the market's relatively affordable home values ($376,958) and an ADR of $162 create a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio for investors willing to optimize their operations. The 200% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest in this waterfront-adjacent North Carolina town.

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 Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Washington

Investors are drawn to Washington for its favorable property prices relative to revenue potential and its growing appeal as a waterfront destination in eastern North Carolina.

Expert Market Assessment

"Washington presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors, best suited for those who can tolerate seasonal revenue swings and are focused on keeping acquisition costs low. The market's strength lies in its summer peak — July leads at $3,085 in average revenue — while winter months like February dip to just $661, creating a fourfold spread between high and low season. Two-bedroom properties stand out as the clear performance leaders with 43% occupancy and $28,785 in annual revenue, suggesting that right-sizing your property matters enormously here. Overall, the ROI score of 57 out of 100 reflects a market with genuine upside but one that requires careful property selection and operational discipline to unlock it."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Washington

Average revenue by month in Washington

Washington shows sharp seasonality, with July generating the highest average revenue at $3,085 and February bottoming out at $661 — nearly a 5x spread. The core earning season runs May through October, so investors should budget for significantly leaner winter months and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize the summer surge.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Washington

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 20 of the market's 42 active properties, followed by 12 two-bedrooms and just 6 three-bedroom units. The limited supply of larger properties could represent an opportunity, especially given that three-bedrooms command higher revenue — though investors should weigh that against the lower occupancy rates for that size.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Washington

ADR increases modestly from $152 for one-bedrooms to $158 for two-bedrooms, then jumps to $201 for three-bedroom properties. The three-bedroom premium of roughly 27% over two-bedrooms is notable, though investors should pair this with occupancy data to assess whether the higher nightly rate translates to stronger overall returns.

Average RevPAN by property size in Washington

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $67, significantly outpacing both one-bedrooms ($26) and three-bedrooms ($33). This gap reflects the two-bedroom segment's superior occupancy rate, making it the most efficient configuration for generating revenue on a per-available-night basis in Washington.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Washington

Occupancy rates vary dramatically by size: two-bedroom listings lead at 43%, more than double the rates for one-bedrooms (18%) and three-bedrooms (17%). For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and cash-flow predictability, two-bedroom units clearly outperform in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Washington

Three-bedroom properties earn the most on a monthly basis at $2,915, followed by two-bedrooms at $2,398, while one-bedrooms trail at $1,537. However, the two-bedroom segment's higher occupancy means its revenue is generated more consistently, whereas three-bedroom income likely concentrates more heavily in peak months.

Average annual revenue by property size in Washington

Annual revenue scales with size: one-bedrooms average $18,445, two-bedrooms reach $28,785, and three-bedrooms top out at $34,983. When weighed against acquisition costs and the strong occupancy advantage of two-bedroom units, investors should carefully model whether the incremental revenue from three-bedrooms justifies the additional investment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Washington

Parking dominates at 98% of listings, followed by self check-in (83%) and kitchen access (62%) — reflecting a market where guests expect convenience and a home-like stay experience. Outdoor amenities like patios (57%), backyards (52%), and waterfront or lake access (12–14%) signal that Washington's natural setting is a key part of the guest appeal, and properties offering these features may command a competitive edge.

Understanding Washington'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

Washington's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is reasonable but tempered by below-average market growth trends and moderate occupancy stability. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both rate as average, suggesting the market isn't overheated but also isn't delivering outsized returns without smart property selection. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property configurations — particularly two-bedrooms — that have demonstrated the strongest performance metrics.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Washington

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Washington, NC should verify whether the City of Washington or Beaufort County requires a specific STR permit or business registration before listing a property. North Carolina does not impose a statewide STR licensing framework, so requirements vary locally and should be confirmed with municipal planning or zoning offices.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. Investors should also check for any HOA covenants or neighborhood-specific restrictions that could limit STR activity, as well as any caps on the number of permitted short-term rentals in residential zones.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires collection of state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts. Operators should confirm whether additional county or municipal tourism taxes apply in Beaufort County and ensure they are registered with the appropriate tax authorities.

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 STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as more investors recognize the area's potential, though demand-side gains may lag behind. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain concentrated in the summer months (June through October), with softer winters requiring strategic pricing to maintain cash flow. ADR could see modest increases in the 1–3% range if new supply doesn't outpace demand, and occupancy may stabilize around 24–28% market-wide as the listing base matures. Investors should monitor whether the rapid supply expansion levels off, as sustained balance between supply and demand will be critical for long-term returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Washington, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Washington?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Washington, NC is currently 25%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. However, occupancy varies significantly by property size — two-bedroom listings lead the market at 43%, while one-bedroom and three-bedroom units average around 17–18%. Investors targeting mid-size properties can expect meaningfully higher occupancy than the market-wide figure suggests.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Washington?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Washington earn approximately $1,902 per month or $22,824 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies substantially by property size: one-bedroom listings average $18,445 per year, two-bedrooms bring in about $28,785, and three-bedroom properties top the market at roughly $34,983 annually. Seasonal variation is significant, so monthly earnings can range from around $661 in February to over $3,085 in July.

Is Washington a good market for Airbnb investment?

Washington earns an ROI score of 57 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an average revenue-to-price ratio and relatively affordable property values around $376,958, which keeps the barrier to entry manageable. That said, occupancy and market growth trend below average, so success here depends on choosing the right property size and optimizing for the strong summer season. Two-bedroom units in particular show the most promising performance metrics.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Washington, NC is $162, which is well below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size — one-bedrooms average $152, two-bedrooms come in at $158, and three-bedroom properties command $201 per night. The lower rate relative to the state reflects Washington's positioning as a more affordable, small-town destination rather than a premium resort market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Washington?

Short-term rentals do operate in Washington, NC, with 42 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, specific permitting, zoning, and registration requirements can vary at the local level. Investors should check directly with the City of Washington and Beaufort County planning departments to confirm any rules, permits, or restrictions that apply before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Washington?

Peak season in Washington runs from May through October, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $3,085 in revenue per listing. August ($2,767) and October ($2,659) are also strong performers. The off-season stretches from November through March, with February representing the lowest point at $661. This pronounced seasonality means investors should plan their cash flow around a roughly four-to-five month high-revenue window.

How many Airbnbs are there in Washington?

Washington, NC currently has 42 active Airbnb listings. The market has seen dramatic growth, with a 200% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 20 listings, followed by 12 two-bedroom and 6 three-bedroom units. Despite the rapid growth, the market remains relatively small, which can mean less competition but also less established demand patterns.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Washington?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Washington 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 data. Individual results will vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 for the Washington, NC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before investing.