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

Willow Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Willow, Alaska is a small but growing short-term rental market with just 21 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced summer-driven revenue cycle. Average daily rates sit at $289—well above the state average of $254—though occupancy runs at 22%, significantly below Alaska's 51% benchmark. The market's 145% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest, and the combination of outdoor recreation appeal and relatively modest supply creates a niche opportunity for operators who can capitalize on the intense summer peak.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Willow 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 Willow

Willow attracts investor attention due to its above-average daily rates, low existing supply, and strong summertime demand driven by Alaska's outdoor recreation season.

Expert Market Assessment

"Willow represents a competitive but niche opportunity, scoring 53 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale. The market's strength lies in its premium summer-season performance—July alone averages $6,798 in revenue—but the steep seasonal drop-off to around $1,400–$1,500 in winter months means annual cash flow requires careful planning. With average annual revenue of $38,808 against home values of $430,175, the revenue-to-price ratio is moderate, and investors who optimize for the June-through-September window while minimizing winter carrying costs will be best positioned to generate meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Willow

Average revenue by month in Willow

Willow's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, with July ($6,798) and August ($6,621) delivering roughly 4–5 times the income of the slowest months like January ($1,433) and February ($1,479). This dramatic spread means investors should plan for concentrated summer earnings and budget for lean winter months when revenue dips below $2,000.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Willow

The market's 21 listings are concentrated in smaller configurations, with 8 one-bedroom and 7 two-bedroom properties making up the majority of supply. Larger property sizes appear underrepresented, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer more spacious accommodations to group travelers or families visiting Alaska.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Willow

ADR scales modestly from $134 for one-bedroom listings to $176 for two-bedrooms, a 31% premium that may justify the incremental acquisition and operating costs. The step-up suggests guests are willing to pay meaningfully more for extra space, making two-bedroom properties potentially more efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average RevPAN by property size in Willow

Two-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $34 compared to $26 for one-bedrooms, a 31% advantage that mirrors the ADR gap given identical 20% occupancy rates across both sizes. This indicates the two-bedroom premium holds up after accounting for vacant nights, making it the stronger per-night revenue play.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Willow

Both one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties average 20% occupancy, showing no meaningful differentiation by size in terms of booking frequency. This uniformly low occupancy underscores the seasonal nature of Willow's market and suggests that property size alone won't solve the off-season demand challenge.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Willow

Two-bedroom properties lead with $2,473 in average monthly revenue compared to $1,887 for one-bedrooms—a roughly $586 monthly advantage. For investors evaluating the added cost of a second bedroom, this gap translates to about $7,000 more per year in top-line income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Willow

On an annual basis, two-bedroom listings generate approximately $29,686 versus $22,646 for one-bedrooms, making the larger configuration the stronger revenue performer. Against Willow's average home value of $430,175, both figures suggest modest gross yields, reinforcing the need for competitive acquisition pricing to achieve meaningful returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Willow

Parking (100%) and kitchen access (95%) are virtually universal among Willow listings, reflecting the rural, drive-to nature of this Alaska market. Outdoor-oriented amenities like lake access (48%), patios (67%), BBQ grills (57%), and backyards (57%) are prevalent, signaling that guests expect a nature-immersive experience—investors without outdoor features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Willow's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Willow's ROI Score of 53 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability alongside below-average market growth trends. The rapid increase in supply (145% YoY listing growth) paired with moderate demand dynamics means investors will need to source deals carefully to generate attractive returns. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will help investors determine whether a Willow property fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Willow

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

Permit Requirements

Willow is located within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska, and operators should verify whether a business license or short-term rental registration is required at the borough level. Investors are encouraged to check directly with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough planning department and the State of Alaska for the most current permit requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to short-term rentals in Alaska communities include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and seasonal operating conditions. HOA covenants or deed restrictions can also limit STR use in certain subdivisions, so reviewing property-specific rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Alaska does not impose a statewide sales tax, but local jurisdictions may levy bed taxes or transient occupancy taxes that apply to short-term rentals in Willow. Booking platforms often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, though operators should confirm compliance with borough-level tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Willow's short-term rental market is likely to remain heavily seasonal, with the lion's share of revenue concentrated between June and August. Given the rapid 145% supply growth, occupancy rates may face some downward pressure unless demand keeps pace, suggesting ADR increases in the range of 1–3% are possible but not guaranteed. Investors should plan for monthly revenue swings from roughly $1,400 in winter to nearly $6,800 in peak summer, and build reserves accordingly. Market growth trend indicators sit below average, so selective deal sourcing and strong summer-season execution will be key differentiators."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Willow, AK

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Willow?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Willow is currently 22%, which is notably below the Alaska state average of 51%. This lower figure reflects the market's extreme seasonality—properties fill up during Alaska's summer months but see much lighter demand through fall and winter. Investors should factor this seasonal pattern into their financial projections and consider strategies to boost off-peak bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Willow?

Airbnb hosts in Willow earn an average of $3,234 per month and approximately $38,808 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, these figures vary widely by season—peak summer months like July can bring in nearly $6,800, while January averages closer to $1,433. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform one-bedrooms, generating about $2,473 per month versus $1,887.

Is Willow a good market for Airbnb investment?

Willow earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers above-average daily rates and a small competitive set of just 21 listings, but the low occupancy rate and sharp seasonal swings mean investors need to be strategic. Those who can acquire properties at favorable prices and maximize the lucrative summer season stand the best chance of solid returns, though winter carrying costs should be carefully accounted for.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Willow is $289, which is approximately 14% higher than the Alaska state average of $254. ADR varies by property size: one-bedroom listings average $134 per night, while two-bedroom properties command around $176. The overall market average is higher likely due to larger or premium properties in the mix that drive up the composite figure.

Are short-term rentals legal in Willow?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Willow, Alaska, though specific permit requirements and regulations may apply at the borough or state level. Investors should contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough planning department and review any applicable local ordinances or HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use. Regulatory environments can change, so staying current on local rules is important.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Willow?

Peak season for Airbnb rentals in Willow runs from June through August, aligning with Alaska's summer outdoor recreation season. July is the top-performing month with average revenue of $6,798, closely followed by August at $6,621 and June at $5,472. Revenue drops significantly starting in October and remains low through March, making summer-season optimization critical for maximizing annual returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Willow?

As of April 2026, there are 21 active Airbnb listings in Willow. The market has experienced 145% year-over-year growth in listing count, indicating rapidly rising investor interest. The current supply is split between one-bedroom properties (8 listings) and two-bedroom properties (7 listings), with the remainder likely being larger or studio-style accommodations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Willow?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Willow are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls 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 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 Willow, AK market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level comparisons
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and 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 recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.