Bellingham Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Washington, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Bellingham in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Bellingham, Washington, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Bellingham, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 375 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Bellingham, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Bellingham Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Bellingham Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Bellingham (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Bellingham is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Bellingham is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Bellingham across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,677+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,360 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,809 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,709, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Bellingham
Bellingham Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Bellingham STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Bellingham:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 88%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 76% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 59%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 36% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Bellingham
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Bellingham (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Bellingham involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bellingham typically peaks in August and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $352+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $226 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $147 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $101 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Bellingham
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Bellingham (2025)
Peak Season (July, August, June)
- Revenue averages $4,612 per month
- Occupancy rates average 68.3%
- Daily rates average $195
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,382 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 55.5%
- Daily rates hold near $188
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,258 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 44.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $188
Seasonality Insights for Bellingham
- The Airbnb seasonality in Bellingham shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Bellingham's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,763, occupancy reaching a high of 72.1%, and ADRs peaking at $196.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $2,096, occupancy could drop to 42.6%, and ADRs may adjust down to $185.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Bellingham.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Bellingham seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Bellingham (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Bellingham? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Fairhaven | Historic district with unique shops and eateries, known for its charming waterfront and community vibe. Attracts visitors looking for a quaint experience and scenic views. | Fairhaven Village Green, Bellingham Railway Museum, Marine Park, Fairhaven Park, Bellingham Cruise Terminal |
| Downtown Bellingham | Cultural and commercial hub with a vibrant arts scene, restaurants, and nightlife. A favorite for visitors wanting urban amenities and events. | Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham Art Museum, Commercial Street, Bellingham Farmers Market, Historic Fairhaven |
| California Hill | Residential neighborhood with close access to parks and trails. Appeals to nature lovers and families wanting a quiet area near the city’s heart. | Lake Padden Park, Bloedel Donovan Park, Padden Creek Trail, Cascadia Marine Trail, Larrabee State Park |
| Western Washington University Area | Home to the university with a youthful energy. Attracts students, families, and visitors to campus events. | Western Washington University, The Performing Arts Center, Maltby Lake, Sehome Hill Arboretum, Woods Coffee |
| Sudden Valley | Picturesque community in a forested setting, offers tranquility and outdoor recreation while being a short drive from Bellingham. Perfect for nature retreats. | Sudden Valley Golf Course, Lake Louise, Bellingham Bay, Hiking trails, Community events |
| Birchwood | A quiet residential area with parks and local shops. Ideal for guests seeking a home-like atmosphere close to urban amenities. | Whatcom Falls Park, Birchwood Park, Local cafes, City parks, Bellingham Sportsplex |
| Columbia | Diverse neighborhood known for its historic homes and local culture. Appeals to tourists looking for a unique local experience. | Columbia Neighborhood Park, Local breweries, Art studios, Community gardens, Historic architecture |
| Guides Road - Cordata | Growing area with new developments and a family-friendly atmosphere. Attracts visitors looking for modern accommodations near shopping and services. | Cordata Park, Northwest Park, Shopping centers, Restaurants, Spa services |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Bellingham (2025)
While Bellingham, Washington, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Bellingham to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Bellingham (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Bellinghambased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Gorgeous Lake View Home w/ Beach Access, Sunsets
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Fountain District Craftsman: Luxury Family Oasis
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Barndominum 14+ guest, pool, Galbraith, Lake!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Downtown close to WWU and shops
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
The Willow branch. Home, campground, and venue.
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Modern Home - Hot Tub, Playground, By Galbraith
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Bellingham (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Bellingham based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gather Vacations | 6 | $354,635 | 81 | 4.14/5.0 |
| Cecelia | 8 | $252,678 | 700 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Vacationville | 3 | $220,480 | 68 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Lindsy | 6 | $215,101 | 2190 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Emma | 3 | $213,174 | 395 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Jackie | 2 | $164,417 | 49 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Eric | 2 | $164,312 | 214 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Austin | 4 | $161,005 | 373 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Carlee And Mark | 3 | $157,536 | 89 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Adam + Kathryn | 4 | $154,382 | 418 | 4.99/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Bellingham.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Bellingham STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Bellingham. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsBellingham Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Bellingham
- The Bellingham Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 85.1% of the 375 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Bellingham, House properties are the most common (51.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 51.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 14.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like unique stays (combined 1.6%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Bellingham Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Bellingham
- The dominant room capacity in Bellingham is 1 bedroom listings, making up 34.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 57.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Bellingham, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 24.9% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Bellingham.
Bellingham Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Bellingham
- The most common guest capacity trend in Bellingham vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (25.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Bellingham STR market, accounting for 51.0% of listings.
- 29.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Bellingham.
- On average, properties in Bellingham are equipped to host 4.0 guests.
Bellingham Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Bellingham
- The most common availability pattern in Bellingham falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 32.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 49.6% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Bellingham (32.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 51.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Bellingham Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
115 listings
32.8% of total
2 Nights
109 listings
31.1% of total
3 Nights
30 listings
8.5% of total
4-6 Nights
5 listings
1.4% of total
7-29 Nights
21 listings
6% of total
30+ Nights
71 listings
20.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Bellingham is 1 Night, adopted by 32.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (63.9%) of the Bellingham Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (20.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Bellingham, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 32.8% of Bellingham hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 20.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Bellingham.
Bellingham Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
10 listings
3% of total
Flexible
68 listings
20.1% of total
Moderate
111 listings
32.8% of total
Firm
88 listings
26% of total
Strict
61 listings
18% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Bellingham
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Bellingham is Moderate, used by 32.8% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (52.9%) and stricter (44.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 32.8% market standard in Bellingham.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Bellingham.
Bellingham STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Bellingham
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Bellingham is 52 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 106 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 28 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (89 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (35 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (52 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Bellingham.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 106 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 89 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Bellingham averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Bellingham (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Bellingham
- Essential amenities in Bellingham that guests expect include: Smoke alarm, Heating, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Carbon monoxide alarm, Hot water, Free parking on premises are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Bellingham: Smoke alarm, Heating, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm, Heating, Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Carbon monoxide alarm or Hot water to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Bellingham to stay competitive.
Bellingham Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Bellingham
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Bellingham consists of primarily domestic travelers (91%), often arriving from nearby Seattle, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 90.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (90.7%) and Canada (6.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (69.8%) followed by Spanish (11%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Seattle and Portland.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Bellingham Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Creek | 10 | $6,420 | $303.37 | 59% |
| Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake | 11 | $6,325 | $353.76 | 56% |
| Lake Goodwin | 11 | $4,949 | $371.43 | 44% |
| Woods Creek | 10 | $4,871 | $352.24 | 40% |
| North Bend | 51 | $4,813 | $316.86 | 62% |
| Verlot | 11 | $4,787 | $255.29 | 61% |
| Amanda Park | 10 | $4,780 | $425.06 | 46% |
| Cape George Colony Club | 10 | $4,770 | $257.49 | 59% |
| Ronald | 150 | $4,706 | $409.10 | 39% |
| Allyn | 20 | $4,462 | $415.57 | 36% |