Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Bellingham, Washington, United States
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Bellingham? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Bellingham:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Bellingham?
The short-term rental market in Bellingham shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $2,860 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $4,564 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $7,088+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $1,732
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Bellingham
The market in Bellingham shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 59% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 77% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 88%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 36%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Bellingham
Daily rates in Bellingham vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $145 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $227 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $358+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $97
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Bellingham
Peak Season (August, July, June)
- Revenue peaks at $4795.93 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 72.23%
- Daily rates average $202.27
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3602.85 per month
- Occupancy maintains 55.98%
- Daily rates hold at $189.50
Low Season (November, February, January)
- Revenue drops to $2110.39 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 39.01%
- Daily rates adjust to $179.10
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Bellingham in 2025?
Yes! Bellingham demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 56% and strong monthly revenue averaging $3603 and With 370 active listings, the market shows established demand while maintaining room for growth. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Bellingham
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Fairhaven | Historic district with charming architecture, local shops, and waterfront access. Popular for tourists looking for a unique and quaint experience. | Fairhaven Historic District, Boulevard Park, Western Washington University, Fairhaven Park, Various local eateries and shops |
| Bellingham Bay | Scenic waterfront area great for outdoor activities and stunning views. Appeals to nature lovers and families. | Bellingham Bay, Larrabee State Park, Algue Lake, Chuckanut Drive, Sehome Hill Arboretum |
| Downtown Bellingham | Vibrant urban center with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Ideal for those who enjoy city life. | Bellingham Railway Museum, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham Farmers Market, Historic Fairhaven District, Local breweries and restaurants |
| Alabama Hill | Residential neighborhood with easy access to trails and parks. Great for outdoor enthusiasts and families. | Alabama Hill trails, Bloedel Donovan Park, Squalicum Harbor, Squalicum Beach, Parks and recreation areas |
| Lake Padden | Picturesque lake area with recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. Attracts visitors seeking relaxation and outdoor activities. | Lake Padden Park, Trails around Lake Padden, Picnic areas, Playgrounds, Fishing opportunities |
| Western Washington University Area | Close to the university, attracting students and families. Ideal for academic visitors and short-term stays. | Western Washington University, Associated Students Recreation Center, Nearby cafes and shops, Sehome Hill Arboretum, Outdoor sporting events |
| Chuckanut Drive | Scenic area famous for its beautiful views and access to Chuckanut State Park. Ideal for those looking for a getaway in nature. | Chuckanut Drive scenic views, Chuckanut State Park, Local seafood restaurants, Hiking trails, Beach access |
| North Bellingham | Growing area with affordable options and residential charm. Appeals to families and those looking for quieter surroundings. | North Bellingham golf course, Local parks, Access to trails, Community events, Nearby shopping options |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Bellingham?
We recommend checking directly with Bellingham's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Bellingham
Gorgeous Lake View Home w/ Beach Access, Sunsets
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Fountain District Craftsman: Luxury Family Oasis
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Fairhaven, Water and City View, King bed FT505
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Willow branch. Home, campground, and venue.
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Stunning Victorian 4BR w/Hot Tub 5 Min to Downtown
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Ritz-Carlton? Luxury Lake Samish Waterfront
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Bellingham
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gather Vacations | 5 | $428,806 | 77 | 3.96/5.0 |
| Cecelia | 8 | $258,082 | 700 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Vacationville | 3 | $256,728 | 68 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Emma | 3 | $213,048 | 395 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Jackie | 2 | $212,919 | 49 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Lindsy | 6 | $209,130 | 2190 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Austin | 4 | $182,836 | 373 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Eric | 2 | $157,372 | 214 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Natasha | 2 | $156,740 | 531 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Adam + Kathryn | 4 | $156,707 | 418 | 4.99/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Bellingham
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (83.8%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 65.7% of inventory
- Strong specialty sector (22.9%) combining boutique hotels, unique stays, and outdoor accommodations indicates market maturity and premium opportunities
- Untapped potential in unique stays segments (1.6% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 370 properties in Bellingham shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 35.4% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 56.2% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (35.4%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (1.9%)
- Market concentration: 56.2% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 370 properties in Bellingham reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 26.8% of all listings. The average property accommodates 3.9 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 50.5% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (26.8% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (1.1% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 3.9 guests per property
- Market concentration: 50.5% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 370 properties in Bellingham, the most common availability pattern is 91-180 days (29.5% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 181-270 days (28.4% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 91-180 days (29.5%)
- Most common booking duration: 181-270 days (28.4%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 46.8%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 54.1%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
118 listings
34.5% of total
2 Nights
115 listings
33.6% of total
3 Nights
35 listings
10.2% of total
4-6 Nights
4 listings
1.2% of total
7-29 Nights
14 listings
4.1% of total
30+ Nights
56 listings
16.4% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 68.1%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 1.2% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (16.4%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 78.3% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Consider monthly stay discounts to capture the growing extended-stay market
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Super Strict 30 Days
9 listings
2.7% of total
Flexible
69 listings
20.4% of total
Moderate
112 listings
33.1% of total
Firm
85 listings
25.1% of total
Strict
63 listings
18.6% of total
Key Insights
- Moderate is the preferred policy at 33.1% of listings
- The market shows a balanced distribution between guest-friendly (53.5%) and strict (43.7%) policies
- Strong market consensus around Moderate policies
- Super Strict 30 Days policies are least common at 2.7% of listings
Recommendations
- Market supports various policies - choose based on your property type and target guests
- Strong market preference for Moderate policies suggests this should be your baseline
- Consider generous cancellation terms as a competitive advantage
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Jul, Jun, Aug, averaging 90 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Mar, Feb, Jan, averaging 34 days
- Summer shows the longest average booking window at 90 days, while Winter has the shortest at 36 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Summer bookings at least 90 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Winter to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Mar-Jan when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Bellingham
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Bellingham:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 90.3% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: Canada (7.3%) and DC (0.4%)
- English is the top language at 77.1%, followed by Spanish (12%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 7.0%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Seattle and Portland markets
- Develop localized content for Canada and DC
- Prioritize English and Spanish language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Bellingham. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Creek | 10 | $7,161 | $312.93 | 62% |
| Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake | 11 | $6,558 | $356.05 | 58% |
| Lake Goodwin | 11 | $5,746 | $385.80 | 44% |
| Woods Creek | 11 | $5,593 | $358.64 | 46% |
| Ronald | 151 | $5,058 | $425.51 | 39% |
| Verlot | 11 | $4,969 | $253.44 | 60% |
| Cape George Colony Club | 10 | $4,893 | $260.17 | 60% |
| North Bend | 51 | $4,824 | $316.31 | 62% |
| Sudden Valley | 65 | $4,811 | $308.53 | 53% |
| Amanda Park | 10 | $4,684 | $402.96 | 46% |
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