Top 14 Airbnb Markets in Washington

Washington State delivers everything from snow-capped peaks and rain-soaked coastlines to tech-fueled metros and thriving wine regions—an irresistible mix for short-term rental (STR) investors. Whether you want mountain cabins, beach cottages, or urban condos, the Evergreen State offers strong revenue potential across a wide variety of price points and geographies. Based on AirDNA’s proprietary data, these are the highest-ranking markets and submarkets for Airbnb investment in Washington.

What Is AirDNA’s Market Score?

Market Score is a proprietary metric that ranks how attractive a location is for short-term rental (STR) investment. Each score is calculated based on the following five metrics:

• Investability
• Rental Demand
• Revenue Growth
• Seasonality
• Regulation

Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger overall market health. In addition to an overall Market Score, each of the five metrics gets its own score on the same scale within the AirDNA app. This level of granularity is useful for Airbnb stakeholders interested in a particular aspect of market behavior.

Understanding Markets vs. Submarkets

This list includes a mix of the largest markets and submarkets, which are defined as:

• Markets refer to well-defined, often larger geographic areas like cities or metro regions.
• Submarkets are more granular locations, such as smaller towns, neighborhoods, or lakeside communities within those larger regions.

Including both allows investors to spot opportunities that may be overlooked when focusing solely on large-scale market data. A market with a mediocre score might contain submarkets with excellent performance.

Airbnb Market Overview in Washington

Washington’s STR landscape is as varied as its terrain. Urban centers like Seattle and Tacoma/Olympia draw business travelers and weekend tourists year-round, while mountain towns such as Leavenworth and Packwood thrive on seasonal outdoor recreation. Coastal gems—both hidden and well-known—bring in anglers, whale-watchers, and beachgoers, and the state’s burgeoning wine country in Walla Walla attracts oenophiles in every season. Investors can choose between high-priced, regulation-heavy metros and more affordable, low-competition submarkets—each with its own risk-reward profile.

Top 14 Airbnb Markets in Washington (Ranked by Market Score)

14. Walla Walla

Market Score: 22.17

Average Annual Revenue: $47,495

Best known for award-winning wineries and a charming downtown, Walla Walla is an emerging submarket where STR demand is tied to wine tourism and regional events. Lower property prices and shoulder-season visitation can offset the relatively modest Market Score.

13. Puget Sound / Bremerton

Market Score: 25.00

Average Annual Revenue: $49,907

Across the water from Seattle, Bremerton offers ferry access, a naval base, and scenic views of the Olympic Mountains. Moderate competition and consistent military-related travel help balance the market’s middling score.

12. Portland, OR

Market Score: 28.03

Average Annual Revenue: $31,818

Although located in Oregon, the Portland metro influences nearby Washington communities like Vancouver. Investors targeting cross-border travel and business trips can capitalize on urban demand—but must navigate tighter regulations.

11. Seattle

Market Score: 37.08

Average Annual Revenue: $38,321

Seattle remains the state’s economic powerhouse, drawing tech, convention, and leisure travelers. High property costs and strict STR regulations weigh on its Market Score, yet ADRs remain strong for compliant operators.

10. Cle Elum

Market Score: 38.51

Average Annual Revenue: $90,817

Just 90 minutes from Seattle, Cle Elum boasts luxury mountain homes, year-round recreation, and some of the state’s highest revenue potential. Investors should account for seasonality but can benefit from premium nightly rates.

9. White Salmon

Market Score: 38.63

Average Annual Revenue: $42,543

Perched above the Columbia River Gorge, White Salmon entices wind-surfers, hikers, and craft-beer lovers. Limited housing inventory and proximity to Hood River keep occupancy and ADRs healthy.

8. Leavenworth / Cascade Mountains

Market Score: 43.68

Average Annual Revenue: $60,834

The Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth is a tourism magnet year-round, hosting Oktoberfest, Christmas lighting festivals, and summer river activities. High demand offsets elevated purchase prices.

7. Long Beach / Ocean Park

Market Score: 47.39

Average Annual Revenue: $50,346

Home to one of the world’s longest beaches, this coastal submarket attracts clam-diggers, kite-fliers, and families seeking a laid-back shoreline escape. Lower property prices and robust summer traffic support solid returns.

6. Tacoma / Olympia

Market Score: 52.91

Average Annual Revenue: $33,156

Washington’s capital region and surrounding Puget Sound suburbs cater to government travelers, military families, and weekenders exploring nearby Mount Rainier and the coast. Relative affordability and year-round demand make it a steady performer.

5. Kennewick

Market Score: 55.64

Average Annual Revenue: $27,550

Part of the Tri-Cities, Kennewick benefits from business travel, sporting events, and proximity to Washington’s burgeoning Columbia Valley wine scene. Lower home prices help offset moderate ADRs.

4. Packwood

Market Score: 60.24

Average Annual Revenue: $49,115

Nestled between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, Packwood is a four-season playground for skiers, hikers, and elk watchers. Limited hotel inventory keeps STR demand high.

3. Grays Harbor

Market Score: 66.12

Average Annual Revenue: $52,011

Covering beach towns like Ocean Shores and Westport, Grays Harbor offers surfing, fishing, and direct access to the Quinault Rainforest. Investors enjoy strong summer bookings and a growing off-season surf scene.

2. Sekiu

Market Score: 80.85

Average Annual Revenue: $37,407

Sekiu, on the remote northwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula, is famous for salmon fishing and epic sunsets over the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Low inventory and minimal competition contribute to its high Market Score.

1. Ashford

Market Score: 87.87

Average Annual Revenue: $48,821

Less than six miles from the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford tops the list with exceptional demand from hikers, climbers, and winter-sports enthusiasts. Affordable cabin-style properties and a long park season deliver impressive returns.

Should You Invest in Washington?

Washington State offers a rich tapestry of investment opportunities for Airbnb hosts—from regulatory-intensive but high-ADR urban cores to low-competition rural escapes. Coastal and mountain submarkets like Ashford, Sekiu, and Packwood showcase robust demand tied to outdoor recreation, while metro areas such as Seattle and Tacoma/Olympia ensure steady, year-round occupancy from business and government travel.

If you’re targeting premium nightly rates and are comfortable navigating regulations, established destinations like Seattle or Leavenworth can deliver strong, consistent cash flow. Investors seeking lower entry prices and faster portfolio expansion may find Ashford, Kennewick, or Walla Walla more attractive.

With continued population growth, a booming tech sector, and world-class natural attractions, Washington remains a compelling, diversified playground for short-term rental investors.