Fairbanks

As of May 2026, Fairbanks has 973 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Fairbanks generates $34K per year. High-performing properties earn $66K/year, while low-performing properties earn $16K/year. This wide disparity suggests that revenue outcomes are heavily stratified, likely driven by specific listing features rather than broad market demand.

Average home prices in Fairbanks vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $151K, 2-bedroom homes average $255K, 3-bedroom properties are around $362K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $429K. These prices reflect median home values across the Fairbanks area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Fairbanks, with an average gross yield of 12% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 23%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. Such a significant yield spread highlights the potential for outsized returns despite broader revenue stagnation.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Fairbanks is 40%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $227, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $63 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Fairbanks, with an average gross yield of 18% and annual revenue of $72K. These properties balance purchase price ($429K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Fairbanks market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Fairbanks area. Fairbanks: Lenient. No specific short-term rental regulations or permit requirements at city level. Must comply with general business licensing and collect borough bed tax. Zoning allows rentals in most residential areas. Minimal enforcement - operates largely unregulated with hosts self-managing tax compliance. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Fairbanks Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 26%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics, where the market is absorbing current inventory levels despite a notable contraction in per-property earnings.

Launch around December, 2-3 months before peak summer season (March peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 28% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (April-October) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Fairbanks listings include: Kitchen (95%), Tv (90%), Heating (73%), Washing Machine (73%), Private Yard (49%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Internet, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 76% more ($70K/year vs $40K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Fairbanks over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $1K, November: $1K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $2K, March: $3K, April: $1K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Fairbanks is $227, up 21% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $168/night, 2-bedroom properties average $198/night, 3-bedroom properties average $268/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $461/night. Rates peak in March and are lowest in May.

Guests in Fairbanks book an average of 37 days in advance, down 26% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 36 days, 2-bedroom: 34 days, 3-bedroom: 41 days, 4+ bedroom: 47 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Fairbanks Airbnb and VRBO market has seen: supply grew 1%, revenue decreased 26%, occupancy fell 16%, nightly rates increased 21%, and lead time decreased 26%. These metrics point to a market struggling with price sensitivity, where higher rates are failing to offset declining utilization.

In Fairbanks, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Sunday. Weekends show 17% higher occupancy than weekdays.