Yakima

As of June 2026, Yakima, Ellensburg have 178 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 7% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Yakima generates $29K per year. High-performing properties earn $55K/year, while low-performing properties earn $10K/year. Despite declining supply, total revenue has fallen sharply year-over-year, suggesting demand is contracting faster than hosts are exiting—a sign of intensifying competition. The nearly 2x revenue gap between average and high performers indicates significant performance variability despite modest 37% occupancy across the market.

Average home prices in Yakima vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $196K, 2-bedroom homes average $254K, 3-bedroom properties are around $382K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $446K. These prices reflect median home values across the Yakima, Ellensburg area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Yakima, with an average gross yield of 8% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 16%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The market faces headwinds with declining supply and significantly falling revenue year-over-year, while low occupancy at 37% suggests excess capacity relative to demand. The wide performance gap between average and top-tier properties indicates substantial differentiation in the market.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Yakima is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $215, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $53 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Yakima, with an average gross yield of 13% and annual revenue of $55K. These properties balance purchase price ($446K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Yakima market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Yakima area. Yakima: Lenient. No specific short-term rental regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general business licensing and zoning rules. Minimal enforcement. Ellensburg: Moderate. Business license required, must comply with zoning (restricted in some residential areas). Owner-occupancy required in certain zones. Moderate enforcement through complaint-driven system. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Yakima Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 7% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 20%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The significant gap between average revenue ($28,875) and high-performing properties ($54,820) suggests top-tier listings are capturing disproportionate demand, while below-average properties face intensifying competition for the limited booking pool.

Launch around June, 2-3 months before peak fall season (September peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -29% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Yakima listings include: Air Conditioning (96%), Kitchen (95%), Tv (91%), Washing Machine (83%), Heating (73%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Hot Tub, Air Conditioning, with Pool properties earning approximately 183% more ($103K/year vs $37K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Yakima over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $864, February: $964, March: $1K, April: $2K. 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 Yakima is $215, up 28% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $111/night, 2-bedroom properties average $172/night, 3-bedroom properties average $236/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $356/night. Rates peak in September and are lowest in March.

Guests in Yakima book an average of 32 days in advance, down 7% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 29 days, 2-bedroom: 29 days, 3-bedroom: 32 days, 4+ bedroom: 37 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Yakima Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 7%, revenue per listing decreased 20%, occupancy fell 12%, average nightly rates increased 28%, and lead time decreased 7%. Despite rate increases, the market faces structural headwinds—declining occupancy and shortened booking windows suggest weakening demand relative to supply, while the significant revenue gap between top and average performers indicates highly uneven market conditions.

In Yakima, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 51% higher occupancy than weekdays.