Ahwahnee, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Ahwahnee Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ahwahnee, a small mountain community in California's Madera County near the gateway to Yosemite National Park, offers short-term rental investors a niche market driven by outdoor recreation and seasonal tourism. With just 66 active Airbnb listings, the market is compact but faces a below-average supply/demand balance, meaning investors need to be strategic about property selection. Average annual revenue sits at $33,822 against an average home value of $621,408, and while the ADR of $212 is well below the California state average of $551, the lower acquisition costs relative to coastal markets may appeal to investors seeking mountain-market exposure.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ahwahnee short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Ahwahnee

Ahwahnee's proximity to Yosemite National Park and its relatively small listing pool create a market where well-positioned properties can capture seasonal tourism demand, though investors must navigate below-average occupancy and increasing competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ahwahnee presents a competitive but manageable opportunity for STR investors who understand its seasonal rhythm. Revenue peaks sharply in the summer — July tops $5,323 per month on average — while winter months like January and February dip below $1,500, creating a roughly 3.7x spread between the best and weakest months. The ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy metrics alongside a below-average supply/demand balance, suggesting the market rewards operators who invest in standout amenities and smart pricing rather than those banking on passive income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ahwahnee

Average revenue by month in Ahwahnee

Ahwahnee's revenue follows a pronounced seasonal curve, peaking at $5,323 in July and bottoming out at $1,431 in January — a nearly 3.7x spread that underscores the importance of summer tourism to this market. Investors should plan for lean winter months and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize the May–August window when monthly revenue consistently exceeds $3,600.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ahwahnee

One-bedroom properties dominate Ahwahnee's supply with 21 of the 66 active listings, while 3-bedrooms come in second at 14. Studios and 4-bedroom properties are each represented by just 7 listings, potentially signaling less competition and differentiation opportunities at both ends of the size spectrum.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ahwahnee

ADR scales steadily from $86 for studios to $305 for 4-bedroom properties, with each bedroom increment adding roughly $40–$75 in nightly rate. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($172) to 3-bedrooms ($228) and then to 4-bedrooms ($305) suggests that larger properties in this mountain market can command meaningful rate premiums, particularly for family and group travelers.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ahwahnee

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $94, well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $64 and 3-bedrooms at $49. The gap between 3-bedroom RevPAN ($49) and 4-bedroom RevPAN ($94) is striking, indicating that the largest properties convert their rate premium into significantly better per-night revenue even after accounting for occupancy differences.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ahwahnee

Studios and 2-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 39% and 38% respectively, while 1-bedroom (25%) and 3-bedroom (22%) listings trail noticeably. This suggests that smaller, more affordable units and mid-size properties attract more consistent bookings, though the overall market average of 29% reflects the seasonal demand patterns common in mountain gateway communities.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ahwahnee

Monthly revenue climbs consistently with property size, from $1,148 for studios to $4,086 for 4-bedroom homes. The 4-bedroom category earns nearly 30% more per month than 3-bedrooms ($3,131), making it the clear revenue leader — though investors should weigh higher acquisition and operating costs against this top-line advantage.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ahwahnee

Four-bedroom properties top the annual revenue chart at $49,039, followed by 3-bedrooms at $37,575 and 2-bedrooms at $31,548. Studios trail at $13,780 annually, highlighting that while they maintain strong occupancy, their low nightly rates limit total revenue potential in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ahwahnee

Every listing in Ahwahnee offers parking (100%), and self check-in is nearly universal at 94%, reflecting the rural setting where guests expect easy access and independence. Outdoor-focused amenities dominate — 83% offer outdoor furniture, 82% have BBQ grills, and 65% feature hot tubs — signaling that guests in this Yosemite gateway market prioritize nature-oriented, self-sufficient stays.

Understanding Ahwahnee's ROI Score: 54/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Ahwahnee's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine potential but demands more selective deal sourcing to achieve strong returns. Revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend all rate as average, while the supply/demand balance scores below average — a signal that rising listing counts (103% YoY growth) are putting pressure on per-listing performance. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a strong amenity strategy will help investors identify properties that can outperform the market-level averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ahwahnee

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Ahwahnee. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ahwahnee, California, within Madera County, should verify whether a permit or registration is required at the county level before listing a property. Regulations can vary significantly by jurisdiction, so investors are encouraged to contact Madera County planning and zoning offices directly for the most current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to short-term rentals in the Ahwahnee area include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates — particularly relevant given that 100% of local listings highlight parking as an amenity. Homeowners' association rules and fire safety regulations are also worth investigating, especially in rural and forested mountain communities.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT), and Madera County may levy its own local occupancy tax on top of state obligations. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax responsibilities with the county tax collector's office.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Ahwahnee can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ahwahnee's revenue trajectory will remain heavily tied to summer tourism, with June and July continuing to anchor the calendar. Investors can expect occupancy to hover around 27–31% on an annual basis, with modest ADR increases of 1–3% if Yosemite-area visitation holds steady. The 103% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest, which could compress margins if supply outpaces demand — selective deal sourcing and strong property differentiation will be essential to maintaining competitive returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ahwahnee, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ahwahnee?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Ahwahnee is currently 29%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with studios leading at 39% and 3-bedroom properties trailing at 22%. The seasonal nature of tourism in the Yosemite gateway region means summer months drive the bulk of bookings, while winter occupancy tends to be notably lower.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ahwahnee?

Airbnb hosts in Ahwahnee earn an average of $2,818 per month and approximately $33,822 per year, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue scales meaningfully with property size — studios average about $1,148 monthly while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $4,086 per month ($49,039 annually). Peak earning months are June and July, when monthly revenues can exceed $4,700–$5,300.

Is Ahwahnee a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ahwahnee carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 54 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from its proximity to Yosemite National Park and relatively limited supply of 66 listings, but investors should be aware of the below-average occupancy rate and a supply/demand balance that is tightening as new listings enter the market (103% year-over-year listing growth). Success here tends to favor properties with strong amenity packages and strategic seasonal pricing.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Ahwahnee?

The average daily rate in Ahwahnee is $212, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $86 for studios up to $305 for 4-bedroom properties. While these rates are modest by California standards, they reflect the rural mountain setting and the types of properties available in the area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ahwahnee?

Short-term rentals operate in Ahwahnee, as evidenced by the 66 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable regulations with Madera County authorities before purchasing or listing a property. Local rules can change, and compliance is essential for protecting your investment.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ahwahnee?

Peak season in Ahwahnee runs from May through August, aligning with the busiest months for Yosemite National Park visitation. July is the top-earning month with average revenue of $5,323, followed by June at $4,753. The shoulder months of April and September still perform reasonably well ($2,467 and $2,714 respectively), while January and February are the softest months at roughly $1,431–$1,499.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ahwahnee?

As of April 2026, there are 66 active Airbnb listings in Ahwahnee. The market has seen significant growth, with a 103% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 21 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (14) and 2-bedrooms (11).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ahwahnee?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Ahwahnee are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like summer) and slower periods (like winter) without relying on forecasts. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and how well the property is managed.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Ahwahnee market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or shifts in travel patterns. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.