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

Arcata Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Arcata, CA is a small but notable short-term rental market on California's North Coast, with 150 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $31,074 per property. While average daily rates sit well below the state average at $163 and occupancy runs at 29%, the market's above-average occupancy stability and proximity to Humboldt Bay, redwood forests, and Cal Poly Humboldt create a steady base of leisure and university-related demand. Investors should approach selectively, as the ROI score of 48 out of 100 signals competitive conditions where deal quality matters more than market-wide momentum.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Arcata 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 Arcata

Investors consider Arcata for its stable university-driven demand base and outdoor tourism appeal, though competitive pricing and selective property acquisition are critical given tightening supply/demand dynamics.

Expert Market Assessment

"Arcata represents a competitive but workable opportunity for investors who can source the right property at the right price. The market's ROI score of 48 reflects solid occupancy stability offset by below-average growth trends and an expanding supply base that's outpacing demand. Seasonality is pronounced — revenue swings from roughly $1,448 in January to $4,249 in July — so investors should plan for leaner winter months when modeling cash flow. Properties with three or more bedrooms tend to deliver meaningfully better returns, and those that lean into the market's outdoor-lifestyle appeal with amenities like hot tubs, backyards, and pet-friendliness may find a genuine edge."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Arcata

Average revenue by month in Arcata

Arcata's revenue follows a strong summer peak, with July ($4,249) and August ($4,219) generating nearly three times the revenue of the slowest month, January ($1,448). This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for lean winter months and consider pricing strategies that maximize capture during the June–September window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Arcata

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 70 of 150 total listings, followed by 2-bedrooms at 40 listings. Larger properties are notably scarce — only 14 three-bedroom and 7 four-bedroom listings — which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to enter at a higher price point where competition is thinner.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Arcata

ADR rises sharply with size, from $131 for 1-bedrooms to $326 for 4-bedroom properties, representing a 2.5x premium. Interestingly, studios command $173 — higher than 1-bedrooms — suggesting that well-curated smaller spaces can punch above their weight on nightly pricing in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Arcata

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $41 for 1-bedrooms to $89 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms delivering $56. The jump to 4-bedrooms is especially notable, nearly doubling the RevPAN of smaller configurations and reflecting both higher rates and strong booking demand for larger group-friendly accommodations.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Arcata

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across property sizes, ranging from 26% for studios to 31% for 1-bedrooms, with 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units all sitting at 27%. This consistency suggests that revenue differentiation in Arcata is driven primarily by rate rather than occupancy, making ADR optimization the key lever for hosts.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Arcata

Four-bedroom properties lead with $4,674 in average monthly revenue, followed by 3-bedrooms at $3,433 and 2-bedrooms at $2,969. One-bedroom units trail at $1,985, while studios outperform them at $2,474 — reinforcing that the 1-bedroom segment faces the most competition relative to its earning potential.

Average annual revenue by property size in Arcata

Annual revenue ranges from $23,820 for 1-bedroom listings to $56,088 for 4-bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering a meaningful income boost. Given that 4-bedrooms earn nearly 2.4 times what 1-bedrooms generate while representing less than 5% of supply, larger properties present the strongest return potential for investors who can absorb the higher acquisition cost.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Arcata

Parking and kitchen access are near-universal at 96% of listings, while self check-in (83%) and backyard space (75%) reflect the outdoor-oriented, independent-traveler profile of Arcata's guest base. A dedicated workspace appears in 51% of listings — notable for a smaller market — and pet-friendliness (43%) signals an opportunity to capture travelers exploring the North Coast with their animals.

Understanding Arcata's ROI Score: 48/100

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

Arcata's ROI score of 48 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand drivers but requires more selective deal sourcing to generate attractive returns. The score reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability, tempered by below-average marks on market growth trends and supply/demand balance — the latter consistent with the rapid 206% increase in active listings. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 3–4 bedrooms) where competition is thinner and per-unit returns are strongest.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Arcata

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Arcata and Humboldt County may require short-term rental permits or registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Arcata's planning department and check whether California state-level compliance obligations apply to their specific property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California municipalities include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking provisions, and caps on the number of permitted rentals in a given area. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT), and Humboldt County may levy additional local tourism or assessment fees. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the Arcata city treasurer and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Arcata's short-term rental performance is likely to track its established seasonal pattern, with summer months (July–August) continuing to deliver roughly two to three times the revenue of the winter trough. ADR increases may be modest — likely in the 1–3% range — given below-average market growth trends and a 206% year-over-year increase in active listings that's adding competitive pressure. Occupancy stability remains a relative bright spot, so investors with well-positioned, amenity-rich properties should be able to maintain bookings in the mid-to-upper 20s percent range year-round, with summer peaks pushing considerably higher. Careful pricing strategy and differentiation will be essential as supply continues to expand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Arcata, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Arcata?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Arcata is currently 29%, which is below the California state average of 43%. That said, occupancy stability in this market is rated above average, meaning hosts tend to maintain relatively consistent booking rates rather than experiencing extreme swings. One-bedroom units lead with 31% occupancy, while studios, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom properties all cluster around 26–27%. Individual hosts who optimize pricing and guest experience can outperform these averages.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Arcata?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Arcata earn approximately $2,589 per month or $31,074 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary substantially by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $23,820 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $56,088 per year. Revenue is also highly seasonal, with summer months generating more than double what hosts earn in the winter.

Is Arcata a good market for Airbnb investment?

Arcata scores 48 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and steady demand driven by university activity and North Coast tourism. However, a 206% year-over-year increase in active listings means competition is intensifying, and average home values of $635,364 require careful underwriting. Investors who focus on larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) and differentiate through amenities and guest experience stand the best chance of generating attractive returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Arcata is $163, significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size, starting at $131 for 1-bedroom units and climbing to $326 for 4-bedroom properties. Studios command a slightly higher rate than 1-bedrooms at $173, likely reflecting unique or well-appointed smaller spaces in the market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Arcata?

Short-term rentals operate in Arcata, as evidenced by 150 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations — including permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations — may apply and can change. Prospective investors should check with the City of Arcata's planning department and Humboldt County to confirm current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Arcata?

Peak season in Arcata runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,249 in revenue per listing. August follows closely at $4,219. The shoulder months of May and September also perform well, averaging $2,701 and $2,962 respectively. The slowest period is January through February, when average monthly revenue dips to $1,448–$1,550.

How many Airbnbs are there in Arcata?

As of April 2026, there are 150 active Airbnb listings in Arcata. The market has seen significant growth, with a 206% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 70 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (40), studios (19), 3-bedrooms (14), and 4-bedrooms (7).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Arcata?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Arcata 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 April 2026; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variations. Local short-term rental regulations vary and may change. Always verify permit requirements and tax obligations with municipal authorities before investing.