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

Arnold Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Arnold, CA is a mountain community in Calaveras County that draws visitors year-round with its proximity to Sierra Nevada recreation, including Big Trees State Park and seasonal snow sports. With 450 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $28,612 and average home values around $546,738, the market offers an accessible entry point well below California's state average daily rate of $551. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 positions Arnold as an "Attractive Opportunity," though investors should note that occupancy sits at 31% — below the 43% state average — indicating a market that's heavily seasonal and rewards strategic pricing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Arnold 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 Arnold

Arnold appeals to investors seeking a mountain-recreation STR market with relatively affordable entry costs compared to California's coastal and urban alternatives.

Expert Market Assessment

"Arnold presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors who understand its seasonal dynamics. Revenue peaks sharply in July at $4,175 per month and dips to $1,526 in October, creating a roughly 2.7x swing between the best and weakest months — a pattern that demands careful cash-flow planning. The market's average revenue-to-price ratio is rated average, meaning returns are reasonable but not exceptional relative to acquisition costs. Investors targeting larger cabin-style properties can meaningfully outperform market averages, as 6+ bedroom listings generate nearly $79,043 annually with 54% occupancy — far above the market-wide 31%."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Arnold

Average revenue by month in Arnold

Arnold's revenue is heavily seasonal, with July ($4,175) and August ($3,606) accounting for the strongest months and October ($1,526) and April ($1,594) representing the slowest periods. The nearly 2.7x spread between peak and trough months means investors should budget for significant cash-flow variability and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize shoulder-season bookings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Arnold

Three-bedroom cabins dominate Arnold's supply with 225 of the 450 total listings, followed by 4-bedroom properties at 104. Smaller (1-bedroom, 19 listings) and larger (5-bedroom with 16, 6+ with 10) configurations are notably underrepresented, which may signal less competition and potential opportunity for investors targeting those size segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Arnold

ADR scales steeply with property size in Arnold, from $195 for 1-bedroom units to $671 for 6+ bedroom properties — a 3.4x premium. The sharpest jump occurs between 4-bedroom ($338) and 5-bedroom ($569) listings, suggesting that larger group-accommodation properties command a significant pricing advantage in this mountain market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Arnold

Revenue per available night increases dramatically at the upper end of the size spectrum, with 6+ bedroom properties generating $365 RevPAN compared to just $63 for 1-bedroom units. Even 5-bedroom listings at $191 RevPAN nearly double the 4-bedroom figure of $104, reinforcing that larger properties deliver disproportionately higher per-night returns after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Arnold

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across most property sizes (28–34%), but 6+ bedroom properties stand out dramatically at 54% — well above the market average of 31%. This suggests strong and consistent demand for large group accommodations, while mid-sized units in the 2–3 bedroom range see the softest fill rates at 28–32%.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Arnold

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,334 for 1-bedroom units to $6,586 for 6+ bedroom properties, with a notable jump at the 5-bedroom tier ($6,044). Three-bedroom listings — the most common size — average $2,181 monthly, meaning investors in the dominant property type can expect returns close to the overall market average of $2,384.

Average annual revenue by property size in Arnold

Annual revenue potential scales aggressively with size: 6+ bedroom properties earn approximately $79,043 per year, roughly five times the $16,014 generated by 1-bedroom units. For investors weighing acquisition costs against return, 5-bedroom ($72,531) and 6+ bedroom properties offer the strongest revenue, though the limited supply in these categories (26 combined listings) also reflects higher barriers to entry.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Arnold

Kitchens (99%), parking (97%), and washer/dryer combos (91–92%) are essentially table stakes for Arnold listings, reflecting the self-sufficient cabin-stay experience guests expect. Outdoor-focused amenities like BBQ grills (88%), patios (67%), and lake access (43%) further underscore that the market caters to nature-oriented travelers, while hot tubs (20%) represent a potential differentiator for listings looking to stand out.

Understanding Arnold's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Arnold's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property prices is average and supply/demand dynamics are reasonably balanced. The primary drag on the score is below-average occupancy stability, a direct result of the market's pronounced seasonality — something investors can partially mitigate through dynamic pricing and targeting larger properties that fill more consistently. Pairing this data with up-to-date local regulatory research and a conservative cash-flow model will give investors the clearest picture of whether Arnold fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Arnold

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Arnold, CA may need to obtain a permit or register with Calaveras County before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the county planning department, as California municipalities and counties frequently update their STR ordinances.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California mountain communities can include occupancy limits tied to septic or water capacity, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances with quiet hours, designated parking requirements, and caps on the total number of STR permits issued. HOA rules in planned communities may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT), which vary by county and can range significantly. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with Calaveras County to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Arnold's short-term rental market is expected to follow its established seasonal rhythm, with summer months (particularly July and August) continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. ADR may see modest increases in the 1–3% range as the listing base matures and larger properties continue to command premium rates. Occupancy stability — currently rated below average — could improve slightly if supply growth moderates, but investors should plan conservatively around 30–33% annual occupancy. Properties with 5+ bedrooms are likely to remain the strongest performers given their outsized RevPAN and occupancy advantages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Arnold, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Arnold?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Arnold is currently 31%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 6+ bedroom properties leading at 54% and 3-bedroom units at the lower end with 28%. The below-average occupancy is characteristic of seasonal mountain markets where demand concentrates in summer and holiday periods.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Arnold?

Airbnb hosts in Arnold earn an average of $2,384 per month, or roughly $28,612 annually, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average about $16,014 per year, while 5-bedroom properties bring in approximately $72,531 and 6+ bedroom listings reach around $79,043 annually. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with July being the top-earning month at $4,175 on average.

Is Arnold a good market for Airbnb investment?

Arnold earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from average revenue-to-price ratios and balanced supply/demand dynamics, though occupancy stability is rated below average due to strong seasonality. Investors who target larger properties and manage pricing strategically around peak summer months can achieve returns well above the market average. As with any STR investment, pairing this data with local regulatory research and personal financial analysis is recommended.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Arnold is $294, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales substantially with property size, ranging from $195 for 1-bedroom units up to $671 for 6+ bedroom properties. This pricing reflects Arnold's positioning as an affordable mountain getaway compared to higher-profile California vacation destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Arnold?

Short-term rentals operate in Arnold, CA, with 450 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, STR regulations in California can vary by county and may require permits, business licenses, or compliance with specific zoning rules. Investors should check directly with Calaveras County for the most current permit requirements, restrictions, and tax obligations before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Arnold?

Peak season in Arnold centers on summer, with July delivering the highest average revenue at $4,175 per month. August follows closely at $3,606. The winter holiday period also shows strength, with December averaging $2,608. The slowest months are October ($1,526) and April ($1,594), reflecting the shoulder seasons between summer recreation and winter activities.

How many Airbnbs are there in Arnold?

Arnold currently has 450 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (225 listings), followed by 4-bedroom units (104 listings) and 2-bedroom properties (74 listings). Year-over-year listing growth stands at 109%, indicating the market's supply is expanding as more investors enter the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Arnold?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Arnold 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll up the remaining data 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. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing 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, segmented by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across multiple property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

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 market conditions as of the date indicated; actual results may shift as supply, demand, and regulations evolve. Local STR regulations vary and may change without notice — investors should independently verify permit requirements and tax obligations before purchasing.