Boulder Creek, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Boulder Creek Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Boulder Creek is a compact but intriguing short-term rental market with just 25 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $39,884. Occupancy sits at 44%—slightly above the California state average—while the average daily rate of $222 is well below the state's $551 benchmark, reflecting the area's more modest positioning as a mountain retreat rather than a premium coastal destination. Despite elevated home values averaging $998,233, the market's strong occupancy stability and favorable supply/demand balance create a niche opportunity for investors seeking a quieter, nature-oriented market.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Boulder Creek

Investors are drawn to Boulder Creek for its above-average occupancy stability and tight supply/demand dynamics in a scenic mountain setting close to Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area.

Expert Market Assessment

"Boulder Creek presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who value occupancy consistency over raw revenue volume. The market's ROI score of 57 out of 100 reflects solid demand fundamentals—above-average occupancy stability and a healthy supply/demand balance—tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by nearly $1 million average home values. Seasonality is pronounced: July peaks at $5,169 in average monthly revenue while January dips to just $1,996, meaning investors need to plan for a roughly 2.6x swing between the strongest and weakest months. Properties that capitalize on the mountain-retreat aesthetic and outdoor living spaces are best positioned to capture premium bookings during the busy summer season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Boulder Creek

Average revenue by month in Boulder Creek

Revenue in Boulder Creek follows a clear summer peak, with July ($5,169) and August ($5,036) generating roughly 2.5 times the income of the slowest month, January ($1,996). This pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for leaner winter months and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize the June–September window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Boulder Creek

The market is dominated almost entirely by 1-bedroom properties, which account for 18 of the 25 active listings. This concentration suggests there may be an opportunity for investors to differentiate with larger properties, though demand for multi-bedroom units should be validated before committing.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Boulder Creek

One-bedroom listings command an ADR of $188, which is the only size segment with reportable data in this small market. This rate is modest relative to California broadly but aligns with Boulder Creek's positioning as a budget-friendly mountain escape.

Average RevPAN by property size in Boulder Creek

One-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $85, reflecting the combination of a $188 ADR and 45% occupancy. For a market of this size, this per-night yield suggests reasonable utilization, though investors should weigh it against the area's elevated property values.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Boulder Creek

One-bedroom units maintain a 45% average occupancy rate, providing a solid baseline of demand that slightly exceeds the overall market average. This consistency supports the ROI score's above-average occupancy stability rating and suggests dependable, if not exceptional, booking frequency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Boulder Creek

One-bedroom properties average $2,468 per month, which falls below the overall market average of $3,323—indicating that any larger or premium listings in the market may be pulling the aggregate figure upward. Investors focused on 1-bedroom units should use this lower figure for conservative underwriting.

Average annual revenue by property size in Boulder Creek

At $29,620 in average annual revenue, 1-bedroom properties represent the baseline earning potential in Boulder Creek. Against average home values near $998,233, this translates to a modest gross yield, reinforcing why the revenue-to-price ratio scores below average in the ROI assessment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Boulder Creek

Parking is a universal offering at 100% of listings, followed by kitchens (92%) and self check-in (84%)—all table-stakes amenities for a remote mountain market where guests drive in and expect self-sufficiency. Outdoor features like BBQ grills (64%), patios (64%), and backyards (60%) further signal that the guest experience in Boulder Creek revolves around nature and outdoor living, making these amenities essentially non-negotiable for competitive listings.

Understanding Boulder Creek's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Boulder Creek's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance in a market with only 25 active listings. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio—a reflection of nearly $1 million average home values against roughly $40K in annual revenue—is the key drag on the score and warrants careful financial modeling. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and on-the-ground property evaluation will give investors the clearest picture of whether Boulder Creek fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Boulder Creek

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

Permit Requirements

Boulder Creek falls within Santa Cruz County, California, which may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before hosting guests. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Santa Cruz County planning and zoning offices before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions for STR properties in California communities include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the number of STR permits issued, so confirming availability early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Santa Cruz County may levy additional local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Boulder Creek's revenue trajectory should follow its established seasonal rhythm, with summer months (June through August) driving the bulk of annual income. We estimate ADR could see modest increases in the 1–3% range as the small listing pool keeps competitive pressure low, though occupancy will likely remain in the 42–47% band given the market's weekend-and-vacation-driven demand profile. The 60% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, so new entrants should monitor whether supply additions begin to pressure per-listing revenue. Overall, the outlook is cautiously positive for well-positioned properties that lean into the area's nature-retreat appeal."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Boulder Creek, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Boulder Creek?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Boulder Creek is currently 44%, which edges slightly above the California state average of 43%. This indicates steady demand, particularly from weekend visitors and vacationers drawn to the Santa Cruz Mountains area.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Boulder Creek?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Boulder Creek earns approximately $3,323 per month or $39,884 per year. Revenue varies significantly by season, with summer months generating the highest returns—July averages $5,169—while winter months like January average closer to $1,996.

Is Boulder Creek a good market for Airbnb investment?

Boulder Creek carries an ROI score of 57 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 25 active listings. However, the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values near $998,233, so investors should carefully model cash flow to ensure the numbers work for their specific acquisition price and financing terms.

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

The average daily rate in Boulder Creek is $222, which is significantly lower than the California state average of $551. This reflects the market's positioning as an accessible mountain getaway rather than a luxury destination, and the rate is consistent with the predominantly 1-bedroom listing inventory.

Are short-term rentals legal in Boulder Creek?

Short-term rentals may be subject to local regulations in Boulder Creek, which is part of Santa Cruz County, California. Permits, registration, or licensing may be required, and operators should consult Santa Cruz County's planning department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Boulder Creek?

Peak season in Boulder Creek runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $5,169. August follows closely at $5,036, and June brings in around $4,279. The off-peak months are January and February, when revenues drop to roughly $1,996–$2,139.

How many Airbnbs are there in Boulder Creek?

As of April 2026, there are 25 active Airbnb listings in Boulder Creek. The market has seen 60% year-over-year growth in listing count, suggesting increasing investor interest in the area, though the overall supply remains quite small.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Boulder Creek?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Boulder Creek are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the results 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 for the Boulder Creek market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local STR regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location within the market, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.