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

Carson Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Carson, CA is a compact short-term rental market with just 44 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $140, and average annual revenue of $18,602 per listing. Occupancy sits at 35%, trailing the California state average of 43%, which means investors should plan conservatively around cash flow. The small supply base—dominated by studios and one-bedrooms—suggests this is primarily a supplemental-income market rather than a high-yield destination, though low competition could benefit well-run properties.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Carson

Investors consider Carson for its proximity to the greater Los Angeles metro, low listing competition, and relatively affordable entry point compared to neighboring coastal markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Carson represents a limited-opportunity STR market best suited for investors already holding property in the area or those looking for modest supplemental income. The 35% occupancy rate and $18,602 average annual revenue signal that listings here aren't generating the kind of cash flow found in nearby beach or downtown Los Angeles markets. Seasonality is pronounced—July and August drive the lion's share of earnings, while January through March and September through November are notably softer. Investors who can keep operating costs lean and price competitively during off-peak months will be best positioned to turn a positive return."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Carson

Average revenue by month in Carson

Carson's revenue pattern shows clear summer seasonality, with July ($2,099) and August ($2,019) outperforming January ($1,199) by roughly 75%. The spread between the highest and lowest months is about $900, so investors should plan for meaningful cash-flow variation across the year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Carson

The market is heavily skewed toward small units: 25 one-bedroom listings and 10 studios account for all tracked inventory. There are no larger properties represented in the data, which could signal either low demand for bigger homes or an untapped niche for investors willing to test multi-bedroom configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Carson

Studios command a notably higher ADR of $164 compared to $92 for one-bedrooms, a reversal of the typical pattern where larger units charge more. This may reflect that studios in Carson are positioned as private, self-contained accommodations that guests prefer over shared-space one-bedroom setups.

Average RevPAN by property size in Carson

Studios lead in RevPAN at $51 versus $35 for one-bedrooms, driven by their higher nightly rate despite lower occupancy. For investors focused on per-night revenue efficiency, studios appear to be the stronger configuration in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Carson

One-bedroom units achieve 39% occupancy, outpacing studios at 31%, likely because their lower price point attracts more bookings. However, neither size reaches the 43% California state average, underscoring the importance of competitive pricing and strong listing quality.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Carson

Studios edge out one-bedrooms on monthly revenue, averaging $1,469 versus $1,271—a roughly $200 per month advantage driven by the ADR premium. Investors weighing conversion or furnishing costs should factor in this revenue gap when choosing between unit types.

Average annual revenue by property size in Carson

Annualized, studios generate approximately $17,630 while one-bedrooms bring in about $15,261, a difference of nearly $2,400. Both figures reflect modest overall earning potential, so keeping acquisition and operating costs low is critical to achieving positive returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Carson

Parking dominates at 98% prevalence—virtually a requirement in Carson—followed by kitchen access (77%) and a dedicated workspace (73%), suggesting guests expect functional, home-like stays. Premium amenities like pools (9%), EV chargers (7%), and hot tubs (5%) are rare and could serve as meaningful differentiators for listings looking to stand out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Carson

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Carson, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Carson Planning Division and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Southern California markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Permit caps or zoning overlays can also apply, so reviewing local ordinances before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and may owe state sales tax on lodging revenue. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Carson's STR market is likely to remain modest in scale. Summer months have historically driven the strongest performance, with July revenues near $2,099—roughly 75% above January's $1,199—so investors should budget for meaningful seasonal swings. ADR may edge up 1–3% if regional demand from Los Angeles-area travelers holds, but occupancy improvements will depend on hosts optimizing pricing and guest experience in a market that currently underperforms state benchmarks."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Carson, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carson?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carson is currently 35%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. One-bedroom listings tend to perform slightly better at 39% occupancy, while studios average around 31%. Seasonal demand fluctuations and property quality can significantly influence individual occupancy outcomes.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Carson?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Carson earn approximately $1,550 per month or $18,602 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Studios generate roughly $1,469 per month ($17,630 annually) while one-bedroom units average $1,271 per month ($15,261 annually). Actual earnings will vary depending on pricing strategy, guest reviews, and seasonal demand patterns.

Is Carson a good market for Airbnb investment?

Carson is a modest STR market with limited but low-competition inventory—just 44 active listings. The average annual revenue of $18,602 and 35% occupancy rate suggest this market is best suited for investors seeking supplemental income rather than high-yield returns. Proximity to the broader Los Angeles metro area provides a baseline of demand, but investors should run detailed cash-flow projections and factor in seasonal dips before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Carson is $140, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. Studios command a higher ADR of $164, while one-bedroom properties average $92. This pricing reflects Carson's positioning as a budget-friendly alternative to pricier LA-area neighborhoods.

Are short-term rentals legal in Carson?

Short-term rentals may be permitted in Carson, CA, but operators should check with the City of Carson's planning and licensing departments for any permit or registration requirements. Local zoning, HOA restrictions, and state regulations may apply. It's always advisable to consult with a local attorney or the city directly before launching an STR.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Carson?

Peak season for Airbnb in Carson runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average revenue at $2,099 per listing. August follows closely at $2,019. The slowest months are January ($1,199) and February ($1,334), making summer a critical window for maximizing annual earnings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Carson?

As of April 2026, there are 44 active Airbnb listings in Carson, CA. The supply is concentrated in smaller units, with 25 one-bedroom listings and 10 studios making up the bulk of inventory. This small overall supply means new entrants face relatively limited competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Carson?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Carson 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. 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 Carson, CA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Supply distribution and performance breakdowns by property size
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and operational management.