Cave Creek, AZ Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Cave Creek Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cave Creek, AZ draws short-term rental investors with its desert-resort appeal and occupancy that edges above the Arizona state average at 55%. With an average daily rate of $428 and annual revenue of $44,941 across 118 active listings, the market rewards operators who can navigate elevated property prices—averaging roughly $1.57 million—by targeting larger, higher-earning configurations. The ROI score of 49 out of 100 signals a competitive landscape where selective deal sourcing is essential, but stable demand and premium nightly rates keep it on investors' radar.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cave Creek 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 Cave Creek

Investors are drawn to Cave Creek for its above-average occupancy stability and high nightly rates that cater to the luxury desert-getaway segment, despite the challenge of elevated home prices.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cave Creek represents a competitive but selective opportunity for STR investors. The market's pronounced seasonality—with March revenue ($8,459) more than four times the June low ($2,077)—means cash flow is heavily front-loaded into the winter-spring desert season, so accurate budgeting across slower summer months is crucial. Occupancy stability rated above average provides a degree of confidence, yet the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply-demand balance indicate that not every deal will pencil out at current home values. Investors who focus on larger properties and deliver a compelling guest experience stand the best chance of outperforming in this high-ADR, high-entry-cost market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cave Creek

Average revenue by month in Cave Creek

Cave Creek displays sharp seasonality, with March topping out at $8,459 in average monthly revenue—more than four times the June trough of $2,077. The high season runs from January through April, while summer months consistently fall below $2,400, underscoring the importance of pricing strategy and reserve budgeting for the off-season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cave Creek

Four-bedroom properties dominate supply with 33 of 118 total listings, followed closely by 3-bedroom (25) and 1-bedroom (23) units. Two-bedroom listings are notably underrepresented at just 11, which could signal a gap for investors looking at that mid-range segment.

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

ADR scales sharply with size, climbing from $167 for studios to $871 for 6+ bedroom homes—a fivefold increase. The jump from 3-bedroom ($350) to 4-bedroom ($511) represents one of the steepest increments, suggesting the premium guests pay for extra space accelerates at the upper end.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cave Creek

RevPAN tells a clear story: 6+ bedroom properties lead decisively at $521 per available night, while studios lag at $80. Notably, 3-bedroom units ($176) and 2-bedroom units ($178) deliver nearly identical RevPAN despite a significant ADR gap, reflecting the higher occupancy rate that 2-bedroom properties achieve.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cave Creek

One-bedroom units achieve the highest occupancy at 68%, well above the market average, making them the most consistently booked size. Larger properties (3–5 bedrooms) cluster around 48–50% occupancy, which means their outsized revenue depends on premium nightly rates rather than high fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cave Creek

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,623 for studios up to $11,326 for 6+ bedroom homes, with 4-bedroom units ($5,674) representing a practical sweet spot between earning power and acquisition complexity. Three-bedroom properties ($3,067) actually trail 2-bedroom units ($3,319), a less common pattern driven by the occupancy gap between the two sizes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cave Creek

At $135,923 per year, 6+ bedroom properties generate nearly seven times the annual revenue of studios ($19,478), making them the most compelling earners on a gross basis. Five-bedroom properties ($85,039) and 4-bedroom units ($68,092) also stand out for investors seeking strong absolute revenue, though these figures should be weighed against Cave Creek's elevated home prices.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cave Creek

Kitchens (95%), parking (90%), and self check-in (86%) are near-universal, signaling baseline guest expectations that any competitive listing must meet. Outdoor living amenities—patios (86%), BBQ grills (82%), backyards (81%), and pools (56%)—reflect the desert-lifestyle appeal that defines Cave Creek, while hot tubs (40%) and pet-friendliness (39%) offer differentiation opportunities.

Understanding Cave Creek's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Cave Creek's ROI score of 49 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, where strong demand and premium pricing coexist with elevated entry costs. Above-average occupancy stability is the market's standout factor, but a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply-demand balance temper the overall score—meaning investors need to be especially disciplined about purchase price and property selection. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will help identify deals that can actually deliver in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cave Creek

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cave Creek, Arizona may need to register or obtain a permit through the Town of Cave Creek and comply with Arizona's statewide framework for vacation rentals. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with local authorities before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and rules around signage or trash management. HOA covenants in many Cave Creek communities can impose additional limitations—or outright prohibitions—on short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs is a critical due-diligence step.

Tax Obligations

Arizona imposes a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on short-term rental income, and Maricopa County may levy additional taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cave Creek's sharp seasonal peak in February and March—when monthly revenue climbs past $6,100 and $8,400 respectively—is expected to continue driving the bulk of annual returns. Occupancy stability, rated above average, suggests demand should hold in the 53–57% range market-wide, though summer months will likely remain softer with revenue dipping below $2,500. ADR may see modest growth of 1–3% as larger luxury properties continue to command premium pricing, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio means investors should stress-test projected returns carefully before committing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cave Creek, AZ

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cave Creek?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cave Creek is currently 55%, which slightly outpaces the Arizona state average of 53%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size: 1-bedroom units lead at 68%, while studios and 5-bedroom properties sit around 48%. This above-average occupancy stability is one of the market's stronger metrics for investors evaluating cash-flow reliability.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cave Creek?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Cave Creek earn approximately $3,745 per month and $44,941 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size—studios average around $19,478 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $135,923 per year. Peak earning months are February and March, when monthly revenue can exceed $6,100 and $8,400 respectively.

Is Cave Creek a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cave Creek scores 49 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong nightly rates ($428 ADR), but elevated home values averaging $1,573,594 compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who target larger properties and can weather the seasonal dip in summer months may find attractive returns, though careful deal sourcing is essential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Cave Creek is $428, which is just below the Arizona state average of $434. ADR rises steeply with property size: studios average $167 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $871. This premium pricing reflects the luxury desert-escape positioning that defines much of the Cave Creek rental market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cave Creek?

Arizona has a statewide framework that generally permits short-term rentals, and Cave Creek operates within that legal structure. However, local registration requirements, HOA restrictions, and specific community rules may apply. Investors should check directly with the Town of Cave Creek and review any applicable HOA covenants before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cave Creek?

Peak season in Cave Creek runs from January through April, with March standing out as the highest-revenue month at an average of $8,459. February follows at $6,160. The summer months from June through September are the slowest period, with monthly revenue dropping to roughly $2,077–$2,388 as desert temperatures climb. This pronounced seasonality is typical of Arizona's Sonoran Desert communities.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cave Creek?

Cave Creek currently has 118 active Airbnb listings. The supply is weighted toward mid-to-large properties, with 4-bedroom units being the most common (33 listings), followed by 3-bedroom (25) and 1-bedroom (23) properties. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 118%, indicating significant new supply entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cave Creek?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cave 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 Cave Creek and surrounding zip codes
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 market snapshots; actual conditions may shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations should be independently verified before making any investment decision.