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

Chester Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Chester, CA is a small, seasonal mountain market on the shores of Lake Almanor with just 15 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $42,930. The limited supply and favorable supply/demand balance create an intriguing niche opportunity, though pronounced seasonality and below-average occupancy (16% vs. 43% statewide) mean investors need to plan carefully around summer-driven demand. With an ADR of $334 — well below the $551 California average — the market appeals to outdoor recreation travelers seeking value, and property prices averaging around $705K keep the revenue-to-price ratio in line with broader state norms.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Chester 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 Chester

Chester's appeal lies in its extremely limited supply relative to Lake Almanor tourism demand, offering investors a chance to capture premium summer revenue in a market with few competitors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Chester presents a moderate opportunity best suited for investors comfortable with highly seasonal cash flow. The market's strength lies in its summer months — July alone averages $7,169 in revenue — while winter and spring months hover around $1,700–$1,800, creating a spread of roughly 4× between peak and trough. The above-average supply/demand balance and tiny listing count suggest room for a well-positioned property, but below-average occupancy stability (16% overall) means this isn't a set-it-and-forget-it market. Investors who can pair strong peak-season pricing with creative shoulder-season strategies will be best positioned to make Chester work."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Chester

Average revenue by month in Chester

Chester's revenue profile is sharply seasonal, peaking at $7,169 in July and bottoming out at $1,711 in January — a spread of more than 4×. The lucrative June–August window generates nearly 45% of annual revenue, making summer pricing and availability management critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Chester

The market's supply is remarkably concentrated, with all reportable listings being 3-bedroom properties (7 out of 15 total). This lack of size diversity could signal an opportunity for investors willing to differentiate with smaller or larger configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Chester

Three-bedroom properties — the only size with sufficient data — command an ADR of $291, slightly below the market-wide average of $334. The gap suggests that non-3-bedroom listings in the market may be pricing higher, though the small sample size warrants caution in drawing firm conclusions.

Average RevPAN by property size in Chester

Three-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $67, reflecting the combination of a $291 ADR and 23% occupancy. While modest in absolute terms, this figure outpaces the market-wide RevPAN of $53, indicating that 3-bedroom properties capture a relatively larger share of available demand.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Chester

Three-bedroom properties average 23% occupancy, which is higher than the market-wide 16% average but still well below the 43% California state benchmark. This underscores the seasonal nature of Chester's demand and the importance of maximizing bookings during the compressed summer window.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Chester

Three-bedroom listings generate $3,143 per month on average, slightly below the overall market average of $3,577. In a market with only one reportable property size, revenue performance is tightly correlated with seasonal demand patterns rather than size-based differentiation.

Average annual revenue by property size in Chester

At $37,725 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties trail the market-wide figure of $42,930, suggesting that the small number of non-3-bedroom listings in Chester may be pulling the overall average upward. Investors targeting 3-bedroom homes should underwrite to this more conservative figure when evaluating deals.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Chester

Kitchens and parking are universal (100%), while BBQ grills (87%), washers/dryers (80%), and self check-in (80%) round out the essentials — all signaling that Chester guests expect a fully equipped, self-sufficient vacation home experience. Lake access (47%) and pet-friendliness (40%) represent differentiating amenities that can help a listing stand out in this small, competitive field.

Understanding Chester'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

Chester'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 but supply/demand dynamics work in the investor's favor. The below-average marks on occupancy stability and market growth trend highlight the seasonal risk and the market's early-stage maturity, so investors should factor in several lean months when projecting cash flow. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative underwriting approach will help determine whether Chester's summer revenue potential justifies the investment.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Chester

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Chester and Plumas County, California may need to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Plumas County's planning department, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates — all typical for mountain and lakeside communities in California. HOA covenants are also worth investigating, as some neighborhoods near Lake Almanor may impose their own rules on short-term rental activity.

Tax Obligations

California requires collection of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and Plumas County may impose its own local lodging tax on short-term stays. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and county obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Chester's revenue trajectory will likely continue to hinge on its sharp summer peak, with July and August alone accounting for a disproportionate share of annual earnings. Occupancy could see modest improvement if supply remains constrained — the market's 188% year-over-year listing growth, while dramatic in percentage terms, still only brought the total to 15 properties. ADR may edge up 2–5% during peak months as demand for lakeside getaways remains resilient, but off-season months (January–April) are unlikely to move materially. Investors should budget conservatively for roughly five months of significantly reduced income outside the May–October window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Chester, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chester?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chester is currently 16%, which is well below the California state average of 43%. This reflects the market's pronounced seasonality — summer months see significantly higher bookings while winter and early spring are much quieter. Three-bedroom properties, which make up the majority of the supply, achieve a somewhat stronger 23% occupancy rate on average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Chester?

Based on trailing 12-month historical data, Airbnb hosts in Chester earn an average of $3,577 per month, or approximately $42,930 per year. Revenue varies dramatically by season: July is the strongest month at $7,169 on average, while January dips to around $1,711. Individual results depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively hosts capture peak-season demand.

Is Chester a good market for Airbnb investment?

Chester scores 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from a favorable supply/demand balance and solid summer revenue, but below-average occupancy stability and modest growth trends temper the overall outlook. It can work well for investors who understand seasonal markets and are prepared for quieter off-peak months — especially if they can acquire property at a reasonable price relative to potential summer earnings.

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

The average daily rate in Chester is $334, which is below the California state average of $551. Three-bedroom properties — the dominant listing size — average an ADR of $291. While these rates are modest by California standards, they reflect the market's positioning as an affordable mountain and lake destination that attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Are short-term rentals legal in Chester?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Chester area, but operators may need to comply with Plumas County regulations, including any permit or registration requirements. Local rules regarding occupancy limits, noise, and parking may also apply. We recommend checking directly with Plumas County's planning or permitting office for the most current requirements before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Chester?

Peak season in Chester runs from June through August, driven by summer recreation at Lake Almanor and the surrounding Sierra Nevada area. July is the highest-earning month at $7,169 in average revenue, followed by August at $6,373 and June at $5,438. The shoulder months of May, September, and October also perform respectably, with revenues ranging from $3,064 to $4,496.

How many Airbnbs are there in Chester?

As of April 2026, there are 15 active Airbnb listings in Chester. This is a very small market, and notably the listing count grew 188% year over year — though in absolute terms that represents only a handful of new properties. The limited supply means competition is low, but it also means individual listings can significantly affect market averages.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Chester?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Chester 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 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 because 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 Chester, CA
• 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 in the market
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Chester's small listing count (15 properties) means market averages can be significantly influenced by individual property performance.