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

Chico Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Chico offers a competitive short-term rental landscape where selective deal sourcing can uncover worthwhile opportunities despite tighter margins. With 195 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $178, and average annual revenue of $24,202, the market sits well below the California state average on both ADR and occupancy — but significantly lower home values ($631,713 vs. many California peers) keep the entry point accessible. A 71% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, driven in part by Chico's role as a college town and regional hub in Northern California's Sacramento Valley.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Chico 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 Chico

Chico attracts STR investors with relatively affordable California home prices, a university-anchored demand base, and growing market momentum despite competitive supply conditions.

Expert Market Assessment

"Chico presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to be strategic about property selection and pricing. The market's below-average revenue-to-price ratio and 35% occupancy rate mean that not every property will pencil out — but 5-bedroom listings averaging $53,369 in annual revenue demonstrate that the right configuration can deliver meaningful returns. Seasonality is relatively mild compared to resort markets, with May ($2,697) and December ($2,298) leading the year while September ($1,719) marks the softest stretch. Investors who target larger, well-amenitized properties and manage pricing through slower months will be best positioned to capture the market's upside."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Chico

Average revenue by month in Chico

Revenue in Chico peaks in May at $2,697 — likely tied to university graduation and spring events — then dips to its lowest point in September at $1,719, creating a roughly $978 seasonal spread. A secondary peak in December ($2,298) and November ($2,155) suggests holiday travel provides a reliable late-year boost.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Chico

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 61 of the market's 195 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (42) and 2-bedrooms (38). Five-bedroom properties are notably scarce at just 5 listings, which — combined with their strong revenue performance — may signal an underserved niche worth exploring.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Chico

ADR scales steadily from $99–$104 for studios and 1-bedrooms up to $281–$283 for 4- and 5-bedroom properties, with the sharpest jump occurring between 1-bedroom ($99) and 2-bedroom ($172) configurations. The near-flat premium between 4- and 5-bedroom listings ($281 vs. $283) suggests that additional square footage at the top end doesn't command a meaningful rate premium on its own.

Average RevPAN by property size in Chico

Five-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $115, nearly triple the $34–$40 range seen in studios and 1-bedrooms. Two-bedroom ($68) and 3-bedroom ($66) units perform similarly on a per-available-night basis, while 4-bedrooms at $94 offer a solid step up without the scarcity challenges of 5-bedroom inventory.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Chico

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered between 29% and 41%, with 5-bedroom properties (41%) and 2-bedrooms (40%) leading the pack. Three-bedroom listings lag at 29% occupancy, suggesting possible oversupply or pricing misalignment in that segment relative to demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Chico

Monthly revenue rises predictably with property size, from $1,250 for 1-bedrooms to $4,447 for 5-bedroom listings — a nearly 3.6x difference. The jump from 3-bedroom ($2,709) to 4-bedroom ($3,053) revenue is more modest, while the leap to 5-bedrooms ($4,447) represents the most pronounced single-tier increase.

Average annual revenue by property size in Chico

Five-bedroom properties lead decisively with $53,369 in average annual revenue, making them the clear top performers — though their scarcity (only 5 listings) means this figure may be influenced by a small sample. Four-bedroom listings at $36,644 and 3-bedrooms at $32,518 offer more broadly accessible investment targets, while studios and 1-bedrooms at $15,001–$15,498 may struggle to cover costs in a market with $631,713 average home values.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Chico

Parking (99%) and kitchens (92%) are near-universal in Chico's STR market, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient stays. Self check-in (85%), laundry (74–77%), and outdoor spaces like patios (73%) and backyards (66%) are also standard, while differentiators like hot tubs (14%), pools (12%), and EV chargers (5%) remain relatively rare and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Chico's ROI Score: 47/100

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

Chico's ROI score of 47 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning the market has real potential but requires disciplined deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag — at $631,713 average home values against $24,202 in annual revenue, cash-on-cash returns are tight unless investors find properties priced below the market average or target higher-earning configurations. With average occupancy stability and above-average market growth partially offset by a below-average supply/demand balance, pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear property strategy is essential before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Chico

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Chico, California may need to register or obtain a permit from the city before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Chico and Butte County, as rules can change and enforcement varies.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California cities like Chico can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, parking mandates, noise ordinances, and caps on the number of permitted rentals. HOA rules may further restrict STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing any applicable covenants is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in California are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and Chico may impose its own local lodging tax on top of state obligations. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with both city and state requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Chico's STR market is expected to see continued supply growth as investor interest remains strong, though occupancy rates may face modest pressure from the influx of new listings. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue peaks in May and during the late fall–winter holiday stretch, with softer demand through summer and early fall — a pattern that could hold steady or intensify as supply expands. ADR may tick up 1–3% as hosts differentiate with amenities and property upgrades, but investors should anticipate occupancy hovering in the 33–37% range market-wide unless demand drivers strengthen. The above-average market growth trend is encouraging, though the below-average supply/demand balance warrants careful positioning."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Chico, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chico?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chico is currently 35%, which trails the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 5-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 41% and 3-bedroom units sitting lowest at 29%. Investors can improve occupancy through competitive pricing, strong amenity packages, and targeting demand drivers like university events.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Chico?

Airbnb hosts in Chico earn an average of $2,016 per month or approximately $24,202 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — studios and 1-bedrooms average around $1,250–$1,291 monthly, while 5-bedroom properties lead with an average of $4,447 per month ($53,369 annually). Peak earning months include May and December, when hosts can expect above-average returns.

Is Chico a good market for Airbnb investment?

Chico earns an ROI score of 47 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. While investor interest and demand are growing — evidenced by 71% year-over-year listing growth and an above-average market growth trend — the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance are below average. Investors who source deals selectively and target larger property sizes with stronger RevPAN can find viable returns, but this is not a market where any property will automatically perform well.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Chico is $178, which is considerably lower than the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size, starting at $99–$104 for studios and 1-bedrooms and climbing to $281–$283 for 4- and 5-bedroom properties. This pricing structure reflects Chico's position as an affordable Northern California market rather than a premium resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Chico?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Chico, California, but hosts may be required to obtain permits or register with the city. Local regulations can include requirements around occupancy limits, parking, noise, and tax collection. We strongly recommend verifying current rules with the City of Chico planning department and reviewing any applicable HOA restrictions before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Chico?

Peak season for Airbnb in Chico centers on May, when average monthly revenue reaches $2,697 — likely driven by graduation and end-of-semester activity at Chico State University. The late fall and holiday season also performs well, with November at $2,155 and December at $2,298. The softest months are September and October, averaging around $1,719–$1,728, making strategic pricing during these periods important for maintaining cash flow.

How many Airbnbs are there in Chico?

As of April 2026, there are 195 active Airbnb listings in Chico. The supply is led by 1-bedroom properties (61 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (42) and 2-bedrooms (38). The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 71% year over year, signaling rising competition and investor interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Chico?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Chico 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, 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with municipal authorities before investing.