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

Clearlake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Clearlake, CA stands out for its favorable revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $302,529 and historical annual revenue averaging $28,659 — a combination that gives investors a head start on cash-flow math compared to pricier California markets. The market is small (28 active listings) and distinctly seasonal, driven by lake recreation and outdoor tourism. While occupancy at 27% trails the state average of 43%, the comparatively low entry cost and above-average revenue-to-price dynamics make Clearlake worth a closer look for investors comfortable with seasonal demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Clearlake 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 Clearlake

Low property prices relative to potential rental income make Clearlake an appealing entry point for STR investors seeking California lake-market exposure.

Expert Market Assessment

"Clearlake presents a moderate opportunity shaped by strong revenue-to-price fundamentals and pronounced seasonality. July is the clear revenue peak at $3,946 per month, while January dips to $1,215 — a spread that underscores the importance of budgeting for lean winter months. The market's small inventory and rapid supply growth create a dynamic environment: early movers benefit from limited competition, but the 127% year-over-year listing increase warrants attention. Investors who align their strategy with the summer-centric demand cycle and target 2-bedroom properties will find the most attractive return profile here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Clearlake

Average revenue by month in Clearlake

Clearlake's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $3,946 and bottoming in January at $1,215 — a roughly 3.2x swing that investors should plan around. The warm months from May through September account for the bulk of annual income, with a quick ramp-up in spring and a gradual taper into fall.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Clearlake

Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom (9 listings) and 2-bedroom (11 listings) properties, with no larger configurations currently active. This narrow inventory mix suggests potential opportunity for investors willing to list 3+ bedroom homes, though demand for larger units should be validated before committing.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Clearlake

ADR nearly doubles from 1-bedroom ($146) to 2-bedroom ($270) properties, indicating a strong pricing premium for the extra space. For investors, the incremental acquisition cost of a 2-bedroom is likely well justified by the substantial ADR uplift.

Average RevPAN by property size in Clearlake

Two-bedroom listings deliver $81 in RevPAN compared to $49 for 1-bedrooms, reflecting both their higher nightly rates and solid booking performance. This 65% RevPAN advantage makes 2-bedroom properties the more efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Clearlake

One-bedroom properties edge out 2-bedrooms in occupancy (34% vs. 30%), likely due to their lower nightly cost attracting more bookings. However, neither size achieves particularly high fill rates, reinforcing the seasonal character of the Clearlake market and the importance of dynamic pricing during peak months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Clearlake

Two-bedroom listings earn $3,101 per month on average — nearly three times the $1,077 monthly revenue of 1-bedroom units. This disparity makes 2-bedrooms the clear top earner and the more viable option for investors seeking to cover carrying costs consistently.

Average annual revenue by property size in Clearlake

At $37,223 in annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties outpace 1-bedrooms ($12,933) by a wide margin, offering roughly a 12.3% gross revenue-to-home-value ratio against market averages. Investors targeting the strongest return potential in Clearlake should prioritize 2-bedroom configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Clearlake

Parking is universal (100%) and kitchen access plus self check-in are nearly so (93% each), setting a high baseline for guest expectations. Lake access (71%) and waterfront location (54%) stand out as differentiators that align with the market's leisure-driven appeal — listings without these may struggle to compete during peak season.

Understanding Clearlake'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

Clearlake's ROI Score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects the market's affordable entry costs relative to earning potential. The score is tempered by below-average occupancy stability — a direct reflection of the market's seasonal demand pattern — while market growth and supply/demand balance rate as average. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Clearlake

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Clearlake, California may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Clearlake and Lake County to ensure compliance.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules may also apply depending on the property's community, and investors should review all applicable covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes and may owe additional state and local tourism or sales-related taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with Lake County and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Clearlake's summer-driven demand pattern is expected to continue, with peak revenues concentrated from June through August. Listing growth has been notable — active supply jumped 127% year-over-year — so investors should watch whether new inventory outpaces demand. ADR may hold steady or see modest increases of 1–3% as the market matures, but occupancy could face slight downward pressure from the supply influx. Investors targeting 2-bedroom properties are best positioned to capture the bulk of revenue, though seasonal cash-flow gaps in winter months should be planned for."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Clearlake, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clearlake?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Clearlake is currently 27%, which is below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom units average 34% while 2-bedroom properties come in at 30%. The lower overall rate reflects the seasonal nature of this lake-driven market, where demand concentrates heavily in the warmer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Clearlake?

Airbnb hosts in Clearlake earn an average of $2,388 per month and approximately $28,659 per year based on historical trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $3,101 per month ($37,223 annually), while 1-bedroom units earn around $1,077 per month ($12,933 annually). Peak summer months can push monthly revenue well above these averages.

Is Clearlake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Clearlake scores a 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, thanks to relatively affordable home values around $302,529. The main trade-off is below-average occupancy stability, so investors should be prepared for seasonal income swings. For those comfortable with a summer-focused revenue model and low entry costs, Clearlake offers a compelling value proposition within California.

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

The average daily rate in Clearlake is $228, well below the California state average of $551. ADR scales notably with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $146 per night, while 2-bedroom properties command $270. This pricing positions Clearlake as an affordable getaway destination, which can help sustain demand from budget-conscious travelers seeking lakefront experiences.

Are short-term rentals legal in Clearlake?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Clearlake, though hosts may need to comply with local permitting, registration, and tax requirements. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Clearlake and Lake County for the most current rules regarding STR licensing, zoning, and any applicable restrictions.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Clearlake?

Peak season in Clearlake runs from June through August, aligning with summer lake recreation. July is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $3,946, followed by August at $3,515 and June at $3,057. The off-season low hits in January at $1,215, making the peak-to-trough spread roughly 3.2x — a clear indicator of the market's seasonal rhythm.

How many Airbnbs are there in Clearlake?

There are currently 28 active Airbnb listings in Clearlake as of April 2026. This is a relatively small market, though it's growing quickly — active listings increased 127% year-over-year. The inventory is concentrated in 1-bedroom (9 listings) and 2-bedroom (11 listings) properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Clearlake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Clearlake 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 Clearlake market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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 regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.