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

Colfax Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Colfax, CA is a small Sierra Foothills market with just 21 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a niche opportunity in a low-competition environment. However, the market's 19% average occupancy rate sits well below the California state average of 43%, and average annual revenue of $23,137 against home values averaging $700,581 signals that selective deal sourcing is essential. The favorable supply/demand balance suggests room for well-positioned properties, but investors should enter with realistic expectations about revenue relative to acquisition costs.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Colfax 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 Colfax

Colfax attracts investor attention due to its small supply base and proximity to Sierra Nevada recreation, though below-average revenue-to-price ratios demand careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Colfax presents a competitive but constrained opportunity for STR investors. The market's ROI score of 36 out of 100 reflects below-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, though the above-average supply/demand balance is a bright spot for operators who can differentiate their listings. Seasonality is pronounced — July peaks at $3,213 in average monthly revenue while October dips to just $866 — so cash-flow planning needs to account for four to five softer months each year. Investors targeting 3-bedroom properties, which generate roughly $27,292 annually versus $12,110 for 1-bedrooms, will find the strongest revenue profile in this small market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Colfax

Average revenue by month in Colfax

Colfax shows pronounced dual-peak seasonality, with July ($3,213) and August ($3,000) leading all months, followed by a strong winter cluster from December through February averaging around $2,430. The off-peak trough in October ($866) and May ($990) means hosts should budget for revenue swings of nearly 4x between the best and worst months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Colfax

Supply in Colfax is evenly divided between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties, with 7 listings each. The absence of 2-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and larger listings in the data could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to target those configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Colfax

ADR nearly triples from 1-bedroom listings at $121 per night to 3-bedroom properties at $342 per night. This steep premium suggests that guests booking larger homes in Colfax are willing to pay significantly more, making 3-bedroom units the stronger play for rate optimization.

Average RevPAN by property size in Colfax

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $63 compared to just $12 for 1-bedroom units, a more than 5x difference that underscores the revenue efficiency advantage of larger homes. Even accounting for higher acquisition and operating costs, the gap strongly favors 3-bedroom configurations in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Colfax

Occupancy rates are low across the board, with 3-bedroom listings at 18% and 1-bedroom units at just 10% — both well below the state average of 43%. These figures indicate that Colfax operates as a highly seasonal, event-driven market where consistent bookings are difficult to sustain year-round.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Colfax

Three-bedroom properties generate an average of $2,274 per month, more than double the $1,009 that 1-bedroom listings earn. For investors evaluating cash-flow potential, the larger configuration clearly provides a stronger monthly revenue foundation despite higher carrying costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Colfax

At $27,292 annually, 3-bedroom homes outpace 1-bedroom units ($12,110) by roughly $15,000 per year. Given average home values of $700,581, investors should carefully model whether either configuration can meet their return thresholds after accounting for mortgage, maintenance, and management expenses.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Colfax

Parking is universal (100%) and a kitchen is nearly so (95%), reflecting Colfax's appeal as a self-service getaway destination where guests drive in and cook their own meals. Outdoor amenities dominate — patios, outdoor furniture, backyards, and BBQ grills all rank highly — signaling that listings without outdoor living spaces may struggle to compete in this market.

Understanding Colfax's ROI Score: 36/100

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

Colfax's ROI Score of 36 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning the market shows demand but requires disciplined deal sourcing to achieve attractive returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are the primary drags on the score, while an above-average supply/demand balance offers a meaningful edge for operators who can differentiate their listing. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling to determine whether specific properties can meet their return targets.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Colfax

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Colfax, California may be required to obtain permits or register with the City of Colfax or Placer County. Investors should verify current STR permit requirements with local planning and zoning authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in small California foothill communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules may also apply in certain neighborhoods, and some jurisdictions impose caps on the total number of permits issued, so it's important to confirm availability early in the process.

Tax Obligations

STR operators in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT) and potentially state sales tax on short-term lodging. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with Placer 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 Colfax can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Colfax's STR market is likely to follow its established seasonal rhythm, with summer months (July and August) and the winter holiday corridor (December through February) driving the bulk of revenue. Average growth trends appear steady, and the doubling of active listings year-over-year indicates rising investor interest that could compress margins if demand doesn't keep pace. Occupancy rates may remain in the 17–22% range market-wide, though well-managed properties with strong amenity packages could outperform. Investors should estimate conservatively and plan for extended soft periods in spring and fall."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Colfax, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Colfax?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Colfax is currently 19%, which is notably below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 3-bedroom listings averaging 18% and 1-bedroom units at around 10%. These figures reflect the seasonal nature of demand in the Sierra Foothills, where peak periods in summer and winter holidays drive the majority of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Colfax?

Airbnb hosts in Colfax earn an average of $1,928 per month and approximately $23,137 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size — 3-bedroom properties average $2,274 monthly ($27,292 annually) while 1-bedroom listings bring in about $1,009 monthly ($12,110 annually). Peak months like July can see averages above $3,200, but softer months like October may drop below $900.

Is Colfax a good market for Airbnb investment?

Colfax offers a competitive opportunity with a Rabbu ROI Score of 36 out of 100. The market benefits from low competition (only 21 active listings) and a favorable supply/demand balance, but below-average occupancy and revenue-to-price ratios mean investors need to be strategic. Properties with strong amenity packages — particularly 3-bedroom homes with outdoor spaces — are best positioned to capture seasonal demand from Sierra Foothills visitors.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Colfax is $265, which is less than half the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $121 per night while 3-bedroom properties command $342 per night. This pricing reflects the market's positioning as an affordable mountain-adjacent getaway compared to more established California resort destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Colfax?

Short-term rentals may be subject to local regulations in Colfax and Placer County, California. Operators should check with the City of Colfax and Placer County planning departments for any permit, registration, or zoning requirements before listing a property. Regulations can change, so verifying the most current rules is always recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Colfax?

Colfax experiences two distinct peak seasons. The summer months of July and August are the strongest, with average monthly revenues reaching $3,213 and $3,000 respectively. A secondary peak occurs during the winter holiday period, with January ($2,486), February ($2,423), and December ($2,387) all performing well above the annual average. Spring and fall represent the softest periods, with October averaging just $866.

How many Airbnbs are there in Colfax?

As of April 2026, there are 21 active Airbnb listings in Colfax. The supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties, with 7 listings in each category. Year-over-year listing growth has been 100%, indicating rising investor interest in this small foothill market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Colfax?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Colfax 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like July at $3,213) and slower months (like October at $866), 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 the Colfax, CA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue data based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and 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 historical averages and market conditions may have changed since the reporting period. Local regulations, permit availability, and tax obligations should be independently verified before making investment decisions.