El Centro, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

El Centro Short-Term Rental Market Overview

El Centro, CA is a small, emerging short-term rental market with just 30 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $13,741 per property. The market's ADR of $140 sits well below the California state average of $551, and occupancy runs at 39% compared to the 43% state benchmark. While home values averaging $509,211 and modest revenue figures create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio, the market's limited supply and 142% year-over-year listing growth suggest rising investor interest in this Imperial Valley community.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the El Centro 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 El Centro

Investors eyeing El Centro are drawn primarily by its low supply base and relatively affordable California entry point, though the revenue profile demands careful property-level analysis.

Expert Market Assessment

"El Centro currently presents limited investment potential, reflected in its ROI score of 30 out of 100. Revenue-to-price and occupancy metrics both fall below average, meaning investors will need to identify standout properties to generate meaningful returns. Seasonality plays a notable role — winter and early spring months (December through March) deliver the strongest revenue, while summer months like June dip below $900. For investors willing to do deep, property-specific diligence, the small supply base and favorable supply/demand balance could offer pockets of opportunity, but this is not a market where average performance translates to attractive cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in El Centro

Average revenue by month in El Centro

El Centro shows clear seasonality with peak revenue in March ($1,506) and December ($1,468), while June marks the low point at just $898 — a spread of over $600 between the best and worst months. Investors should budget for significantly softer summers and plan pricing strategies around the stronger winter-spring window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in El Centro

One-bedroom units represent the largest share of supply at 10 listings, followed closely by 2-bedrooms (9) and 3-bedrooms (6). The relatively even distribution across sizes and the total count of just 30 listings means there's no heavily saturated segment, though the absence of larger properties (4+ bedrooms) could signal an untested niche.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in El Centro

ADR scales predictably from $93 for 1-bedroom listings up to $190 for 3-bedrooms, roughly doubling from the smallest to largest units. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom ($93 to $155) offers the steepest rate premium, suggesting the extra bedroom adds considerable perceived value for guests.

Average RevPAN by property size in El Centro

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $86 per available night, followed by 2-bedrooms at $71 and 1-bedrooms at $36. The gap between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom RevPAN is nearly 2x, reinforcing that larger units capture meaningfully more revenue even after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in El Centro

Two-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings both maintain 46% occupancy, while 1-bedroom units lag at 39%. The consistency between 2- and 3-bedroom occupancy suggests that demand for larger properties in El Centro is solid relative to supply, and investors in those segments can expect somewhat more reliable booking flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in El Centro

Two-bedroom listings are the top monthly earners at $1,622, edging out 3-bedrooms at $1,507 — both more than double the $646 that 1-bedroom units generate. This suggests 2-bedroom properties hit a sweet spot of rate, occupancy, and demand in the El Centro market.

Average annual revenue by property size in El Centro

At $19,467 per year, 2-bedroom properties offer the strongest annual revenue potential in El Centro, followed by 3-bedrooms at $18,095 and 1-bedrooms at $7,756. Given that 2-bedrooms outperform 3-bedrooms on an annual basis while likely carrying lower acquisition and operating costs, they appear to offer the most efficient return configuration.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in El Centro

Parking dominates at 97% prevalence — virtually a requirement in this car-dependent market — while kitchen access (90%) and self check-in (80%) round out the top three. The high frequency of washer/dryer and workspace amenities (63–73%) suggests guests expect a home-like, functional stay, and listings lacking these basics may struggle to compete.

Understanding El Centro's ROI Score: 30/100

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

El Centro's ROI score of 30 out of 100 places it in the "Limited" investment band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average occupancy stability — meaning the revenue these properties generate doesn't yet justify typical acquisition costs for most investors. On the positive side, the market shows an above-average supply/demand balance, indicating the small listing pool isn't oversaturated, and market growth trends are tracking at an average level. Investors considering El Centro should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and focus on identifying properties that can meaningfully outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in El Centro

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in El Centro, California may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit from the city. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with El Centro's planning or business licensing department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California cities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional constraints, and some jurisdictions cap the number of permits issued — it's essential to confirm which, if any, of these apply in El Centro.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes, and El Centro may levy its own local lodging tax on stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, El Centro's STR market is likely to remain a niche play. The sharp 142% growth in active listings signals increasing awareness, but occupancy may face additional pressure if supply continues outpacing demand at this pace. Revenue should follow familiar seasonal patterns — stronger winter and spring months with softer summers — and investors should plan for monthly earnings in the $900–$1,500 range depending on season. Any meaningful improvement in returns will likely hinge on whether demand drivers in the Imperial Valley keep pace with the expanding supply."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in El Centro, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in El Centro?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in El Centro is currently 39%, which trails the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings both achieve around 46%, while 1-bedroom units average 39%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, with stronger bookings during the cooler winter and spring months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in El Centro?

Airbnb hosts in El Centro earn an average of $1,145 per month, translating to roughly $13,741 annually based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 2-bedroom listings lead with approximately $1,622 per month ($19,467 annually), while 1-bedroom units average just $646 per month. Peak months like March and December can push monthly revenue above $1,400.

Is El Centro a good market for Airbnb investment?

El Centro carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 30 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential at the market level. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both score below average, which means overall returns may be modest relative to home values of around $509,211. That said, the market has a favorable supply/demand balance, and the very small listing count of 30 means competition is limited. Investors who can acquire properties at attractive prices and optimize operations may still find workable deals, but this market calls for thorough property-specific analysis.

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

The average daily rate in El Centro is $140, which is substantially below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $93, 2-bedrooms command $155, and 3-bedroom properties reach $190 per night. These rates reflect El Centro's positioning as an affordable, non-coastal California market.

Are short-term rentals legal in El Centro?

Short-term rentals operate in El Centro, with 30 active Airbnb listings currently on the platform. However, hosts may need to comply with local permitting, licensing, and tax requirements. We recommend contacting El Centro's city offices and reviewing any applicable California state regulations before launching an STR to ensure full compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in El Centro?

Peak season in El Centro runs from December through March, when the desert climate is most pleasant for visitors. March leads with average monthly revenue of $1,506, followed by December at $1,468 and January at $1,402. The summer months from June through September represent the slowest period, with June dipping to just $898 in average revenue — likely reflecting the extreme heat of the Imperial Valley during those months.

How many Airbnbs are there in El Centro?

There are currently 30 active Airbnb listings in El Centro as of April 2026. This represents a 142% year-over-year increase, signaling rapid growth from a very small base. The supply breaks down to 10 one-bedroom, 9 two-bedroom, and 6 three-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in El Centro?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for El Centro 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like March at $1,506) and slower periods (like June at $898). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 El Centro market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and supply distribution across bedroom configurations

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change — always verify with city and state authorities before investing.