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

Felton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Felton, CA is a small but compelling short-term rental market nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where just 35 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $60,029 per property. With an ADR of $283 and occupancy hovering at 42%, the market demonstrates steady leisure demand — likely driven by visitors drawn to the redwood forests and proximity to Santa Cruz. The limited supply and intimate scale of this market present a distinctive opportunity for investors who can differentiate on property quality and guest experience.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Felton 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 Felton

Investors are drawn to Felton for its limited supply, nature-driven tourism appeal, and strong revenue potential relative to the compact market size.

Expert Market Assessment

"Felton earns an ROI score of 67 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier — a market where revenue and demand dynamics justify serious consideration. Seasonality is pronounced: July and August each push past $7,500 in average monthly revenue, while January dips to around $3,000, creating a roughly 2.6x spread between peak and trough. The above-average occupancy stability is a reassuring sign for cash-flow planning, though the below-average growth trend suggests the market isn't accelerating rapidly. Overall, this is a market that rewards disciplined operators who can maximize summer earnings and maintain steady bookings through the quieter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Felton

Average revenue by month in Felton

Felton displays strong seasonality, with July ($7,780) and August ($7,578) generating roughly 2.5 times the revenue of the slowest month, January ($3,002). The shoulder months of spring and fall settle in the $4,000–$5,400 range, giving investors a clear roadmap for pricing and expense planning throughout the year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Felton

Supply is concentrated in one-bedroom listings (15 units) and two-bedroom properties (11 units), with no larger configurations currently represented. This narrow supply mix could signal opportunity for investors considering three-bedroom or larger properties to serve families or groups visiting the area.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Felton

ADR doubles from $173 for one-bedroom units to $346 for two-bedroom properties, reflecting a strong premium for additional space. This steep jump suggests guests in Felton place high value on extra room, making two-bedroom investments particularly compelling from a rate perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in Felton

Two-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $127, compared to $93 for one-bedrooms. Despite lower occupancy, two-bedroom units' substantially higher nightly rates more than compensate, delivering roughly 37% more revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Felton

One-bedroom listings maintain a notably higher occupancy rate at 54% compared to 37% for two-bedroom properties. Investors seeking steadier booking volume may prefer one-bedrooms, though the lower occupancy of two-bedrooms is offset by their significantly higher ADR and overall revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Felton

Two-bedroom properties earn an average of $5,917 per month — nearly 77% more than one-bedroom units at $3,336. This sizeable revenue gap underscores the earning power of larger properties in this market, even with their lower occupancy rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Felton

On an annual basis, two-bedroom properties generate approximately $71,009, while one-bedroom units bring in around $40,037. For investors weighing acquisition costs against return potential, two-bedrooms offer the strongest revenue profile in Felton's current market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Felton

Parking is universal across Felton listings (100%), reflecting the car-dependent, rural mountain setting, while kitchens (91%), outdoor furniture (83%), and patios or balconies (80%) round out the essentials. Amenities like hot tubs (31%) and BBQ grills (60%) represent differentiators that can help a listing stand out, and the low prevalence of EV chargers (3%) could be a low-cost way to attract eco-conscious Bay Area travelers.

Understanding Felton's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Felton's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven by above-average occupancy stability and an average revenue-to-price ratio that suggests reasonable returns relative to the area's elevated home values. The below-average market growth trend is the primary drag on the score, indicating the market isn't expanding as quickly as some peers, while supply and demand dynamics remain balanced. Pairing these insights with thorough research into Santa Cruz County's STR regulations will help investors build a well-rounded investment thesis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Felton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Felton may need to obtain permits or register their properties with Santa Cruz County, California. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the county planning department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in the area may include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants can also impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any applicable community rules alongside county regulations.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and Santa Cruz County may impose additional local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Felton's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with summer months continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. ADR could see modest increases in the range of 2–4% as the small listing pool keeps pricing power relatively strong for well-positioned properties. Occupancy stability rates above average, which suggests consistent baseline demand even during shoulder months. However, the below-average market growth trend warrants monitoring — investors should watch whether the 144% year-over-year listing growth begins to pressure occupancy rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Felton, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Felton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Felton is currently 42%, which is just below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — one-bedroom listings achieve 54% occupancy, while two-bedroom properties average 37%. This suggests smaller units stay booked more frequently, though larger properties compensate with higher nightly rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Felton?

Airbnb hosts in Felton earn an average of $5,002 per month and approximately $60,029 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: one-bedroom listings bring in about $40,037 annually, while two-bedroom properties average $71,009. Summer months are the strongest earners, with July topping $7,780 in average monthly revenue.

Is Felton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Felton scores 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a healthy revenue-to-price ratio. With only 35 active listings, competition is limited, though average home values of roughly $1,070,943 mean the upfront investment is significant. Investors who can capitalize on summer demand and maintain shoulder-season bookings are well-positioned here.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Felton is $283, which is about half the California state average of $551. ADR scales sharply with property size — one-bedroom units average $173 per night, while two-bedroom properties command $346. This below-state-average ADR reflects Felton's positioning as a nature getaway rather than a luxury urban destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Felton?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Felton, but hosts should check with Santa Cruz County for any required permits, registration, or zoning restrictions. Local regulations may include rules around occupancy limits, noise, parking, and minimum stays. It's always advisable to verify current requirements with county authorities and review any HOA rules that may apply to your specific property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Felton?

Peak season in Felton runs from June through August, with July leading at $7,780 in average monthly revenue and August close behind at $7,578. September marks a notable step down to $5,362, while January is the quietest month at $3,002. This seasonal pattern aligns with summer vacation travel to the Santa Cruz Mountains and redwood country.

How many Airbnbs are there in Felton?

As of April 2026, there are 35 active Airbnb listings in Felton. The market is compact, with supply concentrated in one-bedroom (15 listings) and two-bedroom (11 listings) properties. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 144%, indicating that new hosts are entering the market, which is worth monitoring for its potential effect on occupancy and pricing.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Felton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Felton 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up into 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively you manage your listing.

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 Felton, CA market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide property setup decisions
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 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 local authorities before investing.