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

Ferndale Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ferndale, CA is a small, charming Victorian-era village on California's Humboldt County coast that presents an intriguing niche opportunity for short-term rental investors. With just 13 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $28,451, the market is compact but shows promising supply/demand dynamics and above-average growth trends. Its ADR of $157 sits well below the California state average of $551, reflecting the rural nature of the market, though favorable property economics and limited competition help offset that gap.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ferndale 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 Ferndale

Ferndale's tiny supply base combined with favorable growth trends and a revenue-to-price ratio that holds its own make it a market worth evaluating for investors seeking lower-competition coastal California exposure.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ferndale earns an 'Attractive Opportunity' designation, driven by a favorable supply/demand balance and above-average market growth that compensate for its below-average occupancy stability. The market exhibits strong seasonality — revenue peaks at $3,894 in July before falling to $1,325 in January, a nearly 3:1 spread that investors should plan around. With average home values at $702,695 and annual revenue of $28,451, the yield math requires careful analysis, but the limited competitive field of just 13 listings means a well-run property can capture outsized market share in this tight-knit coastal community."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ferndale

Average revenue by month in Ferndale

Ferndale displays pronounced seasonality with a nearly 3x revenue spread between the peak month of July ($3,894) and the low in January ($1,325). The summer corridor from June through August generates the bulk of annual income, while the shoulder months of May and September still deliver healthy mid-$2,000 returns — investors should budget for winter softness from November through February.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ferndale

The supply in Ferndale is heavily concentrated in one-bedroom properties, which account for 9 of the 13 active listings. This dominance suggests potential opportunity for investors willing to offer larger, differentiated properties that aren't yet well represented in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ferndale

One-bedroom listings in Ferndale command an average daily rate of $156, closely mirroring the market-wide ADR of $157. With only one-bedroom data available, the market offers limited insight into how rates scale with size, but the consistency suggests stable pricing for the predominant property type.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ferndale

One-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $52, reflecting the combination of a $156 ADR and 33% occupancy. This figure aligns closely with the market-wide RevPAN of $56, indicating that one-bedrooms are performing near the overall market average on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ferndale

One-bedroom units in Ferndale average a 33% occupancy rate, slightly below the market-wide average of 36%. While this is modest compared to urban markets, it's consistent with a seasonal, leisure-driven destination where demand concentrates in warmer months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ferndale

One-bedroom properties generate an average of $2,334 per month, which is nearly in line with the overall market average of $2,370. Given that one-bedrooms dominate the supply, this figure essentially defines the market's baseline earning potential.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ferndale

At $28,018 in average annual revenue, one-bedroom listings capture the vast majority of the market's earning potential. Against average home values of $702,695, investors should carefully model whether rental income from a one-bedroom configuration supports their return targets or whether a larger property could unlock higher revenue.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ferndale

Parking is universal across Ferndale listings (100%), followed closely by backyards (92%) and outdoor furniture (69%) — reflecting the market's rural, nature-oriented appeal. Pet-friendliness (54%) and self check-in (46%) are notable differentiators, while the 31% prevalence of EV chargers signals a forward-thinking guest base likely driving up from the Bay Area or Portland.

Understanding Ferndale's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Ferndale's ROI Score of 58 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue potential relative to property prices is average but growth momentum and supply/demand dynamics are working in investors' favor. Occupancy stability is the softest factor, rated below average, which is consistent with the market's strong seasonal swings — something investors can mitigate with smart pricing and marketing. We recommend pairing this score with local regulatory research and a property-specific financial model to build a complete picture.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ferndale

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ferndale, California may need to obtain a permit or business license from the city or Humboldt County before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Ferndale's city offices and Humboldt County planning department, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in small California communities like Ferndale can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking standards. HOA rules may also apply in certain neighborhoods, and some jurisdictions impose caps on the total number of STR permits issued, so it's important to research property-specific restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in California are typically required to collect and remit transient occupancy tax (TOT) along with any applicable county or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with Humboldt 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 Ferndale can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ferndale's STR market is likely to benefit from continued growth in listing activity — year-over-year supply has already jumped 70%, signaling rising investor and host interest. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months (July and August) will remain the revenue backbone, with monthly earnings potentially reaching $3,800–$4,000 during peak periods. Occupancy may remain in the 34–40% range annually given the market's rural, leisure-driven character, but above-average supply/demand balance and market growth trends could push ADR up modestly by 2–4%. Investors should plan cash reserves to weather the softer winter months when revenue dips below $1,500."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ferndale, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ferndale?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ferndale is currently 36%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. This reflects the market's seasonal, leisure-driven demand patterns — summer months see significantly higher bookings while winter months are quieter. One-bedroom properties, which dominate the supply, average a 33% occupancy rate.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ferndale?

Airbnb hosts in Ferndale earn an average of $2,370 per month and approximately $28,451 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by season, ranging from roughly $1,325 in January to $3,894 in July. Individual results depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Ferndale a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ferndale scores 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an 'Attractive Opportunity' rating. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a favorable supply/demand balance, with only 13 active listings competing for guest demand. However, occupancy stability is below average, and the strong seasonal swings mean investors should be prepared for leaner winter months. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model is recommended.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ferndale is $157, significantly below the California state average of $551. This lower ADR reflects the market's rural, small-town character rather than a lack of demand — it also means lower guest price sensitivity and a more approachable entry point for visitors exploring California's North Coast.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ferndale?

Short-term rentals operate in Ferndale, with 13 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, STR regulations can vary by jurisdiction, and operators may need permits, business licenses, or other approvals from the City of Ferndale or Humboldt County. We strongly recommend verifying the latest local rules and requirements before making an investment.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ferndale?

Peak season in Ferndale runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,894 per listing. August follows closely at $3,865. Revenue begins climbing in May and tapers through September and October before reaching its lowest point in January at $1,325. This pronounced summer peak is typical of Northern California coastal destinations.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ferndale?

There are currently 13 active Airbnb listings in Ferndale as of April 2026. The vast majority — 9 out of 13 — are one-bedroom properties. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 70%, suggesting growing host and investor interest in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ferndale?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ferndale 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 for Ferndale and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 municipal authorities before investing.