Fort Bragg, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Fort Bragg Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fort Bragg sits along California's rugged Mendocino Coast, drawing visitors year-round with its coastal scenery, whale watching, and small-town charm. With 131 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $39,409, the market offers an above-average revenue-to-price ratio relative to state peers — though occupancy of 28% trails the California average of 43%, signaling that selective property positioning matters here. Average daily rates of $270 run well below the $551 state average, but the lower home values (around $703,097) create a more accessible entry point for coastal California investing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fort Bragg short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg appeals to investors seeking coastal California exposure at a fraction of the price found in more saturated beach markets, with an above-average revenue-to-price ratio anchoring the opportunity.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fort Bragg presents a competitive but navigable opportunity for short-term rental investors who select their property type carefully. The market's strong summer seasonality — July revenue roughly doubles what hosts earn in the quieter winter months — means cash-flow planning around off-peak periods is essential. Larger properties outperform significantly: 4- and 5-bedroom homes generate annual revenues of $94,693 and $113,717 respectively, far outpacing the market average. However, the rapid growth in listing supply (185% year-over-year) and below-average occupancy stability suggest that competition is tightening, making deal selection and guest experience differentiation more important than ever."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fort Bragg

Average revenue by month in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg's revenue follows a clear summer peak pattern, with July ($4,840) and August ($4,721) generating roughly twice the revenue of the slowest months — January ($2,370) and February ($2,291). The spread of about $2,500 between peak and trough months underscores the importance of maximizing summer bookings and pricing strategically during the shoulder and off-peak seasons.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fort Bragg

One-bedroom units dominate Fort Bragg's supply with 47 listings (36% of the market), followed by 2-bedrooms at 35 listings. Larger properties are notably scarcer — only 8 four-bedroom and 5 five-bedroom listings are active — which could signal reduced competition and stronger pricing power for investors targeting those segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fort Bragg

ADR scales steeply with property size in Fort Bragg, jumping from $115 for studios to $580 for 5-bedroom homes — a roughly 5x premium. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 2-bedrooms ($259) and 3-bedrooms ($395), suggesting that the move to a larger family-sized home unlocks meaningful nightly rate gains.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fort Bragg

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $157, followed by 3-bedrooms at $116, indicating these sizes convert their rate premiums into strong per-night revenue even after accounting for occupancy. Four-bedroom units, despite their high ADR, post a lower RevPAN of $86 due to softer occupancy (19%), flagging a potential mismatch between pricing and demand for that particular segment.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fort Bragg

Occupancy rates across property sizes cluster relatively tightly between 27% and 31%, with 2-bedrooms leading at 31% and 1- and 3-bedrooms close behind at 30%. Studios (21%) and 4-bedrooms (19%) are notable laggards, suggesting that very small and mid-large properties face more booking challenges — something investors should factor into cash-flow modeling.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fort Bragg

Monthly revenue increases dramatically with property size: 5-bedroom homes average $9,476/month compared to just $1,794 for studios, a gap of nearly $7,700. Even moving from a 2-bedroom ($4,023) to a 3-bedroom ($4,679) yields a meaningful revenue uplift, making larger configurations the clear revenue leaders in Fort Bragg.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fort Bragg

At $113,717 in average annual revenue, 5-bedroom properties generate more than five times what studios earn ($21,538) and nearly triple the market-wide average of $39,409. For investors weighing acquisition cost against revenue potential, 3-bedroom ($56,152) and 4-bedroom ($94,693) homes also offer compelling annual returns relative to the smaller formats.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fort Bragg

Parking (94%) and kitchens (86%) are near-universal in Fort Bragg listings, reflecting the market's car-dependent, self-catering coastal character. Pet-friendliness (57%), patios or balconies (70%), and BBQ grills (63%) are also widespread, signaling that guests expect outdoor living and pet accommodation — while hot tubs (27%) remain a potential differentiator for listings looking to stand out.

Understanding Fort Bragg's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Fort Bragg's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine investment potential but requires disciplined deal sourcing. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the standout factor, driven by home values well below typical coastal California benchmarks, while average occupancy stability and below-average marks on market growth trend and supply/demand balance reflect the recent surge in new listings. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types — particularly 3- to 5-bedroom homes — that consistently outperform market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fort Bragg

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Fort Bragg and Mendocino County in California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing them. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the city and county, as local rules can change and may differ between incorporated and unincorporated areas.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal California markets can include caps on the number of STR permits issued, minimum-stay requirements, occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise and parking ordinances, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. It's worth checking whether any neighborhood-specific or zoning-based restrictions apply to a target property before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and some jurisdictions layer on additional tourism or assessment fees. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with local tax authorities in Fort Bragg and Mendocino County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fort Bragg's seasonal revenue pattern — peaking strongly in July and August — is expected to persist, with summer months likely continuing to generate $4,700–$4,900 in average monthly revenue. Listing supply has grown significantly (185% year-over-year), which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy and rates unless demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate ADR holding relatively steady or seeing incremental gains of 1–3%, while occupancy may remain in the 26–30% range market-wide. Properties that differentiate through amenities like hot tubs, pet-friendliness, and larger bedroom counts are best positioned to outperform these averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fort Bragg, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fort Bragg?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Fort Bragg is currently 28%, which is below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 31% and studios trailing at 21%. This relatively modest occupancy rate reflects Fort Bragg's seasonal demand patterns and the recent growth in listing supply, making it important to price competitively and optimize your listing to capture bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fort Bragg?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Fort Bragg earn approximately $3,284 per month or $39,409 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — studios average about $1,794/month while 5-bedroom homes can bring in around $9,476/month. Peak summer months like July ($4,840) and August ($4,721) drive the strongest returns, so hosts who maximize bookings during these windows tend to outperform the overall market average.

Is Fort Bragg a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fort Bragg earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 54 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio thanks to relatively accessible home values around $703,097 for coastal California. However, below-average market growth trends and supply/demand balance mean investors need to be selective — larger properties (3+ bedrooms) and well-amenitized listings tend to significantly outperform. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research is recommended before committing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Fort Bragg is $270, which is notably below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $115/night while 5-bedroom properties command around $580/night. This pricing structure means larger homes capture a substantial premium, and the gap between Fort Bragg and state-level ADR reflects the market's more affordable, rural coastal positioning.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fort Bragg?

Short-term rentals operate in Fort Bragg with 131 active Airbnb listings currently on the market, indicating that STR activity is present and functioning. However, local regulations in Fort Bragg and Mendocino County may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific zoning rules. Investors should always verify the latest local ordinances, permit requirements, and any caps on STR licenses directly with the City of Fort Bragg and Mendocino County before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fort Bragg?

Peak season in Fort Bragg runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at $4,840 in average revenue — roughly double what hosts earn during the slowest months of January ($2,370) and February ($2,291). The shoulder months of May and September also perform solidly at $3,325 and $3,513 respectively. This pronounced summer seasonality is typical for Northern California coastal markets where weather and outdoor activities drive visitor traffic.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fort Bragg?

As of April 2026, there are 131 active Airbnb listings in Fort Bragg. The supply is concentrated in smaller property types, with 1-bedroom units making up the largest segment (47 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (35) and 3-bedrooms (22). The market has seen significant growth with a 185% year-over-year increase in active listings, which means competition is intensifying and new investors should focus on differentiation.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fort Bragg?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Fort Bragg 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 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 $4,840) and slower months (like February at $2,291) because each month draws on its own historical performance. 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 Fort Bragg market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence data drawn from active listings
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Market data reflects trailing performance as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent regulatory or demand shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, amenities, and management quality.