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

Fortuna Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fortuna, CA is a small but emerging short-term rental market on California's Redwood Coast, currently tracking just 19 active Airbnb listings and generating an average annual revenue of $33,491 per property. With an average daily rate of $202 — well below the $551 California state average — and home values averaging $547,490, the market offers a comparatively affordable entry point for investors looking at Northern California. Year-over-year listing growth of 83% signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 24% remains below the 43% state average, suggesting this market is still maturing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fortuna 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 Fortuna

Fortuna appeals to investors seeking an affordable California entry point with above-average growth dynamics and limited competition in a nature-driven tourism corridor.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fortuna presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate seasonal variability. Revenue peaks sharply in July ($4,586) and August ($4,550), then drops by roughly two-thirds to winter lows around $1,559 in January — a pattern that demands careful cash-flow planning. The ROI score of 58 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity," reflects a market where revenue relative to property costs is reasonable and growth trends are encouraging, but occupancy stability remains a drag on overall performance. Investors who can tolerate seasonal swings and optimize their listings for summer visitors stand to benefit from a market that's still early in its growth cycle."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fortuna

Average revenue by month in Fortuna

Fortuna shows pronounced seasonality, with revenue peaking in July at $4,586 and bottoming in January at $1,559 — nearly a 3x swing. The summer months of June through August account for the bulk of annual earnings, while November through February represent the softest stretch, making cash reserve planning essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fortuna

The market's supply data shows only 2-bedroom listings (7 total) with sufficient data to report, suggesting this size dominates Fortuna's small STR inventory. The absence of other bedroom counts in the data may signal untapped opportunity for investors considering 1-bedroom or 3+ bedroom configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fortuna

Two-bedroom properties in Fortuna command an average daily rate of $228, slightly above the market-wide ADR of $202. With only one property size reporting sufficient data, it's difficult to assess how rates scale with bedrooms, though the 2-bedroom rate positions well for budget-conscious leisure travelers.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fortuna

Two-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $46, which closely mirrors the overall market RevPAN of $48. This reflects the 20% occupancy rate for 2-bedroom units pulling down what is otherwise a reasonable nightly rate, highlighting the importance of occupancy optimization in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fortuna

Two-bedroom properties in Fortuna average a 20% occupancy rate, slightly below the market-wide 24% figure. This relatively low fill rate suggests there's room for hosts to improve performance through better pricing, listing optimization, and targeted marketing during shoulder and off-peak seasons.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fortuna

Two-bedroom units generate an average of $2,523 per month, which trails the overall market average of $2,790. This gap suggests that other property configurations (not represented in the size breakdown due to small sample sizes) may be pulling the market average higher.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fortuna

At $30,285 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties provide a reasonable baseline return against the market's $547,490 average home value, yielding a gross revenue-to-price ratio of roughly 5.5%. Investors looking to maximize returns may want to explore larger property configurations that could command higher nightly rates and annual revenue.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fortuna

Kitchen and parking are universal at 100% of listings, while washer/dryer (90%), backyard and outdoor furniture (74%), and self check-in (74%) round out the essentials — reflecting a guest base that values home-like comfort and convenience. A workspace is present in 68% of listings, hinting at some remote-work traveler demand, while premium amenities like hot tubs (16%) and saunas (11%) remain rare differentiators.

Understanding Fortuna'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

Fortuna's ROI score of 58 out of 100 lands in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where the revenue-to-price ratio is reasonable and growth dynamics are trending in the right direction. The above-average marks for market growth trend and supply/demand balance are encouraging, though below-average occupancy stability is the primary factor holding the score back. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and realistic seasonal cash-flow modeling before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fortuna

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Fortuna, California may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit from the city, and should also check Humboldt County regulations for any additional registration requirements. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current permit obligations directly with the City of Fortuna's planning department before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA rules can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so investors should review any applicable CC&Rs before committing to a purchase.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), which varies by jurisdiction, and may also owe state sales tax on accommodation revenue. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with local tax authorities to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fortuna's STR market is expected to benefit from continued supply growth and strengthening demand tied to Humboldt County's outdoor tourism appeal. The strong above-average market growth trend and favorable supply/demand balance suggest occupancy could gradually improve into the 28–32% range as the market gains visibility, particularly if hosts optimize pricing during the July–August peak. ADR may see modest increases of 3–5% as operators refine their offerings, though winter softness will likely persist given the area's seasonal travel patterns. Investors should plan for meaningful revenue swings between summer highs and winter lows when modeling cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fortuna, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fortuna?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fortuna is currently 24%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. This lower rate reflects the market's seasonal nature and relatively early stage of development. Occupancy tends to climb significantly during summer months when tourism to the Redwood Coast peaks, so hosts should expect meaningful variation throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fortuna?

Airbnb hosts in Fortuna earn an average of $2,790 per month, translating to approximately $33,491 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies substantially by season — hosts can expect to earn upwards of $4,586 during peak July months, while January revenue drops to around $1,559. Individual results will depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is optimized.

Is Fortuna a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fortuna earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 58 out of 100, classified as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from an above-average growth trend and favorable supply/demand balance, with only 19 active listings currently competing for guests. However, occupancy stability is below average, so investors should be prepared for seasonal revenue swings. The relatively affordable home values of $547,490 compared to other California markets help improve the revenue-to-price ratio.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Fortuna is $202, significantly lower than the California state average of $551. For 2-bedroom properties specifically, the ADR is slightly higher at $228. This more modest pricing reflects Fortuna's rural setting and the types of travelers visiting the Humboldt County region.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fortuna?

Short-term rentals operate in Fortuna, CA, as evidenced by active listings in the market. However, specific regulations, permit requirements, and zoning restrictions may apply at both the city and county level. Prospective investors should contact the City of Fortuna and Humboldt County directly to understand current licensing requirements, any applicable restrictions, and tax obligations before operating an STR.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fortuna?

Peak season for Airbnb in Fortuna runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at $4,586 in average revenue, closely followed by August at $4,550. The summer months align with the region's best weather and peak tourism to the Redwood Coast. Revenue drops considerably in winter, with January being the slowest month at $1,559.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fortuna?

As of April 2026, there are 19 active Airbnb listings in Fortuna. This is a relatively small market, but it has experienced significant growth — active listings increased by 83% year-over-year. The limited supply means less competition for hosts, though it also indicates the market is still in an early phase of STR development.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fortuna?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Fortuna 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 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 the Fortuna market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends over trailing 12-month periods
• Revenue and yield metrics broken down by property size and month
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.