Grass Valley, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Grass Valley Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Grass Valley, CA offers a niche short-term rental market with 111 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $31,999 per property. With an average daily rate of $243—well below the $551 California state average—and occupancy sitting at 30%, the market rewards investors who can identify the right property size and optimize for seasonal demand peaks. The ROI score of 53 out of 100 signals a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing and strong operational execution matter most.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Grass Valley 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 Grass Valley

Grass Valley attracts STR investors seeking exposure to California's Gold Country tourism appeal at a lower entry price point than coastal markets, though the competitive landscape requires careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Grass Valley presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who understand the market's seasonal dynamics and competitive pressures. Revenue peaks sharply in summer—July alone averages $4,486—while shoulder months like May ($1,317) and October ($1,262) represent meaningful dips that investors need to plan around. The supply-demand balance is rated below average, and with year-over-year listing growth at 104%, new entrants should be strategic about property type; larger homes with 4–5 bedrooms deliver substantially higher returns and may face less direct competition given only 17 listings in those size categories combined. Overall, this is a market that can work well for the right property, but it demands more careful underwriting than a high-occupancy urban destination."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Grass Valley

Average revenue by month in Grass Valley

Grass Valley exhibits strong seasonality, with July ($4,486) and August ($4,065) leading the year and a secondary winter spike in December ($3,679) and January ($3,456). The trough months of May ($1,317) and October ($1,262) represent roughly a 3.5x gap from peak, so investors should build cash reserves to cover the quieter shoulder seasons.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Grass Valley

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 48 of 111 active listings, while 4-bedroom (12) and 5-bedroom (5) properties represent a notably smaller share. This supply imbalance could signal reduced competition—and therefore stronger pricing power—for investors targeting larger configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Grass Valley

ADR scales steeply with property size in Grass Valley, climbing from $122 for 1-bedroom listings to $527 for 5-bedroom homes—a 4.3x increase. The jump from 3-bedroom ($277) to 4-bedroom ($429) is particularly sharp, suggesting that the premium guests are willing to pay for extra space and group capacity accelerates at the higher end.

Average RevPAN by property size in Grass Valley

Revenue per available night rises consistently with bedroom count, from $36 for 1-bedroom units to $146 for 5-bedroom properties. Even after accounting for slightly varying occupancy rates, larger homes clearly generate more revenue per night of availability, making them the most efficient earners in the market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Grass Valley

Occupancy rates remain relatively compressed across all property sizes, ranging from 26% for 4-bedroom units to 33% for 2-bedroom listings. The narrow spread suggests that occupancy alone doesn't differentiate property types here—revenue differences are driven almost entirely by nightly rate rather than how often the property is booked.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Grass Valley

Monthly revenue varies dramatically by size: 1-bedroom properties average $1,533 while 5-bedroom homes generate $8,931—nearly six times as much. The step-up from 3-bedroom ($3,988) to 4-bedroom ($4,780) and especially to 5-bedroom properties makes a compelling case for targeting larger homes if acquisition costs allow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Grass Valley

Five-bedroom properties stand out with $107,181 in average annual revenue, dwarfing the $18,406 earned by 1-bedroom listings. For investors evaluating return potential, 4-bedroom ($57,366) and 5-bedroom homes offer the strongest top-line revenue, though these figures should be weighed against higher purchase and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Grass Valley

Parking and a full kitchen are near-universal at 97% of listings, reflecting the car-dependent nature of the area and guests' preference for self-sufficient stays. Outdoor amenities are also heavily represented—75% or more of listings offer a patio, backyard, or outdoor furniture—while differentiators like hot tubs (23%) and pet-friendliness (52%) remain less saturated and could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Grass Valley's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Grass Valley's ROI Score of 53 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning the market has real demand but requires sharper deal selection to generate strong returns. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the supply-demand balance falls below average—reflecting the 104% year-over-year growth in listings that's adding competitive pressure. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 4–5 bedrooms) where the revenue potential is strongest relative to the competition.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Grass Valley

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Grass Valley, California may be required to obtain a permit or business registration before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Grass Valley and Nevada County, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the number of active STR permits, so it's important to confirm whether any such caps apply in Grass Valley before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and may also owe state sales tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with local and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Grass Valley's STR market is expected to maintain its pronounced seasonal rhythm, with July and August driving the strongest returns and spring months like April and May remaining softer. ADR may see modest increases in the range of 1–3% as hosts continue to refine pricing strategies, while occupancy rates are likely to hover around 28–33% depending on property size. The 104% year-over-year listing growth suggests rising investor interest, which could tighten competition and put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors entering now should plan for seasonal cash-flow variability and focus on larger properties that command premium nightly rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Grass Valley, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grass Valley?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Grass Valley is currently 30%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 33%, while 4-bedroom properties average around 26%. Seasonal demand plays a significant role, with summer months driving the strongest bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Grass Valley?

Airbnb hosts in Grass Valley earn an average of $2,666 per month, or approximately $31,999 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average $18,406 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can bring in around $107,181 per year. Peak months like July and December can push monthly revenue above $3,600–$4,400.

Is Grass Valley a good market for Airbnb investment?

Grass Valley earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 53 out of 100, classified as a Competitive Opportunity. This means investor interest and demand are present, but higher property prices and growing competition require more selective deal sourcing. Larger properties (4–5 bedrooms) tend to deliver the strongest returns, and investors should account for significant seasonal revenue swings when building their financial models.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Grass Valley is $243, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales considerably with property size: 1-bedroom units average $122 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $527. This pricing structure means larger homes capture a meaningful premium relative to their smaller counterparts.

Are short-term rentals legal in Grass Valley?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Grass Valley, CA, but operators may need to obtain local permits or register their property with the city. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and tax obligations. We recommend verifying current rules with the City of Grass Valley and Nevada County before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Grass Valley?

Peak season in Grass Valley centers on summer, with July ($4,486 average revenue) and August ($4,065) delivering the strongest monthly performance. A secondary peak occurs during the winter holiday season, with December averaging $3,679 and January at $3,456. The slowest months are May ($1,317) and October ($1,262), representing a roughly 3.5x spread between peak and off-peak revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Grass Valley?

There are currently 111 active Airbnb listings in Grass Valley as of April 2026. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (48 listings), followed by 2-bedroom (21) and 3-bedroom (20) units. Larger 4- and 5-bedroom properties make up a smaller share of supply with 12 and 5 listings respectively, which may present less competitive segments for investors.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Grass Valley?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Grass Valley are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 performance, seasonal peaks and slower periods are naturally reflected in the data. 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates for the Grass Valley market
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking performance of comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns for key metrics including ADR, occupancy, RevPAN, and revenue
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and competitive differentiators

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with city and county authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.