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

Gualala Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gualala sits along the rugged Mendocino Coast, drawing visitors seeking dramatic Pacific scenery and a quiet retreat from urban life. With 75 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $43,870 and an ADR of $291—well below the $551 California state average—it offers a more accessible coastal entry point for investors. The market's 31% average occupancy rate trails the state's 43%, signaling a seasonal destination where deal selection and property positioning matter considerably.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gualala 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 Gualala

Gualala appeals to investors looking for a lower-cost California coastal market with meaningful summer upside, though selectivity in deal sourcing is essential given moderate occupancy and competitive dynamics.

Expert Market Assessment

"Gualala presents a competitive opportunity that rewards careful property selection over broad-market enthusiasm. The summer peak is pronounced—July and August together account for roughly a quarter of annual revenue—while the February-through-April stretch stays below $3,400 per month, underscoring the importance of budgeting for seasonality. With average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability both rated average, and growth and supply/demand dynamics scoring below average, the market favors investors who can differentiate their listing through amenities, design, or pricing strategy rather than relying on rising tides to lift all boats."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Gualala

Average revenue by month in Gualala

Gualala's revenue is heavily seasonal, peaking in July at $5,389 and dipping to a low of $2,550 in February—a spread of over $2,800 between the strongest and weakest months. The June–September window generates the lion's share of annual income, making off-season cost management a key factor for profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Gualala

Supply is nearly evenly split across 1-bedroom (25 listings), 2-bedroom (22), and 3-bedroom (20) properties, with no single size dominating the market. This balanced distribution suggests there isn't an obvious underserved niche by bedroom count alone, so investors should differentiate through amenities and location rather than simply targeting a particular size.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Gualala

ADR scales steadily from $183 for 1-bedroom units to $351 for 3-bedroom homes, nearly doubling across the range. The jump from 1- to 2-bedrooms ($94 more per night) is especially steep relative to the incremental cost of a larger property, making 2-bedroom units an interesting middle ground.

Average RevPAN by property size in Gualala

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $109, nearly double the $58 generated by 1-bedroom units, with 2-bedrooms sitting at $77. This pattern confirms that larger properties in Gualala convert their higher nightly rates into meaningfully stronger revenue per available night even at similar occupancy levels.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Gualala

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered between 28% and 32% across all property sizes, with 1-bedrooms slightly leading at 32% and 2-bedrooms trailing at 28%. The narrow range suggests that property size alone doesn't drive booking frequency—pricing strategy, guest experience, and seasonal positioning are likely bigger levers.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Gualala

Three-bedroom listings top the monthly revenue chart at $4,440, followed by 2-bedrooms at $3,842 and 1-bedrooms at $2,301. The gap between 1- and 3-bedroom monthly earnings is roughly $2,100, reflecting the compounding effect of higher ADR on similarly modest occupancy rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Gualala

At $53,289 per year, 3-bedroom properties generate nearly twice the annual revenue of 1-bedroom listings ($27,617), with 2-bedrooms landing at $46,115. Relative to Gualala's $861,136 average home value, investors should carefully model whether even the top-performing 3-bedroom configuration provides sufficient yield after expenses.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Gualala

Parking (97%) and a full kitchen (91%) are near-universal expectations in Gualala, while outdoor-oriented amenities like outdoor furniture (73%), BBQ grills (69%), and patios (67%) reflect the market's nature-retreat identity. Hot tubs appear in 48% of listings—a strong differentiator that likely commands a nightly rate premium in this coastal setting.

Understanding Gualala's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Gualala's ROI Score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning investor interest exists but higher property prices or tighter competition require more selective deal sourcing. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance come in below average—suggesting the market isn't expanding quickly enough to lift returns passively. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a property-specific financial model will help investors identify whether a particular deal pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gualala

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Gualala and Mendocino County, California, may need to obtain a county-level STR permit or business license before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Mendocino County Planning and Building Services department, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities may include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and caps on the total number of permits issued. HOA covenants in some developments may further restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, so due diligence on a specific property's governing documents is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), which varies by county and jurisdiction, along with potential state and local tourism assessments. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the Mendocino County Tax Collector's office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Gualala's revenue patterns are likely to remain strongly seasonal, with summer months pulling the bulk of annual income. ADR may see modest increases of 1–3% as remote-work-enabled travelers continue discovering the North Coast, but occupancy improvements will likely be incremental given the below-average market growth trend and supply/demand dynamics. Investors should plan for monthly revenue swings ranging from roughly $2,550 in February to over $5,300 in July, and budget accordingly for off-peak carrying costs."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gualala, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gualala?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Gualala is currently 31%, compared to the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units averaging 32%, 2-bedrooms at 28%, and 3-bedrooms at 31%. The lower overall occupancy reflects Gualala's seasonal demand profile, with most bookings concentrated in the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gualala?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Gualala earn approximately $3,655 per month, or $43,870 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $27,617 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in around $46,115, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $53,289 per year. Individual results depend on factors like location, amenities, pricing strategy, and guest reviews.

Is Gualala a good market for Airbnb investment?

Gualala earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 52 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market's revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are average, while growth trends and supply/demand balance score below average. This means the market can work well for investors who source deals carefully and optimize their listings, but it's not a market where every property will cash-flow easily. An ADR of $291 and average home values around $861,136 mean running detailed financial projections before purchasing is essential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Gualala is $291, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $183, 2-bedrooms command $277, and 3-bedroom properties reach $351 per night. This pricing structure reflects the market's appeal as a more affordable California coastal getaway.

Are short-term rentals legal in Gualala?

Short-term rentals operate in Gualala, but hosts may need to comply with Mendocino County permitting requirements, local zoning rules, and tax obligations. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the Mendocino County Planning and Building Services and the County Tax Collector to confirm current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Gualala?

Peak season in Gualala runs from June through September, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $5,389 per listing. August follows closely at $5,255. The off-peak months of January and February are the slowest, averaging $2,638 and $2,550 respectively. This roughly 2x revenue swing between peak and trough months is an important consideration for cash-flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Gualala?

As of April 2026, there are 75 active Airbnb listings in Gualala. Supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes, with 25 one-bedroom listings, 22 two-bedroom properties, and 20 three-bedroom homes. This relatively small market means new listings can impact supply dynamics, so monitoring competition is important.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gualala?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Gualala 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $5,389 average) and slower periods (like February's $2,550). 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, occupancy rates, and ADR by market
• Revenue per available night (RevPAN) and monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.