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

Idyllwild Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild is a compact mountain-cabin market with 341 active Airbnb listings generating an average of $39,423 in annual revenue per property. At an ADR of $287—roughly half the California state average—the market attracts budget-conscious mountain getaway seekers, while average home values around $621,676 keep acquisition costs moderate for the region. An ROI score of 62 out of 100 positions Idyllwild as an attractive opportunity, though occupancy at 35% runs below the 43% state average, meaning revenue is driven more by nightly rates than by high booking volume.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Idyllwild 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 Idyllwild

Idyllwild appeals to investors seeking a nature-driven California mountain market where property prices remain well below coastal alternatives and cabin-style accommodations command solid nightly rates.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 62 and an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, Idyllwild presents a credible investment case for operators who can navigate its seasonal revenue curve. The spring months—March and April—deliver the strongest returns, with April alone averaging $6,485 in monthly revenue, while the quieter summer-to-fall stretch (June through October) dips below $2,800. This wide seasonal swing means cash-flow planning is essential, but the overall annual average of $39,423 demonstrates that well-managed properties can generate meaningful income even with a 35% occupancy rate."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Idyllwild

Average revenue by month in Idyllwild

Idyllwild shows a distinctive spring peak, with April topping the chart at $6,485 and March close behind at $5,469—roughly triple the revenue of the slowest month, September, at $2,105. This sharp seasonal swing means investors should budget for significantly lower cash flow from late spring through fall and capitalize on the winter-to-spring rush when mountain cabin demand surges.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Idyllwild

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 122 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms at 91 and 1-bedrooms at 75, while larger 4+ bedroom properties total just 39 listings combined. The relative scarcity of bigger cabins, paired with their stronger revenue metrics, could signal opportunity for investors willing to acquire or convert larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Idyllwild

ADR scales dramatically with size in Idyllwild: 1-bedroom listings average just $171 per night, while 4-bedrooms reach $401 and 6+ bedrooms command $1,028. The steepest premium jump occurs between 5-bedroom ($534) and 6+ bedroom ($1,028) properties, suggesting that large group-friendly cabins occupy a distinctly higher pricing tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Idyllwild

Revenue per available night climbs steadily with property size, from $63 for 1-bedrooms all the way to $339 for 6+ bedroom listings—more than five times the smallest units. Four-bedroom and 5-bedroom properties also perform well at $178 and $189 respectively, making mid-to-large cabins the clear RevPAN sweet spot for investors seeking the best return per night of availability.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Idyllwild

Occupancy is relatively flat across property sizes, ranging from a low of 32% for 2-bedrooms to a high of 44% for 4-bedroom listings. Studios and 4-bedrooms lead in fill rates at 43% and 44%, which—combined with their stronger ADR—makes 4-bedroom cabins particularly compelling for cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Idyllwild

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,391 for 1-bedroom cabins to $10,424 for 6+ bedroom properties, with a noticeable step-up at the 4-bedroom level ($5,010). Investors targeting mid-range returns without the complexity of managing very large properties may find the 3-bedroom tier at $3,719 per month offers a solid balance of income and operational simplicity.

Average annual revenue by property size in Idyllwild

Annual revenue potential spans from $28,699 for 1-bedroom listings to $125,097 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4- and 5-bedroom cabins clustering around $60,000–$62,000. Given that average home values sit at roughly $621,676, the larger configurations offer the strongest gross yield ratios, though acquisition and renovation costs for bigger mountain homes will influence net returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Idyllwild

Parking (98%) and full kitchens (97%) are near-universal, reflecting the remote mountain setting where guests drive in and cook at home. Outdoor amenities dominate—patios (91%), outdoor furniture (73%), backyards (70%), and BBQ grills (64%)—while pet-friendliness at 72% signals that cabin guests overwhelmingly expect to bring their dogs, making this a must-have amenity for competitive listings in Idyllwild.

Understanding Idyllwild's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Idyllwild's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven by average performance across all four calculation factors: Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance. No single factor stands out as a clear strength or weakness, which suggests a balanced but not exceptional risk-return profile—investors are unlikely to face dramatic downside, but outsized returns will depend on property selection and operational execution. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a property-level pro forma will give the clearest picture of whether a specific Idyllwild cabin pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Idyllwild

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in the Idyllwild area of Riverside County, California, should verify whether a vacation rental permit or business license is required before listing. Because Idyllwild is an unincorporated community, regulations are governed at the county level, and investors should confirm current requirements directly with Riverside County's planning department.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in mountain communities like Idyllwild may include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates to accommodate guests on narrow mountain roads, and rules imposed by individual HOAs or community associations. Fire safety and defensible space standards are also typical considerations in forested areas.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) as well as state and county tourism assessments. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should verify their specific obligations with Riverside County to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Idyllwild's pronounced seasonality—peaking in spring and dipping through summer and fall—suggests revenue over the next 12–18 months will continue to concentrate in the March-through-April window. With year-over-year listing growth at 107%, new supply could put modest downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold steady or edge up 1–3% given the mountain-retreat appeal, while occupancy may hover in the 33–37% range as the market absorbs additional inventory. Monitoring supply growth alongside booking trends will be key to gauging whether the market tightens or softens."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Idyllwild, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Idyllwild?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Idyllwild is currently 35%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size—4-bedroom listings lead at 44%, while 2-bedroom units see the lowest rates at around 32%. The relatively modest occupancy reflects Idyllwild's nature as a weekend and seasonal getaway destination rather than a year-round travel hub.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Idyllwild?

Airbnb hosts in Idyllwild earn an average of $3,285 per month, or approximately $39,423 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom cabins average about $28,699 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate up to $125,097 per year. Revenue is heavily influenced by seasonality, with spring months delivering the highest returns.

Is Idyllwild a good market for Airbnb investment?

Idyllwild earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 62 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from steady mountain-getaway demand and an ADR of $287, though occupancy at 35% is below the state average. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for the lucrative spring season can find solid returns, but should plan for slower months and monitor new supply entering the market.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Idyllwild is $287, which is about half the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size—studios average $212 per night, 3-bedroom cabins command $319, and 6+ bedroom properties reach an impressive $1,028 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who can offer larger, group-friendly accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Idyllwild?

Short-term rentals operate in Idyllwild, which is an unincorporated community within Riverside County, California. Regulations are managed at the county level, and operators may need permits, business licenses, or other approvals. We strongly recommend contacting Riverside County's planning department directly to confirm current requirements, as local STR rules can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Idyllwild?

Peak season in Idyllwild runs from roughly February through April, with April being the single highest-earning month at an average of $6,485 in revenue per listing. March is also strong at $5,469. The slowest period falls between June and October, when monthly revenue dips to around $2,100–$2,750. This spring-heavy peak is somewhat unusual compared to typical summer-peak vacation markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Idyllwild?

As of April 2026, there are 341 active Airbnb listings in Idyllwild. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom properties (122 listings) and 3-bedroom cabins (91 listings), with 1-bedroom units also well-represented at 75 listings. Larger properties with 4+ bedrooms account for a smaller share of the market, which may represent an opportunity given their stronger revenue performance.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Idyllwild?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Idyllwild 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 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a host manages their listing.

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 Idyllwild market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12 months of booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical performance and market conditions may have shifted since the as-of date. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements change frequently; always verify with the relevant county or municipal authorities before investing.