Indian Wells, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Indian Wells Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Indian Wells sits in the heart of California's Coachella Valley, a desert resort destination that draws visitors for world-class golf, tennis tournaments, and seasonal snowbird demand. With an average daily rate of $398 and 50% occupancy — both outperforming the state average occupancy of 43% — the market commands premium nightly pricing, though average home values near $3.07 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is tight. The 61 active Airbnb listings signal a compact, high-end market where selective deal sourcing matters more than volume. Investors should expect sharp seasonality and plan accordingly, as revenue swings significantly between peak winter months and the quieter summer season.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Indian Wells 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 Indian Wells

Investors are drawn to Indian Wells for its luxury desert resort appeal and strong seasonal pricing power, though the high cost of entry demands careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Indian Wells presents a competitive opportunity where the fundamentals — strong ADR and above-average occupancy — are offset by some of the highest home values in California's desert region. The revenue-to-price ratio scores below average, meaning investors need to be disciplined about acquisition price to make the numbers work. Seasonality is pronounced: April leads at $7,636 in average monthly revenue while September dips to just $2,477, creating a nearly 3:1 spread between peak and trough months. Properties that can capture the lucrative winter-spring corridor and maintain even modest summer bookings will be best positioned to generate meaningful returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Indian Wells

Average revenue by month in Indian Wells

Indian Wells displays sharp seasonality, with April ($7,636) and March ($6,439) far outpacing the summer trough — September averages just $2,477. The roughly 3:1 ratio between peak and low months means investors should budget for substantial off-season revenue dips and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize winter-spring earnings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Indian Wells

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 24 of the 61 active listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 18. Two-bedroom units are notably underrepresented at just 6 listings, which could signal a gap worth exploring for investors who can source or convert properties in that size range.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Indian Wells

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count — from $220 for 1-bedrooms to $580 for 4-bedroom homes, a 2.6x premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($236) to 3-bedroom ($454) is particularly dramatic, suggesting that the 3-bedroom threshold is where guests begin expecting full resort-style accommodations and are willing to pay accordingly.

Average RevPAN by property size in Indian Wells

RevPAN climbs steadily from $131 for both 1- and 2-bedroom units to $227 for 4-bedroom properties. While larger homes earn more per available night in absolute terms, the 1-bedroom tier delivers its $131 RevPAN on 59% occupancy — meaning smaller units achieve comparable per-night efficiency to 2-bedrooms despite a lower nightly rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Indian Wells

Occupancy follows an inverse relationship with property size: 1-bedrooms fill 59% of available nights compared to just 39% for 4-bedroom homes. For cash-flow-conscious investors, the higher booking frequency of smaller units offers more predictable income, while larger properties rely on fewer but significantly more lucrative bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Indian Wells

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $6,420, roughly 2.5 times the $2,620 earned by 1-bedroom units. The 3-bedroom tier sits at $4,385/month, offering a middle ground that balances strong revenue with more manageable acquisition and maintenance costs than the largest homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Indian Wells

Annual revenue ranges from $31,442 for 1-bedroom listings to $77,040 for 4-bedroom homes, with 3-bedrooms generating $52,629. Given Indian Wells' average home values near $3 million, even the $77,040 top-line from a 4-bedroom underscores the importance of securing below-market acquisition prices to achieve attractive yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Indian Wells

Pools and kitchens each appear in 98% of Indian Wells listings, establishing them as non-negotiable guest expectations in this desert resort market. Outdoor living features — patios (85%), BBQ grills (84%), and outdoor furniture (77%) — are nearly as ubiquitous, while hot tubs (43%) and EV chargers (31%) remain differentiators that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Indian Wells's ROI Score: 36/100

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

Indian Wells earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 36 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band — meaning demand and investor interest are real, but higher property prices compress returns. Both the revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability scored below average, reflecting the challenge of generating sufficient yield against $3M+ home values and the market's pronounced seasonal swings. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties priced well below the market median to improve their return profile.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Indian Wells

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Indian Wells, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before hosting guests. Investors should verify current permitting requirements directly with the city's planning or code enforcement department before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California desert resort communities can include limits on the number of occupants per property, minimum-stay requirements (especially during major events), noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. HOA restrictions are particularly relevant in Indian Wells, where many properties fall within gated communities or planned developments that may impose their own STR limitations or outright bans.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are generally subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Indian Wells may impose its own local TOT rate in addition to any county or state-level obligations. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax liability with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Indian Wells should continue to benefit from its established seasonal demand cycle, with peak months (February through April) likely sustaining strong ADR in the $400–$600 range for larger properties. Active listing counts grew 118% year over year, which may put some downward pressure on occupancy and pricing as supply catches up with demand. We estimate occupancy could settle in the 45–52% range market-wide, with ADR holding relatively steady or seeing modest 1–3% adjustments depending on property size and positioning. Investors entering now should factor in the possibility of increased competition and focus on differentiation through amenities and guest experience."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Indian Wells, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Indian Wells?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Indian Wells is currently 50%, which is notably above the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 59%, while larger 4-bedroom homes average around 39%. This reflects the trade-off between premium pricing on larger properties and the booking frequency that smaller units can sustain.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Indian Wells?

Airbnb hosts in Indian Wells earn an average of $3,868 per month and approximately $46,416 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $31,442 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in around $77,040 per year. These figures reflect historical booking performance across active comparable listings in the market.

Is Indian Wells a good market for Airbnb investment?

Indian Wells carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 36 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers strong nightly rates and solid occupancy, but the high cost of entry — with average home values near $3.07 million — compresses the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals selectively and optimize for the lucrative February-through-April season can still find viable opportunities, but underwriting needs to be tight given the premium price point.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Indian Wells is $398, which is below the California state average of $551 but reflects the market's mix of property sizes. ADR ranges from $220 for 1-bedroom units up to $580 for 4-bedroom properties. Larger homes command a significant premium, making them attractive from a per-night revenue standpoint despite lower occupancy rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Indian Wells?

Short-term rentals operate in Indian Wells, but the city and the State of California may impose specific permitting, registration, or licensing requirements. Regulations can change, so investors should consult directly with the City of Indian Wells planning department and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Indian Wells?

Peak season in Indian Wells runs from February through April, coinciding with the Coachella Valley's prime tourist season. April is the top-earning month with average revenue of $7,636, followed by March at $6,439 and February at $4,559. The summer months (June through September) represent the off-peak period, with September bottoming out at $2,477 — making cash-flow planning essential for year-round viability.

How many Airbnbs are there in Indian Wells?

As of April 2026, there are 61 active Airbnb listings in Indian Wells. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (24 listings) and 1-bedroom units (18 listings), with fewer 4-bedroom (8) and 2-bedroom (6) options. The relatively small market size means new entrants should carefully evaluate how their property compares to existing inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Indian Wells?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Indian Wells 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 remaining data 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 Indian Wells and surrounding markets
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Historical revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost context
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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 averages as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market shifts. Local short-term rental regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.