Joshua Tree, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Joshua Tree Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Joshua Tree stands out as a desert destination where short-term rental investors can capitalize on an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $495,885 and annual revenue averaging $33,035. The market currently hosts 904 active Airbnb listings with an average daily rate of $259—well below the California state average of $551—making it accessible for investors who want exposure to a high-profile tourism market without coastal price tags. Occupancy sits at 38%, slightly under the state average of 43%, but strong seasonality and a loyal base of weekend and holiday travelers keep the revenue cycle moving.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree attracts STR investors because it pairs relatively affordable desert real estate with strong brand recognition as a national park gateway, creating favorable revenue-to-price dynamics.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 67 out of 100, Joshua Tree earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation—driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and positive market growth trend. Seasonality is the defining feature here: December tops the revenue chart at $4,743, while May bottoms out near $1,711, creating a roughly 2.8x swing that investors need to plan around. Occupancy stability is average, which is typical for a leisure-driven desert market where travel patterns are weather-dependent. For investors who can ride the seasonal curve and differentiate their property with sought-after amenities like hot tubs and outdoor spaces, the market offers a compelling balance of accessible entry costs and meaningful upside."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Joshua Tree

Average revenue by month in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree exhibits sharp seasonality, with December ($4,743) and January ($3,954) anchoring a strong winter peak, while May ($1,711) marks the low point—a nearly 2.8x spread that investors must factor into cash-flow planning. A secondary summer bump in July–August ($3,069–$3,159) provides welcome mid-year relief before the fall shoulder season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Joshua Tree

Two-bedroom listings dominate supply at 342 units, followed by 3-bedrooms (246) and 1-bedrooms (192), making these the most competitive segments. Larger formats are notably scarce—only 16 five-bedroom and 9 six-plus-bedroom listings exist—signaling a potential opportunity for investors targeting group-travel demand with less head-to-head competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Joshua Tree

ADR scales steeply with size in Joshua Tree: studios start at $145/night, while 4-bedrooms jump to $433 and 6+ bedrooms command $1,178. The sharpest premium increase occurs between 3-bedrooms ($273) and 4-bedrooms ($433), suggesting the move to larger properties is where pricing power really accelerates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Joshua Tree

RevPAN climbs steadily from $58 for studios to $447 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedrooms ($167) and 5-bedrooms ($235) delivering strong per-night revenue relative to their supply scarcity. This confirms that while occupancy stays fairly flat across sizes, the ADR premium on larger homes translates directly into superior revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Joshua Tree

Occupancy is remarkably uniform across property sizes in Joshua Tree, clustering between 35% and 40% regardless of bedroom count. Three-bedroom properties sit slightly lower at 35%, while studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms each hit 40%—meaning the revenue advantage of larger homes comes almost entirely from rate rather than fill rate.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Joshua Tree

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,769 for studios to a striking $21,060 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in size delivering meaningful incremental income. The 4-bedroom tier ($5,238/month) represents a compelling mid-range sweet spot, nearly doubling the 3-bedroom figure of $3,160 while remaining a more manageable investment than the largest formats.

Average annual revenue by property size in Joshua Tree

Annual revenue potential ranges from $21,231 for studios to $252,726 for 6+ bedroom properties, underscoring how dramatically returns scale with size in this market. Five-bedroom homes earn roughly $100,459/year, which—when weighed against Joshua Tree's average home values near $496K—suggests strong gross yield potential for investors willing to target larger, group-oriented properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Joshua Tree

Kitchens (98%) and parking (97%) are virtually universal, reflecting the remote, self-catering nature of a desert getaway, while outdoor living features—backyards (90%), outdoor furniture (86%), patios (84%), and BBQ grills (82%)—set the baseline for guest expectations. Hot tubs appear in 67% of listings and pools in 41%, making them differentiators rather than defaults; investors adding these amenities can position above the median listing.

Understanding Joshua Tree's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Joshua Tree's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio—home values near $496K paired with $33K in annual revenue create favorable yield dynamics compared to many California markets. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average, reflecting the seasonal nature of desert tourism and rapid listing growth (91% year-over-year). Investors should pair these metrics with up-to-date research on San Bernardino County's permitting landscape to ensure the numbers hold at the property level.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Joshua Tree

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

Permit Requirements

San Bernardino County, where Joshua Tree is located, requires short-term rental operators to obtain a permit and a county business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current application requirements and any moratorium updates directly with the county's Land Use Services department, as rules have evolved in recent years.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in the Joshua Tree area include occupancy limits tied to property size, designated quiet hours, parking requirements to minimize neighborhood impact, and potential caps on the total number of STR permits issued in certain zones. HOA covenants, where applicable, may impose additional constraints—prospective buyers should confirm STR eligibility before closing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT) collected by San Bernardino County, and platforms like Airbnb often remit this on behalf of hosts. Investors should also confirm whether any additional state or local tourism-related assessments apply to their specific property.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Joshua Tree's revenue trajectory should benefit from continued national park visitation and the area's growing reputation as a wellness and creative retreat destination. We estimate ADR could see modest 2–4% increases during peak winter and summer months, while occupancy is likely to hover in the 36–40% range as supply growth (91% year-over-year listing increase) catches up with demand. Investors entering now should plan for pronounced seasonal swings—December revenue can run nearly three times higher than the May trough—so cash reserves to bridge quieter spring and early summer months will be important. Overall, the market growth trend remains above average, suggesting Joshua Tree hasn't yet plateaued as a STR destination."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Joshua Tree, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Joshua Tree?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Joshua Tree is currently 38%, which trails the California state average of 43%. Occupancy tends to be fairly consistent across property sizes, ranging from about 35% for 3-bedroom units to 40% for studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms. The desert climate creates natural seasonal variation, with higher occupancy during cooler months and softer demand in the hot summer stretches.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Joshua Tree?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Joshua Tree earn approximately $2,752 per month or $33,035 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios bring in around $1,769/month, while 4-bedroom properties average $5,238/month and 5-bedrooms can reach $8,371/month. Larger properties with 6+ bedrooms have the highest earning potential at roughly $21,060/month, though they represent a very small share of the market.

Is Joshua Tree a good market for Airbnb investment?

Joshua Tree scores a 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $495,885 and annual revenues near $33,035. Investors should be aware of pronounced seasonality—December revenue is nearly three times May's—and plan their cash flow accordingly. The market growth trend is above average, suggesting continued demand momentum.

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

The average daily rate in Joshua Tree is $259, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales considerably with property size: studios average $145/night, while 3-bedrooms command $273/night and 5-bedrooms reach $637/night. Properties with 6+ bedrooms can achieve rates as high as $1,178/night, reflecting the premium guests are willing to pay for larger group accommodations in the desert.

Are short-term rentals legal in Joshua Tree?

Short-term rentals are permitted in the Joshua Tree area under San Bernardino County regulations, though operators are required to obtain the appropriate permits and business licenses. The county has periodically updated its STR ordinance, so prospective investors should check directly with San Bernardino County's Land Use Services department for the most current rules regarding permit caps, zoning restrictions, and compliance requirements before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Joshua Tree?

Peak season in Joshua Tree centers on the cooler months, with December leading the way at $4,743 in average monthly revenue, followed by January ($3,954) and February ($3,444). A secondary peak occurs in late summer, with August generating $3,159 and July $3,069. The slowest months are April through June, when desert heat suppresses demand—May bottoms out at just $1,711 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Joshua Tree?

As of April 2026, there are 904 active Airbnb listings in Joshua Tree. The market has seen significant supply growth, with a 91% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest segment at 342 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (246) and 1-bedrooms (192). Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) remain relatively scarce, with just 25 listings combined.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Joshua Tree?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Joshua Tree 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 aggregate the results into 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 draws on its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the property 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data for competitive benchmarking

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and permit availability can significantly affect an individual property's STR viability—always verify before purchasing.