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

Julian Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Julian, a small mountain community in San Diego County, draws weekend getaway seekers and seasonal visitors with its apple orchards, mild summer climate, and rustic charm. With 157 active Airbnb listings averaging $37,142 in annual revenue and an ADR of $285—roughly half the California state average—the market offers an approachable price point for guests while still generating meaningful income for hosts. Occupancy sits at 31%, well below the 43% state average, signaling that success here depends on strong seasonal positioning and differentiated property offerings. Investors who source deals selectively and optimize for peak summer demand can find opportunity, but the numbers reward careful underwriting over broad strokes.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Julian 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 Julian

Julian appeals to investors seeking a leisure-driven mountain market with below-state-average property prices and strong summer demand concentration.

Expert Market Assessment

"Julian earns a 'Competitive Opportunity' designation with an ROI score of 51 out of 100, reflecting a market where demand is real but returns require deliberate strategy. The revenue-to-price ratio sits at an average level against a home value index of $784,641, meaning investors need strong operational execution to hit attractive yield targets. Seasonality is the defining feature here: July revenue of $5,138 is nearly 2.5 times what hosts earn in January ($2,107), so cash-flow planning must account for significant off-peak softness. Investors targeting 3-bedroom properties—which deliver the highest RevPAN at $130—stand the best chance of balancing acquisition cost against income potential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Julian

Average revenue by month in Julian

Julian's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $5,138 and bottoming out in January at $2,107—a spread of over $3,000. The summer months of June through August drive the bulk of annual income, while fall and winter revenue remains relatively flat in the $2,400–$2,600 range, making off-season cash-flow planning essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Julian

One-bedroom listings dominate Julian's supply with 54 of the market's 157 active properties, followed by 2-bedrooms (38) and 3-bedrooms (34). Four-bedroom homes are the scarcest at just 13 listings, which—paired with their strong revenue performance—may represent an undersupplied segment worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Julian

ADR climbs steadily from $190–$193 for studios and 1-bedrooms to $402 for 3-bedrooms and $430 for 4-bedrooms, more than doubling across the size spectrum. The sharpest jump occurs between 2-bedroom ($265) and 3-bedroom properties, where the $137 premium suggests guests place high value on the extra space for group getaways.

Average RevPAN by property size in Julian

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $130, outperforming 4-bedrooms ($109) despite a lower ADR—a result of stronger occupancy. Studios lag at just $45 in RevPAN, underscoring that the mid-to-large property segment is where revenue efficiency peaks in Julian.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Julian

Occupancy is tightly clustered for 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units at 32%, while studios (23%) and 4-bedrooms (25%) trail noticeably. The consistency across the middle tiers suggests reliable demand for moderately sized properties, while the drop-off at both ends points to narrower guest pools for the smallest and largest units.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Julian

Monthly revenue scales from $2,160 for studios to $4,857 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms earning $4,110—close behind despite a significantly lower nightly rate. The gap between 1-bedroom ($2,413) and 2-bedroom ($2,928) revenue is a manageable $515, but jumping to a 3-bedroom adds nearly $1,200 per month, making it the most impactful size upgrade.

Average annual revenue by property size in Julian

Four-bedroom homes lead annual revenue at $58,285, followed by 3-bedrooms at $49,320—both substantially outpacing the market average of $37,142. Given that 3-bedrooms achieve the highest RevPAN and likely carry lower acquisition costs than 4-bedroom properties, they may offer the most attractive return profile for investors weighing revenue against purchase price.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Julian

Parking (99%) and self check-in (90%) are near-universal in Julian, reflecting the car-dependent, rural nature of the market and guest expectations for contactless arrivals. Outdoor-focused amenities dominate—outdoor furniture (81%), patios (77%), backyards (73%), and BBQ grills (59%)—while hot tubs appear in 28% of listings, suggesting an opportunity for differentiation among properties that add this feature.

Understanding Julian's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Julian's ROI score of 51 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine demand but tighter margins than higher-scoring alternatives. The revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values near $785K, while below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance signal that not every property will perform equally—deal selection matters. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on 3-bedroom configurations can help investors position for the strongest returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Julian

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Julian and the broader San Diego County area may need to obtain a vacation rental permit or register their property with the county. Investors should verify current requirements directly with San Diego County's planning and development services before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California mountain communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-night stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential caps on the total number of permitted STRs. HOA rules in specific Julian neighborhoods may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs is an essential step before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

California requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit transient occupancy tax (TOT), and San Diego County may levy additional local tourism or assessment fees. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and county obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Julian's short-term rental market is expected to follow its established seasonal pattern, with the strongest demand concentrated from June through August and a softer stretch through winter. ADR may see modest gains in the range of 1–3% as hosts continue adding premium amenities like hot tubs and outdoor spaces to justify higher nightly rates. Occupancy is likely to remain in the low-to-mid 30% range absent a significant shift in local tourism infrastructure, though larger properties could outperform that average. Investors should plan cash-flow projections around the summer revenue spike and budget conservatively for the slower months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Julian, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Julian?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Julian is currently 31%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom listings all averaging around 32%, while studios (23%) and 4-bedroom homes (25%) tend to book less frequently. Seasonal demand plays a major role, so hosts who optimize pricing and minimum stays around peak summer months can outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Julian?

Active Airbnb hosts in Julian earn an average of $3,095 per month, which translates to approximately $37,142 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—studios average around $2,160 per month, while 4-bedroom homes bring in roughly $4,857 monthly. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $5,100, whereas January typically dips to around $2,100.

Is Julian a good market for Airbnb investment?

Julian carries an ROI score of 51 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from steady leisure demand driven by its mountain setting and proximity to San Diego, but below-average occupancy stability and a tightening supply/demand balance mean investors need to be selective with their acquisitions. Larger properties—particularly 3-bedroom homes—tend to offer the strongest revenue-per-available-night performance, making them the most compelling configuration for investors entering this market.

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

The average daily rate in Julian is $285, which is well below the California state average of $551. ADR scales considerably with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average $190–$193 per night, 2-bedrooms command $265, and 3- and 4-bedroom homes reach $402–$430. This pricing structure makes Julian accessible for budget-conscious travelers while giving hosts of larger properties meaningful nightly rate premiums.

Are short-term rentals legal in Julian?

Short-term rentals operate in Julian under San Diego County jurisdiction, and operators may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with the county. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and parking requirements. Because rules evolve, prospective investors should consult directly with San Diego County planning officials and review any applicable HOA covenants before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Julian?

Peak season in Julian runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $5,138. June ($3,858) and August ($4,112) also perform well above the annual monthly average of $3,095. The slowest months are January ($2,107) and November ($2,415), creating a roughly 2.4x spread between the highest and lowest revenue months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Julian?

There are currently 157 active Airbnb listings in Julian. The market is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (54 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (38), 3-bedrooms (34), studios (14), and 4-bedrooms (13). Year-over-year listing growth stands at 104%, indicating the market's supply is expanding as more investors recognize Julian's short-term rental potential.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Julian?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Julian 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across multiple property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu 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 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.