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

Kirkwood Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kirkwood is a mountain resort community in California's Sierra Nevada where ski season and summer recreation drive pronounced short-term rental demand. With an average occupancy rate of 49% — well above the 43% state average — and a market-wide average annual revenue of $50,570, the market rewards well-positioned properties despite relatively modest listing counts. An ROI score of 61 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity where revenue and property values remain in reasonable balance.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kirkwood short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Kirkwood

Kirkwood attracts STR investors because its dual-season resort appeal, above-average occupancy, and limited total supply create a defensible niche for well-managed properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kirkwood presents a solidly attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate its sharp seasonality. Peak revenue months — January through March — each generate over $7,400 on average, while the off-season bottoms out near $638 in May, creating a wide spread that demands careful cash-flow planning. Three-bedroom units stand out as the top earners at $80,544 annually, and the 62% prevalence of ski-in/ski-out amenities underscores the market's resort-driven character. Investors who target larger properties with key amenities and price strategically across seasons are best positioned to capture Kirkwood's dual-peak demand cycle."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kirkwood

Average revenue by month in Kirkwood

Kirkwood displays extreme seasonality, with March leading at $7,587 and the winter trifecta of January–March each exceeding $7,400, while May bottoms out at just $638 — a roughly 12x spread between peak and trough. A notable secondary peak in July–August ($5,057–$5,175) gives investors two earning windows, though shoulder months like April, October, and November remain relatively thin.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kirkwood

One-bedroom units dominate Kirkwood's supply at 27 of 63 total listings (43%), while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties are comparatively scarce at 13 and 10 listings respectively. The limited supply of larger units — combined with their stronger revenue metrics — may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire multi-bedroom properties in a less crowded segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kirkwood

ADR rises sharply with size in Kirkwood: 3-bedroom properties command $704 per night compared to $314 for 1-bedrooms, representing a 124% premium. Studios actually out-price 1-bedrooms at $361, likely reflecting boutique or premium-positioned units, while the jump from 2-bedrooms ($526) to 3-bedrooms ($704) offers the steepest absolute rate increase.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kirkwood

Revenue per available night scales clearly with property size, from $152 for 1-bedrooms to $382 for 3-bedroom units — the highest in the market. Two-bedroom properties also perform well at $301 RevPAN, making both 2- and 3-bedroom configurations the most efficient revenue generators after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kirkwood

Two-bedroom properties achieve the highest occupancy in Kirkwood at 57%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 54% and 1-bedrooms at 48%, while studios trail at 43%. The stronger occupancy of mid-size and larger units suggests groups and families drive the majority of bookings, which bodes well for cash-flow consistency in those segments.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kirkwood

Three-bedroom properties lead with $6,712 in average monthly revenue, nearly triple the $2,323 studios generate. Two-bedrooms earn a solid $5,494 per month, while 1-bedrooms at $2,817 highlight how quickly revenue drops off for smaller configurations in this group-oriented resort market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kirkwood

At $80,544 per year, 3-bedroom units represent Kirkwood's highest revenue tier and more than double the $33,805 annual take of 1-bedrooms. Two-bedroom properties at $65,937 also offer strong return potential, and both configurations may justify higher acquisition costs given the significant revenue gap over smaller units.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kirkwood

Parking dominates at 95%, reflecting Kirkwood's remote mountain location where guests arrive by car, while 62% of listings advertise ski-in/ski-out access — a strong differentiator in this market. Kitchen availability at 86% and self check-in at 75% signal that guests expect self-sufficient stays, and the 25% hot tub prevalence suggests room for competitive differentiation by adding premium amenities.

Understanding Kirkwood's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Kirkwood's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a balanced profile across all four evaluation factors — Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance — each rated at average levels. The score suggests the market offers reasonable returns relative to property costs, without the outsized risk that comes with overheated or highly speculative markets. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a clear seasonal cash-flow plan, since Kirkwood's sharp revenue swings between peak and off-peak months are a defining characteristic.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kirkwood

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Kirkwood, California may need to obtain a permit or register with Alpine County or applicable local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the county planning or business licensing office, as mountain resort communities often have specific STR regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California mountain resort areas can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, designated parking mandates, and caps on the total number of permits issued. HOA covenants in ski-resort condominiums may impose additional restrictions or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

California requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Alpine County may levy its own local lodging taxes on top of state obligations. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations to avoid compliance issues.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kirkwood's STR market is expected to benefit from continued winter sports demand and growing summer visitation, with peak-season months (January–March, July–August) likely sustaining ADRs in the $480–$530 range. Occupancy could hold steady around 47–51% annually, though shoulder months like May and November will remain soft. The year-over-year listing growth of 104% suggests new supply entering the market, which may moderate per-listing revenue gains by 1–3% unless demand keeps pace. Investors should plan conservatively around seasonal cash flow and monitor how the expanding supply base affects booking rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kirkwood, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kirkwood?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kirkwood is currently 49%, which is notably above the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 2-bedroom units lead at 57%, while studios sit at 43%. The higher market-wide rate reflects Kirkwood's appeal as a destination resort where guests tend to book dedicated trips rather than passing through.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kirkwood?

Airbnb hosts in Kirkwood earn an average of $4,214 per month and approximately $50,570 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios average $27,885 annually, 1-bedrooms around $33,805, 2-bedrooms about $65,937, and 3-bedrooms lead at $80,544. Individual results depend on property quality, amenities, pricing strategy, and how well operators capitalize on the winter and summer peak seasons.

Is Kirkwood a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kirkwood scores 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy, a manageable supply of just 63 active listings, and strong seasonal revenue peaks during ski season and summer. However, property values average around $1,030,242, so investors should carefully weigh acquisition costs against expected revenue and plan for pronounced off-season dips in months like May and November.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Kirkwood is $480, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with size — studios average $361, 1-bedrooms $314, 2-bedrooms $526, and 3-bedrooms command $704 per night. The premium for larger properties reflects the group-oriented nature of ski vacation bookings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kirkwood?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Kirkwood, as evidenced by 63 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, operators may be required to obtain permits or register with Alpine County and comply with local regulations including occupancy limits, parking rules, and noise ordinances. Tax obligations such as California's transient occupancy tax also apply. Investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing, especially if the property is within an HOA.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kirkwood?

Kirkwood has two distinct peak periods. The primary peak runs from December through March, driven by ski season — March tops the chart at $7,587 in average monthly revenue, followed closely by February ($7,503) and January ($7,406). A secondary summer peak occurs in July ($5,057) and August ($5,175) as outdoor recreation draws visitors. May is the softest month at just $638 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kirkwood?

As of April 2026, there are 63 active Airbnb listings in Kirkwood. The supply is concentrated in smaller units: 27 are 1-bedroom properties, 13 are 2-bedrooms, 10 are 3-bedrooms, and 9 are studios. Year-over-year listing growth stands at 104%, indicating the supply base has roughly doubled, which is worth monitoring as it could affect per-listing revenue going forward.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kirkwood?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kirkwood 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like ski season) and slower months (like May). 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 average daily rates for the Kirkwood market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue broken down by property size
• Seasonal revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance across comparable listings
• Popular amenity prevalence data reflecting current guest expectations and competitive positioning
• Property value benchmarks 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.