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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

81 / 100

Lakehead shows standout short-term rental potential based on its current revenue, occupancy, and pricing trends.

Lakehead Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lakehead, CA earns an ROI score of 81 out of 100, placing it firmly in the Standout Opportunity tier for short-term rental investors. With an average annual revenue of $56,766 on a home value of roughly $505,000, the revenue-to-price ratio sits above average for the state. The market's 52 active listings and strong summer seasonality — driven by its proximity to Shasta Lake — create a compelling niche for investors willing to navigate a leisure-heavy demand curve.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 52
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $551 state avg. $372
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 43% state avg. 23%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $86
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,730
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $56,766

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

Why Investors Consider Lakehead

Lakehead's strong revenue-to-price ratio and lake recreation demand make it an appealing niche market for investors seeking above-average yield on a relatively modest purchase price.

Key investment factors

  • Above-average revenue-to-price ratio with homes averaging around $505K and annual revenue near $57K
  • Summer tourism around Shasta Lake drives a pronounced peak season with July revenues exceeding $7,100
  • Compact market of just 52 listings reduces direct competition compared to larger California destinations
  • 4-bedroom properties generate roughly $75K annually, offering premium returns for larger investment properties
  • Outdoor amenities like lake access, hot tubs, and BBQ grills are strong differentiators that align with guest expectations

Expert Market Assessment

"Lakehead represents a strong seasonal opportunity with clear upside for investors who optimize around the summer peak. The spread between July's $7,167 average revenue and January's $3,011 highlights the importance of pricing strategy and cash flow planning across the calendar. Occupancy at 23% sits well below California's 43% state average, but this reflects the market's vacation-oriented nature rather than a fundamental weakness — the high ADR of $372 compensates by delivering solid per-booking revenue. Investors targeting 2- or 4-bedroom properties will find the most attractive balance of demand and revenue potential in this small but growing market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Lakehead's ROI Score: 81/100

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

Factor Lakehead Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Above average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Above average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Lakehead's ROI score of 81 out of 100 places it in the Standout Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average market growth trend. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rate as average, reflecting the seasonal demand pattern and the 74% year-over-year jump in new listings. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research in Shasta County to confirm that local rules support their investment thesis before committing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lakehead

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

Permit Requirements

Lakehead falls within Shasta County, California, where short-term rental operators may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the county. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Shasta County planning and building departments before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in rural California STR markets can include occupancy limits based on septic or water capacity, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and minimum-stay rules during certain seasons. HOA covenants, if applicable, may impose additional constraints, so it's important to review any CC&Rs tied to the property.

Tax Obligations

California requires collection of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on short-term rentals, and Shasta County may impose its own local rate on top of state requirements. Many platforms like Airbnb collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm they're meeting all state and county obligations.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Lakehead

Financing an Airbnb investment in Lakehead requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Lakehead Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Lakehead's seasonal demand pattern suggests continued strength during summer months, with July revenues likely remaining in the $7,000+ range and shoulder months like May and September holding above $5,000. Given the 74% year-over-year growth in active listings, ADR pressure could emerge if supply outpaces demand, though the market's above-average growth trend helps offset that risk. Over the next 12–18 months, expect occupancy to hover around 20–25% market-wide, with well-positioned lakefront or amenity-rich properties likely outperforming that average. Investors should plan cash reserves to cover the softer January–March window when monthly revenue dips toward $3,000–$3,800."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lakehead, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lakehead?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lakehead is currently 23%, which is below the California state average of 43%. This reflects the market's seasonal, vacation-driven demand centered around Shasta Lake. One-bedroom properties see the highest occupancy at 35%, while larger 3-bedroom listings average around 17%. Despite the lower overall occupancy, the high average daily rate helps maintain solid revenue per available night.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lakehead?
Airbnb hosts in Lakehead earn an average of $4,730 per month and approximately $56,766 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 4-bedroom listings lead at roughly $75,064 annually, while 1-bedroom units average about $24,047. Summer months are the primary revenue driver, with July averaging $7,167 in monthly income.
Is Lakehead a good market for Airbnb investment?
With an ROI score of 81 out of 100, Lakehead rates as a Standout Opportunity for short-term rental investment. Its above-average revenue-to-price ratio is a key strength, with annual revenues near $57K against average home values around $505K. The market is small — just 52 active listings — and growing, which means there's still room for well-positioned properties. Investors should be prepared for seasonal income swings, with a pronounced peak in summer and quieter winter months.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lakehead?
The average daily rate in Lakehead is $372, which is below the California state average of $551 but reflects the market's more affordable, nature-oriented positioning. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $144 per night, while 3- and 4-bedroom properties both command around $388 per night. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom ADR ($144 to $372) is especially notable for investors weighing property size options.
Are short-term rentals legal in Lakehead?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Lakehead area, which falls under Shasta County jurisdiction in California. However, operators may need to obtain permits or register with the county, and applicable Transient Occupancy Tax must be collected. Regulations can change, so investors should verify current requirements with Shasta County authorities and review any HOA rules that may apply to specific properties.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Lakehead?
Peak season in Lakehead runs from May through September, with July clearly leading at an average revenue of $7,167 per month. August follows at $6,333, and May and June both exceed $5,000. The off-peak period from January through March sees the lowest revenue, with January averaging $3,011. This strong summer concentration aligns with Shasta Lake's popularity as a warm-weather recreation destination.
How many Airbnbs are there in Lakehead?
Lakehead currently has 52 active Airbnb listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 18 listings, followed by 1-bedroom units at 13, 4-bedroom homes at 9, and 2-bedroom properties at 6. The market has seen significant growth with a 74% year-over-year increase in active listings, indicating rising investor interest in the area.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lakehead?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lakehead 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, 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, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance window. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing 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 for the Lakehead, CA market
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment comparison
  • 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; verify all details with Shasta County and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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