Lemon Grove, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lemon Grove Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lemon Grove, CA is a small but emerging short-term rental market just east of San Diego, with 46 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $22,961 per property. While the market's $143 ADR sits well below the California state average of $551, its relatively modest supply and favorable supply/demand dynamics create a niche opportunity — particularly for investors willing to source deals carefully in a competitive pricing environment. The 178% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 34% trails the 43% state average.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lemon Grove 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 Lemon Grove

Investors are drawn to Lemon Grove for its proximity to San Diego's tourism and employment base, combined with a still-small supply of short-term rentals and relatively accessible home prices compared to coastal neighbors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lemon Grove presents a competitive opportunity that rewards disciplined deal sourcing rather than broad market entry. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and 34% occupancy rate mean not every property will cash-flow comfortably, but two-bedroom units averaging $30,809 annually stand out as the strongest configuration. Seasonality is meaningful — July revenue runs roughly 2.4× the January trough — so investors should budget for softer winter months. The above-average supply/demand balance is a bright spot, suggesting the market hasn't yet been oversaturated despite rapid listing growth."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lemon Grove

Average revenue by month in Lemon Grove

Lemon Grove shows pronounced summer seasonality, with July delivering the highest average revenue at $3,178 — nearly 2.4 times the January low of $1,300. The shoulder months of March ($2,149) and August ($2,542) also outperform, while November through February consistently sit below $1,520, making cash reserve planning essential for winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lemon Grove

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 21 of the market's 46 listings (46%), followed by 10 two-bedrooms and just 7 studios. The concentration in one-bedrooms combined with their lower revenue metrics suggests two-bedroom properties may represent an undersupplied segment with stronger earning potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lemon Grove

ADR jumps substantially for two-bedroom listings at $174 — nearly double the $90 rate for one-bedrooms and 67% above studios at $104. The premium for that extra bedroom is significant and suggests guests in this market are willing to pay considerably more for additional space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lemon Grove

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $52, followed by one-bedrooms at $37 and studios at $29. Despite two-bedrooms having lower occupancy than one-bedrooms, their substantially higher ADR more than compensates, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lemon Grove

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 41%, outpacing two-bedrooms (30%) and studios (28%) by a notable margin. While one-bedrooms stay fullest, their lower ADR means higher occupancy doesn't translate to the highest revenue — investors prioritizing cash-flow stability over peak revenue may still favor this configuration.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lemon Grove

Two-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $2,567 per month, more than double the $1,166 generated by one-bedrooms and nearly twice the $1,349 from studios. The revenue gap between one-bedrooms and studios is relatively narrow, suggesting studios may offer a better return on lower acquisition costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lemon Grove

At $30,809 annually, two-bedroom listings generate over twice the revenue of one-bedrooms ($13,995) and nearly double that of studios ($16,195). For investors focused on maximizing gross revenue, two-bedroom configurations offer the strongest return potential in Lemon Grove, though acquisition costs and renovation budgets should be factored into the full ROI picture.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lemon Grove

Parking dominates at 96% prevalence — a near-universal expectation in this suburban market — followed by kitchens (87%) and self check-in (72%). Outdoor living features like patios, outdoor furniture, and backyards appear in 54–65% of listings, reflecting guest demand for private outdoor space, while pools remain rare at just 11%, potentially offering a differentiation opportunity.

Understanding Lemon Grove's ROI Score: 50/100

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

Lemon Grove's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real potential but demands careful deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio (driven by $845,608 average home values relative to $22,961 in annual revenue) is the primary drag on the score, while average occupancy stability and an above-average supply/demand balance partially offset that pressure. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting two-bedroom properties — which generate the strongest RevPAN — will help investors identify the deals most likely to pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lemon Grove

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lemon Grove, California may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the City of Lemon Grove and San Diego County, as local ordinances can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar California markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates for guests. HOA rules can impose additional limitations, so investors should review any applicable CC&Rs before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

California STR operators are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT), and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on the host's behalf. Investors should also account for state and local sales tax obligations and confirm applicable rates with San Diego County or the City of Lemon Grove.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lemon Grove's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the sharp increase in new listings, which could put additional pressure on occupancy rates unless local demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate in the June–August window, with July historically delivering roughly $3,178 in average monthly revenue — more than double the winter lows near $1,300. Investors should plan for ADR to remain relatively flat or see modest 1–3% increases, with annual occupancy likely settling in the 32–36% range as the market absorbs new supply. Selective property acquisition and strong operational execution will be key to outperforming these averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lemon Grove, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lemon Grove?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lemon Grove is currently 34%, which trails the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with one-bedroom units performing best at 41%, while studios average 28% and two-bedrooms come in at 30%. Investors targeting higher occupancy should focus on competitive pricing and strong guest amenities to outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lemon Grove?

Airbnb hosts in Lemon Grove earn an average of $1,913 per month and approximately $22,961 annually, based on trailing 12-month historical booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: two-bedroom listings lead with about $2,567 per month ($30,809 annually), while one-bedroom units average $1,166 per month ($13,995 annually). Peak summer months, especially July, can push monthly earnings above $3,100.

Is Lemon Grove a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lemon Grove scores a 50 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and proximity to San Diego, but its below-average revenue-to-price ratio means investors need to be selective with acquisitions. Two-bedroom properties offer the strongest return profile, and operators who manage seasonality well and maintain high-quality listings have the best shot at solid returns.

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

The average daily rate in Lemon Grove is $143, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR varies by property size: studios average $104, one-bedrooms $90, and two-bedrooms command $174. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Lemon Grove's inland suburban positioning compared to coastal resort markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lemon Grove?

Short-term rentals operate in Lemon Grove, but investors should verify current regulations directly with the City of Lemon Grove and San Diego County. California municipalities frequently update their STR ordinances, and requirements around permits, taxes, and operational restrictions can change. Consulting local planning or code enforcement departments before purchasing is strongly recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lemon Grove?

Peak season in Lemon Grove runs from June through August, with July standing out as the highest-earning month at an average of $3,178 in revenue. June ($2,385) and August ($2,542) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January ($1,300) and November ($1,494), so investors should plan for roughly a 2.4× swing between peak and trough months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lemon Grove?

As of April 2026, there are 46 active Airbnb listings in Lemon Grove. The market has grown rapidly, with a 178% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 21 listings, followed by 10 two-bedrooms and 7 studios.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lemon Grove?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lemon Grove 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 numbers to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower periods because each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.