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

Markleeville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Markleeville, a small alpine community in California's Sierra Nevada, presents a compelling niche opportunity for short-term rental investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. With an ROI score of 65 out of 100 and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, the market delivers meaningful income relative to property costs. The average annual revenue of $60,326 across just 70 active listings suggests a low-competition environment where well-positioned properties can capture outsized winter and summer demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Markleeville 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 Markleeville

Markleeville attracts STR investors because its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and limited supply create a small but profitable market for mountain recreation rentals.

Expert Market Assessment

"Markleeville represents an attractive but seasonal investment opportunity that rewards operators who optimize pricing across its distinct demand cycles. The winter months of January through March are the revenue engines, averaging $8,800–$9,000 per month, while May bottoms out at just $765—a striking 12:1 spread that underscores the importance of cash-flow planning. At a 36% average occupancy rate (below California's 43% state average), there's room for savvy hosts to improve fill rates through dynamic pricing and targeted marketing during shoulder seasons. Overall, the combination of limited supply, strong peak-season revenue, and a favorable revenue-to-price ratio makes this a market worth serious consideration for investors comfortable with mountain-resort economics."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Markleeville

Average revenue by month in Markleeville

Markleeville's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal, peaking in March at $9,048 and bottoming out in May at just $765—a roughly 12:1 spread. The winter ski season (December–March) and summer recreation months (July–August) form two distinct earning windows, with extended shoulder periods of modest income in between.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Markleeville

One-bedroom units dominate the market with 30 of the 70 active listings, while 4-bedroom properties are notably scarce at just 5 listings. The thin supply of larger homes could represent an opportunity for investors, particularly since those sizes command significantly higher nightly rates and annual revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Markleeville

ADR scales steeply with size in Markleeville, rising from $269 for 1-bedroom units to $854 for 4-bedroom homes—more than a 3x premium. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($424) to 3-bedrooms ($622) is especially pronounced, suggesting that larger properties tap into a more premium guest segment willing to pay for space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Markleeville

Revenue per available night climbs steadily with property size, from $99 for 1-bedroom units to $288 for 4-bedroom homes, indicating that larger properties maintain strong earning power even after accounting for occupancy. Three-bedroom listings at $237 RevPAN offer a compelling middle ground between investment cost and per-night returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Markleeville

Occupancy rates are remarkably flat across all property sizes, ranging from 34% for 4-bedrooms to 38% for 3-bedrooms. This consistency means revenue differences between sizes are driven primarily by rate premiums rather than fill-rate advantages, which simplifies the investment analysis.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Markleeville

Three-bedroom properties lead the pack at $8,059 per month on average, significantly outpacing 4-bedrooms ($6,213), 2-bedrooms ($4,985), and 1-bedrooms ($4,146). The 3-bedroom segment's strong monthly revenue combined with moderate supply suggests it may be the sweet spot for new investors entering the Markleeville market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Markleeville

At $96,710 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties generate nearly double the income of 1-bedroom units ($49,752) and outperform even 4-bedrooms ($74,558). This makes the 3-bedroom configuration the standout performer for annual return potential, particularly given the relatively limited supply of larger homes in the market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Markleeville

Parking tops the amenity list at 96%, reflecting Markleeville's car-dependent mountain setting, while kitchens (84%) and self check-in (71%) round out the essentials guests expect. Notable differentiators include pet-friendliness (51%), workspace availability (51%), and EV chargers (40%), signaling that hosts are catering to remote workers and eco-conscious travelers alongside traditional vacationers.

Understanding Markleeville's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Markleeville's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects solid earning potential relative to the area's $850K average home values. Occupancy stability scored below average due to the market's sharp seasonality, while market growth and supply/demand balance both rated average, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding environment. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough research into Alpine County's STR regulations and build conservative cash-flow models that account for the pronounced off-season months.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Markleeville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Markleeville and Alpine County, California, should verify whether a local STR permit or registration is required before listing a property. Investors are encouraged to contact Alpine County's planning department and the State of California's regulatory agencies for the most current requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California mountain communities may include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking regulations to address neighborhood concerns. HOA rules can add another layer of restriction, particularly in planned communities, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

California requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Alpine County may impose its own local rate on top of the state obligation. Major booking platforms often handle tax collection on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the county tax collector.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Markleeville's STR market is expected to maintain its strong seasonal rhythm, with winter months (January–March) and mid-summer (July–August) continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. ADR could see modest increases of 2–4% as limited supply keeps pricing power in hosts' favor, though occupancy may remain in the 34–40% range given the market's seasonal nature. Growth trends appear steady, and the recent doubling of active listings signals rising investor interest without yet flooding supply. Investors should plan cash reserves to weather the softer shoulder months of April through June and October through November."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Markleeville, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Markleeville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Markleeville is currently 36%, which sits below the California state average of 43%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character—winter and summer months drive most bookings, while shoulder periods see lower demand. Occupancy rates across property sizes range from 34% for 4-bedroom homes to 38% for 3-bedroom properties, showing relatively consistent fill rates regardless of unit size.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Markleeville?

Airbnb hosts in Markleeville earn an average of $5,027 per month and approximately $60,326 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 3-bedroom properties lead with $96,710 in average annual revenue, while 1-bedroom units earn around $49,752. Monthly income swings are substantial, from a low of $765 in May to a peak of $9,048 in March, so hosts should plan for seasonal cash-flow variation.

Is Markleeville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Markleeville scores 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential is healthy relative to property acquisition costs (average home value of $850,281). With only 70 active listings, competition remains limited. However, occupancy stability is rated below average due to pronounced seasonality, so investors should factor in quieter months when evaluating returns.

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

The average daily rate in Markleeville is $420, which is below the California state average of $551 but reflects the market's mix of smaller properties. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $269 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $424, 3-bedrooms at $622, and 4-bedroom properties command $854 per night. Larger properties offer significant nightly rate premiums for investors targeting higher-end guests.

Are short-term rentals legal in Markleeville?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Markleeville area, though operators may need to secure permits or register with Alpine County, California. Local regulations can include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. Investors should verify current rules directly with Alpine County's planning department before purchasing, as STR regulations in California mountain communities can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Markleeville?

Peak season in Markleeville runs from December through March, coinciding with ski and snow-sport tourism. February and March are the highest-earning months, averaging $8,949 and $9,048 respectively. A secondary peak occurs in July and August (averaging $6,037–$6,173), driven by summer outdoor recreation. May is the slowest month by a wide margin at just $765 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Markleeville?

There are currently 70 active Airbnb listings in Markleeville as of April 2026. The supply skews heavily toward smaller properties: 1-bedroom units make up the largest share with 30 listings, followed by 18 two-bedroom, 11 three-bedroom, and just 5 four-bedroom properties. This relatively small supply base means new entrants can make an impact, particularly with larger homes that are currently underrepresented.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Markleeville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Markleeville 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, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while 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 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 Markleeville market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 short-term rental regulations may change; investors should verify current rules with Alpine County and California state agencies before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.