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

Mendocino Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mendocino's rugged Northern California coastline and artsy village charm make it a distinctive short-term rental market, drawing weekend getaway seekers and nature enthusiasts year-round. With an average annual revenue of $53,129 across 101 active listings and an ADR of $331, the market delivers meaningful income potential — though occupancy at 31% sits below the 43% state average, reflecting the seasonal and destination-driven nature of demand. The ROI score of 59 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity where above-average occupancy stability helps offset a tighter supply/demand balance.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mendocino 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 Mendocino

Mendocino appeals to investors seeking a premium coastal market where above-average occupancy stability and strong summer revenue can offset higher property acquisition costs.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mendocino represents an attractive but nuanced opportunity for short-term rental investors. Summer months clearly drive the market — July ($6,526) and August ($6,364) deliver roughly double the revenue of the February low ($3,088) — so investors should budget for meaningful seasonal swings. Occupancy stability rates above average, which helps smooth cash flow outside peak season, and the market's small listing count of 101 keeps competitive intensity manageable for well-operated properties. The elevated supply growth (135% YoY) and a below-average supply/demand balance warrant close monitoring, but the coastal scarcity and premium ADR give established hosts meaningful pricing leverage."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mendocino

Average revenue by month in Mendocino

Mendocino's revenue pattern follows a clear summer peak, with July ($6,526) and August ($6,364) delivering the strongest months and February ($3,088) marking the annual low — a spread of over $3,400 that investors should plan around. Shoulder months from April through June and September through November cluster in the $4,000–$4,875 range, offering a more balanced earning floor than many seasonal coastal markets.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mendocino

One-bedroom units dominate Mendocino's supply at 54 of 101 total listings, while 2- and 3-bedroom properties each hold 18 listings and studios account for just 6. The relatively thin supply of larger homes, combined with their higher revenue potential, could represent an opportunity for investors targeting the 2–3 bedroom segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mendocino

ADR scales sharply with size in Mendocino: 3-bedroom properties command $480 per night — more than double the $220 rate for 1-bedrooms. The jump from 1-bedroom ($220) to 2-bedroom ($407) is especially steep, suggesting guests are willing to pay a significant premium for additional space in this coastal retreat market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mendocino

Three-bedroom properties lead on RevPAN at $155, followed by 2-bedrooms at $135, reflecting their higher nightly rates and reasonable occupancy. Studios perform surprisingly well at $102 RevPAN thanks to their 43% occupancy, while 1-bedrooms lag at $62 — suggesting the large supply of 1-bedroom listings may be compressing their effective yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mendocino

Studios achieve the highest occupancy at 43%, significantly outpacing 1-bedrooms at 28%, while 2- and 3-bedroom units hold steady around 32–33%. The lower occupancy for 1-bedrooms likely reflects oversupply in that segment, making it the riskiest category for investors seeking consistent cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mendocino

Three-bedroom properties are the clear revenue leaders at $9,211 per month — nearly triple the $3,557 earned by 1-bedrooms and well above the $6,368 that 2-bedrooms generate. Studios ($3,496) and 1-bedrooms produce similar monthly revenue, indicating that the real earnings jump begins at the 2-bedroom threshold.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mendocino

Annual revenue ranges from roughly $42,000 for studios and 1-bedrooms to $76,421 for 2-bedroom properties and $110,538 for 3-bedrooms. Investors targeting larger properties stand to earn 2.5× more annually than those with smaller units, which can meaningfully offset the higher acquisition costs typical of Mendocino's real estate market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mendocino

Parking is nearly universal at 99% of listings, reflecting Mendocino's remote location where guests arrive by car. Kitchens (81%), patios or balconies (69%), and backyards (68%) round out the top amenities, while pet-friendliness (52%) and hot tubs (31%) signal strong guest demand for outdoor living and relaxation — amenities that can serve as meaningful differentiators when competing for bookings.

Understanding Mendocino's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Mendocino's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where healthy revenue potential and above-average occupancy stability are partially offset by a below-average supply/demand balance and average revenue-to-price ratio. The 135% year-over-year listing growth is worth watching, as rising supply can pressure occupancy and rates over time. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and conservative cash-flow modeling to ensure the numbers work given Mendocino's $1.3M average property values.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mendocino

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Mendocino, California should expect to obtain a permit or register their property with the county before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current requirements directly with Mendocino County planning and permitting offices, as rules can change and may vary between incorporated and unincorporated areas.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements (especially during certain seasons), noise and parking regulations, and caps on the total number of permitted rentals. HOA covenants and local neighborhood-specific rules may impose additional constraints, so due diligence before purchase is essential.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in Mendocino are typically subject to California's transient occupancy tax (TOT) and potentially county-level tourism assessment fees. Airbnb and similar platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but owners should confirm their full tax obligations with Mendocino County's tax authority.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mendocino's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its pronounced summer peak while gradually firming up shoulder-season demand. ADR could see modest increases in the 1–3% range given the coastal premium and limited housing stock, though occupancy is likely to remain in the 28–35% corridor market-wide. The 135% year-over-year growth in active listings introduces new competitive pressure, so operators who invest in differentiated amenities and dynamic pricing should be best positioned to capture above-average returns. Investors should treat revenue estimates conservatively while monitoring whether supply growth stabilizes."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mendocino, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mendocino?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mendocino is currently 31%, compared to the California state average of 43%. This reflects the market's destination-driven nature — guests tend to visit for weekends and peak seasons rather than extended stays. Studios lead at 43% occupancy, while 1-bedroom units sit lower at 28%. Investors who optimize pricing and minimum-stay requirements for shoulder seasons can often outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mendocino?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Mendocino earn approximately $4,427 per month or $53,129 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios and 1-bedrooms average around $3,500/month, while 3-bedroom properties bring in roughly $9,211/month ($110,538 annually). Summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $6,500, making property size and seasonal pricing strategy key levers for maximizing income.

Is Mendocino a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mendocino scores 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a coastal premium that supports an ADR of $331. However, with average home values at $1,302,369 and occupancy below the state average, investors should carefully model cash flow — particularly factoring in strong summer peaks and quieter winter months. Larger properties (2–3 bedrooms) tend to deliver the best revenue-to-cost dynamics.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Mendocino is $331, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $236 and 1-bedrooms $220, while 2-bedroom properties jump to $407 and 3-bedrooms reach $480. This pricing structure suggests that guests booking larger coastal retreats are willing to pay a substantial premium.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mendocino?

Short-term rentals operate in Mendocino, California, but hosts are generally expected to obtain the appropriate permits or registrations from Mendocino County. Local regulations may include occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. Because rules can evolve, prospective investors should verify current permitting requirements and any caps on rental permits directly with county planning offices before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mendocino?

Peak season in Mendocino runs from June through August, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $6,526 and August close behind at $6,364. Revenue during these summer months is roughly double what hosts earn in February ($3,088), the softest month. Shoulder months like May, September, and even November still generate solid returns in the $4,000–$4,700 range, suggesting the market isn't entirely dependent on a narrow summer window.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mendocino?

As of April 2026, there are 101 active Airbnb listings in Mendocino. The market has seen substantial growth, with a 135% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties dominate supply at 54 listings, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties each account for 18 listings. Studios make up the smallest segment with just 6 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mendocino?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Mendocino 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 roll the remaining data up into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since 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 for the Mendocino market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations and permit requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with Mendocino County authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.