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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

37 / 100

Middletown presents a competitive opportunity: investor interest and demand are strong, but higher prices or tighter competition may require more selective deal sourcing.

Middletown Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Middletown, CA is a small, nature-oriented market in Northern California's Lake County with just 20 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $16,735 per property. While the average daily rate of $308 sits well below California's $551 state average, home values averaging $465,956 keep acquisition costs relatively moderate for the state. The market saw 60% year-over-year growth in active listings, signaling rising investor interest — though occupancy at 28% lags the 43% state average, suggesting that selective deal sourcing and strong operational execution are essential here.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 20
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $551 state avg. $308
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 43% state avg. 28%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $86
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,394
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $16,735

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

Why Investors Consider Middletown

Middletown appeals to investors seeking an affordable California entry point in a low-supply market with strong seasonal demand tied to outdoor recreation and rural getaways.

Key investment factors

  • Low listing count (20 active) means less direct competition for well-positioned properties
  • Home values roughly 15% below California's broader average reduce acquisition barriers
  • Summer months drive revenue above $2,000/month, rewarding properties that capture peak-season bookings
  • Favorable supply/demand balance rated above average suggests unmet guest demand during high season
  • Rural Northern California setting attracts nature-oriented travelers seeking hot springs, wineries, and Lake County recreation

Expert Market Assessment

"Middletown presents a competitive but narrowly focused opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. July is the clear revenue peak at $2,304 per month, while January dips to just $709 — a spread of more than 3x that underscores the importance of pricing strategy and cost control during the off-season. The above-average supply/demand balance is a bright spot, but below-average occupancy stability (28% overall) means cash flow can be uneven. Investors who target 2-bedroom properties and optimize for summer demand stand the best chance of generating meaningful returns in this micro-market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Middletown's ROI Score: 37/100

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

What This Means for Investors

Middletown's ROI Score of 37 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine potential but requires more careful deal selection to achieve attractive returns. The average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average occupancy stability are the primary drags on the score, while the above-average supply/demand balance offers a counterweight suggesting unmet guest demand. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on 2-bedroom properties to maximize their odds of a solid outcome.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Middletown

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Middletown and Lake County, California may need to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Lake County Planning Department and the State of California's tax agencies.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-night stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules may further limit rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

California requires STR operators to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes, and Lake County may impose its own local occupancy tax on top of state obligations. Many booking platforms collect these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and county tax authorities.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Middletown

Financing an Airbnb investment in Middletown 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 Middletown Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Middletown's STR market is likely to remain highly seasonal, with peak revenue concentrated in June through September and softer winter months pulling down annual averages. The 60% listing growth indicates increasing competition, which could put downward pressure on occupancy unless demand rises proportionally. ADR may hold steady or see modest 1–3% increases during summer months as supply stabilizes, but investors should plan conservatively around an occupancy range of 25–35% and budget for meaningful off-season revenue dips."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Middletown, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Middletown?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Middletown, CA is currently 28%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings average 37% while 1-bedroom units sit at just 14%. Seasonal demand swings also play a major role, with summer months driving considerably higher fill rates than winter.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Middletown?
Airbnb hosts in Middletown earn an average of $1,394 per month, or approximately $16,735 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Two-bedroom properties outperform significantly, averaging $1,547 per month ($18,566/year), compared to $737 per month ($8,844/year) for 1-bedroom listings. Revenue peaks in July at around $2,304 per month and dips to roughly $709 in January.
Is Middletown a good market for Airbnb investment?
Middletown carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 37 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and moderate home prices for California, but below-average occupancy stability and pronounced seasonality mean investors need to be strategic. Two-bedroom properties tend to pencil out better, and success depends on capturing summer peak demand while managing costs through slower winter months.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Middletown?
The average daily rate in Middletown is $308, which is notably lower than the $551 California state average. Rates vary by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $141 per night, while 2-bedroom properties command $163 per night. The overall ADR figure reflects a mix of property types and seasonal rate adjustments.
Are short-term rentals legal in Middletown?
Short-term rentals operate in Middletown, CA, as evidenced by 20 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registration through Lake County or the State of California. Investors should verify current rules, zoning requirements, and tax obligations with local authorities before purchasing a property.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Middletown?
Peak season in Middletown runs from June through September, with July topping the revenue charts at $2,304 in average monthly revenue. August follows closely at $2,056, and June and September both exceed $1,700. The off-season spans roughly November through March, when monthly revenue drops below $1,200 — with January being the slowest month at $709.
How many Airbnbs are there in Middletown?
There are currently 20 active Airbnb listings in Middletown, CA. The supply is split between 1-bedroom properties (6 listings) and 2-bedroom properties (7 listings), with the remainder in other configurations. The market experienced 60% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor and host interest.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Middletown?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Middletown 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 roll the results up to 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 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 Middletown, CA market
  • Average daily rate, occupancy rate, and RevPAN metrics by property size
  • Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
  • Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Popular amenity prevalence across active listings

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 current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.

Next Steps

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