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

Murphys Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Murphys, CA is a small Gold Country community with 75 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $39,206 per property. With an ADR of $298 — well below the California state average of $551 — the market offers a more accessible entry point for investors, though occupancy at 22% trails the state average of 43% considerably. The area's wine country charm and proximity to Sierra Nevada recreation create a leisure-driven demand profile that peaks sharply in summer, making it a seasonal but potentially rewarding niche market for the right investor.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Murphys 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 Murphys

Murphys attracts investors seeking a wine country and outdoor recreation destination with relatively affordable property values compared to California's coastal markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Murphys presents a moderate opportunity with seasonal upside — the market scores 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale, landing in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. Revenue is heavily concentrated in summer, with July alone averaging $5,720 per property compared to just $2,092 in October, so cash flow planning needs to account for significant off-peak softness. The revenue-to-price ratio rates as average, which is reasonable given California's property values, but below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance suggest investors should focus on differentiation — larger properties with compelling outdoor amenities tend to command noticeably better returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Murphys

Average revenue by month in Murphys

Murphys displays pronounced seasonality, with July ($5,720) and August ($4,942) generating roughly 2.5 to 2.7 times the revenue of the weakest months like October ($2,092) and April ($2,184). Investors should budget for these swings, as nearly a third of annual revenue is concentrated in just two summer months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Murphys

Three-bedroom homes dominate supply with 30 of 75 listings (40%), while studios and 1-bedrooms are relatively scarce at just 5 and 10 listings respectively. The limited supply of smaller units could represent a niche opportunity, though investors should weigh this against the stronger revenue performance of larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Murphys

ADR climbs steadily from $159 for studios to $437 for 4-bedroom homes, with the most notable jump occurring between 2-bedrooms ($267) and 3-bedrooms ($311). The premium for 4-bedroom properties is especially pronounced, commanding nearly 40% more per night than 3-bedrooms, which may justify the additional acquisition cost for investors targeting higher-end family and group travelers.

Average RevPAN by property size in Murphys

Four-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $93 per available night — nearly 58% higher than 3-bedrooms at $59 and well above the market average of $64. Interestingly, 1-bedrooms ($54) outperform 2-bedrooms ($49) on RevPAN despite a lower ADR, thanks to their stronger occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Murphys

Smaller properties fill more consistently, with 1-bedrooms achieving the highest occupancy at 30% and studios close behind at 28%, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings lag at just 18–19%. This pattern suggests that couples and solo travelers book more reliably throughout the year, while larger-group demand is more concentrated in peak periods.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Murphys

Four-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $4,810 per month, generating about 56% more than 1-bedroom units ($2,379) and roughly 58% more than 3-bedrooms ($3,041). Studios bring in the least at $2,053 monthly, making them a lower-revenue but potentially lower-maintenance option for investors who prefer simpler operations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Murphys

On an annual basis, 4-bedroom homes stand apart at $57,723, offering the strongest gross revenue potential in the market — more than double what studios earn at $24,637. Two- and 3-bedroom properties cluster closely at $37,387 and $36,494 respectively, suggesting that the incremental bedroom from 2 to 3 doesn't meaningfully boost revenue in Murphys.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Murphys

Parking (97%) and a full kitchen (93%) are virtually universal in Murphys listings, reflecting the rural, drive-to nature of this market. Outdoor-focused amenities like BBQ grills (77%), patios (67%), and backyards (59%) are also highly prevalent, signaling that guests expect a nature-forward experience — while hot tubs (19%) and pools (4%) remain relatively rare and could serve as meaningful differentiators.

Understanding Murphys's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Murphys earns an ROI Score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band. The score is anchored by an average revenue-to-price ratio — respectable for a California market — but is tempered by below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance, the latter likely influenced by the 47% year-over-year jump in new listings. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and focus on high-performing property types like 4-bedroom homes to maximize returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Murphys

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Murphys, located in Calaveras County, California, may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with county authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Calaveras County's planning or code enforcement departments, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California vacation rental communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, designated parking mandates, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit STR activity. It's important to review both county regulations and any community-specific CC&Rs before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically responsible for transient occupancy taxes (TOT), which Calaveras County collects from stays under 30 days. Many platforms like Airbnb handle collection and remittance automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the county tax collector's office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Murphys is likely to see continued summer-driven demand, with July and August remaining the primary revenue engines. Given the 47% year-over-year growth in active listings, occupancy rates may face additional pressure unless visitor demand keeps pace — investors should anticipate occupancy staying in the 20–25% range market-wide. ADR could see modest gains of 1–3% as hosts optimize pricing for peak weekends, but meaningful revenue improvement will depend on whether the supply surge stabilizes."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Murphys, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Murphys?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Murphys is currently 22%, which is below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with studios and 1-bedroom units performing best at 28% and 30% respectively, while 2-bedroom properties see the lowest occupancy at 18%. The market's strong seasonality — with summer months driving the bulk of bookings — means annual averages can look modest even if peak-season occupancy is considerably higher.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Murphys?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Murphys earns approximately $3,267 per month, or $39,206 annually. Revenue varies widely by property size: 4-bedroom homes lead at $4,810 per month ($57,723 annually), while studios average $2,053 per month ($24,637 annually). Peak summer months like July can push individual monthly earnings above $5,700, but quieter months like October may yield closer to $2,100.

Is Murphys a good market for Airbnb investment?

Murphys scores 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from a revenue-to-price ratio rated as average — notable for a California market — and strong summer demand driven by wine country tourism and outdoor recreation. However, below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance mean success depends on property selection and operational strategy. Larger homes (especially 4-bedrooms) tend to deliver meaningfully higher returns, and investors who optimize for peak-season pricing and offer sought-after amenities like hot tubs or outdoor spaces can outperform the market averages.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Murphys is $298, which is well below the California state average of $551. ADR scales predictably with property size: studios average $159 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $437 per night. This pricing reflects the market's positioning as an accessible California getaway rather than a premium coastal destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Murphys?

Short-term rentals do operate in Murphys, CA, which falls under Calaveras County jurisdiction. However, local regulations including permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations can change. Prospective investors should verify current rules with Calaveras County planning and code enforcement offices before purchasing a property, and check for any HOA restrictions that may apply to specific neighborhoods.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Murphys?

Peak season in Murphys runs through the summer months, with July clearly leading at an average revenue of $5,720 per listing, followed by August at $4,942. December also shows a secondary bump at $3,573, likely tied to holiday travel. The slowest months are October ($2,092) and April ($2,184), representing the off-peak periods when hosts should expect significantly reduced bookings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Murphys?

As of April 2026, there are 75 active Airbnb listings in Murphys. The market has seen substantial growth, with a 47% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 30 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (16) and 4-bedrooms (13), while studios (5) and 1-bedrooms (10) are less common.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Murphys?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Murphys 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. The calculation averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $5,720 average) and slower months (like October's $2,092) without relying on forecasts. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, listing optimization, 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 Murphys and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks via the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply growth and amenity prevalence data across active listings

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, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.