Nevada City, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Nevada City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Nevada City, CA offers a niche short-term rental market with 203 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $35,905 per property. While the average daily rate of $247 sits well below California's $551 state average, the market's strong seasonal peaks — particularly in summer and winter — create meaningful earning windows for well-positioned listings. Investors should note that occupancy averages just 28% compared to the 43% state benchmark, signaling a competitive landscape where property differentiation and pricing strategy matter considerably.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Nevada City 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 Nevada City

Nevada City attracts STR investors with its seasonal tourism appeal and premium nightly rates for larger properties, though the competitive supply landscape demands careful property selection and pricing strategy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Nevada City presents a competitive opportunity where seasonal demand creates meaningful revenue spikes but overall occupancy remains modest at 28%. The market's strongest months — July ($5,033 average revenue) and December ($4,129) — are offset by quieter shoulder periods like October ($1,414) and May ($1,479), creating a $3,600+ monthly spread that investors need to plan around. With an ROI score of 44 out of 100 and a supply/demand balance rated below average, this is a market that rewards selectivity: the right property in the right size category can outperform, but passive or undifferentiated listings may struggle to achieve consistent returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Nevada City

Average revenue by month in Nevada City

Nevada City's revenue pattern reveals a dual-peak market: July leads at $5,033, with a secondary winter surge in December ($4,129) and January ($3,878). The spread between the strongest and weakest months is dramatic — over $3,600 separating July from October's $1,414 — underscoring the need for investors to budget around significant seasonal swings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Nevada City

One-bedroom properties dominate supply with 97 of the 203 active listings (48%), creating heavy competition in that segment. Larger configurations — particularly 5-bedroom (5 listings) and 6+ bedroom (6 listings) — are notably underrepresented, which may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger properties with less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Nevada City

ADR scales steeply with size, jumping from $116 for studios to $846 for 6+ bedroom properties — a 7.3x premium. The sharpest rate increase occurs between 3-bedroom ($309) and 4-bedroom ($468) properties, suggesting that stepping up to four or more bedrooms captures a meaningful pricing tier that group and family travelers are willing to pay.

Average RevPAN by property size in Nevada City

Revenue per available night tells a clear story: 6+ bedroom properties lead dramatically at $342, more than triple the next tier (5-bedroom at $142). Mid-range 2–4 bedroom properties cluster between $72 and $94 in RevPAN, while 1-bedroom units lag at just $39 despite dominating the listing count, indicating that smaller units face both oversupply and lower per-night revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Nevada City

Studios (40%) and 6+ bedroom properties (41%) achieve the highest occupancy rates, while 4-bedroom listings lag at just 20%. This U-shaped pattern suggests that budget-friendly small units and large group-accommodation properties fill a clear demand niche, while mid-to-large homes in the 3–4 bedroom range face softer booking frequency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Nevada City

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $1,864 for studios to $16,347 for 6+ bedroom homes — nearly a 9x difference. The jump from 4-bedroom ($5,169) to 5-bedroom ($7,743) represents a 50% increase in monthly income, making the larger end of the spectrum particularly attractive for investors focused on maximizing gross revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Nevada City

At $196,166 in average annual revenue, 6+ bedroom properties vastly outperform every other category and represent the strongest gross income potential in the market. Even 5-bedroom homes at $92,916 generate nearly double what a 3-bedroom ($51,484) achieves, suggesting that investors who can acquire and manage larger properties in Nevada City stand to capture substantially higher returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Nevada City

Parking (98%) and kitchens (92%) are near-universal, reflecting the rural nature of Nevada City and guests' expectation of self-sufficient stays. Outdoor amenities dominate the top tier — patios (76%), backyards (71%), and BBQ grills (57%) — while hot tubs at 24% represent a potential differentiator for listings looking to stand out in this nature-oriented market.

Understanding Nevada City's ROI Score: 44/100

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

Nevada City's ROI score of 44 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market shows real investor demand but requires disciplined deal sourcing to achieve viable returns. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the supply/demand balance scores below average — reflecting the 141% year-over-year listing growth that has intensified competition. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on underserved property sizes, particularly larger homes, where the revenue-per-night math works more favorably.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Nevada City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Nevada City, California may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Nevada County and the City of Nevada City, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California communities like Nevada City can include occupancy limits, minimum night stays, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules or local permit caps, so it's important to review all applicable restrictions before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions may require additional tourism or sales tax collection. Many booking platforms remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their specific obligations with Nevada County's tax authority.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Nevada City's STR market is expected to remain driven by pronounced seasonal demand, with summer months like July potentially sustaining ADRs above $500 for larger properties and winter holidays providing a secondary revenue boost. Listing growth of 141% year-over-year suggests increasing investor interest, though this rapid supply expansion may put downward pressure on occupancy rates if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors can anticipate ADR holding relatively steady — perhaps with modest 1–3% increases — while occupancy may tighten further unless off-peak marketing strategies improve. Selective deal sourcing and operational excellence will likely separate profitable investments from underperformers in this environment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Nevada City, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Nevada City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Nevada City is currently 28%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios lead at 40% and 6+ bedroom properties achieve 41%, while 4-bedroom units average just 20%. Seasonality plays a major role, with summer and winter holidays driving the highest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Nevada City?

Airbnb hosts in Nevada City earn an average of $2,992 per month, which translates to roughly $35,905 annually based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies substantially by property size: studios average $22,378 per year, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate up to $196,166 annually. Peak months like July can bring in over $5,000 on average, while slower months like October may yield around $1,414.

Is Nevada City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Nevada City carries an ROI score of 44 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' This means investor interest and demand are present, but higher property prices (averaging $759,158) and increasing competition require more selective deal sourcing. Larger properties tend to deliver stronger returns — 5-bedroom homes average nearly $93,000 annually — so investors who target the right property size and optimize for peak seasons can find viable opportunities here.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Nevada City is $247, which is less than half the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size, ranging from $116 for studios up to $846 for 6+ bedroom properties. This pricing structure means larger, premium homes command substantial nightly rates that can help offset the market's lower overall occupancy.

Are short-term rentals legal in Nevada City?

Short-term rentals do operate in Nevada City, with 203 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, STR regulations in California can vary by municipality, and operators may need to obtain permits, register their rental, and comply with local zoning and occupancy rules. We strongly recommend verifying the latest requirements with Nevada City and Nevada County authorities before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Nevada City?

Peak season in Nevada City centers around summer and the winter holidays. July is the strongest month with average revenue of $5,033, followed by August at $4,561 and December at $4,129. The winter months of January ($3,878) and February ($3,657) also perform well, likely driven by holiday travel and winter recreation. The slowest period runs from late spring through early fall shoulder months, with October ($1,414) and May ($1,479) representing the lowest revenue months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Nevada City?

There are currently 203 active Airbnb listings in Nevada City as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 141% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 97 listings, followed by 3-bedroom (37) and 2-bedroom (28) properties, while larger 5+ bedroom homes remain relatively scarce.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Nevada City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Nevada City 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 results up to 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the property 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 Nevada City market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Historical monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

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. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may vary based on property quality, location, and management. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change — investors should verify current requirements with Nevada City and Nevada County authorities before purchasing.