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

Nipomo Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Nipomo, a small Central Coast community in San Luis Obispo County, offers a niche short-term rental market with just 27 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $33,113. While the market's ADR of $290 sits well below the California state average of $551, it reflects the area's more relaxed, rural-coastal character rather than premium resort pricing. Year-over-year listing growth of 81% signals surging investor interest, though the below-average revenue-to-price ratio—driven by home values averaging nearly $1.34 million—means deal sourcing needs to be especially sharp.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Nipomo 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 Nipomo

Nipomo attracts investor attention because its tight supply of listings and growing demand create room for well-positioned properties to outperform, even though high home prices require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Nipomo presents a competitive but narrowly defined opportunity. The ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects a market where demand fundamentals and growth trajectory are encouraging, yet elevated home prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio and limit easy wins. Seasonality is pronounced—July leads at $4,280 in average monthly revenue while January drops to $1,657—so investors should budget for leaner winter cash flow. For operators who can source properties at favorable price points and optimize for summer peak performance, the market's limited competition and above-average growth trend create a genuine opening."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Nipomo

Average revenue by month in Nipomo

Nipomo exhibits strong seasonality, with July peaking at $4,280 and January bottoming out at $1,657—a spread of over $2,600 between the best and weakest months. The summer corridor from June through August accounts for the lion's share of annual earnings, making cash reserve planning for the quieter winter stretch a practical necessity.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Nipomo

Supply is spread fairly evenly across 1-bedroom (9 listings), 3-bedroom (7), and 2-bedroom (6) configurations, giving the market a balanced but very small inventory of just 22 total among these sizes. There's no dramatically underserved size category, though the modest count in each bracket means even a few new listings could shift competitive dynamics.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Nipomo

ADR more than triples from 1-bedroom units at $119 to 3-bedroom properties at $379, with 2-bedrooms sitting at $199 in between. The steep premium for larger homes suggests group and family travelers are willing to pay meaningfully more per night, making 3-bedroom acquisitions particularly attractive from a rate perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in Nipomo

Three-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $79, roughly double the $35–$38 range seen in 1- and 2-bedroom units. This gap indicates that despite similar or lower occupancy rates, larger homes translate higher nightly rates into substantially better revenue efficiency per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Nipomo

One-bedroom listings fill the most nights at a 30% occupancy rate, while 2-bedroom (19%) and 3-bedroom (21%) properties trail noticeably. The overall low occupancy across all sizes—well below the state average—reflects Nipomo's seasonal, weekend-driven demand pattern and underscores the importance of dynamic pricing to maximize booked nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Nipomo

Three-bedroom properties earn $4,626 per month on average, outpacing 2-bedroom listings at $2,750 by nearly 70% and 1-bedroom units at $1,382 by more than 3x. For investors focused on monthly cash flow, the revenue advantage of larger properties is clear despite their lower occupancy rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Nipomo

Annually, 3-bedroom homes bring in $55,519—more than triple the $16,590 generated by 1-bedroom listings and roughly 68% above 2-bedroom revenue of $33,011. Given Nipomo's elevated home prices, investors targeting the 3-bedroom segment stand the best chance of building a case for acceptable yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Nipomo

Kitchen and parking top the amenity list at 89% prevalence, signaling that guests expect the basics of a comfortable, self-sufficient stay. Outdoor-oriented features like patios (74%), backyards (67%), and BBQ grills (48%) rank high as well, consistent with Nipomo's Central Coast appeal, while premium differentiators like hot tubs (11%) and pools (4%) remain rare—presenting a potential competitive edge for hosts who add them.

Understanding Nipomo's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Nipomo's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning demand and growth signals are encouraging but elevated property costs compress returns. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag, while above-average marks for market growth trend and supply/demand balance point to a market that hasn't yet reached saturation. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to ensure their specific deal pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Nipomo

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Nipomo, located in San Luis Obispo County, California, should verify whether a permit, business license, or registration is required through the county planning department. Requirements can differ depending on zoning and whether the property is in an unincorporated area, so confirming with local authorities before purchasing is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking standards, and HOA rules that could prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions in California also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued, so investors should research availability early in the due diligence process.

Tax Obligations

California requires collection of transient occupancy tax (TOT) on short-term rentals, and San Luis Obispo County may impose additional local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Nipomo's above-average market growth trend and favorable supply/demand balance suggest continued upward pressure on bookings, particularly during the June–August peak when monthly revenue can exceed $4,000. ADR may drift modestly higher—perhaps 2–4%—as more professional operators enter and lift overall listing quality. Occupancy, currently averaging 22%, could tighten toward the 25–28% range if listing growth stabilizes, though the rapid influx of new supply bears watching. Investors should treat these as directional estimates and plan for meaningful seasonal swings between summer peaks and quieter winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Nipomo, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Nipomo?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Nipomo is currently 22%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom listings averaging 30% while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties hover around 19% and 21% respectively. The lower market-wide figure reflects Nipomo's seasonal demand patterns and the relatively small pool of listings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Nipomo?

Airbnb hosts in Nipomo earn an average of $2,759 per month and approximately $33,113 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $16,590 annually, while 3-bedroom properties generate roughly $55,519 per year. Summer months like July can push monthly income above $4,000, whereas January typically sees around $1,657.

Is Nipomo a good market for Airbnb investment?

Nipomo scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 27 active listings. However, high average home values near $1.34 million create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning investors need to be selective about acquisition pricing. Properties that are well-positioned—especially larger 3-bedroom units—can generate stronger returns.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Nipomo is $290, compared to the California state average of $551. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $119, 2-bedrooms command $199, and 3-bedroom properties reach $379 per night. This tiered pricing structure rewards investors who target larger properties catering to families or groups.

Are short-term rentals legal in Nipomo?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Nipomo, but specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations may apply through San Luis Obispo County. Investors should verify current rules with the county planning department before purchasing, as regulations in California can change and vary by jurisdiction. HOA restrictions, if applicable, should also be reviewed carefully.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Nipomo?

Peak season in Nipomo runs from June through August, with July topping the chart at $4,280 in average monthly revenue. August follows closely at $3,922, and June brings in $3,228. The slowest months are January ($1,657) and February ($1,884), creating a roughly 2.5x spread between the peak and off-peak seasons that investors should factor into their financial planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Nipomo?

As of April 2026, there are 27 active Airbnb listings in Nipomo. The supply breaks down to 9 one-bedroom, 6 two-bedroom, and 7 three-bedroom properties. With year-over-year listing growth at 81%, the market is expanding quickly, though the total inventory remains quite small compared to larger California STR markets.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Nipomo?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Nipomo are derived from the trailing 12 months of actual booking performance across active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's revenue per available night (RevPAN) on a month-by-month basis over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month draws on its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and how effectively a host manages their listing.

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 Nipomo and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data for competitive benchmarking

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 historical averages as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, management quality, and pricing strategy.