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

Portola Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Portola, CA is a micro-market in the Sierra Nevada foothills with just 9 active Airbnb listings, offering a rare low-competition entry point for investors drawn to mountain and outdoor recreation demand. The market generates an average annual revenue of $59,329 per listing with an ADR of $396—below the California state average of $551 but still meaningful given the area's smaller scale. Occupancy sits at 38% versus the state's 43%, reflecting pronounced seasonality that peaks sharply in summer, making this a market best suited for investors who can capitalize on high-season revenue surges.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Portola

Portola appeals to investors seeking ultra-low competition in a nature-driven California mountain market where summer demand can generate outsized per-listing returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Portola represents a niche, seasonal opportunity rather than a year-round cash-flow play. The gap between peak-month revenue—$9,904 in July—and the winter floor of roughly $2,375 in January highlights the need for strong seasonal pricing strategies and disciplined expense management. With only 9 active listings, the market's small scale means individual operator quality has an outsized impact on results. For an investor comfortable with a summer-weighted income profile and attracted to California mountain markets without the price tags of Tahoe or Mammoth, Portola offers a compelling, if modest, entry point."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Portola

Average revenue by month in Portola

Portola's revenue curve is sharply seasonal: July leads at $9,904 and August follows at $8,811, while the winter months of January through April each hover around $2,375–$2,500. The roughly 4:1 ratio between peak and trough months underscores the importance of maximizing summer pricing to offset leaner periods.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Portola

Property size breakdowns are not available for this market due to the very small sample of 9 total listings. Investors should evaluate individual property configurations on a case-by-case basis rather than relying on size-segmented supply data.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Portola

ADR data by property size is not available for Portola's current listing pool. With only 9 active listings, granular size-based rate comparisons aren't statistically meaningful at this time.

Average RevPAN by property size in Portola

RevPAN breakdowns by bedroom count are unavailable for this micro-market. The overall market RevPAN of $151 provides the best available benchmark for evaluating per-night revenue potential.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Portola

Occupancy data segmented by property size is not reported for Portola due to the limited number of active listings. The market-wide average of 38% serves as the primary occupancy reference point.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Portola

Monthly revenue by property size is not available in this market's current dataset. Investors can reference the overall monthly average of $4,944 and the seasonal revenue curve as baseline planning tools.

Average annual revenue by property size in Portola

Annual revenue breakdowns by bedroom count are unavailable for Portola. The market-wide average of $59,329 per year provides the best available benchmark, though actual performance will depend heavily on property size and quality.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Portola

Every active listing in Portola offers a BBQ grill, parking, outdoor furniture, and a kitchen—signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient mountain retreat experience. Washers, dryers, patios, and backyards appear in 89% of listings, while hot tubs (33%) and pet-friendliness (44%) represent potential differentiators for hosts looking to stand out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Portola

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

Permit Requirements

Portola, located in Plumas County, California, may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Portola and Plumas County planning departments before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California mountain communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise and quiet-hour ordinances, parking limitations, and bear-resistant trash container mandates. HOA rules, if applicable, may add further limitations on rental frequency or guest counts.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), which varies by jurisdiction, along with potential state and county tourism assessments. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with Plumas County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Portola's STR performance is likely to remain heavily tied to its summer season, with July and August continuing to drive the bulk of annual income. ADR may see modest gains in the range of 2–4% as outdoor recreation tourism in the northern Sierra continues to grow, though occupancy is unlikely to shift dramatically beyond the 35–42% band without a significant increase in year-round attractions. Investors should plan for lean winter months where monthly revenue drops below $2,500, and budget accordingly. The extremely limited supply of just 9 listings suggests that even small demand upticks could have an outsized effect on pricing power during peak periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Portola, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Portola?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Portola is currently 38%, which trails the California state average of 43%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character—summer months fill up significantly more than winter—so annual averages can understate peak-season performance.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Portola?

Airbnb hosts in Portola earn an average of $4,944 per month and approximately $59,329 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue is heavily weighted toward summer, with July listings averaging $9,904 and winter months dipping below $2,500.

Is Portola a good market for Airbnb investment?

Portola can be attractive for investors seeking a low-competition California mountain market—there are only 9 active listings, which limits supply pressure. The trade-off is significant seasonality, with summer driving the majority of annual income. It works best for investors who are comfortable with a seasonal revenue profile and can keep operating costs lean during the off-season.

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

The average daily rate in Portola is $396, which is below the California state average of $551. This lower ADR reflects the market's positioning as a more accessible mountain destination compared to premium Sierra resort areas, while still delivering solid nightly rates for the region.

Are short-term rentals legal in Portola?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Portola, but local regulations can change. Operators should check with the City of Portola and Plumas County for current permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable Transient Occupancy Tax obligations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Portola?

Peak season in Portola runs from June through August, with July topping the charts at $9,904 in average monthly revenue. September and October offer a secondary shoulder season with revenues around $4,200–$6,200, while winter months from January through April see the lowest activity, averaging roughly $2,375–$2,500 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Portola?

As of April 2026, there are 9 active Airbnb listings in Portola. This extremely limited supply means competition is minimal, but it also means market-level data is based on a small sample, so individual property performance may vary more than in larger markets.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Portola?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Portola 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still 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 Portola market
• Trailing 12-month occupancy, ADR, and RevPAN trends based on historical booking data
• Monthly and annual revenue averages derived from comparable active listings
• Amenity prevalence data across current listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and aggregated for market-level consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. With only 9 active listings, market-level averages may be more volatile and less representative than in larger markets. Local regulations and tax obligations are subject to change; always verify with municipal and county authorities before investing.