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

Ridgecrest Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ridgecrest, a small desert city in eastern Kern County, presents a niche short-term rental opportunity driven by its proximity to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and surrounding desert recreation areas. With just 47 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $17,829 against average home values of $364,080, the market offers a favorable revenue-to-price ratio for investors willing to operate in a smaller, specialized market. Occupancy sits at 33% — below the California state average of 43% — but the low entry cost and limited competition create room for well-managed properties to outperform.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest

Ridgecrest appeals to investors seeking affordable California entry points with a manageable competitive landscape and niche demand drivers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ridgecrest represents a moderate-opportunity market where the appeal lies in low acquisition costs and limited supply rather than blockbuster revenue figures. Seasonality is noticeable — revenue ranges from about $1,187 in January to $1,854 in August — but the swing is manageable compared to purely vacation-driven markets. The below-average occupancy stability and market growth trend ratings temper expectations, yet the average revenue-to-price ratio and balanced supply-demand dynamics suggest that disciplined operators can generate meaningful cash flow. Pairing a well-positioned property with amenities that cater to extended-stay government contractors could help smooth out seasonal dips."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ridgecrest

Average revenue by month in Ridgecrest

Revenue in Ridgecrest peaks in August at $1,854 and bottoms out in January at $1,187, a spread of about $667 that reflects moderate but manageable seasonality. Summer months (June–August) and December consistently outperform, suggesting both warm-weather recreation and holiday travel contribute to demand.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ridgecrest

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 19 of 47 total listings (40%), while 2-bedroom properties are the scarcest at just 8 listings. The relatively thin 2-bedroom supply could represent an opportunity given that size segment leads in both RevPAN and annual revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ridgecrest

ADR jumps sharply from $87 for 1-bedroom listings to $153 for both 2- and 3-bedroom properties, meaning the step up from a studio or one-bed to a multi-bedroom delivers a significant rate premium. This pricing structure suggests that the added investment in a larger property pays off at the nightly rate level, though investors should weigh acquisition costs carefully.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ridgecrest

Two-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $47, outperforming both 1-bedrooms ($31) and 3-bedrooms ($36). The 3-bedroom segment's lower RevPAN despite matching the 2-bedroom ADR reflects its notably softer occupancy, making 2-bedrooms the most efficient earners per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ridgecrest

Occupancy decreases as property size increases: 1-bedrooms fill at 36%, 2-bedrooms at 31%, and 3-bedrooms at just 24%. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, smaller units offer steadier bookings, while larger properties will need to compensate with higher nightly rates and strategic pricing during peak periods.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ridgecrest

Two-bedroom listings generate the highest average monthly revenue at $1,716, followed by 3-bedrooms at $1,480 and 1-bedrooms at $867. The nearly 2x revenue gap between 1- and 2-bedroom properties underscores the outsized return potential of stepping up to a multi-bedroom configuration in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ridgecrest

At $20,595 annually, 2-bedroom properties deliver the best gross revenue potential in Ridgecrest, outpacing 3-bedrooms ($17,771) and nearly doubling 1-bedroom earnings ($10,408). Investors targeting the strongest annual return should focus on the 2-bedroom segment, which currently has the thinnest supply at just 8 listings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ridgecrest

Kitchen and parking top the amenity list at 96% prevalence each, signaling that guests in Ridgecrest expect self-sufficient, drive-in accommodations — consistent with a desert market where dining options are limited and personal vehicles are essential. A workspace is present in 68% of listings, hinting at meaningful demand from remote workers or extended-stay contractors, while premium amenities like pools (13%) and hot tubs (11%) remain relatively rare differentiators.

Understanding Ridgecrest's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Ridgecrest's ROI Score of 58 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to home prices is reasonable but where softer occupancy stability and below-average growth trends temper the overall outlook. The average-rated revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance are positives, indicating the market isn't oversaturated and acquisition costs remain approachable. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a clear guest-targeting strategy to maximize returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ridgecrest

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Ridgecrest and Kern County, California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or business licenses before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration and permit requirements directly with the City of Ridgecrest's planning or business licensing department.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the number of permits issued, so it's important to confirm the local regulatory landscape before acquiring a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT) and may owe state sales tax on rental income. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with local and state tax authorities to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ridgecrest's STR performance is likely to track closely with defense-sector activity and seasonal desert tourism patterns. Summer months have historically been the revenue peak, with August generating around $1,854 per listing on average, so investors should expect a roughly 55% swing between the slowest winter months and midsummer highs. ADR may see modest increases in the 1–3% range given the market's limited supply, though occupancy stability — currently rated below average — will be the metric to watch. Investors should plan for softer months by building adequate cash reserves and targeting extended-stay guests during off-peak periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ridgecrest, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ridgecrest?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Ridgecrest is currently 33%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 36%, followed by 2-bedrooms at 31% and 3-bedrooms at 24%. Investors can often improve on market averages through competitive pricing, strong amenity packages, and targeting longer-stay guests.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ridgecrest?

Airbnb hosts in Ridgecrest earn an average of $1,485 per month and approximately $17,829 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at $20,595 annually, while 1-bedrooms average $10,408 and 3-bedrooms bring in about $17,771. Peak months like July and August can push monthly revenue above $1,780, while January tends to be the softest month at around $1,187.

Is Ridgecrest a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ridgecrest earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 58 out of 100, classified as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market's strengths include a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio and manageable supply-demand balance. With average home values of $364,080 and annual revenues around $17,829, the numbers can work for investors who keep operating costs lean. The main considerations are below-average occupancy stability and slower market growth, so success here depends on effective management and targeting the right guest demographics.

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

The average daily rate in Ridgecrest is $149, well below the California state average of $551. ADR ranges from $87 for 1-bedroom properties up to $153 for both 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings. While rates are modest compared to coastal California markets, they align with the area's lower home values and cost of living, supporting a viable revenue-to-price ratio.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ridgecrest?

Short-term rentals operate in Ridgecrest, but specific regulations may apply including permit or business license requirements from the City of Ridgecrest or Kern County. As regulations can change, prospective investors should consult with local planning and business licensing departments to confirm current rules, zoning restrictions, and any tax registration obligations before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ridgecrest?

Peak season in Ridgecrest runs through the summer months, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $1,854, followed closely by July at $1,782. June and December also perform well at $1,563 and $1,608, respectively. The slowest months are January ($1,187) and February ($1,226), creating a moderate seasonal spread that experienced operators can manage with flexible pricing strategies.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ridgecrest?

There are currently 47 active Airbnb listings in Ridgecrest as of April 2026. The market has seen significant year-over-year growth at 151% in active listings. Supply is concentrated in 1-bedroom properties (19 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (10 listings) and 2-bedrooms (8 listings). The relatively small overall inventory means new entrants can still carve out market share.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ridgecrest?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Ridgecrest 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Historical monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data for active listings in the market

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 may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before acquiring a property.