Scotts Valley, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Scotts Valley Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Scotts Valley, CA is a compact short-term rental market with just 16 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition environment nestled between Santa Cruz and the Silicon Valley corridor. The market delivers an average annual revenue of $36,240 per listing, with an ADR of $204 that sits well below the $551 California state average — yet occupancy at 46% edges above the state's 43%, suggesting consistent demand relative to pricing. Summer months drive significant revenue spikes, making this a seasonally influenced market with meaningful upside for well-positioned properties.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley's proximity to both Silicon Valley and the Santa Cruz coastline creates a dual demand base that supports short-term rental performance despite its small market size.

Expert Market Assessment

"With a small but active inventory and occupancy that beats the state average, Scotts Valley presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate a micro-market. Revenue is heavily seasonal — July listings average $4,698 compared to January's $1,813 — so cash-flow planning around summer peaks is essential. The limited competition and outdoor-oriented amenity profile suggest this market rewards hosts who cater to vacationers and remote workers seeking a quieter alternative to Santa Cruz. Investors should weigh the low listing count as both an advantage (less competition) and a risk factor (limited comparable data for underwriting)."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Scotts Valley

Average revenue by month in Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley exhibits pronounced seasonality, with July ($4,698) and August ($4,572) delivering more than 2.5 times the revenue of January ($1,813), the market's slowest month. The summer peak from June through August accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, while the fall and winter months settle into a tighter $2,300–$2,700 range.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Scotts Valley

The available data shows 1-bedroom properties account for 9 of the market's listings, making them the dominant property type. Larger configurations are either absent or not well-represented in the data, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer multi-bedroom options.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Scotts Valley

One-bedroom listings in Scotts Valley command an ADR of $148, which sits below the overall market average of $204 — suggesting that the handful of larger or unique properties in the market pull the aggregate rate higher. For investors targeting 1-bedroom units, this rate provides a realistic baseline for pricing expectations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Scotts Valley

One-bedroom properties generate a RevPAN of $71, reflecting the interplay between their $148 ADR and 48% occupancy rate. This metric offers a clearer picture of actual earning potential per night of availability than ADR alone, and investors should use it as a key input when modeling returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Scotts Valley

One-bedroom listings maintain a 48% occupancy rate, which is slightly above the market-wide average of 46%. This relatively steady fill rate suggests reliable demand for smaller units, providing a reasonable baseline for cash-flow projections.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Scotts Valley

One-bedroom units average $2,610 per month, sitting below the overall market average of $3,020. This gap indicates that any larger or premium properties in the market are pulling up the aggregate, and 1-bedroom investors should calibrate expectations accordingly.

Average annual revenue by property size in Scotts Valley

At $31,327 in average annual revenue, 1-bedroom properties deliver a solid baseline but trail the market-wide average of $36,240. Investors considering larger property configurations could potentially capture the higher end of the revenue spectrum given the apparent scarcity of multi-bedroom listings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Scotts Valley

Parking is offered by 100% of listings, reflecting a car-dependent location, while kitchens, patios/balconies, and self check-in each appear in 81% of properties — setting a high bar for guest expectations. The prevalence of backyards (75%), outdoor furniture (75%), and workspaces (56%) signals that guests value both outdoor living and remote-work readiness, making these near-essential amenities for competitive listings.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Scotts Valley

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Scotts Valley, California may be required to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz County, as local STR regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California cities include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. Some municipalities also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued, and HOA rules may add further limitations — all worth confirming before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions layer on additional tourism or sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Scotts Valley's limited supply of just 16 listings should help maintain stable occupancy in the 44–48% range, particularly during the peak summer window from June through August. ADR could see modest upward pressure of 2–5% as demand from Silicon Valley visitors and Santa Cruz-area tourism continues, though off-season months (January and February) will likely remain softer. Investors entering this micro-market may benefit from first-mover advantages given the constrained inventory, but should plan for revenue dips of roughly 50–60% between peak and trough months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Scotts Valley, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Scotts Valley?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Scotts Valley is currently 46%, which is slightly above the California state average of 43%. This suggests steady demand for short-term rentals in the area, particularly during the warmer months when revenue peaks significantly.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Scotts Valley?

Airbnb hosts in Scotts Valley earn an average of $3,020 per month and approximately $36,240 per year, based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, with peak months like July averaging $4,698 and slower months like January coming in around $1,813.

Is Scotts Valley a good market for Airbnb investment?

Scotts Valley offers a low-competition environment with only 16 active Airbnb listings, and its occupancy rate outperforms the state average. The market is best suited for investors comfortable with seasonal revenue swings and a smaller comparable dataset. Its location between Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz creates a dual demand base that can support consistent bookings when properties are well-managed and competitively priced.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Scotts Valley is $204, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. This more accessible price point can attract a broader range of guests while still delivering solid revenue when paired with the market's above-average occupancy rate.

Are short-term rentals legal in Scotts Valley?

Short-term rentals may be subject to permitting or registration requirements in Scotts Valley, California. Regulations can vary and evolve, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz County for the most current rules on STR operations, including any zoning restrictions or permit caps.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Scotts Valley?

Peak season in Scotts Valley runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,698 in revenue. The shoulder months of September and May also perform respectably at $3,238 and $2,960 respectively. The slowest period falls in January and February, when monthly revenue drops to the $1,800–$1,950 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Scotts Valley?

As of April 2026, there are 16 active Airbnb listings in Scotts Valley. This small inventory means the market has limited direct competition, but it also means investors have fewer comparables when evaluating potential performance.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Scotts Valley?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Scotts Valley 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 into 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 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 Scotts Valley market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark competitive standards
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency and reliability

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 16 active listings, market-level averages may shift meaningfully with the addition or removal of even a few properties. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.