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

Shafter Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Shafter, CA is a small but growing short-term rental market in California's Central Valley, with just 34 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,497 per property. While the market's ADR of $169 sits well below the $551 state average, home values around $469K keep the revenue-to-price ratio in a workable range. A notable 181% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 30% trails the 43% California average, suggesting that deal sourcing and property selection will be critical to hitting target returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Shafter 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 Shafter

Shafter appeals to investors seeking relatively affordable California real estate with emerging STR demand, though selectivity in property type and pricing strategy is essential.

Expert Market Assessment

"Shafter presents a competitive but niche opportunity in the Central Valley. Revenue peaks in the summer months — August leads at $2,442 — while the slower January–February window dips to around $1,565–$1,615, creating moderate seasonality that investors should plan for. With an ROI score of 52 out of 100, the market is best suited for investors willing to source selectively and optimize operations, particularly by targeting larger properties where RevPAN and revenue meaningfully outpace the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Shafter

Average revenue by month in Shafter

Shafter's revenue cycle peaks in August at $2,442 and bottoms out in January at $1,565, producing a roughly 56% spread between the best and weakest months. Summer dominates (May through August all exceed $2,000), while a secondary bump in December ($2,123) adds a welcome late-year boost for hosts.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Shafter

One-bedroom units dominate the supply at 14 listings (41% of the market), followed by 4-bedrooms with 9 and 3-bedrooms with 7. The complete absence of 2-bedroom listings is notable and could represent an underserved niche for investors looking to differentiate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Shafter

ADR jumps dramatically from $85 for 1-bedroom units to $261 for 3-bedrooms, while 4-bedroom properties actually price slightly lower at $243. This suggests 3-bedroom homes may occupy a pricing sweet spot, commanding the highest nightly rate in the market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Shafter

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $60, nearly double the $31 earned by 1-bedroom units, despite their lower ADR compared to 3-bedrooms. The 3-bedroom RevPAN of $35 is held back by low occupancy (14%), making 4-bedroom configurations the most efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Shafter

One-bedroom listings lead in occupancy at 36%, while 4-bedrooms fill 25% of available nights and 3-bedrooms trail significantly at just 14%. The sharp occupancy drop for 3-bedroom units suggests either oversaturation at that price point or a mismatch between supply and demand for that property type.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Shafter

Three-bedroom properties generate the highest monthly revenue at $3,285, outpacing 4-bedrooms ($2,457) and far exceeding 1-bedrooms ($842). Despite their lower occupancy, the premium ADR on 3-bedroom listings drives strong top-line monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Shafter

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom homes lead with $39,429 in revenue, followed by 4-bedrooms at $29,494 and 1-bedrooms at $10,113. When weighed against Shafter's average home value of $469K, the 3-bedroom configuration offers the most compelling revenue-to-price ratio for investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Shafter

Parking is universal across all Shafter listings (100%), and self check-in is nearly so at 97%, reflecting the practical, self-service expectations of guests in this market. Kitchen access (91%), washer/dryer (77%), and backyard/workspace amenities (68% each) round out the essentials — investors should treat these as baseline requirements rather than differentiators.

Understanding Shafter's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Shafter's ROI score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has viable fundamentals but requires careful property selection and operational discipline. Revenue-to-price and occupancy stability both rate as average, while market growth trend scores below average — reflecting that the rapid supply increase (181% YoY) may be outpacing demand growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling to identify properties that can outperform the market-wide averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Shafter

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Shafter, California may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit from the City of Shafter or Kern County. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with local planning and code enforcement offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA rules that could prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some municipalities in California also impose caps on the total number of STR permits issued in a given area.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and may owe state sales tax depending on local jurisdiction. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Shafter's rapid listing growth is likely to moderate as early-mover advantages narrow and competition intensifies. Seasonal patterns suggest ADR could edge up 1–3% during the summer peak months (July–August), while occupancy may settle in the 28–33% range market-wide. Investors who target 3- or 4-bedroom properties — where RevPAN and monthly revenue are materially stronger — stand a better chance of outperforming the market average. Given the below-average market growth trend in Rabbu's ROI scoring, expectations should be tempered and paired with conservative underwriting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Shafter, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shafter?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Shafter is currently 30%, which is below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average 36%, while 3-bedroom properties average just 14%. These figures reflect trailing performance and individual results can improve with competitive pricing, strong listings, and guest experience optimization.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Shafter?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, Airbnb hosts in Shafter earn an average of $1,958 per month, or roughly $23,497 annually. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead at approximately $3,285 per month ($39,429 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $842 per month ($10,113 annually). Individual results depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

Is Shafter a good market for Airbnb investment?

Shafter earns an ROI score of 52 out of 100 on Rabbu, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers relatively affordable home prices around $469K and growing investor interest (181% year-over-year listing growth), but occupancy rates are below the state average and market growth trends are rated below average. Investors who target the right property type — particularly 3- or 4-bedroom homes — and manage operations effectively are best positioned to succeed here.

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

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in Shafter is $169, well below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom units average $85 per night, while 3-bedroom listings command $261 and 4-bedroom properties average $243. The lower ADR reflects the market's Central Valley location and the prevalence of smaller listings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Shafter?

Short-term rentals can be operated in Shafter, CA, though hosts should verify any permit, licensing, or registration requirements with the City of Shafter and Kern County. California municipalities may impose various regulations including occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and tax obligations. We recommend consulting local planning authorities and reviewing any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Shafter?

Peak season for Shafter's short-term rental market falls during the summer months. August is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $2,442, followed closely by July at $2,349. The slowest months are January ($1,565) and February ($1,615). December also sees a bump to $2,123, possibly driven by holiday travel. The spread between peak and off-peak months is moderate, roughly $877.

How many Airbnbs are there in Shafter?

As of April 2026, there are 34 active Airbnb listings in Shafter. This is a small market, but it has grown significantly — active listings increased 181% year over year. The supply is concentrated among 1-bedroom (14 listings), 4-bedroom (9 listings), and 3-bedroom (7 listings) properties, with 2-bedroom units notably absent from the current inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Shafter?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Shafter 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 approach 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 Shafter and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements vary and should be independently verified before investing.