Shaver Lake, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Shaver Lake Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Shaver Lake is a mountain-lake destination in California's Sierra Nevada that draws visitors for summer recreation and winter snow activities, but its short-term rental market currently presents a challenging picture for investors. With an average occupancy rate of just 30% — well below the 43% state average — and average annual revenue of $37,370 against home values near $877,497, the revenue-to-price math requires careful scrutiny. The market's 209 active listings and 115% year-over-year growth in supply suggest increasing competition in an already soft demand environment.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Shaver Lake

Investors look at Shaver Lake for its lakefront mountain appeal and premium nightly rates, but must weigh those against low occupancy and high home prices.

Expert Market Assessment

"Based on current data, Shaver Lake presents limited investment potential and is better suited for buyers who already own property in the area or those willing to do deep, property-level diligence to find outlier performers. The sharp seasonality — with July revenue nearly double October's — means cash-flow gaps are significant during the off-season. Larger properties (5 and 6+ bedrooms) generate the strongest returns by a wide margin, but acquiring them at Shaver Lake price points demands confidence in sustained summer demand. Investors who can secure a well-located, well-appointed cabin at below-market pricing may still find a path to positive returns, but the broader market-level numbers warrant caution."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Shaver Lake

Average revenue by month in Shaver Lake

Shaver Lake exhibits pronounced seasonality, with July delivering peak revenue of $4,603 and October marking the low point at $2,441 — a spread of nearly $2,200. The winter months hold up moderately well thanks to snow-season demand, with December and February both clearing $3,100, but a roughly six-month stretch from September through April stays below the annual average.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Shaver Lake

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 67 listings (32% of the market), followed by 4-bedroom units at 54 listings. The 2-bedroom category is notably thin at just 23 listings, which could signal either weaker demand for that size or a potential gap for well-positioned entries, while 5-bedroom (21) and 6+ bedroom (12) listings remain limited.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Shaver Lake

ADR scales steeply with size in Shaver Lake, jumping from $172 for 1-bedroom listings to $857 for 6+ bedroom properties — roughly a 5x premium. The sharpest incremental gains appear between 2-bedroom ($232) and 3-bedroom ($344) listings and again from 4-bedroom ($471) to 5-bedroom ($629), suggesting the premium-per-additional-bedroom is strongest in the mid-to-upper range.

Average RevPAN by property size in Shaver Lake

Revenue per available night increases dramatically with property size, from just $33 for 1-bedroom units to $331 for 6+ bedroom properties. Five-bedroom listings at $243 RevPAN deliver more than double the market average of $119, making larger cabins the clear performers on an efficiency basis after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Shaver Lake

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across most sizes — hovering between 30% and 32% for 2- through 4-bedroom listings — but 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties outperform at 39%. One-bedroom units lag significantly at just 20%, suggesting limited demand for the smallest accommodations in this cabin-oriented market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Shaver Lake

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,194 for 1-bedroom listings to $9,315 for 6+ bedroom properties, with a clear inflection point at the 5-bedroom tier ($6,484). Properties with fewer than 3 bedrooms earn under $2,650 per month, which may struggle to cover carrying costs on homes valued near the market average.

Average annual revenue by property size in Shaver Lake

Six-plus bedroom properties lead with $111,785 in average annual revenue, and 5-bedroom listings follow at $77,811 — both figures that offer more plausible coverage of high Shaver Lake acquisition costs. In contrast, 1-bedroom ($14,336) and 2-bedroom ($25,146) listings generate annual returns that represent only a small fraction of the $877,497 average home value, making them difficult to justify purely as investments.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Shaver Lake

Parking (95%), self check-in (94%), and full kitchens (94%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for remote mountain cabin stays. BBQ grills (86%), washer/dryer (82%), and patio or balcony space (82%) are also standard, while differentiators like hot tubs (14%) and lake access (10%) are rare enough to provide a meaningful competitive edge for listings that offer them.

Understanding Shaver Lake's ROI Score: 28/100

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

Shaver Lake's ROI score of 28 out of 100 places it in the "Limited" investment potential band, driven primarily by below-average occupancy stability and an unfavorable supply/demand balance as listings have surged 115% year-over-year. While the revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend score at average levels, the combination of 30% occupancy and $877,497 average home values makes market-wide returns challenging. Investors interested in this area should pair the data with thorough local regulatory research and focus diligence on larger, differentiated properties that have historically outperformed the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Shaver Lake

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in the Shaver Lake area of Fresno County, California, should verify whether a county permit or registration is required before listing. Regulations can vary between unincorporated county land and nearby municipal jurisdictions, so confirming with the Fresno County planning department is an essential first step.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California mountain-lake communities include occupancy limits tied to property size, minimum-night stay requirements during certain seasons, parking mandates (especially important in snow country), noise ordinances, and signage or posting rules. Homeowners' association covenants in specific subdivisions may impose additional limits or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is critical.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), which varies by county and may be collected automatically by platforms like Airbnb. Hosts should also account for California state sales tax obligations and confirm the applicable TOT rate with Fresno County's tax authority.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Shaver Lake's seasonal revenue pattern — peaking in July at $4,603 and dipping below $2,500 in the fall — is unlikely to shift dramatically. Investors should anticipate occupancy hovering in the 28–33% range market-wide, with modest ADR adjustments of 1–3% as new supply continues to enter and compete for a finite guest pool. Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) may hold up better given their stronger RevPAN, but even those will need sharp pricing strategies during the roughly six off-peak months. Any improvements in performance will likely depend on broader regional tourism trends rather than market-specific catalysts."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Shaver Lake, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shaver Lake?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Shaver Lake is currently 30%, which is notably below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average just 20%, while 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties reach around 39%. The seasonal nature of this mountain-lake market means occupancy concentrates heavily in the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Shaver Lake?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Shaver Lake earn approximately $3,114 per month or $37,370 per year based on historical trailing 12-month data. However, revenue varies dramatically by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $14,336 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate approximately $111,785 per year. Peak earnings occur in July, when the average listing brings in about $4,603.

Is Shaver Lake a good market for Airbnb investment?

Shaver Lake currently carries an ROI score of 28 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential at the market level. The combination of a 30% occupancy rate, high average home values near $877,497, and rapid supply growth (115% year-over-year) creates a challenging return profile. That said, larger properties — particularly 5- and 6+ bedroom cabins — generate significantly stronger revenue and occupancy, so investors willing to target that segment and price competitively may still find opportunities worth exploring.

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

The average daily rate across all Shaver Lake Airbnb listings is $396, which is below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $172 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command roughly $857 per night. This tiered pricing reflects the premium guests place on larger cabin accommodations in this mountain-lake setting.

Are short-term rentals legal in Shaver Lake?

Short-term rentals do operate in Shaver Lake, with 209 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, STR regulations in California can vary by county and community, and Fresno County may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific zoning rules. Prospective investors should verify current requirements directly with Fresno County planning and tax authorities, and check any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Shaver Lake?

Peak season in Shaver Lake runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,603 per listing. June ($3,630) and August ($3,845) also perform well above the annual average. The off-peak trough falls in October ($2,441) and April ($2,499), creating a roughly $2,100 monthly revenue swing between the best and weakest months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Shaver Lake?

There are currently 209 active Airbnb listings in Shaver Lake as of April 2026. The supply has grown 115% year-over-year, indicating a significant influx of new listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 67 listings, followed by 4-bedroom units at 54 listings, with smaller and larger sizes less represented.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Shaver Lake?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Shaver Lake 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $4,603 average) and slower months (like October's $2,441). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 counts of active Airbnb and short-term rental listings in the Shaver Lake market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.