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

Sonora Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sonora, CA is a small Sierra Nevada foothills market with 82 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced summer tourism season that drives revenue well above winter lows. With an average daily rate of $211—significantly below California's $551 state average—and an average annual revenue of $23,294, the market offers affordable entry but demands careful deal sourcing given a 23% occupancy rate that trails the 43% state benchmark. Listing growth of 127% year over year signals rising investor interest, which is worth watching as supply expands into a market with relatively modest demand outside peak months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sonora 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 Sonora

Investors are drawn to Sonora for its relatively affordable California real estate, proximity to Gold Country and Sierra Nevada outdoor recreation, and the potential for strong summer-season cash flow on larger properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sonora represents a competitive opportunity that rewards disciplined property selection rather than broad market bets. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: July revenue of $3,735 is more than triple the January low of $1,129, creating a cash-flow profile that leans heavily on a four-to-five-month window from May through September. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability scores reinforce the idea that not every property will pencil out, but 3-bedroom units earning roughly $29,214 annually and 4-bedroom units at $39,375 show that the right configuration in the right location can produce respectable returns despite the market's overall modest averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sonora

Average revenue by month in Sonora

Sonora's revenue is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $3,735 and bottoming out in January at $1,129—a spread of more than $2,600. The four-month stretch from May through August accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making strong summer-season execution critical for investors targeting this market.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sonora

One-bedroom listings lead supply at 21 units, with 3-bedrooms close behind at 19 and 2-bedrooms at 16. Four-bedroom properties are the least represented at just 9 listings, which may signal a supply gap worth exploring given that larger homes generate considerably higher revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sonora

ADR scales steadily from $133 for studios to $336 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms commanding $261. The jump from 2-bedroom ($185) to 3-bedroom ($261) represents a meaningful premium that could offset incremental acquisition costs for investors considering larger configurations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sonora

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $68, edging out 4-bedrooms at $63 despite the latter's higher ADR—a reflection of the occupancy difference between the two sizes. Studios lag significantly at $23 RevPAN, suggesting they struggle to generate consistent nightly revenue in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sonora

Occupancy rates remain modest across all sizes, ranging from 17% for studios to a high of 26% for 3-bedroom properties. One-bedrooms also perform reasonably at 25%, while 4-bedrooms dip to 19%, indicating that the largest homes may sit empty more often despite commanding premium nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sonora

Monthly revenue roughly triples from studios ($1,019) to 4-bedroom properties ($3,281), with 3-bedrooms pulling in a solid $2,434 per month. The gap between 1-bedroom ($1,584) and 2-bedroom ($1,889) revenue is relatively narrow, suggesting the biggest financial payoff comes from stepping up to 3+ bedrooms.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sonora

Four-bedroom properties top annual revenue at $39,375—more than three times the $12,235 earned by studios and nearly double the 2-bedroom figure of $22,678. For investors weighing return potential, 3-bedroom units at $29,214 annually offer a compelling middle ground between acquisition cost and income generation.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sonora

Parking (96%) and kitchens (87%) are near-universal in Sonora, reflecting a market geared toward drive-in guests who expect home-like conveniences. Outdoor amenities like patios (66%), outdoor furniture (60%), and BBQ grills (57%) are also prevalent, while premium features like hot tubs (17%) and pools (15%) remain relatively rare—potentially offering a competitive edge for listings that include them.

Understanding Sonora's ROI Score: 48/100

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

Sonora's ROI score of 48 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real demand but requires more deliberate property selection to achieve attractive returns. All four calculation factors—revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance—score at or below average, with only market growth trend reaching the average tier. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-performing property sizes (3–4 bedrooms) will be essential for investors looking to make the numbers work here.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sonora

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sonora, California may be required to obtain permits or register their property with Tuolumne County or the City of Sonora. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with local planning and code enforcement departments before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California communities can include occupancy limits, minimum-night stay requirements, noise ordinances, off-street parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable CC&Rs is an important step in due diligence.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT), and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm the applicable tax rate with Tuolumne County and the State of California, as additional local assessments may apply.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sonora's summer-driven seasonality should continue to anchor most of the year's revenue between May and September, with July likely remaining the standout month. The rapid 127% year-over-year growth in active listings may put downward pressure on occupancy and ADR unless traveler demand keeps pace, so investors should anticipate occupancy settling in the low-to-mid 20% range market-wide. ADR could hold steady or edge up 1–3% for well-positioned larger properties, but overall revenue growth will depend heavily on whether new supply outpaces the region's seasonal visitor base. Selective property acquisition and strong operational execution will be key differentiators in this increasingly competitive landscape."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sonora, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sonora?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sonora is currently 23%, which is below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size—3-bedroom listings lead at 26%, while studios sit at just 17%. Seasonal patterns play a large role, with summer months driving significantly more bookings than the winter period.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sonora?

Airbnb hosts in Sonora earn an average of $1,941 per month and approximately $23,294 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales considerably with property size: studios average $12,235 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in around $39,375. Summer months, especially July at $3,735, are the primary revenue drivers.

Is Sonora a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sonora carries an ROI score of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. This means investor interest and demand are present, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability require more selective deal sourcing. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for peak summer demand are best positioned to generate meaningful returns, though year-round cash flow can be lean during the off-season months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Sonora is $211, well below California's $551 state average. ADR increases with property size, ranging from $133 for studios up to $336 for 4-bedroom properties. This relatively modest ADR reflects Sonora's positioning as an affordable mountain and Gold Country getaway rather than a premium resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sonora?

Short-term rentals operate in Sonora, CA, and the market currently has 82 active Airbnb listings. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific zoning and operational rules set by the City of Sonora or Tuolumne County. Investors should verify all applicable requirements with local authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sonora?

Peak season in Sonora runs from May through August, with July standing out as the strongest month at $3,735 in average revenue—more than three times the January figure of $1,129. June ($2,924) and August ($2,865) are also strong performers. Revenue drops noticeably from October through March, making this a clearly summer-weighted market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sonora?

Sonora currently has 82 active Airbnb listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 21 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (19), 2-bedrooms (16), studios (14), and 4-bedrooms (9). Notably, active listings have grown 127% year over year, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sonora?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sonora 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level comparisons
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 averages and current snapshots; market conditions may shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variability. Investors should independently verify all local regulations, tax obligations, and zoning requirements before acquiring a short-term rental property.