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

Sugarloaf Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sugarloaf, CA is a small mountain community with 104 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $17,796 per property. With an average daily rate of $246—well below California's $551 state average—and occupancy sitting at 36% versus the 43% state benchmark, the market presents a challenging landscape that rewards careful, property-specific analysis. Investors drawn to this area should focus on niche opportunities, particularly larger properties that command significantly higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sugarloaf 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 Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf's relatively affordable home values at $372,889 and seasonal mountain-tourism demand create a narrow window for investors who can optimize for peak periods and target the right property type.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 26 out of 100, Sugarloaf falls into the limited-potential category and carries above-average risk for STR investors. The market's pronounced seasonality—December peaks at $2,555 in average monthly revenue while May dips to just $922—means cash flow is heavily concentrated in a few months of the year. The rapid surge in active listings (229% year-over-year growth) is putting downward pressure on occupancy and revenue per available night, currently at $87. That said, investors who target 4-bedroom properties and optimize for winter and summer peaks may still find workable returns, especially given the area's relatively modest home prices."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sugarloaf

Average revenue by month in Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf's revenue is heavily seasonal, peaking in December at $2,555 and January at $2,130, then dropping sharply to a low of $922 in May—a nearly 3:1 spread between peak and trough. A secondary summer bump in July–August ($1,654–$1,702) provides partial relief, but investors should budget for four to five lean months each year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sugarloaf

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 61 of the market's 104 listings (59%), creating significant competition in that segment. Four-bedroom homes represent just 9 listings, which may signal a less crowded niche for investors willing to target larger properties that also generate the highest revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sugarloaf

ADR rises sharply at the top end, with 4-bedroom properties commanding $372 per night compared to $215 for 2-bedrooms—a 73% premium. Interestingly, 1-bedroom listings ($260) price above 2-bedrooms, likely reflecting boutique or uniquely positioned cabins that attract couples or solo travelers.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sugarloaf

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $158, nearly 2.4 times the $66 earned by 2-bedroom listings. One-bedroom units also perform well at $122 RevPAN, suggesting that both the smallest and largest property types generate meaningfully better revenue per available night than the crowded 2-bedroom segment.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sugarloaf

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 47%, while 2-bedroom properties lag significantly at just 31%—likely a consequence of heavy supply concentration in that size category. Three- and 4-bedroom homes occupy the middle ground at 38% and 42% respectively, offering more balanced cash-flow prospects.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sugarloaf

Four-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $2,292, followed by 3-bedrooms ($1,568) and 1-bedrooms ($1,538). Two-bedroom listings trail at $1,262 per month, reinforcing that the oversupply in that segment is compressing both occupancy and revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sugarloaf

At $27,508 in average annual revenue, 4-bedroom homes earn roughly 82% more than 2-bedroom listings ($15,146), making them the clear top earners in Sugarloaf. Three-bedroom properties at $18,822 and 1-bedrooms at $18,459 both outperform the saturated 2-bedroom category, suggesting investors should look beyond the most common property type.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sugarloaf

Parking (99%), kitchens (98%), and self check-in (95%) are essentially universal in Sugarloaf, reflecting the baseline expectations of mountain-market guests who drive in and stay for extended visits. Outdoor living features like backyards (85%), patios (85%), and BBQ grills (83%) are also standard, while hot tubs at 38% represent a potential differentiator that could boost bookings and justify premium pricing.

Understanding Sugarloaf's ROI Score: 26/100

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

Sugarloaf's ROI score of 26 out of 100 places it in the limited-potential band, driven primarily by below-average occupancy stability, below-average market growth trends, and unfavorable supply/demand dynamics amid a 229% surge in active listings. While the revenue-to-price ratio rates as average thanks to relatively affordable home values, the other three factors weigh heavily against broad-market optimism. Investors interested in Sugarloaf should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property-specific opportunities—particularly larger homes—rather than assuming market-wide returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sugarloaf

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sugarloaf, located in San Bernardino County, California, may be required to obtain permits or register their rental with the county. Investors should verify current STR permit requirements directly with San Bernardino County planning and code enforcement before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California mountain communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking mandates (especially in snow-prone areas), and potential caps on the total number of STR permits issued. HOA rules in specific subdivisions may impose additional limitations, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential.

Tax Obligations

STR operators in California are generally subject to transient occupancy taxes (TOT) collected at the county or local level, and platforms like Airbnb often remit these on behalf of hosts. Investors should also account for California state income tax obligations on rental income and confirm the applicable TOT rate with San Bernardino County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sugarloaf's performance is likely to remain constrained by below-average occupancy stability and softening supply/demand dynamics. Seasonal patterns suggest winter months (December through February) will continue to drive the bulk of revenue, with summer providing a secondary peak. ADR may hold steady or see modest 1–2% adjustments, but meaningful occupancy gains will depend on whether the recent 229% year-over-year growth in listing count stabilizes or further pressures an already oversupplied market. Investors should plan conservatively around 34–38% annual occupancy and anticipate lean spring and fall shoulder seasons."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sugarloaf, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sugarloaf?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sugarloaf is currently 36%, which trails the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom units lead at 47%, while 2-bedroom listings sit at just 31%. Investors should factor in this below-average occupancy when projecting cash flow and consider property types that tend to fill more consistently.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sugarloaf?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Sugarloaf earn approximately $1,483 per month or $17,796 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 4-bedroom homes average $27,508 annually, while 2-bedroom units earn around $15,146. Peak months like December ($2,555) and January ($2,130) contribute disproportionately to annual totals.

Is Sugarloaf a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sugarloaf currently carries an ROI score of 26 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential based on available data. Below-average occupancy stability, softening growth trends, and a rapidly expanding supply of listings all pose challenges. However, the market's affordable home values ($372,889 average) and stronger performance of larger properties suggest that well-researched, property-specific investments could still yield acceptable returns with disciplined management and pricing.

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

The average daily rate in Sugarloaf is $246, significantly below California's $551 state average. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $260, 2-bedrooms come in at $215, 3-bedrooms at $275, and 4-bedroom properties command $372 per night. The relatively lower rates reflect the market's mountain community positioning compared to coastal or urban California destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sugarloaf?

Short-term rentals operate in Sugarloaf, as evidenced by the 104 active Airbnb listings in the area. However, STR regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registrations through San Bernardino County. Investors should always verify current local and county rules—including any permit caps, zoning restrictions, or HOA limitations—before acquiring a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sugarloaf?

Peak season in Sugarloaf centers on the winter months, with December generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,555, followed by January at $2,130 and February at $1,855. A secondary summer peak occurs in July ($1,654) and August ($1,702). The slowest months are April through June, when average revenue drops below $1,000, reflecting the transitional shoulder seasons typical of mountain markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sugarloaf?

As of April 2026, there are 104 active Airbnb listings in Sugarloaf. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom properties (61 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (20), 1-bedrooms (14), and 4-bedrooms (9). Notably, the market has seen 229% year-over-year growth in active listings, which is a significant supply increase that investors should monitor closely.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sugarloaf?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Sugarloaf 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 (like December's $2,555) and slower periods (like May's $922). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 Sugarloaf market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, management quality, and pricing strategy.