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

Tehachapi Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Tehachapi is a small but growing short-term rental market in California's southern Sierra foothills, with just 41 active Airbnb listings and a notable 95% year-over-year growth in supply. Average annual revenue sits at $22,814 against an average home value of $546,436, and the market's ADR of $221 comes in well below the $551 state average — making entry costs more accessible than many California peers. While occupancy at 31% trails the state average of 43%, the rapid supply expansion signals rising investor and guest interest in this mountain-adjacent destination.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Tehachapi 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 Tehachapi

Tehachapi offers a relatively affordable California entry point with strong supply growth signaling emerging demand, though below-average occupancy requires careful property selection and pricing strategy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Tehachapi presents a competitive but emerging opportunity for STR investors willing to be selective. The market's modest size — 41 listings — and rapid growth suggest it's still in an early phase, offering first-mover advantages for well-positioned properties. Revenue follows a clear seasonal arc, with August topping out at $2,372 and January dipping to $1,522, a roughly 56% spread that underscores the importance of pricing strategy and shoulder-season marketing. Below-average occupancy stability means investors should focus on the property sizes and amenity packages that demonstrably outperform, particularly 2-bedroom units that nearly reach 50% occupancy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Tehachapi

Average revenue by month in Tehachapi

Revenue peaks in August at $2,372 and bottoms out in January at $1,522, creating a roughly 56% seasonal spread that rewards hosts who optimize pricing during summer and the December holiday window ($2,059). The shoulder months of March through May and September through November remain relatively stable in the $1,700–$1,900 range, providing a moderate baseline for cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Tehachapi

Supply is distributed fairly evenly across bedroom counts, with 1-bedroom units slightly ahead at 11 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (10), 4-bedrooms (9), and 2-bedrooms (7). The relatively low count of 2-bedroom listings — despite their leading occupancy rate — may signal an underserved segment and potential opportunity for investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Tehachapi

ADR scales steadily from $130 for 1-bedroom properties to $318 for 4-bedroom homes, roughly a $45–$75 premium per additional bedroom. The 2-to-3 bedroom jump from $175 to $242 represents the steepest increase, though investors should weigh this against the occupancy drop from 48% to 31% for 3-bedroom units.

Average RevPAN by property size in Tehachapi

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $84 per available night, substantially outpacing 3-bedrooms ($75), 4-bedrooms ($46), and 1-bedrooms ($36). This makes 2-bedroom units the clear efficiency leaders in Tehachapi, combining solid nightly rates with the market's best occupancy to maximize revenue on every night available.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Tehachapi

Occupancy varies dramatically by size: 2-bedroom listings fill at 48% — well above the 31% market average — while 4-bedroom properties struggle at just 15%. One-bedroom (28%) and 3-bedroom (31%) units fall in the middle, suggesting that smaller, moderately priced properties align best with current demand patterns in Tehachapi.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Tehachapi

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,842, followed by 3-bedrooms at $2,065, 2-bedrooms at $1,756, and 1-bedrooms at $1,033. However, the higher gross revenue of larger homes comes with significantly lower occupancy, so investors should carefully weigh top-line earnings against the vacancy risk and higher operating costs of bigger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Tehachapi

Annual revenue ranges from $12,406 for 1-bedroom units to $34,108 for 4-bedroom homes, with 3-bedrooms generating $24,784. When considering the $546,436 average home value, 2-bedroom properties earning $21,083 annually with the market's best occupancy may offer the most balanced risk-adjusted return for investors evaluating Tehachapi.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Tehachapi

Parking dominates at 98% prevalence, reflecting the car-dependent, rural nature of Tehachapi, followed by kitchens (90%) and patios or balconies (78%). Outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (61%), pet-friendliness (61%), and backyards (59%) are also widespread, signaling that guests expect a nature-retreat experience — and that hot tubs (27%) or EV chargers (17%) could serve as meaningful differentiators for new listings.

Understanding Tehachapi's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Tehachapi's ROI Score of 53 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine potential but requires more deliberate deal sourcing. The score reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio and balanced supply/demand dynamics, boosted by above-average market growth — though below-average occupancy stability tempers the overall outlook. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting high-occupancy property types like 2-bedroom units can help investors identify deals that outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Tehachapi

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Tehachapi, California may be required to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current STR registration requirements directly with the City of Tehachapi and Kern County planning departments before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants in certain Tehachapi neighborhoods could further limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs is an essential step during due diligence.

Tax Obligations

California requires collection of Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term stays, and Kern County may impose additional local taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"With supply nearly doubling year over year, Tehachapi's STR market is clearly attracting attention, and above-average market growth trends suggest demand is keeping pace. Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate occupancy could stabilize in the 30–35% range as the market absorbs new listings, with potential for modest ADR increases of 2–5% as hosts refine pricing and amenity offerings. Summer and holiday periods should continue driving seasonal revenue peaks, particularly for 2- and 3-bedroom properties that already demonstrate the strongest occupancy. Investors entering now should plan conservatively around current revenue levels while positioning for upside as the market matures."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Tehachapi, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tehachapi?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Tehachapi is currently 31%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 48%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 15%. Choosing the right property size and maintaining competitive pricing are key levers for improving fill rates in this market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Tehachapi?

Airbnb hosts in Tehachapi earn an average of $1,901 per month and $22,814 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $12,406 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can reach $34,108. Monthly earnings peak during summer, with August averaging $2,372 across all listings.

Is Tehachapi a good market for Airbnb investment?

Tehachapi scores a 53 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market features above-average growth trends and average revenue-to-price and supply/demand metrics, though occupancy stability is below average. Home values averaging $546,436 offer a more affordable California entry point, but investors should be selective — 2-bedroom properties with strong amenity packages tend to outperform the broader market averages.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Tehachapi is $221, which is significantly below the California state average of $551. ADR scales predictably with property size, from $130 for 1-bedroom units up to $318 for 4-bedroom homes. This lower price point compared to other California markets can attract budget-conscious travelers seeking mountain and outdoor experiences.

Are short-term rentals legal in Tehachapi?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Tehachapi, though operators may need to obtain local permits or business licenses and comply with city and county regulations. Requirements can include occupancy limits, parking provisions, and tax registration. We recommend checking directly with the City of Tehachapi and Kern County for the most current rules before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Tehachapi?

Peak season in Tehachapi runs through the summer months, with August generating the highest average revenue at $2,372, followed by July at $2,279. December also sees a notable bump to $2,059, likely driven by holiday travel. The slowest months are January ($1,522) and February ($1,568), creating a seasonal spread of about 56% from trough to peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Tehachapi?

As of April 2026, there are 41 active Airbnb listings in Tehachapi. The market has experienced remarkable 95% year-over-year growth in listings, suggesting strong and increasing investor interest. Supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes, with 1-bedroom listings slightly leading at 11 units, followed by 3-bedrooms (10), 4-bedrooms (9), and 2-bedrooms (7).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Tehachapi?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Tehachapi 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since 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 Tehachapi and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends segmented by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.