The Sea Ranch, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

The Sea Ranch Short-Term Rental Market Overview

The Sea Ranch sits along the rugged Sonoma Coast and draws a steady flow of guests seeking coastal retreats, making it a niche but noteworthy short-term rental market. With an average annual revenue of $78,209 across 122 active listings and an ADR of $419, the market commands premium nightly rates even though occupancy averages a modest 37%. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity where above-average market growth trends help offset a tighter supply/demand balance.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the The Sea Ranch 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 The Sea Ranch

Investors are drawn to The Sea Ranch for its premium nightly rates, steady growth trajectory, and appeal as a coastal escape destination that commands loyal repeat visitation.

Expert Market Assessment

"The Sea Ranch presents an attractive but seasonally dependent investment opportunity best suited for investors comfortable with cash-flow variability. Peak months from June through September account for a disproportionate share of annual revenue — August alone generates $9,820 on average — while winter months like January drop to around $3,905. The market's average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy keep returns in a moderate range, but the above-average growth trend and premium daily rates provide meaningful upside for well-managed properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in The Sea Ranch

Average revenue by month in The Sea Ranch

The Sea Ranch shows strong seasonality, with August ($9,820) and July ($9,473) delivering peak revenue roughly 2.5 times higher than the January low of $3,905. Investors should expect the bulk of annual income to concentrate between June and September, making cash reserves essential for covering expenses during the quieter winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in The Sea Ranch

Three-bedroom homes dominate the supply with 60 of 122 listings (nearly half the market), followed by two-bedroom units at 36. One-bedroom properties represent just 10 listings, which could signal either limited demand for smaller units or a potential niche with less direct competition for investors targeting couples and solo travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in The Sea Ranch

ADR scales steadily with size, from $314 for one-bedroom units to $566 for four-bedroom homes — an 80% premium at the top end. The jump from three bedrooms ($439) to four bedrooms ($566) is the steepest, suggesting guests are willing to pay a significant premium for larger gathering-friendly properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in The Sea Ranch

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $192, meaningfully outpacing all other sizes despite sharing the same 34% occupancy as three-bedroom units ($151 RevPAN). One- and two-bedroom listings cluster closely at $139 and $141, indicating that the real revenue-per-night advantage lies in scaling up to larger homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in The Sea Ranch

One-bedroom units lead occupancy at 44%, ten percentage points above the three- and four-bedroom segments which both sit at 34%. This pattern suggests smaller units fill more consistently — likely capturing more weeknight and off-season bookings — while larger homes depend more heavily on peak-season and weekend demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in The Sea Ranch

Four-bedroom properties are the clear top earners at $9,412 per month, roughly 84% more than one-bedroom units at $5,120. Three-bedroom homes generate $6,737 monthly and represent the sweet spot for investors seeking strong revenue from the most liquid segment of supply.

Average annual revenue by property size in The Sea Ranch

Annual revenue ranges from $61,445 for one-bedroom units to $112,954 for four-bedroom homes, with each step up in bedrooms adding meaningful income. Given the $1.9M average home value in the area, four-bedroom properties offering nearly $113K in annual revenue likely present the best gross yield potential, though acquisition costs and operating expenses should be carefully modeled.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in The Sea Ranch

Parking (98%), kitchens (96%), and in-unit laundry (93%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient stays in a remote coastal setting. Hot tubs (77%), BBQ grills (82%), and pools (84%) are also widespread, signaling that outdoor amenities are table stakes rather than differentiators — investors looking to stand out may need to focus on saunas (38%) or pet-friendliness (46%) as competitive edges.

Understanding The Sea Ranch's ROI Score: 55/100

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

With an ROI score of 55 out of 100, The Sea Ranch falls into the 'Attractive Opportunity' band — a market where revenue potential and demand fundamentals merit serious consideration, though not without caveats. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while above-average market growth provides a positive tailwind; however, a below-average supply/demand balance suggests that new listings could face stiffer competition for bookings. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research — particularly around Sonoma County permit rules and Sea Ranch HOA policies — will help investors build a realistic pro forma.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in The Sea Ranch

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

Permit Requirements

The Sea Ranch falls within Sonoma County, California, where short-term rental permits and registration are typically required before hosting guests. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Sonoma County's planning and permitting departments, as rules can shift with local ordinance updates.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California coastal communities may include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and caps on the total number of STR permits issued. HOA rules are especially relevant in The Sea Ranch, which is governed by an active homeowners association that may impose additional rental restrictions beyond county-level regulations.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are generally subject to transient occupancy tax (TOT), and Sonoma County may levy additional tourism-related assessments. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, The Sea Ranch should continue to benefit from its above-average market growth trend, with seasonal peaks in July and August likely pushing monthly revenues past $9,000 for well-positioned listings. ADR may edge up another 2–4% as demand for premium coastal getaways remains resilient, though occupancy is expected to hover in the 35–40% range given the destination's weekend- and vacation-driven booking pattern. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality — winter months dip below $4,300 — and budget accordingly to ride out softer periods."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in The Sea Ranch, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in The Sea Ranch?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in The Sea Ranch is currently 37%, which falls below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size — one-bedroom units lead at 44%, while three- and four-bedroom homes average around 34%. The lower overall rate reflects the market's nature as a vacation destination with pronounced seasonal demand rather than a year-round urban rental market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in The Sea Ranch?

On average, Airbnb hosts in The Sea Ranch earn approximately $6,517 per month and $78,209 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size: four-bedroom homes lead at roughly $9,412 per month ($112,954 annually), while one-bedroom units average $5,120 per month ($61,445 annually). Peak summer months can push individual monthly revenue well above $9,000.

Is The Sea Ranch a good market for Airbnb investment?

The Sea Ranch earns an ROI score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and premium nightly rates of $419, though occupancy is moderate at 37% and the supply/demand balance is rated below average. Investors who can manage seasonal cash-flow swings and secure properties at reasonable price points relative to the $1,932,598 average home value stand to benefit most.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in The Sea Ranch?

The current average daily rate in The Sea Ranch is $419, which is below the California state average of $551 but still reflects the premium nature of this coastal market. ADR ranges from $314 for one-bedroom properties up to $566 for four-bedroom homes, so larger properties command a meaningful nightly premium.

Are short-term rentals legal in The Sea Ranch?

Short-term rentals do operate in The Sea Ranch, with 122 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, STR regulations in Sonoma County, California, may require permits, registration, and compliance with local ordinances. The Sea Ranch Association (HOA) may also impose its own rules. Prospective investors should verify all permit requirements and restrictions with local authorities and the homeowners association before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in The Sea Ranch?

Peak season in The Sea Ranch runs from June through September, with July and August generating the highest average monthly revenues at $9,473 and $9,820, respectively. The shoulder months of May and October still perform respectably at $6,921 and $6,635. Winter is the slowest period, with January averaging just $3,905 — roughly 40% of the August peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in The Sea Ranch?

There are currently 122 active Airbnb listings in The Sea Ranch as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by three-bedroom properties (60 listings), followed by two-bedroom homes (36 listings), four-bedroom properties (12 listings), and one-bedroom units (10 listings).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in The Sea Ranch?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for The Sea Ranch 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 roll the results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance window. 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 benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide property setup decisions

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 within the market, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.