Walnut Creek, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Walnut Creek Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Walnut Creek sits in the heart of Contra Costa County, drawing a mix of business travelers and leisure guests who value its proximity to the broader San Francisco Bay Area. With 93 active Airbnb listings, a 48% occupancy rate that outpaces the California state average of 43%, and an average daily rate of $185, the market shows solid demand fundamentals even though high home values ($1.59M average) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals selectively can tap into a market generating roughly $36,155 in average annual revenue per listing, with summer months pushing monthly income well above the annual mean.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek appeals to investors seeking above-average occupancy in a high-barrier Bay Area submarket where deal selection is the primary lever for strong returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Walnut Creek presents a competitive opportunity where strong demand signals — particularly above-average occupancy and a tight supply of just 93 listings — are offset by elevated property prices that weigh on the revenue-to-price ratio. Seasonality is pronounced: July peaks at $3,954 in average monthly revenue while January and February dip below $2,100, creating a roughly $1,900 swing that investors need to budget around. Larger properties clearly outperform on a revenue basis, with 3-bedroom units earning nearly 2.5 times what studios and 1-bedrooms bring in annually. For investors willing to be strategic about property size and acquisition price, the market offers a viable path to returns in one of the Bay Area's most desirable suburban corridors."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Walnut Creek

Average revenue by month in Walnut Creek

Revenue peaks in July at $3,954 and bottoms out in February at $2,021, creating a roughly 96% spread between the best and weakest months. This pronounced seasonality means investors should expect the summer months (June–September) to carry a disproportionate share of annual income while budgeting for leaner winter periods.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Walnut Creek

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 49 of the 93 active listings, while 3-bedroom properties represent only 9 listings — just under 10% of the market. The scarcity of larger units, combined with their superior revenue performance, may signal a supply gap that investors could exploit by targeting multi-bedroom acquisitions.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Walnut Creek

ADR climbs steeply with bedroom count, from $131 for studios to $336 for 3-bedroom units — a 156% premium. The jump from 1-bedroom ($141) to 2-bedroom ($212) represents the sharpest dollar increase, suggesting that even a modest size upgrade can meaningfully boost nightly pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Walnut Creek

Two- and 3-bedroom properties deliver RevPAN of $104 and $115 respectively, significantly outpacing studios and 1-bedrooms which both sit at $68. This gap confirms that larger units not only command higher rates but maintain enough occupancy to convert that pricing advantage into materially better per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Walnut Creek

Studios lead occupancy at 53%, while 1- and 2-bedroom units cluster around 48–49%, and 3-bedrooms lag at 34%. The lower occupancy for 3-bedrooms is more than offset by their higher ADR, but investors should be comfortable with more sporadic bookings if targeting that segment.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Walnut Creek

Three-bedroom listings top the monthly revenue chart at $5,541 — nearly 2.5 times the $2,257 that 1-bedrooms generate. Studios and 1-bedrooms perform almost identically around $2,257–$2,310, suggesting limited differentiation at the smaller end of the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Walnut Creek

Annual revenue ranges from $27,086 for 1-bedroom units to $66,499 for 3-bedrooms, underscoring the significant return premium available to investors willing to acquire larger properties. Two-bedroom listings at $46,157 offer a solid middle-ground for investors looking to balance acquisition cost against revenue potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Walnut Creek

Parking (99%) and kitchen access (93%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations in a suburban car-centric market. A dedicated workspace appears in 73% of listings — a notably high rate that signals meaningful remote-work and business traveler demand in Walnut Creek.

Understanding Walnut Creek's ROI Score: 41/100

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

Walnut Creek's ROI Score of 41 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning demand fundamentals are sound but elevated property prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio below average. Occupancy stability is the market's standout factor, rated above average, while supply/demand balance and revenue-to-price ratio both score below average — a common signature in high-cost Bay Area submarkets. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on deal sourcing that brings acquisition costs below the $1.59M market average to improve yield potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Walnut Creek

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Walnut Creek and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits, business licenses, or register their property before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the city's planning or finance department before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California communities include occupancy caps, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and limits on the number of permits issued in a given area. HOA rules can impose additional constraints, so reviewing CC&Rs is essential for any condo or planned-community purchase.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Walnut Creek are typically subject to California's transient occupancy tax, and the city may levy its own occupancy or tourism tax on stays under 30 days. Major booking platforms often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Walnut Creek's occupancy rate is expected to hold in the 46–50% range, supported by steady corporate travel and year-round regional tourism. ADR could inch up 1–3% as hosts continue upgrading amenities in a competitive field, though the relatively flat 101% year-over-year listing growth suggests supply isn't outrunning demand. Seasonal revenue patterns point to July and August remaining the strongest earning months, with winter dips keeping annual projections moderate. Investors should plan for cash-flow variability between peak and off-peak quarters rather than assuming uniform monthly income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Walnut Creek, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Walnut Creek?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Walnut Creek is currently 48%, which outperforms the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios leading at 53% and 3-bedroom units sitting lower at 34%. This above-average occupancy suggests consistent guest demand across the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Walnut Creek?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Walnut Creek earn approximately $3,013 per month or $36,155 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — studios and 1-bedrooms average around $2,257–$2,310/month, while 3-bedroom listings bring in roughly $5,541/month. Actual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and seasonal demand.

Is Walnut Creek a good market for Airbnb investment?

Walnut Creek carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 41 out of 100, reflecting a competitive opportunity where demand is real but higher property prices (averaging $1,592,197) make deal selection critical. Occupancy stability is above average and the market benefits from Bay Area proximity, but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average. Investors who target larger property configurations and negotiate favorable acquisition terms are best positioned to generate meaningful returns here.

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

The current average daily rate in Walnut Creek is $185, which is well below the California state average of $551 — a reflection of the market's suburban positioning rather than a weakness. ADR scales meaningfully with property size, ranging from $131 for studios to $336 for 3-bedroom listings. This pricing structure rewards investors who can offer more space and premium amenities.

Are short-term rentals legal in Walnut Creek?

Short-term rentals operate in Walnut Creek, but hosts should verify current permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with the City of Walnut Creek and the State of California before listing a property. Regulations can change, and HOA or community-level restrictions may apply as well. Consulting local planning or finance departments is the best way to confirm compliance requirements.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Walnut Creek?

Peak season in Walnut Creek runs from June through September, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,954. August follows closely at $3,903, while September and October remain strong above $3,400. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to around $2,021–$2,046, creating a clear seasonal pattern investors should plan around.

How many Airbnbs are there in Walnut Creek?

As of April 2026, there are 93 active Airbnb listings in Walnut Creek. The majority are 1-bedroom units (49 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (18), studios (12), and 3-bedrooms (9). Year-over-year listing growth sits at 101%, indicating the supply base is essentially stable.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Walnut Creek?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Walnut Creek 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. Each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) is averaged by month over the past year, regional outliers are removed, and the remaining data is rolled up into a market-level historical average. This method naturally reflects 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 benchmarks
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition context
• Supply trends including year-over-year listing growth and amenity prevalence

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.