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

Whitethorn Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Whitethorn, a remote coastal community in Humboldt County, California, offers a niche short-term rental market with just 37 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $39,295 per property. With an ADR of $254—well below the $551 state average—this market appeals to budget-conscious travelers seeking nature getaways, though its 28% occupancy rate signals strongly seasonal demand. The 131% year-over-year growth in active listings indicates rising investor interest, which means competition is intensifying in what remains a very small market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Whitethorn 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 Whitethorn

Investors are drawn to Whitethorn for its relatively affordable property values compared to coastal California peers, combined with the appeal of nature-based tourism in Humboldt County's Lost Coast region.

Expert Market Assessment

"Whitethorn presents a competitive but specialized opportunity that requires careful deal selection. The market's pronounced seasonality—with July revenue of $5,376 dwarfing January's $1,829—means investors must plan for significant cash-flow variability throughout the year. Two-bedroom properties emerge as the clear sweet spot, generating the highest RevPAN ($86) and annual revenue ($42,710), while the overall ROI score of 53 out of 100 reflects the reality that below-average occupancy stability and a tightening supply/demand balance temper the upside. Investors who can source properties at favorable price points and operate efficiently during the summer peak stand the best chance of solid returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Whitethorn

Average revenue by month in Whitethorn

Whitethorn exhibits sharp seasonality, with July ($5,376) and August ($5,336) generating nearly triple the revenue of January ($1,829) and February ($1,963). Investors should budget for lean winter months and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize the lucrative June–August window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Whitethorn

Two-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 15 listings (41% of the market), followed by 12 three-bedroom and just 6 one-bedroom units. The relatively thin one-bedroom inventory could represent an opportunity for smaller, efficiently operated properties targeting solo travelers and couples.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Whitethorn

ADR increases modestly from $231 for one-bedrooms to $256 for three-bedrooms, a spread of just $25 across sizes. This narrow range suggests that upsizing to larger properties yields limited pricing power, making two-bedrooms the likely sweet spot where higher occupancy more than compensates for a slightly lower rate than three-bedrooms.

Average RevPAN by property size in Whitethorn

Two-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $86—more than double the $42 earned by one-bedrooms and significantly ahead of three-bedrooms at $51. This gap highlights that two-bedroom properties capture the best combination of rate and occupancy in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Whitethorn

Two-bedroom properties lead with a 35% occupancy rate, while one-bedrooms (18%) and three-bedrooms (20%) lag well behind. The significant occupancy advantage of two-bedrooms translates directly into more reliable cash flow and better overall revenue performance.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Whitethorn

Two-bedroom listings earn the highest average monthly revenue at $3,559, outpacing both one-bedrooms ($3,021) and three-bedrooms ($2,654). The fact that three-bedroom properties—despite commanding the highest ADR—generate the lowest monthly revenue underscores how critical occupancy is to bottom-line performance in Whitethorn.

Average annual revenue by property size in Whitethorn

On an annual basis, two-bedroom properties lead at $42,710, roughly $6,400 more than one-bedrooms ($36,261) and nearly $11,000 ahead of three-bedrooms ($31,855). For investors targeting the strongest return potential, two-bedroom configurations clearly offer the best revenue profile relative to likely acquisition and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Whitethorn

Every listing in Whitethorn offers parking (100%), reflecting the rural location's car-dependent access, while kitchens (97%), self check-in (87%), and laundry facilities (84–87%) are near-universal. Pet-friendliness stands out at 81%, signaling that guests traveling to this remote coastal area frequently bring pets—making it essentially a must-have amenity for competitive listings.

Understanding Whitethorn'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

Whitethorn's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market shows genuine potential but demands more thoughtful deal selection. The revenue-to-price ratio is average, which is reasonable given the area's sub-$500K home values, but below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance—driven by sharp seasonality and a 131% surge in new listings—introduce risk that investors need to price into their underwriting. Pairing this data with thorough research into Humboldt County's permitting landscape and local demand drivers will help separate viable opportunities from marginal ones.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Whitethorn

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

Permit Requirements

Humboldt County, California requires short-term rental operators to obtain appropriate permits and comply with local zoning regulations. Investors considering Whitethorn should verify current permit requirements directly with the Humboldt County Planning Department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in California's rural STR markets may include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay provisions. HOA or community covenants may impose additional limitations, and some areas cap the number of permits issued, so thorough due diligence with local authorities is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in California are typically subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collected at the county level, along with potential state and local sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with Humboldt County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Whitethorn's STR performance will likely continue to hinge on its pronounced summer season, with July and August driving the bulk of annual income. Occupancy may remain in the 25–30% range annually given the area's remote location and limited year-round demand drivers, though ADR could see modest increases of 2–5% as listing quality improves across the market. The rapid supply growth (131% YoY) could put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace, so investors should monitor booking trends closely and plan for significant off-season revenue dips."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Whitethorn, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Whitethorn?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Whitethorn is currently 28%, which sits below the California state average of 43%. This reflects the market's rural, seasonal character—demand concentrates heavily in the summer months while winter sees considerably lighter bookings. Two-bedroom properties perform best at 35% occupancy, while one-bedrooms and three-bedrooms hover around 18–20%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Whitethorn?

Airbnb hosts in Whitethorn earn an average of $3,274 per month and approximately $39,295 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season and property size—two-bedroom listings lead with an average of $42,710 annually, while three-bedroom properties average around $31,855. Peak summer months like July can bring in over $5,300, while January revenue may dip to around $1,829.

Is Whitethorn a good market for Airbnb investment?

Whitethorn scores a 53 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers affordable entry points relative to coastal California, and two-bedroom properties show promising revenue-to-price dynamics. However, below-average occupancy stability and a rapidly growing supply base (131% YoY listing growth) mean investors need to be selective in deal sourcing and prepared for pronounced seasonal swings in income.

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

The average daily rate in Whitethorn is $254, significantly below the California state average of $551. Rates scale modestly with property size: one-bedrooms average $231, two-bedrooms $247, and three-bedrooms $256. The relatively narrow ADR spread across sizes suggests that location and experience—rather than sheer bedroom count—drive much of the pricing in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Whitethorn?

Short-term rentals are permitted in the Whitethorn area, though operators must comply with Humboldt County's permitting and zoning regulations. Requirements may include obtaining a permit, meeting safety standards, and collecting applicable taxes. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should verify current rules directly with the Humboldt County Planning Department before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Whitethorn?

Peak season in Whitethorn runs from June through August, with July and August being the strongest months at average revenues of $5,376 and $5,336 respectively. Shoulder months like May and September also perform reasonably well ($3,415 and $3,749), while the quietest period is January through February when monthly revenue drops to roughly $1,829–$1,963. This creates a revenue spread of nearly 3x between peak and off-peak months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Whitethorn?

As of April 2026, there are 37 active Airbnb listings in Whitethorn. The supply is distributed across one-bedroom (6 listings), two-bedroom (15 listings), and three-bedroom (12 listings) properties. The market has seen significant growth, with a 131% year-over-year increase in active listings, indicating rising investor and host interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Whitethorn?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Whitethorn 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 and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 Whitethorn market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate (ADR) trends by property size
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual revenue estimates
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary analytics for consistency

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 historical averages and market conditions may have shifted since the reporting period. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; always verify with local authorities before investing.