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

Willow Creek Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Willow Creek, CA is a micro-market tucked in Humboldt County with just 11 active Airbnb listings, making it one of the smallest STR markets in the state. The average daily rate of $230 sits well below California's $551 state average, while occupancy runs at 19% compared to a 43% state benchmark. Average annual revenue of $33,194 per listing reflects a heavily seasonal, nature-driven destination where summer months carry the bulk of earnings. Investors drawn to low competition and affordable entry should weigh the limited demand carefully before committing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Willow Creek short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Willow Creek

Willow Creek appeals to investors seeking a low-competition, nature-oriented market with affordable acquisition costs, though the narrow demand window and low occupancy require careful financial planning.

Expert Market Assessment

"Willow Creek presents a limited-opportunity market best suited for investors who already have a foothold in the area or can acquire property at a low basis. The steep seasonality—July revenue of $4,545 dwarfs January's $1,547—means cash flow management is critical, and the 19% average occupancy underscores that most nights go unbooked. On the positive side, extremely thin supply of just 11 listings means a well-appointed, competitively priced property could capture an outsized share of available demand during peak months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Willow Creek

Average revenue by month in Willow Creek

Willow Creek's revenue swings dramatically with the seasons: July leads at $4,545 and August follows at $4,506, while January bottoms out at $1,547. The nearly 3× gap between peak and trough months underscores that investors must plan for pronounced off-season softness.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Willow Creek

The only bedroom category with sufficient data is 3-bedroom properties, which account for 6 of the 11 active listings. This concentration suggests that mid-size homes dominate the market, and there may be untapped opportunity in other configurations—though total demand is limited.

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

Three-bedroom listings command an ADR of $288, a meaningful premium over the market-wide average of $230. This suggests that guests booking larger properties are willing to pay more per night, likely reflecting family or group travel demand.

Average RevPAN by property size in Willow Creek

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $66, which exceeds the market-wide $43 average. The higher RevPAN indicates that despite modest occupancy, the combination of a stronger nightly rate and slightly better booking frequency makes 3-bedroom units the revenue-efficiency leaders in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Willow Creek

Three-bedroom properties maintain a 23% occupancy rate, 4 percentage points above the market-wide 19% average. While still low by California standards, this relative advantage translates to more consistent bookings compared to the broader Willow Creek listing pool.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Willow Creek

Three-bedroom units average $3,785 per month, roughly $1,000 more than the overall market average of $2,766. This premium makes 3-bedroom properties the clear top earner in a market where property-size data is concentrated in a single category.

Average annual revenue by property size in Willow Creek

At $45,426 in average annual revenue, 3-bedroom properties outperform the market-wide $33,194 average by over 37%. For investors evaluating Willow Creek, a well-managed 3-bedroom home offers the strongest documented return potential among available property types.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Willow Creek

Kitchens appear in 100% of listings, while backyards, parking, patios, and washers each feature in 91%—signaling that guests expect a home-like, self-sufficient experience. Differentiators like hot tubs (9%) and pools (27%) are rare and could help a property stand out during peak season.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Willow Creek

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Willow Creek, California may need to obtain permits or register their property with Humboldt County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the county planning department before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in rural California communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and fire safety standards. HOA rules, if applicable, may impose additional constraints, so it's important to review all governing documents for a prospective property.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in California are generally subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and Humboldt County may levy its own rate on top of state obligations. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Willow Creek's STR performance is likely to remain closely tied to its summer tourism cycle, with July and August continuing to generate the lion's share of revenue. ADR may edge up modestly given limited supply, but occupancy is unlikely to exceed the low-20% range on an annualized basis without a significant increase in regional tourism or event programming. Investors should plan for substantial off-season revenue dips—winter months may yield under $1,700—and budget accordingly to cover carrying costs year-round."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Willow Creek, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Willow Creek?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Willow Creek is currently 19%, which is significantly below the California state average of 43%. This low rate reflects the market's strong seasonality and reliance on summer tourism. Three-bedroom properties perform slightly better at 23% occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Willow Creek?

Airbnb hosts in Willow Creek earn an average of $2,766 per month and approximately $33,194 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Three-bedroom properties tend to outperform the market average, bringing in around $3,785 monthly and $45,426 annually. Revenue varies considerably by season, with peak summer months generating over $4,500.

Is Willow Creek a good market for Airbnb investment?

Willow Creek is a niche market with very limited supply—just 11 active listings—which reduces competition but also signals modest demand. The low occupancy rate of 19% and pronounced seasonality mean this market is best suited for investors with low carrying costs who can weather slow winter months. If you can acquire a property affordably and differentiate with quality amenities, summer revenue can be quite strong.

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

The average daily rate in Willow Creek is $230, well below the California state average of $551. Three-bedroom properties command a higher ADR of $288. These rates reflect the rural, nature-oriented character of the market and appeal to budget-conscious travelers exploring the region's forests and rivers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Willow Creek?

Short-term rentals generally operate in the Willow Creek area, which falls under Humboldt County jurisdiction. However, local permit requirements, zoning rules, and tax obligations may apply. Investors should consult directly with Humboldt County planning and tax offices to confirm current regulations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Willow Creek?

Peak season in Willow Creek runs from June through August, with July being the top-earning month at $4,545 in average revenue. August follows closely at $4,506. Revenue drops sharply in the cooler months, with January averaging just $1,547—making summer the essential revenue window for STR hosts here.

How many Airbnbs are there in Willow Creek?

As of April 2026, there are 11 active Airbnb listings in Willow Creek. This makes it one of the smallest STR markets tracked in California. The limited supply means less competition but also reflects the area's modest tourism volume relative to larger California destinations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Willow Creek?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Willow Creek are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder 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 the Willow Creek market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Trailing 12-month revenue data broken out by month and property size
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics 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, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.