Chico, California Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Chico, California? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $26,384 per year — at a $210 nightly rate, 43.7% occupancy, and a $93 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Chico's 330 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 15.0% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Chico?
In Chico, the headline Airbnb metrics are $26,384 in average annual revenue,43.7% occupancy, $210 ADR, and $93 in RevPAR, and guests book about 37 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Chico?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Chico is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Chico is typically May, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Chico across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,629+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,689 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,208 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,253, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Chico
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Chico?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Chico STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Chico:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 78%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 63% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 43%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 24% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Chico
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Chico?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Chico involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Chico typically peaks in May and dips lowest during September. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $372+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $235 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $154 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $107 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Chico
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Chico?
RevPAR in Chico is currently $93. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $49 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $77 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $118 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $165 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Chico
RevPAR Insights for Chico
- The average RevPAR in Chico is $93. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($165) and bottom 25% ($49) is $116, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in May and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Chico benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $77, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $118+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Chico?
Chico's peak Airbnb season falls in May, June, July, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (May, June, July)
- Revenue averages $3,701 per month
- Occupancy rates average 49.5%
- Daily rates average $213
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,833 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 45.3%
- Daily rates hold near $198
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,016 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 37.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $199
Seasonality Insights for Chico
- Airbnb seasonality in Chico is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Chico's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $4,135, occupancy reaching 51.3%, and ADRs peaking at $235.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,865, occupancy could drop to 37.1%, and ADRs may adjust to $189.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Chico.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Chico, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Chico?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Chico, California, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Chico to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Chico?
Location within Chico matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Chico | The heart of Chico, filled with restaurants, shops, and nightlife. A vibrant area for visitors looking to explore local culture and events. | Bidwell Park, Chico State University, The Sierra Nevada Brewery, Chico Art Center, Downtown Plaza |
| Bidwell Park | A beautiful large park that attracts nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts. Ideal for Airbnb hosting for those seeking outdoor activities and relaxation. | Bidwell Park, Five Mile Recreation Area, One-Mile Recreation Area, Chico Creek Nature Center |
| California State University, Chico | Offers accommodation for visiting families and students during homecoming, graduations, and events. A lively area with a youthful atmosphere. | Chico State University, University Farm, Cortona Ridge |
| North Chico | A quieter, residential area with parks and family-friendly activities. Great for longer stays and visitors seeking a calm environment. | Upper Bidwell Park, Wildflower Park, Meriam Park |
| South Chico | A growing suburban area with shopping centers and access to downtown. Suitable for those looking for convenient amenities while being close to attractions. | Chico Mall, Various dining options, South Park |
| The Esplanade | A major thoroughfare with diverse shopping and eating options, appealing for guests looking for convenience and access to various services. | Chico Mall, Restaurants, Grocery Stores |
| Honey Run | A picturesque area known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Perfect for visitors wanting a countryside retreat. | Honey Run Covered Bridge, DeGarmo Park, Little Chico Creek |
| Oak Valley | A residential community that's close to nature, appealing to families looking for a peaceful stay near natural attractions. | Oak Valley Park, Parkview Park, Nativity Park |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Chico offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Chico?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Chico
- The Chico Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 90.9% of the 330 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Chico, House properties are the most common (64.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 64.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 20.6% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 3.9%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Chico Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Chico
- The dominant room capacity in Chico is 1 bedroom listings, making up 25.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms properties represent 47.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Chico, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 35.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Chico.
Chico Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Chico
- The most common guest capacity trend in Chico vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (23.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 2 guests dominate the Chico STR market, accounting for 46.6% of listings.
- 37.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Chico.
- On average, properties in Chico are equipped to host 4.4 guests.
How Do Listings in Chico Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Chico can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Chico
- At 28.1 photos per listing on average, Chico hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 17.6% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Chico averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Chico?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Chico
- Essential amenities in Chico that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hot water, TV, Coffee maker are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Chico: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or TV to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Chico to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Chico?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Chico, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Children’s bikesHigh opportunity | 1.5% | $87,188 | $25,448 | 242.6% |
Arcade gamesHigh opportunity | 1.8% | $75,006 | $25,483 | 194.3% |
Trash compactorHigh opportunity | 1.5% | $72,664 | $25,672 | 183.0% |
Pool tableHigh opportunity | 2.4% | $70,530 | $25,287 | 178.9% |
Coffee maker | 92.4% | $27,691 | $10,437 | 165.3% |
Life size gamesHigh opportunity | 1.5% | $66,517 | $25,766 | 158.2% |
Children's playroomHigh opportunity | 3.6% | $63,797 | $24,972 | 155.5% |
Hot water | 94.5% | $27,289 | $10,688 | 155.3% |
Outdoor kitchenHigh opportunity | 1.8% | $64,018 | $25,687 | 149.2% |
Smoke alarm | 97.6% | $26,762 | $11,176 | 139.5% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Chico
- Children’s bikes tops the revenue impact list with a 242.6% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $87,188 vs. $25,448 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Children’s bikes, Arcade games, Trash compactor — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Coffee maker, Hot water, Smoke alarm — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Children’s bikes — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Chico.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Chico STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Chico. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsChico Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Chico
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Chico consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), often arriving from nearby Chico, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 97.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.6%) and Canada (0.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (71.1%) followed by Spanish (14.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Chico and Sacramento.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Chico?
Listings in Chico average 4.87 out of 5 overall, with about 102 reviews per active listing and 50.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Chico
- With an overall rating of 4.87, Chico listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.93), while Value (4.81) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 50.9% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Chico Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Chico
- The most common availability pattern in Chico falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 38.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 75.8% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Chico (37.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 27.3% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Chico?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Chico
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Chico is 37 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 79 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 20 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (48 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (26 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (37 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Chico.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 79 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 48 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Chico averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Chico?
Guests in Chico stay about 6.7 nights on average, generating roughly 8,740 reservations and 26.5 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Chico
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Chico
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 26.5 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Jan (6.2 nights) and shorten in Feb (4.3 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Chico Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
132 listings
40% of total
2 Nights
83 listings
25.2% of total
3 Nights
8 listings
2.4% of total
4-6 Nights
4 listings
1.2% of total
7-29 Nights
22 listings
6.7% of total
30+ Nights
81 listings
24.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Chico is 1 Night, adopted by 40% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (65.2%) of the Chico Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (24.5%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Chico, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 40% of Chico hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 24.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Chico.
Chico Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
0.6% of total
Limited
8 listings
2.4% of total
Flexible
82 listings
24.8% of total
Moderate
119 listings
36.1% of total
Firm
109 listings
33% of total
Strict
10 listings
3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Chico
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Chico is Moderate, used by 36.1% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (60.9%) and stricter (36.0%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 36.1% market standard in Chico.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 3% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Chico.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Chico?
Cleaning fees in Chico are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Chico
- 90.0% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Chico. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($173) and median ($89) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 9.1% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Chico median of $89. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Chico Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Chicobased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Honey Run K/Suite: Pool-HotTub-Private Lake Escape
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
The Retreat | Two Homes | Facing Bidwell Park!
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Midtown Oasis -Pool -Hot Tub-Outdoor Kitchen
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Midcentury Gem POOL & ACREAGE / Family Friendly
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
King Beds Castle | Air Hockey | Room TVs | Firepit
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
BEAUTIFUL 7/5 W/POOL/HOT TUB LOTS OF ROOM
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Chico?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Chico based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandni | 5 | $464,895 | 848 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Chelsea | 13 | $433,807 | 3159 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Ashley | 25 | $425,930 | 1418 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Sam | 12 | $412,640 | 496 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Bri | 3 | $314,828 | 211 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Adam | 8 | $277,873 | 2339 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Ava From Oatmeal And Orchid Te | 5 | $234,971 | 762 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Nidhi | 3 | $217,976 | 138 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Angies Team | 10 | $170,312 | 136 | 4.40/5.0 |
| Anastasia | 6 | $157,848 | 184 | 4.85/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Chico.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Chico?
Chico is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Chico
- With 67.3% Superhosts, Chico has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 10.0% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 3.3% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 73.3% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 38.2% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Chico averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Chico
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Chico, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chandni | 5 | $464,895 | $397 | 65.2% | 4.75/5 |
| Chelsea | 13 | $433,807 | $152 | 58.5% | 4.89/5 |
| Angies Team | 10 | $170,312 | $177 | 42.3% | 4.40/5 |
| Evolve | 3 | $104,762 | $258 | 41.2% | 4.91/5 |
| Megan | 2 | $73,564 | $186 | 53.1% | 4.97/5 |
| Evolve | 3 | $50,062 | $191 | 35.0% | 4.94/5 |
| Brittany | 3 | $30,514 | $267 | 32.2% | 4.85/5 |
Management Company Insights for Chico
- The leading management company, Chandni, operates 5 listings with $464,895 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Chico.
- Top managers average 6 properties each, suggesting professional management in Chico still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.82/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 10.0% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Chico's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Chico Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Marshall, Chico has 8 percentage points lower occupancy and about $409 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoma | 229 | $9,652 | $830.07 | 42% |
| Marshall | 18 | $9,448 | $619.47 | 52% |
| Kenwood | 60 | $8,823 | $837.23 | 41% |
| Glen Ellen | 83 | $8,689 | $822.35 | 44% |
| Eldridge | 21 | $8,584 | $970.89 | 42% |
| St. Helena | 50 | $8,500 | $926.27 | 36% |
| Dillon Beach | 80 | $8,340 | $718.32 | 41% |
| Healdsburg | 196 | $7,661 | $764.79 | 40% |
| Calistoga | 97 | $7,605 | $815.48 | 31% |
| El Verano | 53 | $6,797 | $576.43 | 42% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Chico
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Chico.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Chico?
Chico hosts earn about $26,384 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $210 and RevPAR of $93. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Chico, California, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Chico market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chico?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chico is 43.7%. May is the strongest month and February is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Chico?
Listings in Chico average $210 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Chico?
Chico currently has about 330 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Chico?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Chico as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Chico?
RevPAR in Chico is about $93. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Chico?
At 43.7% occupancy, Chico can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $26,384, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Chico?
The average booking lead time in Chico is about 37 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Chico?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Chico include Downtown Chico, Bidwell Park, California State University, Chico. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Chico?
entire_home listings make up 90.9% of the active supply in Chico. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Chico compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Sonoma posts $115,828 in average annual revenue with 41.9% occupancy, compared to Chico's $26,384 and 43.7%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Chico?
The average Airbnb stay length in Chico is about 6.7 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Chico?
Airbnb listings in Chico average 4.87 out of 5 overall. About 50.9% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Chico?
Children’s bikes and Arcade games are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Chico. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Chico?
Yes. About 90.0% of active Airbnb listings in Chico charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $173. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Chico?
A 67.3% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.