Merced, California Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Merced, California? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $13,695 per year — at a $136 nightly rate, 39.1% occupancy, and a $53 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 146 active listings, Merced is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 44.6% 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. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Merced?
In Merced, the headline Airbnb metrics are $13,695 in average annual revenue,39.1% occupancy, $136 ADR, and $53 in RevPAR, and guests book about 20 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Merced?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Merced 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 Merced is typically June, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Merced across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,765+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,529 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,179 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $537, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Merced
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Merced?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Merced STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Junesees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 Merced:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 77%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 59% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 39%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 18% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Merced
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Merced?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Merced involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Merced typically peaks in December 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 $254+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $186 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $99 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $55 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Merced
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Merced?
RevPAR in Merced is currently $53. 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 $23 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $42 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $76 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $111 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Merced
RevPAR Insights for Merced
- The average RevPAR in Merced is $53. 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% ($111) and bottom 25% ($23) is $88, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Jun and bottoms out in Mar, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Merced benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $42, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $76+ 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 Merced?
Merced's peak Airbnb season falls in June, May, April, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (June, May, April)
- Revenue averages $2,081 per month
- Occupancy rates average 44.3%
- Daily rates average $128
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,703 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 42.0%
- Daily rates hold near $125
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,222 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 33.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $131
Seasonality Insights for Merced
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Merced shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Merced's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $2,179, occupancy reaching 45.5%, and ADRs peaking at $132.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,097, occupancy could drop to 30.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $123.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Merced need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
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.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Merced seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Merced?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Merced, 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 Merced 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 Merced?
Merced is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Merced | The heart of Merced, offering access to dining, shopping, and entertainment. It's an attractive destination for travelers looking for a convenient base to explore the city. | Merced Theatre, Applegate Park Zoo, Merced Art Center, local restaurants and cafes, Merced County Courthouse Museum |
| University of California, Merced | With a growing student population and academic events, this area attracts both students and families visiting for university-related activities. Ideal for short-term rentals. | UC Merced campus, Lake Yosemite, local coffee shops, student events |
| North Merced | A suburban area popular with families and individuals looking for a quieter environment. It has access to parks and family-friendly attractions. | Los Banos Creek, Bella Vista Park, local shopping centers, schools, family-friendly restaurants |
| South Merced | Known for its residential neighborhoods, South Merced is becoming increasingly popular for long-term and short-term rentals due to its close proximity to major roads and parks. | Bear Creek Park, Merryman’s Ranch, local eateries, grocery stores |
| East Merced | This area has a mix of residential and commercial properties and is known for its recreational activities, making it appealing for active travelers. | Lake Yosemite, local parks, Kirkland Park, golf courses, hiking trails |
| West Merced | West Merced offers a blend of suburban living with easy access to the freeway and is often favored by commuters, making it suitable for rentals targeting this demographic. | Merced Golf and Country Club, local shops, community parks, schools |
| Yosemite Lake | Located near Merced and a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, this area offers unique lakeside experiences and outdoor activities, appealing to nature lovers. | Yosemite Lake, fishing and boating opportunities, picnic areas, trails |
| Gustine | Just a short drive from Merced, Gustine is a small town that attracts visitors looking for a quiet getaway and is known for its friendly atmosphere. | Gustine Water Park, local antique shops, small-town events, regional parks |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Merced 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 Merced?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Merced
- The Merced Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 59.6% of the 146 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- However, a notable 40.4% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Merced, House properties are the most common (80.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 80.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 8.2% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like apartment/condo, unique stays (combined 4.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Merced Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Merced
- The dominant room capacity in Merced is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 19.9% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 38.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Merced, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 37.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Merced.
Merced Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Merced
- The most common guest capacity trend in Merced vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (17.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Merced STR market, accounting for 31.5% of listings.
- 34.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Merced.
- On average, properties in Merced are equipped to host 3.4 guests.
How Do Listings in Merced Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Merced 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 Merced
- At 27.5 photos per listing on average, Merced hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 13.0% 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 Merced averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Merced?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Merced
- Essential amenities in Merced that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hot water, Kitchen, Dishes and silverware are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Merced: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or Kitchen 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 Merced to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Merced?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Merced, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TV | 82.9% | $15,435 | $5,273 | 192.7% |
Refrigerator | 89.0% | $14,583 | $6,479 | 125.1% |
Cooking basics | 84.9% | $14,892 | $6,945 | 114.4% |
Dishes and silverware | 89.7% | $14,473 | $6,896 | 109.9% |
Pack ’n play/Travel cribHigh opportunity | 5.5% | $26,542 | $12,950 | 105.0% |
Private entrance | 42.5% | $19,306 | $9,553 | 102.1% |
Single level home | 30.1% | $20,940 | $10,569 | 98.1% |
Board games | 17.8% | $22,924 | $11,695 | 96.0% |
Hot water | 92.5% | $14,219 | $7,259 | 95.9% |
BBQ grill | 17.8% | $22,779 | $11,727 | 94.3% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Merced
- TV tops the revenue impact list with a 192.7% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $15,435 vs. $5,273 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Pack ’n play/Travel crib — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- TV, Refrigerator, Cooking basics, Dishes and silverware, Hot water — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Pack ’n play/Travel crib — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Merced.
- 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 Merced STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Merced. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsMerced Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Merced
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Merced consists of primarily domestic travelers (91%), often arriving from nearby Merced, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 91.3% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (91.3%) and Germany (1.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (61.1%) followed by Spanish (19.1%).
- 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 Merced and Los Angeles.
- 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 Merced?
Listings in Merced average 4.82 out of 5 overall, with about 78.2 reviews per active listing and 36.3% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Merced
- With an overall rating of 4.82, Merced listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.92), while Cleanliness (4.79) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 36.3% 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 Cleanliness — 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.
Merced Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Merced
- The most common availability pattern in Merced falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 52.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 85.7% 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 Merced (35.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 14.4% 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 Merced?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Merced
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Merced is 20 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 31 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 14 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (21 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (17 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (20 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Merced.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 31 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 21 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Merced averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Merced?
Guests in Merced stay about 7.6 nights on average, generating roughly 2,564 reservations and 17.7 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 Merced
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Merced
- Longer stays mean fewer turnovers and lower cleaning costs per revenue dollar. This pattern also opens the door to monthly discount strategies that attract remote workers and extended-stay travelers.
- 17.7 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jun (7.1 nights) and shorten in Feb (4.6 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.
Merced Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
55 listings
37.7% of total
2 Nights
41 listings
28.1% of total
3 Nights
10 listings
6.8% of total
4-6 Nights
3 listings
2.1% of total
7-29 Nights
15 listings
10.3% of total
30+ Nights
22 listings
15.1% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Merced is 1 Night, adopted by 37.7% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (65.8%) of the Merced Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (15.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Merced, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 37.7% of Merced hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 15.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Merced.
Merced Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
0.7% of total
Limited
1 listings
0.7% of total
Flexible
44 listings
30.1% of total
Moderate
23 listings
15.8% of total
Firm
55 listings
37.7% of total
Strict
22 listings
15.1% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Merced
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Merced is Firm, used by 37.7% of listings.
- A majority (52.8%) of hosts in Merced utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 37.7% market standard in Merced.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Merced.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Merced?
Cleaning fees in Merced 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 Merced
- 88.4% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Merced. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($236) and median ($55) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 9.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Merced median of $55. 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 Merced Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Mercedbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
4 Mi to Dtwn Merced: Spacious Home w/ Yard!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Restful Retreat• Stylish•Spacious•Quiet •N. Merced
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Pool Table & Patio! Spacious Merced Getaway
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Book it and Love it! HGTV Looking Home
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
1 Mi to Applegate Park Zoo: Pet-Friendly Home
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Serenity, close to UC Merced & Hospital *4 Beds
Entire Place • 4 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 Merced?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Merced 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolve | 2 | $87,802 | 58 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Mike | 4 | $73,722 | 242 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Peter | 2 | $65,847 | 151 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Brittany | 6 | $61,383 | 31 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Tian | 2 | $59,773 | 269 | 4.91/5.0 |
| CJay | 2 | $52,126 | 213 | 4.54/5.0 |
| Stay Smart | 4 | $51,112 | 67 | 4.50/5.0 |
| Evan | 6 | $48,893 | 889 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Evolve | 2 | $48,559 | 82 | 4.57/5.0 |
| Samantha | 1 | $44,344 | 52 | 4.98/5.0 |
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 Merced.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Merced?
Merced is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Merced
- With 52.1% Superhosts, Merced has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 2.7% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 2.7% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 74.0% 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 38.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Merced averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Merced
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Merced, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolve | 2 | $87,802 | $252 | 60.2% | 4.91/5 |
| Evolve | 2 | $48,559 | $265 | 29.1% | 4.57/5 |
| Grand Welcome Vacation Rentals | 1 | $5,593 | $285 | 13.4% | 4.00/5 |
Management Company Insights for Merced
- The leading management company, Evolve, operates 2 listings with $87,802 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Merced.
- Top managers average 2 properties each, suggesting professional management in Merced still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.49/5 in guest ratings — suggesting room for quality improvement even among larger operators.
Recommendations
- With only 2.7% 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 Merced's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Merced 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 Sand City, Merced has 22 percentage points lower occupancy and about $367 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel Point | 15 | $14,084 | $1077.33 | 54% |
| Del Monte Forest | 105 | $10,502 | $1000.19 | 47% |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 304 | $8,709 | $700.07 | 49% |
| Carmel | 28 | $8,282 | $607.72 | 50% |
| Pleasure Point | 90 | $8,037 | $543.21 | 53% |
| Castroville | 16 | $8,002 | $568.49 | 51% |
| Sand City | 10 | $7,624 | $502.83 | 61% |
| Del Rey Oaks | 32 | $7,515 | $493.32 | 55% |
| Pajaro Dunes | 64 | $7,429 | $628.77 | 42% |
| Wawona | 66 | $7,385 | $561.09 | 45% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Merced
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Merced.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Merced?
Merced hosts earn about $13,695 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $136 and RevPAR of $53. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Merced, California, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Merced market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Merced?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Merced is 39.1%. June 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 Merced?
Listings in Merced average $136 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 Merced?
Merced currently has about 146 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 Merced?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Merced 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 Merced?
RevPAR in Merced is about $53. 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 Merced?
Occupancy of 39.1% means Merced is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $13,695, 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 Merced?
The average booking lead time in Merced is about 20 days — a relatively short booking window, meaning most guests decide within a few weeks of their trip — dynamic pricing can capture late demand. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Merced?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Merced include Downtown Merced, University of California, Merced, North Merced. 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 Merced?
entire_home listings make up 59.6% of the active supply in Merced. 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 Merced compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Carmel Point posts $169,010 in average annual revenue with 54.1% occupancy, compared to Merced's $13,695 and 39.1%. 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 Merced?
The average Airbnb stay length in Merced is about 7.6 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 Merced?
Airbnb listings in Merced average 4.82 out of 5 overall. About 36.3% 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 Merced?
TV and Refrigerator are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Merced. 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 Merced?
Yes. About 88.4% of active Airbnb listings in Merced charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $236. 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 Merced?
A 52.1% 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.