Imperial, California Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Imperial, California? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (January 2025 – December 2025), the short answer is $19,584 per year — at a $187 nightly rate, 46.3% occupancy, and a N/A RevPAR.
With just 19 active listings, Imperial is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 58.3% 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 Imperial?
In Imperial, the headline Airbnb metrics are $19,584 in average annual revenue,46.3% occupancy, $187 ADR, and $0 in RevPAR, and guests book about 19 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Imperial?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Imperial 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 Imperial is typically February, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Imperial across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,038+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,317 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,310 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $885, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Imperial
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Imperial?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Imperial STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while June 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 Imperial:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 82%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 64% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 45%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 23% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Imperial
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Imperial?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Imperial involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Imperial typically peaks in August and dips lowest during February. 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 $311+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $234 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $166 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $108 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Imperial
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Imperial?
RevPAR in Imperial is currently N/A. 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 N/A RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate N/A RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn N/A RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve N/A RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Imperial
RevPAR Insights for Imperial
- RevPAR peaks in Jan 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 Imperial benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of N/A, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- 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 Imperial?
Imperial's peak Airbnb season falls in February, May, April, while the softest stretch is June, September, December. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (February, May, April)
- Revenue averages $3,371 per month
- Occupancy rates average 55.2%
- Daily rates average $178
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,960 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 46.8%
- Daily rates hold near $182
Low Season (June, September, December)
- Revenue drops to average $2,251 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 42.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $186
Seasonality Insights for Imperial
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Imperial 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 Imperial's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,512, occupancy reaching 70.8%, and ADRs peaking at $196.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,936, occupancy could drop to 40.3%, and ADRs may adjust to $166.
- 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 Imperial.
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 Imperial seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Imperial?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Imperial, 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 Imperial 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 Imperial?
With a compact short-term rental market, Imperial gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| El Centro | The largest city in Imperial County, El Centro is a hub for commerce and agriculture, making it attractive for both short-term and long-term stays. | Imperial Valley Mall, Bucklin Park, Plaza de Caonillas, Walter McCall Park, El Centro Historical Museum |
| Calexico | Located on the border with Mexico, Calexico is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and accessibility. It attracts visitors looking for a cross-border experience. | Calexico Port of Entry, Rockwood Plaza, Old Calexico Theatre, Gran Plaza Outlets, Calexico Community Park |
| Imperial | This small city provides a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere and is close to attractions like the Imperial Sand Dunes, drawing tourists and adventure seekers. | Imperial Sand Dunes, Desert Trails, All American Canal, Imperial County Fairgrounds |
| Brawley | Brawley is known for its agricultural background and hosts various events throughout the year, making it a potential spot for vacation rentals. | Brawley Cattle Call Festival, Brawley Community Center, Pioneer Park, Mural Project |
| Holtville | A small town with a friendly community and annual events, Holtville is also known for its hot springs and proximity to outdoor activities. | Holtville Hot Springs, Holtville Farmers Market, Holtville Historical Museum, Grassy Hill |
| Niland | Famous for its proximity to the Salton Sea, Niland offers unique attractions related to the sea and desert, appealing to niche tourism. | Salton Sea Recreation Area, Bombay Beach, Slab City, East Jesus |
| Westmorland | This small town offers a local charm and is a gateway to the desert areas, making it an interesting stop for travelers. | Westmorland City Park, Dunes Golf Club, Eastside Park |
| Salton City | Located on the Salton Sea, this area attracts visitors looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures and unique desert landscapes. | Salton Sea, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Salton Sea State Recreation Area |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Imperial 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 Imperial?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Imperial
- The Imperial Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 84.2% of the 19 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Imperial, House properties are the most common (73.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 73.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 10.5% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Imperial Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Imperial
- The dominant room capacity in Imperial is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 36.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 57.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Imperial, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 52.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Imperial.
Imperial Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Imperial
- The most common guest capacity trend in Imperial vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (26.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Imperial STR market, accounting for 47.4% of listings.
- 57.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Imperial.
- On average, properties in Imperial are equipped to host 4.6 guests.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Imperial?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Imperial
- Essential amenities in Imperial that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Wifi, Hot water, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Smoke alarm, Refrigerator, Iron are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Imperial: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Wifi, Hot water, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Smoke alarm or Refrigerator 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 Imperial to stay competitive.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Imperial STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Imperial. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsImperial Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Imperial
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Imperial consists of primarily domestic travelers (96%), often arriving from nearby San Diego, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 95.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (95.9%) and Mexico (3.1%).
- Top languages spoken are English (54.5%) followed by Spanish (28.4%).
- 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 San Diego and Riverside.
- 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.
Imperial Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Imperial
- The most common availability pattern in Imperial falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 57.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 89.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Imperial (42.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 10.5% 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 Imperial?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Imperial
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Imperial is 19 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 44 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 8 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (38 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (12 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (19 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Imperial.
- For October stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 44 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- During February, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (8 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 38 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Imperial averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Imperial Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
8 listings
42.1% of total
2 Nights
6 listings
31.6% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
5.3% of total
30+ Nights
4 listings
21.1% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Imperial is 1 Night, adopted by 42.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (73.7%) of the Imperial Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (21.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Imperial, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 42.1% of Imperial hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 21.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Imperial.
Imperial Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Flexible
7 listings
36.8% of total
Moderate
7 listings
36.8% of total
Firm
4 listings
21.1% of total
Strict
1 listings
5.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Imperial
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Imperial is Flexible, used by 36.8% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 73.6% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Imperial may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (5.3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 36.8% market standard in Imperial.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 5.3% 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 Imperial.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Imperial Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Imperialbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Cozy 4-bedroom home with pool and game room
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Casa Imperial: An Elevated 3-Bedroom Townhome
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Serene, Comfort & Security-4 Br/2 Ba, 2Garage/6Bed
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Fancy Nest
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Casa Santa Rosa: 3BR Getaway & Work Space sleeps 7
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
ZzzCa Three Bedrooms - Entire Home 3 bedrooms Sleeps 8
Entire Place • 3 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 Imperial?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Imperial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allison | 4 | $87,214 | 118 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Vivianna | 1 | $69,902 | 93 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Cindy | 1 | $47,395 | 95 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Blanca | 1 | $38,561 | 9 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Heidi | 1 | $34,164 | 10 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Jose | 1 | $16,933 | 71 | 4.86/5.0 |
| David | 2 | $14,836 | 125 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Micheal | 1 | $13,984 | 32 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Jenna | 1 | $12,772 | 27 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Blanca | 1 | $10,247 | 117 | 4.97/5.0 |
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 Imperial.
How Does Imperial's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Imperial 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 Casa de Oro, Imperial has 10 percentage points lower occupancy and about $188 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho San Diego | 26 | $8,925 | $583.50 | 49% |
| Thousand Palms | 33 | $8,257 | $723.86 | 38% |
| Lakeside | 31 | $7,803 | $617.94 | 43% |
| GlenOak Hills | 41 | $7,507 | $642.93 | 41% |
| Bermuda Dunes | 144 | $7,390 | $653.65 | 40% |
| Mount Helix | 33 | $7,314 | $589.76 | 50% |
| Casa de Oro | 49 | $5,621 | $374.19 | 56% |
| Indio | 1,439 | $5,429 | $571.87 | 37% |
| Coachella | 368 | $5,354 | $646.33 | 38% |
| Palm Springs | 3,471 | $5,037 | $501.43 | 40% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Imperial
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Imperial.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Imperial?
Imperial hosts earn about $19,584 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $187 and RevPAR of N/A. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Imperial, California, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Imperial market, January 2025 to December 2025.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Imperial?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Imperial is 46.3%. February is the strongest month and September 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 Imperial?
Listings in Imperial average $187 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 Imperial?
Imperial currently has about 19 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 Imperial?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Imperial 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 Imperial?
RevPAR in Imperial is about N/A. 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 Imperial?
At 46.3% occupancy, Imperial 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 $19,584, 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 Imperial?
The average booking lead time in Imperial is about 19 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 Imperial?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Imperial include El Centro, Calexico, Imperial. 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 Imperial?
entire_home listings make up 84.2% of the active supply in Imperial. 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 Imperial compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Rancho San Diego posts $107,104 in average annual revenue with 48.7% occupancy, compared to Imperial's $19,584 and 46.3%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
When is the peak season for Airbnb in Imperial?
February is the highest-revenue month in Imperial, while September is the softest. The revenue spread between them indicates moderate seasonality with a clear peak period, giving hosts opportunities to maximize rates during high demand without facing dramatic off-season drops.
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 2025-12-31. 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.