Big Bear Lake Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in California, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Big Bear Lake in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Big Bear Lake, California, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Big Bear Lake, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 2,906 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Big Bear Lake, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Big Bear Lake Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Big Bear Lake Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Big Bear Lake (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Lake is typically December, while September often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Big Bear Lake across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $8,911+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,289 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,860 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,442, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Big Bear Lake STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while September 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 Big Bear Lake:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 61%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 42% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 26%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Big Bear Lake
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Big Bear Lake (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Big Bear Lake involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Big Bear Lake 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 $745+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $492 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $318 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $216 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Big Bear Lake
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Big Bear Lake (2025)
Peak Season (December, January, February)
- Revenue averages $6,492 per month
- Occupancy rates average 37.0%
- Daily rates average $544
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,889 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 29.7%
- Daily rates hold near $367
Low Season (August, September, October)
- Revenue drops to average $2,230 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 25.1%
- Daily rates adjust to average $321
Seasonality Insights for Big Bear Lake
- The Airbnb seasonality in Big Bear Lake shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Big Bear Lake's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $7,992, occupancy reaching a high of 39.5%, and ADRs peaking at $579.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,689, occupancy could drop to 20.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $316.
- 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 Big Bear Lake.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Big Bear Lake seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Big Bear Lake (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Big Bear Lake? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| The Village | The Village is the heart of Big Bear Lake, featuring shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a prime location for tourists. Its proximity to the lake and ski resorts also makes it a sought-after area for lodging. | Big Bear Lake, Bear Mountain Ski Resort, Snow Summit, The Village Shops and Restaurants, Big Bear Alpine Zoo |
| Bear Mountain | Bear Mountain is popular for its ski resort, attracting winter sports enthusiasts year-round. In summer, it offers hiking and outdoor activities, appealing to adventure seekers. | Bear Mountain Ski Resort, Golf Course, Mountain Biking Trails, Hiking Trails, Scenic Chairlift Rides |
| Snow Summit | Aside from being a winter ski hub, Snow Summit provides numerous hiking and mountain biking trails during the summer, drawing nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. | Snow Summit Ski Resort, Sky Chair, Mountain Biking Trails, Hiking Trails |
| Moonridge | Moonridge is a residential area close to Bear Mountain Ski Resort and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, making it ideal for family vacations and nature lovers. | Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Bear Mountain Ski Resort, Hiking Trails, Shopping and dining in nearby areas |
| Fawnskin | Fawnskin is a quieter area on the north shore of the lake, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. It offers stunning lake views and is a favorite for fishing. | Big Bear Lake, Fawnskin Village, Fishing Spots, Nature Trails |
| Shawnee | Shawnee is another beautiful residential area near the lake, popular for its calm environment and forest surroundings, suitable for relaxing getaways. | Big Bear Lake, Hiking Trails, Nature Parks, Scenic Views |
| Big Bear City | Big Bear City provides a more local experience, with easy access to both the lake and the mountains, appealing to budget travelers and families. | Big Bear Lake, Mountains, Local Eateries and Shops, Outdoor Activities |
| Lake Arrowhead | Though not in Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead is nearby and offers a similar lake experience with upscale amenities, making it a great alternative for guests looking for variety. | Lake Arrowhead Village, Shopping and Dining, Water Sports, Scenic Boat Tours |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Big Bear Lake (2025)
Yes, Big Bear Lake, California, United States enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2025 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Big Bear Lake to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 87% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Big Bear Lake (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Big Bear Lakebased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
The Edgewood Mansion: Hot Tub! Close to Bear Mtn!
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Lake House-BoatDock-Kayaks-Bikes-GameRoom-HotTub
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Lakefront Dream Luxury Estate. Private Dock.
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Private Estate on 1 acre. Close to Slopes&Village
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms
Winter Ready Roaring Lion + Lake Views + Dock
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Sleeps 14 - 8 Adults Max. Lakefront, Dock, BBQ
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Big Bear Lake (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Big Bear Lake 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination Big Bear | 328 | $14,845,119 | 12956 | 4.54/5.0 |
| Big Bear Vacations | 228 | $11,695,342 | 3039 | 4.03/5.0 |
| Cool Cabins | 234 | $7,664,706 | 1988 | 3.66/5.0 |
| SoCal | 47 | $2,735,972 | 2139 | 4.66/5.0 |
| Mario & Ivette | 30 | $2,605,129 | 4818 | 4.89/5.0 |
| AvantStay | 37 | $2,341,686 | 1226 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Leanne | 40 | $2,298,997 | 1589 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Bryan | 42 | $1,851,722 | 1564 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Leanne | 27 | $1,765,776 | 1356 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Mike | 27 | $1,659,757 | 2505 | 4.90/5.0 |
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 Big Bear Lake.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Big Bear Lake STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Big Bear Lake. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsBig Bear Lake Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Big Bear Lake
- The Big Bear Lake Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 96% of the 2,906 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Big Bear Lake, Outdoor/Unique properties are the most common (52.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 37.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, unique stays (combined 3.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Big Bear Lake Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Big Bear Lake
- The dominant room capacity in Big Bear Lake is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 35% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 64.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Big Bear Lake, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 58.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Lake Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Big Bear Lake
- The most common guest capacity trend in Big Bear Lake vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (40.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Big Bear Lake STR market, accounting for 57.5% of listings.
- 66.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Big Bear Lake.
- On average, properties in Big Bear Lake are equipped to host 6.2 guests.
Big Bear Lake Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Big Bear Lake
- The most common availability pattern in Big Bear Lake falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 57.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 88.3% 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 Big Bear Lake (35.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 12.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Big Bear Lake Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
736 listings
26.8% of total
2 Nights
1085 listings
39.6% of total
3 Nights
17 listings
0.6% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
0% of total
7-29 Nights
7 listings
0.3% of total
30+ Nights
896 listings
32.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Big Bear Lake is 2 Nights, adopted by 39.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (66.4%) of the Big Bear Lake Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (32.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Big Bear Lake, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 39.6% of Big Bear Lake hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 26.8% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 32.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Lake Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 60 Days
4 listings
0.2% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
33 listings
1.3% of total
Flexible
181 listings
6.9% of total
Moderate
723 listings
27.7% of total
Firm
497 listings
19% of total
Strict
1171 listings
44.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Big Bear Lake
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Big Bear Lake is Strict, used by 44.9% of listings.
- A majority (63.9%) of hosts in Big Bear Lake utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 44.9% market standard in Big Bear Lake.
- With 44.9% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Big Bear Lake, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Lake STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Big Bear Lake
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Big Bear Lake is 34 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 43 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 27 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (39 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (32 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (34 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Big Bear Lake.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 39 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Big Bear Lake averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Big Bear Lake (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Big Bear Lake
- Essential amenities in Big Bear Lake that guests expect include: TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Heating, Carbon monoxide alarm, Free parking on premises, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hot water, Coffee maker, Fire extinguisher are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Big Bear Lake: TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Heating, Carbon monoxide alarm, Free parking on premises, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Heating, Carbon monoxide alarm, Free parking on premises, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or Coffee maker 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 Big Bear Lake to stay competitive.
Big Bear Lake Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Big Bear Lake
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Big Bear Lake consists of primarily domestic travelers (95%), often arriving from nearby Los Angeles, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 95.4% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (95.4%) and Mexico (2.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (63.1%) followed by Spanish (22%).
- 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 Los Angeles and San Diego.
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Big Bear Lake 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thousand Palms | 32 | $8,286 | $679.73 | 42% |
| GlenOak Hills | 37 | $7,383 | $604.16 | 40% |
| Newport Beach | 1,263 | $6,978 | $638.41 | 45% |
| Tenaja | 10 | $6,811 | $584.25 | 47% |
| Rancho Santa Fe | 29 | $6,753 | $823.12 | 42% |
| Bermuda Dunes | 142 | $6,113 | $599.75 | 38% |
| Santa Margarita Ranchos | 17 | $6,092 | $477.27 | 38% |
| Encinitas | 532 | $5,657 | $478.11 | 51% |
| Pioneertown | 80 | $5,204 | $425.55 | 42% |
| Temecula | 456 | $4,905 | $447.13 | 38% |