The short-term rental (Airbnb) market in Joshua Tree, CA has been gaining popularity among investors, homeowners, and travelers in recent years.
The city’s natural beauty and proximity to Los Angeles make it a desirable destination for weekend getaways and outdoor adventures.
In this guide, we will delve into the current state of the short-term rental (Airbnb) market in Joshua Tree, CA, and explore the various factors that make it a lucrative investment opportunity.
Market Overview
To understand the dynamics of the short-term rental market in Joshua Tree, let’s delve into some key statistics and figures.
Supply
AS of July 2025, the most popular homes are 2-bedroom homes, comprising 26.36% of inventory. This is followed by 3 and 1-bedroom homes at 20.60% and 20.32% of the total inventory, respectively.
Homes Appreciation
AS of July 2025, according to Zillow, homes in Joshua Tree experienced an depreciation of -5.36%. This data indicates a significant decrease in property values.
Median Home Value
As of January of 2025, Homes in Joshua Tree have depreciated by -5.36%. The median home value in Joshua Tree is $362,500 as reported by Zillow. This figure highlights the city’s robust real estate market and the potential for long-term property appreciation.
Active Short Term Rentals
AS of July 2025, Joshua Tree boasts a significant Airbnb rental market, with approximately 1,124 active rentals. This abundance of available properties provides ample opportunities for investors and homeowners looking to capitalize on the tourism demand.
Average Daily Rate
The median ADR for the market is $383. The Average Daily Rate is the highest for 5-bedroom homes $516, followed by 4-bedrooms and 2 bedrooms at $455 and $283 respectively.
Occupancy Rate
Chalet data reveals an occupancy rate of 60.31% for Airbnb rentals in Joshua Tree. This high demand ensures a consistent stream of income for property owners and investors.
How Profitable is Airbnb in Joshua Tree ?
AS of July 2025, the average gross yield, which represents the annual income generated by a property as a percentage of its value, is 14.11% in Joshua Tree. This figure suggests that short-term rentals in the city offer a favorable return on investment. Joshua Tree is ranked #12 by return on investment on Airbnb rentals in the United States.
Annual Revenue
According to Chalet, short-term rentals in Joshua Tree earn an average of $41,936 annually, highlighting the strong investment potential in the city’s market. You can evaluate your properties using our free Airbnb calculator.
Hosts
The market is dominated by property management firms. The largest host is Hi-Desert Dwellings with 4.99% of the total inventory and an average review of 4.77⭐️s .
Property Tax
According to SmartAsset, the average property tax in Joshua Tree is 0.78%. This relatively moderate tax rate is an important consideration for those looking to invest in short-term rental properties.
Guests
The majority of the guests in Joshua Tree come from California and are within driving distance. 22.00% of all guests are from Los Angeles followed by San Diego with 5.00%.
Regulations
Joshua Tree’s short-term rental regulations are somewhat investor-friendly, with different zoning regulations and limitations in place. Understanding these regulations is crucial for potential investors to ensure compliance and a smooth operation.
Sports and Education
Despite its small size, Joshua Tree is home to several sports teams, including the Joshua Tree Vipers Football Club and the Joshua Tree Coyotes Baseball Club. There are no colleges or universities located within the city limits, but nearby institutions include Copper Mountain College and the College of the Desert.
