Mariposa, California Short-Term Rental Market
Gold Country STR market averaged $326 ADR, 43.5% occupancy and $3,945 monthly revenue in September 2026.
Quick Answer: Mariposa, California is an active short-term rental market. average occupancy in the Northern Sierra Mtns market area is 43%. average monthly revenue in the Northern Sierra Mtns market area is $3,945. average daily rate in the Northern Sierra Mtns market area is $326. the top operator in the Northern Sierra Mtns market area is Evolve with 209 listings. market score is 58/100 (grade C).
Market data reflects the Northern Sierra Mtns regional market, which includes Mariposa. Regulations, taxes, and permit details below are specific to Mariposa.
Market Score Breakdown
Five dimensions StaySTRA evaluates per market.
Market Overview
This page covers short-term rentals around Mariposa, California, the western gateway town to Yosemite National Park on Highway 140. Performance figures describe the Sierra Nevada foothills Gold Country STR market, a shared regional series that also covers Groveland, Copperopolis, Murphys, Arnold and Placerville, rather than a series unique to Mariposa. Mariposa itself has about 1,137 residents, while Yosemite draws roughly 4 million visitors a year, and tourism accounts for nearly half the Mariposa County workforce.
In September 2026, the Gold Country STR market posted an average daily rate (ADR) of $326 and occupancy of 43.5%. Average monthly revenue per listing was $3,945. Compared with September 2025, occupancy rose 14.3%, ADR rose 3.1%, and revenue rose 10.8%. Growth came mostly from more booked nights rather than higher prices.
Longer-run figures show a market that has settled above its pre-2020 level. In 2019 the region averaged 45.2% occupancy, a $236 ADR and $2,792 in monthly revenue. The 2021 peak reached 60.7% occupancy and $4,394 monthly revenue. For 2026 so far (nine months), occupancy is 46.4%, ADR is $325 and monthly revenue is $4,203, compared with $3,827 for full-year 2025.
Entire-home listings averaged an ADR of $332 in September 2026. Bedroom, channel and listing-type counts, and top-operator names, are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Mariposa, so this profile omits them. Seasonal demand is strong, with late spring through early fall carrying most revenue. The sections below cover investment economics, seasonality, revenue by property type, county regulations, booking windows and how the region’s recent growth compares with its own history.
Seasonal Patterns
| Month | Occupancy |
|---|---|
| Jan | 37% |
| Feb | 46% |
| Mar | 40% |
| Apr | 46% |
| May | 54% |
| Jun | 61% |
| Jul | 64% |
| Aug | 53% |
| Sep | 44% |
| Oct | 46% |
| Nov | 42% |
| Dec | 46% |
Month-by-month nightly rates and revenue figures for Mariposa are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Top Short-Term Rental Operators in Northern Sierra Mtns market area
Ranked by total active listings. Useful for understanding the competitive landscape. Operator data is published for the Northern Sierra Mtns market as a whole, which includes Mariposa, so these counts are not Mariposa-only figures.
| # | Operator | Listings | Reviews | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evolve | 209 | 10,374 | ★ 4.73 |
| 2 | Vacasa | 139 | 6,780 | ★ 4.47 |
| 3 | Cedar Creek Realty | 131 | 2,818 | ★ 4.68 |
| 4 | The Redwoods In Yosemite | 127 | 3,345 | ★ 4.60 |
| 5 | Yosemite's Scenic Wonders | 78 | 14,742 | ★ 4.79 |
What Kind of STR Should I Buy in Mariposa?
Revenue and nightly-rate breakdowns by bedroom count, property tier, and dwelling type for Mariposa are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Channel Mix
Distribution of bookings across major STR platforms.
| Channel | Share |
|---|---|
| airbnb | 40.1% |
| vrbo | 6.4% |
| both | 53.5% |
Home Value Trends (Mariposa)
Typical home values, median sale prices, and the 10-year price trend for Mariposa are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Insights
Booking-window and length-of-stay analysis for Mariposa — how far ahead guests book and how to price around it — is available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
Mariposa is unincorporated, so short-term rentals are governed by Mariposa County rather than a city government. Short-term rentals are permitted, but a permit is required. Owners apply for a Vacation Rental (VR) permit through the county Planning Department and must also hold a Transient Occupancy Registration (TOT certificate). The permit fee and renewal period are not published in the available data.
Guests pay a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax plus a 1.5% Tourism Business Improvement District assessment, 13.5% combined, on stays under 30 days. The TBID took effect January 1, 2021, and the 12% TOT rate took effect April 1, 2019.
Zoning rules: vacation rentals are allowed in all zones except Agricultural Exclusive (AE), where an onsite manager is required. A maximum of two TOT units is allowed per parcel. New rentals are limited to three bedrooms or fewer under Ordinance 1116 (2016), and approved occupancy follows the septic design capacity. Standards vary by planning area, including Fish Camp, Wawona and the Mariposa Town Specific Plan. Applicants must pass environmental health review, including a septic inspection within three years and a water-quality schedule for wells, unless on public sewer or water. A $99 septic review fee applies. Properties served by the Mariposa Public Utility District are also subject to MPUD Ordinance #58.
There is no owner-occupancy or primary-residence requirement, and there is no stated annual night cap. Enforcement is rated moderate. A county review of vacation-rental rules was reported on hold, so confirm current status with the Planning Department.
Market Comparison
The Gold Country STR market is tied to Yosemite National Park, where guests pay for proximity to the park and demand is concentrated in summer. Peak occupancy reaches 63.9% in July, against 37.0% in January, and the September 2026 reading of 43.5% sits between those extremes. Rate holds up through the year, with monthly seasonal ADR never below $248 in November.
Growth is strong: revenue is up 10.8% year over year, occupancy is up 14.3% and ADR is up 3.1%. Investors should compare this with markets that have steadier year-round occupancy, since annual cash flow here depends on summer performance. Operator rankings and listing counts are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Mariposa, so this profile omits them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mariposa, California
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How much revenue does a Mariposa-area short-term rental earn?
Do you need a permit to run a short-term rental in Mariposa?
Does Mariposa require owner occupancy for vacation rentals?
What is the best time of year for Mariposa short-term rentals?
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