Aiken, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Aiken Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Aiken, SC presents a distinctive short-term rental opportunity anchored by seasonal demand spikes and relatively accessible property values averaging $460,604. With 218 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $26,372, the market rewards investors who can capitalize on its pronounced spring peak — April alone brings in $5,336 per listing. An ADR of $200 sits well below the South Carolina state average of $358, but the lower entry cost creates a compelling revenue-to-price dynamic for budget-conscious investors.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Aiken short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Aiken

Aiken's blend of affordable property prices, a dedicated event-driven demand season, and a revenue-to-price ratio rated average makes it an intriguing entry point for STR investors comfortable with seasonal cash-flow patterns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Aiken earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven by a balanced revenue-to-price ratio and steady — if unspectacular — occupancy. The market's defining characteristic is extreme seasonality: April revenues of $5,336 tower over a June low of $1,373, creating a feast-or-famine pattern that rewards operators who price aggressively in spring and manage costs carefully in quieter months. The 160% year-over-year growth in listings is worth monitoring, as rapid supply expansion could pressure occupancy and rates if demand doesn't keep pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Aiken

Average revenue by month in Aiken

Aiken's revenue profile is dominated by a dramatic April peak at $5,336, roughly 3.9× the June trough of $1,373, signaling a market heavily driven by spring event season. Outside of spring, revenue is relatively flat in the $1,500–$2,200 range, so investors should budget for an uneven cash-flow calendar and capitalize aggressively during March and April.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Aiken

One-bedroom units dominate Aiken's supply with 74 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (58) and 3-bedrooms (51), while 4- and 5-bedroom properties are significantly underrepresented at 18 and 5 listings respectively. The limited supply of larger homes could represent an opportunity, particularly given the higher revenue potential those sizes carry.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Aiken

ADR in Aiken scales steadily from $137–$139 for studios and 1-bedrooms up to $348 for 5-bedroom properties, a 2.5× premium. The steepest per-bedroom rate jump occurs between 1-bedroom ($137) and 2-bedroom ($192), suggesting that even a modest size upgrade significantly boosts nightly pricing power.

Average RevPAN by property size in Aiken

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $96, outperforming even 4-bedrooms ($86) and 5-bedrooms ($68), making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis. Studios and 1-bedrooms lag at $39 and $44 respectively, reflecting both lower rates and weaker occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Aiken

Two-bedroom units lead Aiken in occupancy at 44%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 41%, while studios (28%), 4-bedrooms (29%), and 5-bedrooms (20%) trail considerably. Investors prioritizing cash-flow stability should focus on the 2- to 3-bedroom sweet spot, where consistent guest demand translates to fewer vacant nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Aiken

Monthly revenue climbs with property size, from $1,457 for studios to $3,426 for 5-bedroom homes, though the gap between 4-bedrooms ($3,318) and 5-bedrooms ($3,426) narrows sharply. The 3-bedroom tier at $2,796 per month offers a strong balance of revenue and likely lower acquisition and operating costs compared to larger homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Aiken

Five-bedroom properties top annual earnings at $41,115, with 4-bedrooms close behind at $39,824, but the limited supply and lower occupancy of these larger homes mean fewer proven comps. For investors seeking the best return potential relative to purchase price and management complexity, 3-bedroom listings generating $33,561 annually represent a compelling middle ground.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Aiken

Kitchens (94%) and parking (92%) are near-universal in Aiken's listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like stays and car-dependent travel. Pet-friendly policies (65%) stand out as notably prevalent — likely a reflection of Aiken's equestrian community — while pools remain rare at just 8%, potentially representing a differentiation opportunity for investors willing to add one.

Understanding Aiken's ROI Score: 58/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Aiken's ROI Score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average marks across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance, tempered by a below-average market growth trend driven in part by the 160% surge in new listings. The score suggests the market offers reasonable returns for investors who enter at the right price point and manage seasonality well, but it's not a set-it-and-forget-it play. Pairing this data with current local regulatory research and a careful property-level underwriting will give investors the clearest picture of what Aiken can realistically deliver.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Aiken

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Aiken. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Investors looking to operate a short-term rental in Aiken, SC should verify whether a local STR permit or business license is required through the City of Aiken and Aiken County offices. South Carolina does not impose a statewide STR registration, but municipal requirements can vary, so confirming current rules before listing is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in South Carolina communities include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. HOA covenants in planned communities around Aiken may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing any deed restrictions is an important step before acquisition.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina requires collection of a state sales tax and local accommodations tax on short-term rentals, with platforms like Airbnb often remitting the state portion on behalf of hosts. Operators should confirm whether Aiken County levies an additional hospitality or tourism tax and ensure full compliance with all applicable filing requirements.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Aiken can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Aiken's sharp April revenue spike — likely tied to the city's renowned equestrian events — suggests demand will remain concentrated in spring, with more modest performance through summer and fall. Occupancy currently sits at 37%, close to the state average of 38%, and could edge toward 39–41% if supply growth moderates after the 160% year-over-year listing increase. ADR may see incremental gains of 1–3% over the next 12–18 months as the market absorbs new inventory, though investors should plan cash reserves for the softer June–August stretch when monthly revenue dips below $1,600."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Aiken, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Aiken?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Aiken is currently 37%, closely tracking the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 44%, while studios and 5-bedroom properties sit at 28% and 20%, respectively. Investors targeting mid-sized properties tend to see the most consistent bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Aiken?

Airbnb hosts in Aiken earn an average of $2,197 per month and roughly $26,372 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Larger properties command more: 4-bedroom listings average $3,318 per month ($39,824/year), while 1-bedroom units bring in about $1,539 per month ($18,479/year). Revenue is heavily seasonal, with April being far and away the strongest month at $5,336.

Is Aiken a good market for Airbnb investment?

Aiken scores a 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, though market growth trends are below average — partly reflecting the rapid 160% increase in active listings. Investors who can navigate the pronounced seasonality and target in-demand property sizes like 2- and 3-bedrooms may find solid returns relative to Aiken's accessible home values of around $460,604.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Aiken?

The average daily rate in Aiken is $200, which is notably below the South Carolina state average of $358. Rates scale with property size: studios and 1-bedroom units average $137–$139 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command up to $348. This lower ADR reflects Aiken's inland positioning and different guest profile compared to the state's coastal resort markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Aiken?

Short-term rentals operate in Aiken, SC, with 218 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local permit or licensing requirements may apply, and investors should check directly with the City of Aiken and Aiken County for the latest regulations. HOA restrictions can also limit STR activity in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing community covenants is highly recommended before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Aiken?

Peak season in Aiken is squarely in the spring, with April generating an average of $5,336 in monthly revenue — nearly four times the June low of $1,373. March also performs well at $3,133, suggesting the spring event season (likely tied to Aiken's prominent equestrian culture) drives substantial visitor traffic. A secondary uptick occurs in September–November, with monthly revenues between $1,942 and $2,128.

How many Airbnbs are there in Aiken?

There are currently 218 active Airbnb listings in Aiken as of April 2026. The market has seen explosive supply growth of 160% year-over-year. One-bedroom units make up the largest share at 74 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (58) and 3-bedrooms (51), with fewer options at the studio, 4-bedroom, and 5-bedroom levels.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Aiken?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Aiken are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks like April and softer months like June because each month uses its own historical performance data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Aiken market
• Trailing 12-month revenue, occupancy, and average daily rate performance data
• Revenue per available night (RevPAN) and yield metrics broken down by property size
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month performance and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before investing.