Arapahoe, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Arapahoe Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Arapahoe, NC is a small coastal market on the Neuse River estuary with just 17 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a chance to enter a niche destination with limited competition. With an average daily rate of $391—well above the $262 North Carolina state average—and an average annual revenue of $32,036 against home values averaging $300,733, the revenue-to-price ratio is notably favorable. The market has seen significant 71% year-over-year listing growth, suggesting rising investor interest, though the 26% occupancy rate signals this is a seasonal, vacation-driven market rather than a year-round cash cow.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Arapahoe

Investors are drawn to Arapahoe for its compelling revenue-to-price ratio, waterfront appeal, and a supply landscape that remains small enough to offer differentiation opportunities.

Expert Market Assessment

"Arapahoe presents an attractive but seasonal investment opportunity, best suited for investors who can tolerate cash-flow variability across the calendar year. The September peak—at $7,394 in average monthly revenue—dwarfs the February low of $728, so effective pricing strategy and expense management during off-peak months are essential. With above-average marks in revenue-to-price ratio, market growth, and supply/demand balance, the fundamentals are encouraging for a micro-market of this size, though the below-average occupancy stability means returns hinge heavily on capturing peak-season bookings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Arapahoe

Average revenue by month in Arapahoe

Arapahoe's revenue is sharply seasonal, peaking in September at $7,394—more than ten times the February low of $728. The summer-to-early-fall corridor (June through September) accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, so investors should budget for significant off-season revenue dips from November through March.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Arapahoe

The market's 17 listings are split between two-bedroom properties (10 listings) and three-bedroom properties (5 listings), with no representation in studio, one-bedroom, or four-plus-bedroom categories. This concentration could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer larger or uniquely configured properties to an underserved segment of guests.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Arapahoe

ADR scales modestly from $273 for two-bedroom units to $281 for three-bedroom properties—a surprisingly narrow $8 premium for the extra bedroom. This suggests that guests in Arapahoe are primarily paying for location and amenities rather than additional space, making well-appointed two-bedroom properties a potentially efficient investment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Arapahoe

Two-bedroom listings deliver substantially better RevPAN at $95 compared to just $46 for three-bedroom properties, driven largely by the occupancy gap between the two sizes. For investors focused on maximizing revenue per available night, two-bedroom configurations clearly outperform in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Arapahoe

Two-bedroom properties maintain a 35% occupancy rate—more than double the 17% rate for three-bedroom listings—indicating significantly stronger and more consistent booking demand for smaller units. The low three-bedroom occupancy suggests that larger properties in Arapahoe face stiffer competition for a smaller pool of group travelers.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Arapahoe

Two-bedroom listings earn an average of $2,650 per month, edging out three-bedroom properties at $2,392 despite commanding a lower nightly rate. The higher occupancy of two-bedroom units more than compensates for their slightly lower ADR, making them the more reliable monthly revenue generators.

Average annual revenue by property size in Arapahoe

On an annual basis, two-bedroom properties bring in roughly $31,800 versus $28,705 for three-bedroom listings—a $3,100 advantage that, combined with potentially lower acquisition costs for smaller homes, positions two-bedroom units as the stronger return-on-investment play in Arapahoe.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Arapahoe

Every listing in Arapahoe offers a washer, dryer, kitchen, and self check-in, establishing these as baseline guest expectations. Waterfront access (65%), pools (77%), and pet-friendliness (65%) are also highly prevalent, signaling that guests booking in this coastal market prioritize outdoor recreation and water-adjacent experiences.

Understanding Arapahoe's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Arapahoe's ROI Score of 70 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand dynamics in a market with only 17 listings. The below-average occupancy stability score reflects the pronounced seasonality that investors need to plan around, though above-average marks in market growth trend suggest demand is still catching up to supply. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research will help investors confirm whether Arapahoe's promising fundamentals translate into a viable investment for their specific portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Arapahoe

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Arapahoe, NC should verify whether Pamlico County or the town requires a specific STR permit or registration before listing a property. Investors are encouraged to contact the local planning or zoning office directly, as requirements in rural North Carolina communities can vary.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA rules for properties in planned communities. Some North Carolina jurisdictions also impose minimum stay requirements or cap the total number of STR permits issued in a given area.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires collection of state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Pamlico County may levy additional room or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with the NC Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Arapahoe's STR market is likely to benefit from continued growth in coastal tourism demand across eastern North Carolina, with ADR potentially holding steady or seeing modest 1–3% increases given the market's premium positioning. Occupancy could drift upward as new listings mature and gain review traction, though the pronounced seasonality—with September revenue roughly ten times February's—means investors should plan for lean winter months. The strong supply/demand balance and above-average growth trend suggest the market hasn't yet reached saturation, but the rapid 71% year-over-year listing growth warrants monitoring to ensure demand keeps pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Arapahoe, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Arapahoe?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Arapahoe is currently 26%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the market's seasonal, vacation-driven nature—occupancy surges during warmer months and the fall shoulder season, then drops off considerably in winter. Two-bedroom properties perform better at 35% occupancy compared to 17% for three-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Arapahoe?

Airbnb hosts in Arapahoe earn an average of $2,669 per month, which translates to roughly $32,036 per year based on trailing 12-month booking performance. Two-bedroom listings lead slightly at $31,800 annually, while three-bedroom properties average $28,705. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with September averaging $7,394 and February dipping to around $728.

Is Arapahoe a good market for Airbnb investment?

Arapahoe scores 70 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market's strengths include an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand dynamics with only 17 active listings. However, occupancy stability is rated below average, so investors should be comfortable with pronounced seasonal revenue swings and plan their budgets around leaner winter months.

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

The average daily rate in Arapahoe is $391, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina state average of $262. By property size, two-bedroom listings average $273 per night while three-bedroom properties command $281. The elevated market-wide ADR suggests guests are willing to pay a premium for the waterfront and recreational experiences Arapahoe offers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Arapahoe?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Arapahoe, NC, as evidenced by the 17 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations can vary at the county and municipal level. Investors should verify current regulations with local Pamlico County authorities and the North Carolina Department of Revenue before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Arapahoe?

Peak season in Arapahoe is concentrated in the late summer and early fall, with September standing out as the highest-earning month at $7,394 in average revenue. July ($4,379) and August ($3,757) are also strong performers. The off-peak season runs from November through March, with February being the slowest month at just $728 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Arapahoe?

As of April 2026, there are 17 active Airbnb listings in Arapahoe. The market has experienced significant 71% year-over-year growth in listings, indicating rising investor interest. Supply is concentrated in two-bedroom (10 listings) and three-bedroom (5 listings) properties, leaving potential gaps for other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Arapahoe?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Arapahoe 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Arapahoe, NC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value data 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.