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

Asheville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Asheville's short-term rental market draws from the city's well-known arts scene, Blue Ridge Mountain proximity, and year-round tourism appeal. With 1,263 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $27,757 per property, the market offers solid—though not outsized—income relative to an average home value of $752,124. An ADR of $189 sits below North Carolina's $262 state average, but competitive pricing combined with steady seasonal demand makes this a market worth watching for investors seeking mountain-market exposure.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Asheville 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 Asheville

Asheville appeals to investors because of its diversified tourism base, mountain-destination appeal, and the ability to target higher-revenue larger properties in a market with relatively moderate competition at the upper end.

Expert Market Assessment

"Asheville registers as an attractive opportunity with a 55/100 ROI score, reflecting healthy demand that's tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio. Seasonality is a defining characteristic: revenue swings from a January low of $1,243 to a July peak of $3,071—a nearly 2.5x spread that investors must plan around. The market rewards scale, with 5-bedroom properties generating more than four times the annual revenue of studios. For investors who can acquire efficiently and optimize for peak-season performance, Asheville remains a compelling mountain-market play with manageable risk."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Asheville

Average revenue by month in Asheville

Asheville's revenue cycle reveals a clear dual-peak pattern, with July ($3,071) and October ($2,950) topping the chart—likely driven by summer vacationers and fall leaf season, respectively. The winter months of January ($1,243) and February ($1,265) represent a steep drop-off, creating a roughly 2.5x spread that makes seasonal pricing and expense management critical for profitability.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Asheville

One-bedroom properties dominate supply with 540 listings—nearly 43% of the market—followed by 2-bedrooms at 300. Properties with 5 or more bedrooms total just 66 listings, representing a potentially underserved niche where less competition could translate to stronger pricing power and occupancy for well-positioned investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Asheville

ADR climbs steadily from $112 for studios to $666 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each additional bedroom adding meaningful pricing power. The jump from 3-bedroom ($218) to 4-bedroom ($314) is particularly notable—a 44% premium—suggesting that group-friendly properties command an outsized daily rate in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Asheville

RevPAN scales dramatically with property size, from $31 for studios to $204 for 6+ bedroom listings, indicating that larger properties deliver the strongest revenue per available night even after accounting for occupancy. The 5-bedroom tier at $127 RevPAN offers more than double the market average of $59, making it a compelling target for investors seeking higher yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Asheville

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across property sizes, ranging from 26% (4-bedroom) to 33% (1-bedroom and 5-bedroom), which suggests that demand doesn't disproportionately favor any one size. This consistency means that revenue differences are largely driven by ADR rather than fill rates, pointing investors toward larger units where nightly pricing carries the returns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Asheville

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,371 for studios to $10,388 for 6+ bedroom properties, with a clear inflection point at the 4-bedroom tier ($4,167) where earnings nearly double those of 2-bedrooms ($2,579). Investors targeting cash-flow strength will find the most compelling numbers in the 4–6+ bedroom categories.

Average annual revenue by property size in Asheville

Annual revenue potential ranges from $16,453 for studios to $124,663 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom listings earning $72,156—more than 3.6 times what a 1-bedroom generates. For investors focused on return potential, larger properties in the 4–6+ bedroom range clearly deliver the most revenue, though acquisition and operating costs scale accordingly.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Asheville

Parking (97%), self check-in (90%), and a kitchen (90%) are near-universal in Asheville's listings, reflecting baseline guest expectations in a mountain-destination market. Differentiators like hot tubs (22%) and pet-friendly policies (41%) appear less frequently, suggesting that adding these amenities could help a listing stand out in a competitive field.

Understanding Asheville's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Asheville's ROI score of 55/100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with genuine demand but a below-average revenue-to-price ratio that requires careful underwriting. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, meaning the fundamentals are steady without being exceptional. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and a clear property-size strategy—particularly targeting larger units—to make the numbers work in a market where home values of $752,124 set a high entry bar.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Asheville

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Asheville and Buncombe County may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before listing it on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Asheville's planning department and North Carolina state authorities before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain-area STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements in certain zoning districts, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA restrictions that can override local permitting. Some jurisdictions also cap the total number of non-owner-occupied STR permits, so confirming availability early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as state sales tax on rental income. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Buncombe County tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Asheville's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with summer and fall leaf-peeping months continuing to anchor revenue. ADR could see modest gains in the 1–3% range as supply growth stabilizes, though the 113% year-over-year listing growth suggests the market is absorbing new inventory. Occupancy rates are likely to hover in the 30–35% range market-wide, with larger properties better positioned to outperform. Investors should factor in a pronounced winter dip—January and February revenues drop below $1,300—when modeling annual cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Asheville, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Asheville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Asheville is currently 31%, which sits slightly below North Carolina's 34% state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom and 5-bedroom units performing best at 33%, while 4-bedroom properties trail at 26%. These figures reflect market-wide averages—well-optimized listings with competitive pricing and strong reviews can outperform.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Asheville?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Asheville earn approximately $2,313 per month or $27,757 annually based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios average $16,453 per year, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate up to $124,663 annually. Peak months like July ($3,071) and October ($2,950) drive much of the annual total, so seasonal pricing strategy is key to maximizing earnings.

Is Asheville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Asheville earns a 55/100 ROI score from Rabbu, classified as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from strong tourism demand, a vibrant arts and food scene, and mountain-area appeal that sustains bookings across multiple seasons. The main consideration is the revenue-to-price ratio—average home values of $752,124 relative to $27,757 in annual revenue mean that investors need to be strategic about property selection and operational efficiency. Larger properties tend to offer the strongest return potential.

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

The average daily rate across all Asheville Airbnb listings is $189, below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales predictably with property size, starting at $112 for studios and climbing to $666 for 6+ bedroom properties. The sweet spot for many investors may be in the 3–4 bedroom range, where ADRs of $218–$314 pair with reasonable occupancy to deliver strong RevPAN.

Are short-term rentals legal in Asheville?

Short-term rentals operate in Asheville, but operators may need to comply with local permitting, zoning regulations, and tax requirements set by both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. Regulations in this space can evolve, so prospective investors should consult directly with local planning authorities and review any applicable HOA restrictions before committing to a purchase.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Asheville?

Peak season in Asheville runs from June through October, with July ($3,071) and October ($2,950) standing out as the highest-earning months—likely driven by summer mountain getaways and fall foliage tourism. The shoulder months of May, November, and December still perform respectably in the $2,300–$2,500 range. January and February are the clear low season, with average monthly revenue dipping to around $1,243–$1,265.

How many Airbnbs are there in Asheville?

As of April 2026, there are 1,263 active Airbnb listings in the Asheville market. The supply is heavily concentrated among smaller properties, with 1-bedroom units accounting for 540 listings (43% of the market) and 2-bedroom units making up another 300. Larger properties with 5+ bedrooms represent just 66 listings combined, which may signal less competition at that end of the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Asheville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Asheville are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—they are not forward-looking projections. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks and slower periods like the January–February dip. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, guest reviews, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 Asheville market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• Amenity prevalence data to help investors benchmark property features

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 averages and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may shift as supply, demand, and regulations evolve. Local STR regulations may change without notice—investors should verify current rules with city and county authorities before purchasing.