Atlantic Beach, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Atlantic Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Atlantic Beach, NC is a classic Crystal Coast vacation market where summer demand drives the bulk of short-term rental income. With 204 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $233, and annual revenue averaging $36,232, the market offers meaningful earning potential — though a 24% occupancy rate (below the 34% state average) signals sharp seasonality that investors need to plan around. Larger properties command outsized returns here, with 5- and 6+-bedroom homes pulling in six figures annually, making property selection a critical lever for profitability.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach attracts STR investors looking to capitalize on strong summer beach demand along North Carolina's Crystal Coast, where larger properties can generate significant revenue despite the market's seasonal rhythm.

Expert Market Assessment

"Atlantic Beach presents a competitive opportunity where deal selection matters more than market-wide tailwinds. The pronounced seasonality — July revenue of $5,988 versus January's $969 — means investors need to size their acquisitions against realistic cash-flow expectations across all twelve months, not just the lucrative summer window. With average home values at $973,574 and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio, the numbers pencil out best for larger properties that can command premium nightly rates and group bookings. Investors who pair the right property type with strong amenity packages and dynamic pricing should find workable returns, though this isn't a market where passive, hands-off hosting easily thrives."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Atlantic Beach

Average revenue by month in Atlantic Beach

Atlantic Beach exhibits dramatic seasonality, with July averaging $5,988 in revenue — more than six times January's $969. The core summer window of June through August accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, while the October shoulder month ($3,249) offers a modest secondary bump, likely tied to fall travel along the Crystal Coast.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Atlantic Beach

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 67 listings (roughly a third of the market), followed by 3-bedrooms at 51. Larger properties with 5 or 6+ bedrooms are notably scarce at 13 and 8 listings respectively, which creates a potential opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes in a segment with less competition and significantly higher revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Atlantic Beach

ADR scales steeply with size in Atlantic Beach, climbing from $107 for studios to $556 for 6+-bedroom properties — a more than 5x premium. The sharpest jump occurs between 4 bedrooms ($327) and 5 bedrooms ($456), suggesting that group-sized vacation homes command an outsized rate premium relative to the incremental bedroom cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Atlantic Beach

Five-bedroom properties lead in RevPAN at $136 per available night, well ahead of 6+-bedroom homes at $108 and 4-bedrooms at $76. Smaller configurations lag significantly, with studios and 1-bedrooms generating only $29 and $26 respectively, indicating that revenue efficiency is heavily tilted toward larger properties in this vacation market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Atlantic Beach

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across property sizes, ranging from 20% for 6+-bedroom homes to 30% for 5-bedroom properties. Studios (28%) and 5-bedrooms (30%) fill most consistently, while the mid-range 3- and 4-bedroom segments sit at 23%, reflecting the market's overall seasonal demand pattern where most listings sit idle outside the summer months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Atlantic Beach

Monthly revenue climbs dramatically with property size, from $1,364 for studios to $12,031 for 6+-bedroom homes. The jump from 4-bedroom ($4,629) to 5-bedroom ($10,251) is particularly striking — more than doubling — which suggests that the 5-bedroom tier hits a sweet spot for vacation group demand and pricing power.

Average annual revenue by property size in Atlantic Beach

Six-plus-bedroom properties generate the highest annual revenue at $144,383, followed by 5-bedrooms at $123,021 — both figures that meaningfully outpace the market average of $36,232. By contrast, studios and 1-bedrooms earn $16,378 and $18,038 respectively, making larger properties the clear path to stronger return potential in Atlantic Beach.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Atlantic Beach

Kitchens (100%), parking (96%), and washer/dryer combos (89%/88%) are essentially table stakes for Atlantic Beach listings, reflecting the self-catering beach vacation guest profile. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (79%), BBQ grills (72%), and pools (52%) are also highly prevalent, signaling that guests expect a full resort-style vacation experience — investors lacking these features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Atlantic Beach's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Atlantic Beach's ROI Score of 52 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning investor interest is strong but returns aren't automatic. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio reflects high home values ($973,574 average) relative to the $36,232 in average annual revenue, while occupancy stability also scores below average due to the market's pronounced seasonality. On the positive side, above-average market growth and balanced supply/demand dynamics suggest the trajectory is favorable — investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger property types where the revenue math works best.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Atlantic Beach

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina may be required to obtain permits or register their property with the town before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Atlantic Beach and Carteret County, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements (especially during peak season), noise ordinances, designated parking requirements, and potential HOA covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals. It's worth reviewing any applicable zoning overlays before purchasing.

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. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Atlantic Beach is expected to maintain its strongly seasonal revenue pattern, with summer months (June–August) continuing to generate the lion's share of annual income. The above-average market growth trend in the ROI score suggests listing activity and demand are both trending upward, which could push ADRs 2–4% higher during peak season while keeping shoulder months relatively soft. Investors should budget for winter months where revenue dips below $1,000 and plan pricing strategies that maximize the June–August window. Occupancy may edge modestly higher as the market matures, but expect it to stay in the 24–28% range overall given the destination's seasonal nature."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Atlantic Beach, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Atlantic Beach?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Atlantic Beach is currently 24%, which sits below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months see much higher demand, while winter occupancy drops significantly. Among property sizes, 5-bedroom homes lead with a 30% occupancy rate, while studios come in at 28%. Investors should plan their cash flow around these seasonal swings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Atlantic Beach?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Atlantic Beach earn approximately $3,019 per month and $36,232 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. However, earnings vary dramatically by property size. Studios and 1-bedrooms average $16,378–$18,038 annually, while 5-bedroom properties average $123,021 and 6+-bedroom homes lead at $144,383 per year. Seasonal variation is also significant, with July being the highest-earning month at $5,988 and January the lowest at $969.

Is Atlantic Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Atlantic Beach scores a 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market shows above-average growth trends and balanced supply/demand dynamics, but the revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate below average due to high home values ($973,574 average) and sharp seasonality. Larger properties — particularly 5- and 6+-bedroom homes — generate the strongest returns. Investors willing to be selective about property type and price point can find workable opportunities here, especially if they optimize for the summer peak season.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Atlantic Beach is $233, which is slightly below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $107 per night, while 6+-bedroom properties command $556. This spread underscores the premium that vacationing families and groups are willing to pay for larger beachfront or beach-adjacent accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Atlantic Beach?

Short-term rentals operate in Atlantic Beach, NC, as evidenced by the 204 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, operators may need to obtain permits or register with the Town of Atlantic Beach, and there may be local zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, or HOA covenants that apply. We strongly recommend verifying all current regulations with local authorities and reviewing any homeowner association rules before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Atlantic Beach?

Peak season in Atlantic Beach runs from June through August, with July being the single highest-earning month at an average of $5,988 in revenue. June follows closely at $5,149, and August rounds out the peak at $5,033. The shoulder months of May ($3,677), September ($2,815), and October ($3,249) also produce moderate income. Winter months from December through February are the slowest, with January averaging just $969.

How many Airbnbs are there in Atlantic Beach?

There are currently 204 active Airbnb listings in Atlantic Beach as of April 2026. The market has seen significant year-over-year growth in listing activity. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 67 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (51) and 1-bedrooms (30). Larger 5- and 6+-bedroom properties are relatively scarce with just 13 and 8 listings respectively, which may partly explain their outsized revenue performance.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Atlantic Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Atlantic Beach 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove 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 while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like the $5,988 average in July) and slower months (like January's $969), since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, guest reviews, 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 Atlantic Beach market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.