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

Bakersville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bakersville, NC is a small-mountain market in western North Carolina with just 37 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $25,007 per property. Despite modest occupancy at 33%, the market's above-average growth trend and favorable property values around $368,002 create an appealing entry point for investors seeking exposure to the Blue Ridge Mountain tourism corridor. A 68% year-over-year increase in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the market remains compact enough to reward early movers.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bakersville 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 Bakersville

Bakersville appeals to investors for its combination of accessible property prices relative to mountain-market peers, seasonal tourism demand, and a still-developing supply base that hasn't yet saturated.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bakersville represents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who are comfortable with seasonal revenue swings. Monthly revenue ranges from a low of $1,167 in February to a high of $3,119 in October — a nearly 3x spread that underscores the importance of pricing strategy and cash-flow planning. The market's ROI score of 61 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity," reflects a healthy balance between demand and property costs, though average occupancy and revenue-to-price ratios keep it from reaching top-tier status. Investors who target the right property size and manage through quieter winter months stand to benefit from strong peak-season performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bakersville

Average revenue by month in Bakersville

Bakersville shows strong seasonality, with October ($3,119) edging out July ($3,049) and August ($3,041) as the top revenue month — likely driven by fall foliage tourism. The off-season dip is significant, with February bottoming out at $1,167, meaning investors should expect roughly a 2.7x spread between peak and trough months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bakersville

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 14 of the market's 37 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (9) and 2-bedrooms (8). The relatively thin inventory at every size suggests room for new entrants, particularly in the 2-bedroom segment where supply is lowest yet annual revenue is highest.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bakersville

ADR scales steadily from $146 for 1-bedroom units to $209 for 3-bedroom properties, representing a 43% premium for the larger size. The 2-bedroom tier at $187 hits an interesting middle ground, offering a meaningful rate bump over studios without the higher acquisition costs of larger homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bakersville

Interestingly, 1-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $59 per available night, outpacing 2-bedrooms ($53) and 3-bedrooms ($45) thanks to their significantly higher occupancy rates. This suggests that smaller units are more efficiently monetized on a per-night basis, even though larger properties generate more total revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bakersville

Occupancy drops sharply as property size increases: 1-bedrooms fill at 41%, 2-bedrooms at 29%, and 3-bedrooms at just 22%. For investors prioritizing consistent cash flow, smaller units offer more reliable booking frequency, while larger properties depend on fewer but higher-value reservations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bakersville

Two-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $2,983, outperforming both 3-bedrooms ($2,176) and 1-bedrooms ($1,526) by a comfortable margin. This makes the 2-bedroom configuration a particularly compelling target for investors looking to maximize monthly income in Bakersville.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bakersville

At $35,798 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties generate nearly double what 1-bedroom units earn ($18,321) and roughly 37% more than 3-bedrooms ($26,117). This strong performance, combined with lower acquisition costs than larger homes, positions 2-bedroom units as the most attractive configuration for return potential in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bakersville

Kitchen access (100%) and parking (97%) are essentially table stakes in Bakersville, while outdoor-oriented amenities like outdoor furniture (84%), BBQ grills (81%), and patios or balconies (78%) reflect the mountain-retreat guest expectation. Hot tubs appear in only 27% of listings, presenting a potential differentiation opportunity for hosts willing to invest in that amenity.

Understanding Bakersville's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Bakersville's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property costs is reasonable and demand growth is trending above average. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rate as average, meaning the market performs steadily but isn't yet generating outsized returns. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and careful property selection — particularly favoring 2-bedroom units — to maximize return potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bakersville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bakersville, NC may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with Mitchell County or the town. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in North Carolina mountain communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations on short-term rentals in certain subdivisions, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit state sales tax and local occupancy taxes, though platforms like Airbnb often handle collection in many jurisdictions. Investors should confirm the applicable tax rates for Mitchell County and ensure compliance with both state and local obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bakersville's short-term rental market is likely to benefit from continued growth in mountain getaway demand, with summer and fall peak months pushing monthly revenues above $3,000. We estimate ADR could see modest increases of 2–4% as the listing base matures and hosts optimize pricing, while occupancy rates may settle in the 32–36% range year-round. The above-average market growth trend suggests new supply is being absorbed by demand, though investors should monitor whether the rapid 68% listing growth eventually puts downward pressure on per-unit performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bakersville, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bakersville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bakersville is currently 33%, which is just below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 1-bedroom units filling at 41% while 3-bedroom properties average around 22%. Seasonal demand plays a major role, with summer and fall months driving the highest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bakersville?

Airbnb hosts in Bakersville earn an average of $2,083 per month, which translates to approximately $25,007 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at roughly $35,798 annually, while 1-bedroom units average about $18,321 per year. Peak months like July, August, and October can push monthly revenue above $3,000.

Is Bakersville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bakersville scores 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average growth trend and manageable property prices averaging $368,002, creating a reasonable entry point for mountain-market investors. Seasonal revenue swings are notable, so investors should plan for slower winter months, but the overall balance of demand and property values supports a solid investment case.

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

The average daily rate in Bakersville is $180, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR increases with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $146, 2-bedrooms come in at $187, and 3-bedroom properties command $209 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Bakersville's positioning as an affordable mountain getaway rather than a luxury destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bakersville?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Bakersville area, though operators may need to comply with local registration or permitting requirements set by the town or Mitchell County. Regulations can change, so prospective hosts should check with local authorities for the latest zoning rules, permit processes, and any restrictions that may apply to their specific property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bakersville?

Peak season in Bakersville runs from June through October, with the highest revenue months being July ($3,049 average), August ($3,041), and October ($3,119). October's strong performance likely reflects fall foliage tourism in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops below $1,300.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bakersville?

Bakersville currently has 37 active Airbnb listings, making it a small but growing market. The listing count has increased 68% year over year, signaling rising investor interest. Supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 14 one-bedroom listings, 8 two-bedroom units, and 9 three-bedroom homes making up the bulk of inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bakersville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bakersville 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 results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since 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, tracked by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for property cost benchmarking
• Amenity prevalence data showing which features are most common among active listings

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 seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.