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

Barnardsville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Barnardsville, NC is a micro-market tucked into the mountains near Asheville with just 10 active Airbnb listings, offering a niche opportunity for investors who value low competition over high volume. The average daily rate of $201 sits below the North Carolina state average of $262, and occupancy at 17% trails the state average of 34% significantly, producing a modest average annual revenue of $13,958. While the small supply keeps the supply/demand balance favorable, the below-average revenue-to-price ratio against home values averaging $668,069 means investors will need to be highly selective in deal sourcing to make the numbers work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Barnardsville 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 Barnardsville

Investors look at Barnardsville for its minimal competition, proximity to the Asheville tourism corridor, and mountain-retreat appeal that can command premium nightly rates from the right guests.

Expert Market Assessment

"Barnardsville presents a limited but potentially rewarding opportunity for the right investor. Revenue peaks in July ($1,546) and October ($1,480), reflecting demand driven by summer mountain escapes and fall foliage season, while January and February dip to around $630 — a steep seasonal swing that underscores the market's reliance on leisure travel. With average annual revenue of $13,958 against home values near $668,069, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, meaning cash-flow-positive investments will require either below-market acquisitions or properties that meaningfully outperform the market average through superior amenities and guest experience."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Barnardsville

Average revenue by month in Barnardsville

Revenue swings sharply with the seasons — July ($1,546) and October ($1,480) are the clear peaks, driven by summer and fall tourism, while January ($627) and February ($633) represent a pronounced off-season dip of nearly 60%. Investors should plan for highly seasonal cash flow and consider pricing strategies that maximize capture during the May–October window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Barnardsville

Property size breakdown data is not currently available for Barnardsville, reflecting the market's very small inventory of just 10 listings. As the market grows, size-level supply data will become more meaningful for identifying underserved property configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Barnardsville

ADR by property size data is not available for this market at present. With only 10 active listings, the sample size is too small to produce reliable size-segmented rate comparisons.

Average RevPAN by property size in Barnardsville

RevPAN breakdowns by bedroom count are not yet available for Barnardsville. The market-wide RevPAN of $34 provides a baseline, but investors should evaluate individual property performance potential rather than relying on size-segmented benchmarks in this micro-market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Barnardsville

Occupancy rate data by property size is unavailable due to the market's limited listing inventory. The overall 17% average occupancy rate suggests significant room for well-positioned properties to outperform, particularly during peak summer and fall months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Barnardsville

Monthly revenue by property size is not currently reported for Barnardsville. Investors evaluating specific property types should reference the overall $1,163 monthly average as a starting benchmark and assess individual property potential based on amenities and location.

Average annual revenue by property size in Barnardsville

Annual revenue data segmented by bedroom count is unavailable for this small market. The market-wide average of $13,958 per year serves as the reference point, though standout properties with premium amenities could meaningfully exceed this figure.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Barnardsville

Kitchen and parking are universal (100% of listings), while outdoor living amenities dominate — 90% offer a patio or balcony, 80% have a backyard, and 70% include a BBQ grill, reflecting strong guest expectations for mountain retreat experiences. Pet-friendliness (70%) is notably prevalent, and only 20% offer a hot tub, which could represent a differentiation opportunity given the market's nature-focused appeal.

Understanding Barnardsville's ROI Score: 39/100

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

Barnardsville's ROI score of 39 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning investor interest exists but the economics require careful deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are the primary drags, while a favorable supply/demand balance (above average) and average market growth trend provide some counterweight. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on properties that can outperform the market average is essential before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Barnardsville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Barnardsville, NC may be required to obtain permits or register their property with Buncombe County or the state of North Carolina. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the local planning or zoning office 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 also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and applicable county occupancy taxes, though platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of this collection automatically. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and the local tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Barnardsville's STR market is likely to remain small and seasonal, with summer and fall continuing to drive the bulk of bookings. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold in the $195–$210 range, though occupancy may fluctuate between 15–20% given the market's limited demand base. The 100% year-over-year listing growth suggests rising investor interest, which could tighten competition if supply outpaces the area's visitor traffic. Any material improvement in returns will likely depend on differentiated properties — think mountain retreats with standout amenities — rather than broad market tailwinds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Barnardsville, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Barnardsville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Barnardsville is currently 17%, which is well below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This low occupancy reflects the market's small size and seasonal demand patterns, with most bookings concentrated in the warmer months and fall foliage season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Barnardsville?

Airbnb hosts in Barnardsville earn an average of $1,163 per month, translating to approximately $13,958 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Revenue varies significantly by season, ranging from around $627 in January to $1,546 in July, so monthly income can fluctuate considerably.

Is Barnardsville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Barnardsville carries an ROI score of 39 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from a favorable supply/demand balance with only 10 active listings, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio (homes average $668,069) and low occupancy mean investors need to be especially strategic — targeting differentiated properties that can outperform market averages through premium amenities and strong positioning.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Barnardsville is $201, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. While the nightly rate is reasonable for the Western NC mountain region, the relatively low occupancy rate means the effective revenue per available night (RevPAN) comes in at $34.

Are short-term rentals legal in Barnardsville?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Barnardsville, though operators may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities in Buncombe County and comply with North Carolina state regulations. We recommend checking directly with the local zoning and planning office for the most current rules, as regulations in mountain communities can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Barnardsville?

Peak season in Barnardsville runs from June through October, with July ($1,546) and October ($1,480) delivering the highest average monthly revenues. This aligns with summer mountain getaway demand and the popular fall foliage season in Western North Carolina. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to around $630.

How many Airbnbs are there in Barnardsville?

There are currently 10 active Airbnb listings in Barnardsville as of April 2026. The market has seen 100% year-over-year listing growth, suggesting increasing investor interest, though the total supply remains very small compared to nearby Asheville.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Barnardsville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Barnardsville 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 aggregate the remaining data 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. 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 Barnardsville and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue estimates
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide property setup decisions

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