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

Beaufort Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Beaufort, NC is a coastal market where summer tourism drives sharp seasonal peaks, with average annual revenue of $32,640 across 129 active Airbnb listings. While the average daily rate of $221 sits below North Carolina's $262 state average, the market's 134% year-over-year listing growth signals strong investor interest. With average home values around $710,653, selective deal sourcing is essential to ensure returns justify acquisition costs in this competitive landscape.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Beaufort 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 Beaufort

Beaufort attracts investor attention thanks to its coastal tourism appeal and meaningful seasonal revenue swings, though elevated home prices and growing competition require careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Beaufort represents a competitive opportunity where investor enthusiasm is high but margins require attention. The market's pronounced seasonality—July revenue of $5,394 towers over January's $873—means cash flow is heavily concentrated in warmer months, and investors should budget accordingly for off-season shortfalls. With an ROI score of 44 out of 100 and a supply/demand balance rated below average, the growing number of listings is outpacing demand growth. That said, well-located properties with strong amenity packages can still perform meaningfully above the market average, particularly 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom configurations that show the best RevPAN-to-occupancy balance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Beaufort

Average revenue by month in Beaufort

Beaufort shows extreme seasonality, with July peaking at $5,394 and January bottoming out at just $873—a spread of over 6x. The prime earning window runs June through August, while November through February represents a prolonged slow season that investors should plan for in their cash-flow models.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Beaufort

Three-bedroom homes dominate the supply with 45 listings, followed closely by 2-bedrooms (30) and 1-bedrooms (29). Studios (5) and 4-bedrooms (16) are notably underrepresented, which could signal less competition and potential opportunity for investors targeting those segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Beaufort

ADR climbs steadily from $127 for studios to $289 for 4-bedroom properties, with the biggest jump occurring between 1-bedroom ($152) and 2-bedroom ($213) units. The premium for adding a fourth bedroom over a third is a meaningful $58 per night, suggesting larger homes can command significantly higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Beaufort

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $54, outperforming even 4-bedrooms ($50) and 3-bedrooms ($42) despite their lower ADR. This suggests 2-bedroom units strike the best balance between rate and occupancy, making them an efficient revenue generator on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Beaufort

Occupancy rates are tightest among 2-bedroom (26%) and 1-bedroom (24%) listings, while studios, 3-bedrooms, and 4-bedrooms all hover around 17–18%. Investors focused on cash-flow consistency may find the smaller configurations more reliably booked, though absolute revenue still favors larger properties.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Beaufort

Monthly revenue scales with size, from $1,185 for studios up to $3,198 for 4-bedroom homes. The gap between 3-bedrooms ($2,903) and 4-bedrooms ($3,198) is relatively modest at roughly $300 per month, so investors should weigh whether the incremental revenue justifies higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Beaufort

Four-bedroom properties lead with $38,380 in average annual revenue, followed by 3-bedrooms at $34,836 and 2-bedrooms at $31,583. Studios trail significantly at $14,230, suggesting that properties with at least two bedrooms are the minimum threshold for meaningful STR income in Beaufort.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Beaufort

Parking and kitchens each appear in 95% of Beaufort listings, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (74%), outdoor furniture (69%), and BBQ grills (57%) are prevalent and reflect the coastal vacation mindset, while waterfront access (26%) and pools (19%) remain rarer features that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Beaufort's ROI Score: 44/100

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

Beaufort's ROI score of 44 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity tier, meaning the market holds genuine appeal but requires disciplined deal selection. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the supply/demand balance scores below average—reflecting the 134% surge in new listings that's intensifying competition. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties that can differentiate through location, amenities, or pricing strategy to outperform market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Beaufort

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Beaufort, North Carolina may be required to obtain permits or register their property with the local municipality. Investors should verify current STR permit requirements directly with the Town of Beaufort and Carteret County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply in coastal North Carolina markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and HOA covenants that could prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Investors should review any applicable zoning rules and homeowner association bylaws before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are typically responsible for state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Beaufort's summer-driven demand should continue anchoring revenue, with peak-season months (June through August) likely sustaining ADRs in the $220–$240 range. The rapid 134% growth in active listings could put downward pressure on occupancy rates if demand doesn't keep pace, so investors should anticipate occupancy settling around 20–25% on an annualized basis. ADR growth may be modest—potentially 1–3%—given the influx of new supply. Properties that differentiate through waterfront access, outdoor amenities, or pet-friendly policies are best positioned to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Beaufort, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Beaufort?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Beaufort is currently 21%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 2-bedroom units leading at 26% and studios and larger homes (3–4 bedrooms) averaging around 17–18%. The lower overall rate reflects Beaufort's strong seasonal patterns, where summer months drive the majority of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Beaufort?

Airbnb hosts in Beaufort earn an average of $2,720 per month and approximately $32,640 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size—studios average about $14,230 annually, while 4-bedroom homes can generate around $38,380. Peak summer months like July can bring in over $5,394, while winter months may drop below $1,000.

Is Beaufort a good market for Airbnb investment?

Beaufort scores 44 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from strong coastal tourism demand during summer, but average home values of $710,653 combined with a 21% occupancy rate mean investors need to be selective about deal pricing. The 134% year-over-year growth in listings also signals increasing competition, so properties with standout amenities or waterfront locations tend to perform best.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Beaufort is $221, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: studios average $127 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $289 per night. Pricing a property competitively within these ranges, especially during shoulder and off-peak seasons, can help maintain healthier occupancy.

Are short-term rentals legal in Beaufort?

Short-term rentals do operate in Beaufort, NC, with 129 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and tax obligations can change, so prospective investors should verify the latest rules with the Town of Beaufort and Carteret County planning departments before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Beaufort?

Peak season in Beaufort runs from June through August, with July being the highest-revenue month at an average of $5,394. June ($4,637) and August ($4,532) are also strong performers. Revenue drops off significantly in winter, with January averaging just $873. This roughly 6:1 spread between peak and off-peak months underscores the importance of maximizing summer bookings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Beaufort?

As of April 2026, there are 129 active Airbnb listings in Beaufort. The market has seen substantial growth, with a 134% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest segment with 45 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (30) and 1-bedrooms (29).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Beaufort?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Beaufort are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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. 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 window. 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 Beaufort and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions can shift due to seasonal trends, regulatory changes, or economic factors. Local short-term rental regulations may change without notice. Investors should independently verify all permit, zoning, and tax requirements before making purchase decisions.