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

Beaufort Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Beaufort, SC offers a competitive short-term rental landscape where strong seasonal demand — particularly during the summer months — drives average annual revenue to $40,376 per listing. With 205 active Airbnb listings and an ADR of $207 (well below the $358 state average), the market trades at a more accessible price point, though average home values of $682,520 and a 121% year-over-year growth in listing supply mean investors need to be selective. Above-average occupancy stability and pronounced summer peaks create a clear revenue runway for well-positioned properties.

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 interest thanks to its coastal Lowcountry appeal, above-average occupancy stability, and accessible pricing relative to South Carolina's broader STR market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Beaufort presents a moderate-opportunity market where the combination of coastal charm and Lowcountry tourism supports meaningful seasonal revenue, but rapidly growing supply and a below-average supply/demand balance require careful deal selection. Revenue swings are pronounced: July listings average $7,615, while January dips to just $1,290, so investors should budget for significant off-season softness. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a genuine bright spot, suggesting that demand fundamentals remain healthy even as competition intensifies. Properties with three or more bedrooms consistently outperform on RevPAN and occupancy, making them the clearest path to solid returns in this environment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Beaufort

Average revenue by month in Beaufort

Beaufort's revenue peaks sharply in July at $7,615 and bottoms out in January at $1,290, creating a nearly 6x spread that signals strong summer seasonality. The spring shoulder season (March–May) also performs respectably in the $3,700–$4,136 range, offering a secondary revenue window before the summer surge.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Beaufort

Two-bedroom listings dominate the Beaufort market with 69 active units, closely followed by 3-bedrooms (66) and 1-bedrooms (51), while 4-bedroom properties are notably scarce at just 13 listings. The thin supply of larger homes — combined with their superior revenue metrics — may represent an underserved niche for investors willing to scale up.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Beaufort

ADR climbs steadily from $153 for 1-bedroom listings to $305 for 4-bedroom properties, reflecting a strong premium for space that roughly doubles across the size range. The sharpest jump occurs between 3-bedrooms ($215) and 4-bedrooms ($305), suggesting guests are willing to pay a significant premium for the largest available properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Beaufort

RevPAN scales consistently with property size, rising from $41 for 1-bedroom units to $100 for 4-bedroom listings. Three-bedroom properties at $80 RevPAN offer a compelling middle ground — nearly double the 1-bedroom figure — while avoiding the higher acquisition costs associated with 4-bedroom homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Beaufort

Three-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 37%, with 2-bedrooms close behind at 35%, while 1-bedroom units trail at 27%. The dip for 4-bedrooms to 33% suggests that while larger homes command premium rates, they may sit vacant slightly more often — though their higher ADR more than compensates in total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Beaufort

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,933 for 1-bedroom units to $5,930 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms generating $3,857 — roughly double what a 1-bedroom earns. The jump from 3-bedroom to 4-bedroom monthly revenue ($2,073 difference) is the largest incremental gain across all size categories.

Average annual revenue by property size in Beaufort

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $71,168, more than three times the $23,201 earned by 1-bedroom listings. For investors weighing acquisition costs against income potential, 3-bedroom listings at $46,294 annually offer strong returns and face far less supply competition than the dominant 2-bedroom category.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Beaufort

Parking (98%), kitchen (93%), and laundry access (87% washer, 82% dryer) are virtually standard across Beaufort's listings, signaling that guests expect home-like convenience as a baseline. Outdoor amenities like backyards (60%), patios (56%), and grills (43%) also rank high, reflecting the market's appeal as a relaxed Lowcountry destination — while waterfront access (19%) and pools (6%) remain differentiators that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Beaufort's ROI Score: 53/100

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 53 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where demand fundamentals are sound but growing competition requires disciplined deal selection. Above-average occupancy stability is the strongest factor in its favor, while the below-average supply/demand balance — driven by a 121% surge in listings — puts downward pressure on the overall score. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 3–4 bedrooms) that consistently outperform the market average.

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, SC may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit from the City of Beaufort before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the city's planning or business licensing department and check South Carolina state-level registration obligations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in Beaufort include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA covenants in many Beaufort neighborhoods can further restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing community-level rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in South Carolina are generally subject to state and local accommodations taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their obligations for Beaufort's local hospitality tax and any applicable state sales tax with a qualified tax professional.

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 pattern is expected to remain the primary revenue engine, with June and July likely continuing to account for a disproportionate share of annual income. ADR may see modest increases in the 1–3% range as the market absorbs the recent surge in new listings, though occupancy could face slight downward pressure given the 121% year-over-year supply growth. Investors who target 3- and 4-bedroom properties — where RevPAN and occupancy stability are strongest — should be best positioned to weather the tighter competitive landscape. We estimate market-wide occupancy will hover around 32–36% over the coming year, with sharper differentiation between well-amenitized listings and the rest."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Beaufort, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Beaufort?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Beaufort is currently 34%, which falls slightly below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size — 3-bedroom listings lead at 37%, while 1-bedroom units average 27%. These figures reflect trailing performance and individual results can differ based on pricing strategy, location, and listing quality.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Beaufort?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Beaufort earn approximately $3,364 per month, which works out to around $40,376 annually based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Larger properties command significantly more: 4-bedroom listings average $5,930 per month ($71,168 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in about $1,933 per month. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with July being the strongest month at $7,615 on average.

Is Beaufort a good market for Airbnb investment?

Beaufort scores a 53 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and solid seasonal demand driven by coastal tourism, but a below-average supply/demand balance — fueled by 121% year-over-year listing growth — means investors need to source deals carefully. Properties with 3–4 bedrooms tend to deliver the strongest returns, and pairing data analysis with local regulatory research is recommended.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Beaufort is $207, which is significantly lower than the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $153, 2-bedrooms come in at $202, 3-bedrooms at $215, and 4-bedroom properties command $305 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Beaufort?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Beaufort, SC, though operators may need to obtain local permits or business licenses. Regulations can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and parking requirements, and some HOAs may impose additional restrictions. We recommend consulting the City of Beaufort's planning department and reviewing any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Beaufort?

Peak season in Beaufort runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $7,615 per listing. March and April also perform well, averaging $4,136 and $3,940 respectively, likely driven by spring travel to the Lowcountry. The slowest months are January ($1,290) and December ($1,333), creating a roughly six-fold swing between peak and off-peak periods.

How many Airbnbs are there in Beaufort?

As of April 2026, there are 205 active Airbnb listings in Beaufort. The market has seen substantial supply growth, with a 121% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom units make up the largest segment at 69 listings, followed closely by 3-bedrooms (66) and 1-bedrooms (51), with just 13 four-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Beaufort?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Beaufort 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 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. 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 the Beaufort market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data derived from active listing profiles

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 performance and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results may differ as conditions change. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.