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

Belhaven Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Belhaven, NC is a compact waterfront market with just 31 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $31,202 per property. With an ADR of $198 — well below the $262 state average — and occupancy running at 38% (slightly above the 34% state benchmark), the market offers accessible entry pricing paired with steady demand driven by its coastal and lake-access appeal. A remarkable 94% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest in this small eastern North Carolina town.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Belhaven 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 Belhaven

Belhaven combines affordable property values, waterfront lifestyle appeal, and an emerging STR market with room for early-mover advantage.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 62 out of 100 — rated an "Attractive Opportunity" — Belhaven presents a promising but measured investment landscape. Revenue peaks sharply in the summer months, with July averaging $4,217 and February dipping to just $903, creating meaningful seasonality that investors need to plan around. The waterfront character of the market, reflected in the high prevalence of lake and waterfront-access amenities, gives it a natural demand floor from leisure travelers. Early movers in this growing market stand to benefit, though the rapid listing growth warrants watching to ensure the supply-demand balance holds."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Belhaven

Average revenue by month in Belhaven

Belhaven shows strong seasonality, with July commanding the highest average revenue at $4,217 — more than four times the February low of $903. A notable secondary peak in October ($3,635) extends the earning season, and investors should plan for meaningful revenue declines from December through March.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Belhaven

One-bedroom properties dominate supply with 14 of the 31 active listings, followed by 6 three-bedroom and just 5 two-bedroom units. The relative scarcity of 2-bedroom listings, combined with their strong occupancy performance, may signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Belhaven

ADR scales meaningfully with size: 3-bedroom properties command $241 per night, a significant jump from the $146–$149 range for 1- and 2-bedroom units. The premium for 3-bedroom properties reflects the value guests place on extra space, though investors should weigh the higher acquisition cost against this rate advantage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Belhaven

Two-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $80, outpacing both 3-bedroom ($66) and 1-bedroom ($52) properties. This is driven by 2-bedrooms' high occupancy rate combining with a reasonable daily rate, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Belhaven

Two-bedroom properties stand out with a 54% occupancy rate, well above the 36% for 1-bedrooms and 28% for 3-bedrooms. The lower occupancy for larger properties suggests that while 3-bedrooms command higher nightly rates, they face softer demand consistency — an important consideration for cash-flow planning.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Belhaven

Monthly revenue is remarkably close across property sizes, ranging from $2,142 for 1-bedrooms to $2,242 for 2-bedrooms, with 3-bedrooms at $2,211. This narrow spread means the lower acquisition cost of smaller units could translate to better overall returns relative to investment.

Average annual revenue by property size in Belhaven

Annual revenue clusters tightly between $25,713 (1-bedroom) and $26,904 (2-bedroom), with 3-bedrooms at $26,543. Given that 2-bedroom properties edge out the other sizes while benefiting from the highest occupancy, they may represent the strongest return potential when factoring in likely lower purchase prices than 3-bedroom homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Belhaven

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, while kitchens (90%), patios or balconies (84%), and self check-in (81%) are near-standard. The prevalence of waterfront access (65%) and lake access (39%) underscores the market's nature-oriented identity, and investors should consider water-adjacent properties and outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (68%) as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators.

Understanding Belhaven's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Belhaven's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property values is average, occupancy stability is steady, and growth trends are above average. The supply/demand balance remains at average levels, but the rapid listing growth means this factor deserves close monitoring. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear understanding of seasonal revenue swings will help investors make well-grounded decisions.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Belhaven

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Belhaven, North Carolina may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the Town of Belhaven and Beaufort County, as rules in small municipalities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants and deed restrictions can also limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing property-level restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires collection of state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Beaufort County may impose additional room taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but operators should confirm county-level obligations and ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Belhaven's above-average market growth trend suggests continued expansion of both supply and traveler awareness. Summer months should remain the revenue engine, with July potentially sustaining revenues near $4,000–$4,200 per listing, while the shoulder seasons from September through November could see incremental gains as the market matures. ADR may rise modestly by 2–4% as newer, better-equipped listings enter the market and raise guest expectations. Investors should note that the rapid listing growth could pressure occupancy rates if demand doesn't keep pace, so monitoring supply-demand dynamics quarter by quarter is advisable."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Belhaven, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Belhaven?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Belhaven is currently 38%, which sits above the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 54%, while 3-bedroom properties average just 28%. This suggests that mid-sized properties are particularly well-matched to current demand in the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Belhaven?

Airbnb hosts in Belhaven earn an average of $2,600 per month and approximately $31,202 per year, based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue is highly seasonal, ranging from a low of $903 in February to a peak of $4,217 in July. Two-bedroom properties slightly outperform other sizes with average annual revenue of $26,904, though the differences across bedroom counts are relatively narrow.

Is Belhaven a good market for Airbnb investment?

Belhaven earns an ROI score of 62 out of 100, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market features average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, with an above-average growth trend. With only 31 active listings and strong waterfront appeal, there's room for well-positioned properties to capture demand — though the pronounced seasonality means investors should budget for slower winter months.

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

The average daily rate in Belhaven is $198, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $146, 2-bedrooms come in at $149, and 3-bedroom properties command $241. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Belhaven's positioning as a more affordable, nature-focused destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Belhaven?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Belhaven, NC, but operators should verify current permit and licensing requirements with the Town of Belhaven and Beaufort County. Local regulations, zoning rules, and HOA restrictions can all affect eligibility. It's advisable to consult with local authorities or a real estate attorney before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Belhaven?

Peak season in Belhaven runs from June through October, with July delivering the highest average revenue at $4,217 per listing. October is a notable secondary peak at $3,635, likely driven by fall foliage and pleasant weather. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenues drop to $1,126 and $903 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Belhaven?

There are currently 31 active Airbnb listings in Belhaven as of April 2026. The market has seen 94% year-over-year growth in listing count. One-bedroom properties dominate with 14 listings, followed by 6 three-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Belhaven?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Belhaven 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 how actively the listing is managed.

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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from historical booking performance of comparable listings
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify market standards and guest expectations

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 current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, zoning, and HOA rules vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.