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

Bluffton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bluffton, SC sits in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry near Hilton Head Island, giving it access to a steady stream of leisure travelers drawn to golf, beaches, and coastal living. With an average annual revenue of $45,358 across 113 active listings and above-average occupancy stability, the market presents a compelling case for investors who target seasonal coastal demand. An ROI score of 62 out of 100 places Bluffton in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier, though the below-average supply/demand balance suggests growing competition that warrants careful property selection.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bluffton 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 Bluffton

Bluffton's proximity to Hilton Head Island and Lowcountry attractions creates reliable seasonal demand that, combined with above-average occupancy stability and a positive growth trend, makes it a market worth evaluating for STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bluffton presents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors who are comfortable navigating a highly seasonal market. Revenue swings are significant — July averages $8,552 while January drops to just $1,449, a nearly 6x spread — so cash reserves and pricing strategy matter considerably. The market's above-average occupancy stability and growth trend are encouraging signs, but the below-average supply/demand balance and rapid listing growth (294% YoY) mean that differentiation through property quality, amenities, and pricing will be essential. Larger properties (3–5 bedrooms) consistently outperform on revenue and RevPAN, suggesting that investors targeting family or group travelers are best positioned to capture value."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bluffton

Average revenue by month in Bluffton

Bluffton's revenue profile is sharply seasonal, peaking at $8,552 in July and bottoming out at $1,449 in January — a nearly 6x spread. The June–August summer window accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, while spring months (March–May) offer a meaningful secondary revenue tier averaging around $4,400 per month.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bluffton

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 34 units, followed closely by 3-bedroom properties at 32. Larger homes (4–5 bedrooms) are relatively scarce with just 17 combined listings, potentially signaling an opportunity for investors willing to target the group and family traveler segment where competition is thinner.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bluffton

ADR scales steeply with size, from $120 for studios to $535 for 5-bedroom properties — a 4.5x premium. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($204) to 3 bedrooms ($254) is notable, and the leap to 5 bedrooms suggests that larger, premium homes can command rates that far outpace cost-per-bedroom increases.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bluffton

RevPAN climbs consistently with property size, from $36 for 1-bedroom units to $142 for 5-bedroom homes. Three-bedroom properties hit a strong efficiency point at $112 RevPAN with the market's highest occupancy rate, making them a particularly balanced choice for revenue generation relative to investment complexity.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bluffton

Three-bedroom properties lead the market with a 44% occupancy rate, followed by 4-bedrooms at 40% and studios at 35%. One-bedroom and 5-bedroom units lag at 28% and 27% respectively, suggesting that mid-sized properties attract the most consistent booking demand in Bluffton.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bluffton

Five-bedroom homes top the monthly revenue chart at $6,386, while 3-bedroom properties earn a strong $5,042 — notably outperforming 4-bedroom units ($4,570) thanks to their higher occupancy rates. Studios and 1-bedroom units generate $1,551 and $2,201 respectively, making them harder to justify given Bluffton's elevated home values.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bluffton

Annual revenue ranges from $18,623 for studios to $76,632 for 5-bedroom properties. Three-bedroom homes stand out as a sweet spot, generating $60,513 annually with the market's best occupancy rate, while 4-bedroom properties ($54,846) actually trail 3-bedrooms despite a higher ADR — a signal that occupancy drives total revenue more than nightly rate alone in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bluffton

Kitchens (97%), parking (94%), and self check-in (88%) are near-universal in Bluffton listings, establishing them as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (59%), outdoor furniture (58%), and BBQ grills (45%) are common but not ubiquitous, while pools (17%) and pet-friendliness (27%) remain relatively rare — offering potential competitive advantages for listings that include them.

Understanding Bluffton'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

Bluffton's ROI score of 62 out of 100 lands it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with genuine revenue potential tempered by some competitive headwinds. The above-average marks for occupancy stability and market growth trend are encouraging, while the average revenue-to-price ratio and below-average supply/demand balance remind investors that property selection and operational execution will matter more here than in tighter markets. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a close look at neighborhood-level supply dynamics will help investors make well-informed acquisition decisions.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bluffton

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County, South Carolina may require short-term rental permits or business licenses for properties rented on a transient basis. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the Town of Bluffton's planning department and the State of South Carolina before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Bluffton can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and HOA or community deed restrictions that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Because many Bluffton properties fall within planned communities, checking HOA covenants is particularly important before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in South Carolina are typically subject to state sales tax, local accommodations tax, and potentially tourism-related fees. Many platforms like Airbnb collect and remit some or all of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bluffton's STR market is expected to benefit from continued above-average occupancy stability and a positive market growth trend — both factors that scored favorably in our ROI analysis. Summer months should remain the primary revenue driver, with July alone generating roughly $8,552 per listing on average; investors can reasonably anticipate ADR increases in the 2–4% range as Lowcountry tourism demand holds steady. However, the 294% year-over-year increase in active listings signals a rapidly expanding supply, which could apply downward pressure on occupancy rates during shoulder and off-peak months if demand doesn't keep pace. Targeting larger properties (3+ bedrooms) with strong amenity packages may be the best hedge against this supply growth."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bluffton, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bluffton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bluffton is currently 35%, which sits slightly below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom properties lead at 44%, while 1-bedroom units average just 28%. Seasonality also plays a major role, with summer months driving much higher occupancy than the winter off-season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bluffton?

Airbnb hosts in Bluffton earn an average of $3,779 per month, or approximately $45,358 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: studios average $18,623 annually, while 5-bedroom properties bring in around $76,632. Monthly revenue ranges from about $1,449 in January to $8,552 in July, reflecting the market's strong summer seasonality.

Is Bluffton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bluffton scores 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a positive growth trend, driven by its Lowcountry location near Hilton Head Island. However, the supply/demand balance is currently rated below average due to rapid listing growth, so investors should focus on differentiated properties — particularly larger homes with premium amenities — to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

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

The average daily rate in Bluffton is $224, which is below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales significantly with property size, starting at $120 for studios and climbing to $535 for 5-bedroom homes. This pricing structure suggests that larger properties command a meaningful premium, particularly those that can accommodate groups and families visiting the Lowcountry.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bluffton?

Short-term rentals do operate in Bluffton, SC, with 113 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations may require permits, business licenses, or compliance with zoning and HOA rules. Investors should verify the latest requirements with the Town of Bluffton and Beaufort County planning departments before purchasing or listing a property, as regulations can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bluffton?

Peak season in Bluffton runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at $8,552 in average revenue per listing. The spring shoulder season (March–May) also performs well, with monthly revenues ranging from $4,157 to $4,648. The off-season spans roughly November through February, when monthly revenue drops to $1,449–$2,152, making it important for investors to budget for these leaner months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bluffton?

There are currently 113 active Airbnb listings in Bluffton as of April 2026. The supply is spread across property sizes, with 1-bedroom units (34 listings) and 3-bedroom units (32 listings) making up the largest segments. Notably, the market has seen 294% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rapidly increasing competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bluffton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Bluffton 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 remainder 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, location within Bluffton, 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 Bluffton market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

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 is current as of the dates noted and may not reflect recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.