Bryson City, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bryson City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bryson City sits at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and that proximity fuels a vacation-rental market with 561 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $31,039 per property. At an average daily rate of $196 — below North Carolina's $262 state average — the market offers accessible nightly pricing that keeps it competitive with travelers seeking mountain getaways. With an ROI score of 63 out of 100 and average home values around $508,051, the revenue-to-price ratio presents a reasonable entry point for investors willing to navigate moderate occupancy levels.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bryson City 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 Bryson City

Bryson City draws investor attention because its mountain-tourism demand creates reliable seasonal revenue against a property cost base well below many comparable resort markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"The overall opportunity in Bryson City falls into the attractive-but-measured category. Revenue peaks sharply in July and October, then dips to its lowest levels in January and February, creating a pronounced seasonal curve that investors need to plan around. At a 25% average occupancy rate — notably below the 34% state average — there's room for well-optimized listings to outperform the market by improving pricing strategy and guest experience. Properties with more bedrooms and resort-style amenities like hot tubs are clearly rewarded here, so investors targeting 3-bedroom-and-above cabins stand to capture the strongest returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bryson City

Average revenue by month in Bryson City

Revenue in Bryson City follows a clear seasonal pattern, peaking in July at $4,219 and hitting its low in February at $1,501 — a nearly 2.8x spread. A secondary fall peak in October ($3,267) reflects strong foliage-season demand, while summer months (June–August) consistently outperform the $2,586 monthly average.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bryson City

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 215 listings (38% of the market), followed by 1-bedrooms at 154. Larger configurations are notably scarce — only 9 five-bedroom and 7 six-plus-bedroom listings exist — suggesting potential opportunity for investors willing to acquire or build bigger properties that face less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bryson City

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $119 for studios to $1,140 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($315) to 5 bedrooms ($438) represents a 39% premium, and the leap to 6+ bedrooms nearly triples that rate, reflecting strong group-travel demand and limited large-property supply.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bryson City

RevPAN ranges from $25 for studios to a commanding $417 for 6+ bedroom properties, which benefit from both the highest ADR and the highest occupancy (37%). Notably, 4-bedroom units ($54) barely edge out 3-bedrooms ($55) in RevPAN despite a significantly higher ADR, indicating that their lower 17% occupancy rate drags down effective yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bryson City

Occupancy is relatively flat across most property sizes at 21–26%, but 6+ bedroom listings stand out at 37% — the highest in the market. Four-bedroom units underperform at just 17% occupancy, suggesting potential oversaturation or pricing misalignment in that segment and a need for careful revenue management.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bryson City

Monthly revenue scales consistently with bedroom count, from $1,146 for studios up to $10,072 for 6+ bedroom properties. Three-bedroom listings averaging $3,305 per month represent a sweet spot where revenue meaningfully exceeds the 2-bedroom tier ($2,403) without the thinner supply and more complex management of larger homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bryson City

Annual revenue potential ranges from $13,762 for studios to $120,864 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom listings ($76,104) offering strong returns as well. Investors targeting the highest absolute revenue should consider the 5-to-6+ bedroom range, though the limited supply in those tiers means acquisition may require patience or new construction.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bryson City

Parking (97%) and kitchens (97%) are essentially table stakes in Bryson City, while BBQ grills (83%) and self check-in (79%) are close behind. Hot tubs appear in 67% of listings — a notably high rate that signals strong guest expectations in this mountain-cabin market, making them nearly a requirement for competitive positioning.

Understanding Bryson City's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Bryson City's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue and property values are reasonably balanced. All four calculation factors — Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance — rated at average levels, suggesting steady but not exceptional fundamentals across the board. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and a clear strategy for seasonal revenue management to make the most of what this Smoky Mountain market offers.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bryson City

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

Permit Requirements

Bryson City and Swain County, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Bryson City and Swain County offices, as local STR ordinances can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain communities like Bryson City can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and minimum-stay mandates during certain seasons. HOA covenants in subdivision developments may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina levies a state sales tax and an occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and Swain County may apply its own local room-occupancy tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm they are meeting all state and county obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Seasonal data points to continued strength in summer and fall, with July and October historically delivering the highest monthly revenues ($4,219 and $3,267 respectively). Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate ADR could edge up 2–4% as Smoky Mountain tourism remains resilient, though occupancy is likely to hover in the 24–28% range given the current supply of 561 listings. Investors should anticipate softer winter months — February averaged just $1,501 — and build cash reserves accordingly. Growth and supply-demand dynamics are tracking at average levels, suggesting a market that is maturing rather than overheating."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bryson City, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bryson City?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Bryson City is currently 25%, which trails the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size — 6+ bedroom properties lead at 37%, while studios sit at 21%. The seasonal nature of mountain tourism means occupancy concentrates in the summer and fall months, so annualized figures can appear modest even when peak-season bookings are strong.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bryson City?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Bryson City earn approximately $2,586 per month or $31,039 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings scale significantly with property size: studios average about $13,762 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties bring in around $120,864 per year. Peak months like July ($4,219 average) and October ($3,267) contribute disproportionately to annual totals.

Is Bryson City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bryson City earns an ROI score of 63 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' range. The market benefits from steady tourism demand driven by the Great Smoky Mountains, and its revenue-to-price ratio is average, meaning returns are reasonable relative to acquisition costs. Investors should factor in seasonal revenue swings and a 25% average occupancy rate, and focus on well-appointed, larger properties to maximize performance.

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

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in Bryson City is $196, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales sharply with property size — from $119 for studios up to $1,140 for 6+ bedroom properties. This pricing reflects the vacation-cabin market where larger group accommodations command significant premiums.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bryson City?

Short-term rentals do operate in Bryson City, NC, with 561 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can vary and may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning rules. Prospective investors should contact the Town of Bryson City and Swain County directly to confirm all applicable rules and ensure compliance before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bryson City?

Peak season in Bryson City centers on July, when average monthly revenue hits $4,219 — the highest of any month. October is the second-strongest month at $3,267, driven by fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are January ($1,626) and February ($1,501), creating a roughly 2.8x spread between peak and trough monthly revenues.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bryson City?

There are currently 561 active Airbnb listings in Bryson City as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with year-over-year listing count at 97% of the prior year's level. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 215 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (154) and 3-bedrooms (118).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bryson City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bryson City 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 and naturally reflects seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 Bryson City and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked over time by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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