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

Burlington Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Burlington, NC is a smaller short-term rental market with 63 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $18,003 per property. With an average daily rate of $143—well below the $262 North Carolina state average—and home values around $390,529, the market offers a relatively affordable entry point for investors willing to navigate below-average occupancy. The 149% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though that rapid supply expansion warrants careful attention to deal selection.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Burlington 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 Burlington

Burlington attracts investor attention due to its affordable home prices relative to the broader North Carolina market, combined with a growing—though competitive—short-term rental landscape.

Expert Market Assessment

"Burlington represents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than broad market momentum. The ROI score of 50 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price dynamics and supply/demand balance, tempered by below-average occupancy stability and market growth trends. Seasonality plays a clear role—April and May are the revenue peaks at roughly $1,935–$1,938 per month, while January and February dip to around $844–$884, creating a roughly 2.3x spread between highs and lows. Investors who target the right property size and manage pricing aggressively through slower months can still build a viable cash-flow position in this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Burlington

Average revenue by month in Burlington

Burlington's revenue peaks in April ($1,938) and May ($1,935), with a secondary surge in October ($1,845), while winter months drop sharply—January and February average just $884 and $844 respectively. This roughly 2.3x seasonal swing means investors should budget for meaningful revenue variability and price aggressively during the spring and fall windows.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Burlington

One-bedroom units dominate Burlington's supply with 24 of the 63 active listings, followed by 3-bedroom (15) and 2-bedroom (12) properties, while 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom units each have just 5 listings. The limited supply of larger properties—combined with their stronger revenue metrics—may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes in this market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Burlington

ADR climbs dramatically with size in Burlington, from $57 for 1-bedroom listings to $372 for 6+ bedroom properties, though 4-bedroom units ($168) actually price slightly below 3-bedrooms ($181). The outsized rate premium for 6+ bedroom properties suggests strong group or event-driven demand that commands a significant nightly rate.

Average RevPAN by property size in Burlington

RevPAN tells a compelling story about where the real earning power lies: 6+ bedroom properties lead at $195 per available night, nearly triple the next tier (3-bedrooms at $71), while 1-bedroom units generate just $18. This wide gap highlights that larger properties convert their higher ADR into meaningfully better revenue efficiency even after accounting for occupancy differences.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Burlington

Occupancy rates vary widely across property sizes, with 6+ bedroom listings achieving the highest fill rate at 52% and 3-bedrooms following at 39%, while 2-bedroom properties lag significantly at just 22%. For cash-flow stability, investors should note that the most commonly listed size (1-bedroom at 32% occupancy) sits below the market average, potentially reflecting oversupply at that tier.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Burlington

Monthly revenue scales predictably with size: 6+ bedroom properties top the market at $2,829, followed by 4-bedrooms at $2,255 and 3-bedrooms at $1,724, while 1-bedroom units bring in just $457. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom revenue ($457 to $1,480) is the most dramatic percentage increase, suggesting that even a modest step up in property size delivers substantially better returns.

Average annual revenue by property size in Burlington

On an annual basis, 6+ bedroom properties generate approximately $33,950—more than six times the $5,492 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom homes at $20,688 and 4-bedrooms at $27,062 offer a strong middle ground, and when weighed against Burlington's average home values, the 3-bedroom segment may represent the most accessible balance of acquisition cost and revenue potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Burlington

Parking dominates at 95% prevalence, reflecting Burlington's car-dependent location, while self check-in (86%), kitchen (78%), and laundry (75%) round out the essentials that guests clearly expect. Workspace availability at 59% suggests a meaningful share of extended-stay or remote-work travelers, and investors who add differentiating amenities like hot tubs (currently only 3%) or pet-friendliness (33%) could capture underserved demand segments.

Understanding Burlington's ROI Score: 50/100

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

Burlington's ROI score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine potential but demands more disciplined deal sourcing than higher-scoring markets. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both register as average, while occupancy stability and market growth trend score below average—reflecting the 34% occupancy rate and the rapid 149% listing growth that could further pressure fill rates. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-performing property sizes (3+ bedrooms) will be key to building a viable investment thesis here.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Burlington

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

Permit Requirements

Burlington, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Burlington and Alamance County, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in North Carolina markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as state sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Burlington's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest remains elevated, which could put additional pressure on occupancy rates already sitting at 34%. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest that spring (April–May) and fall (October) will continue to drive the strongest performance, with monthly revenues potentially reaching $1,900–$2,000 during peak windows. ADR increases may be modest—perhaps 1–3%—given the market's position well below state averages and the influx of new listings. Investors who target larger properties (3+ bedrooms) and optimize for peak-season pricing stand the best chance of outperforming market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Burlington, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Burlington?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Burlington, NC is currently 34%, which matches the North Carolina state average. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 6+ bedroom properties achieving the highest rates at 52%, while 2-bedroom units lag at 22%. Investors should factor these differences into their property selection strategy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Burlington?

Airbnb hosts in Burlington earn an average of $1,500 per month, or approximately $18,003 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies substantially by property size—1-bedroom listings average just $457 per month, while 6+ bedroom properties bring in roughly $2,829 monthly. Larger properties with strong amenity packages tend to outperform these averages.

Is Burlington a good market for Airbnb investment?

Burlington scores 50 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers affordable home values around $390,529 and a growing investor base, but below-average occupancy stability and market growth trends mean that careful property selection is critical. Investors targeting 3+ bedroom properties and managing seasonality effectively are best positioned to generate positive returns.

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

The average daily rate in Burlington is $143, which is significantly below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $57 for 1-bedroom listings up to $372 for 6+ bedroom properties. This lower ADR reflects Burlington's positioning as an affordable mid-market destination rather than a premium vacation rental market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Burlington?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Burlington, NC, with 63 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits or registration, and restrictions can vary by zoning district or neighborhood. Investors should consult the City of Burlington's planning department and review any HOA covenants before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Burlington?

Peak season in Burlington runs primarily through spring and fall. April and May are the top revenue months, with hosts averaging $1,938 and $1,935 respectively. October ($1,845) and July ($1,763) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January ($884) and February ($844), creating a noticeable seasonal dip during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Burlington?

Burlington currently has 63 active Airbnb listings, with year-over-year growth of 149% in active listings. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (24 listings), followed by 3-bedroom (15), 2-bedroom (12), and 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom units (5 each). The rapid growth in supply is an important factor for investors to monitor.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Burlington?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Burlington are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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. 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 Burlington, NC and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data to inform property positioning decisions

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 historical averages and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.