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

Calabash Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Calabash, NC is a small coastal community near the South Carolina border that offers an accessible entry point into short-term rental investing, with average home values around $455,631 and annual revenue averaging $22,168. With just 44 active Airbnb listings and a notable 108% year-over-year growth in supply, the market is emerging but still compact enough that well-positioned properties can capture seasonal beach-area demand. The ROI score of 56 out of 100 reflects an attractive opportunity where revenue-to-price ratios, occupancy stability, and growth trends all sit at average levels — suggesting steady fundamentals rather than outsized returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Calabash 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 Calabash

Calabash appeals to investors seeking an affordable coastal market with emerging supply and summer-season revenue potential near popular beach destinations.

Expert Market Assessment

"Calabash presents a moderate opportunity for short-term rental investors who are comfortable with pronounced seasonality and a growing competitive landscape. Revenue swings dramatically from a January low of $475 to a July peak of $4,544, meaning cash flow management across the off-season months is critical. The 108% year-over-year supply growth is worth monitoring — while it signals investor confidence, it could pressure occupancy rates that already sit below the state average of 34%. Investors targeting three-bedroom properties stand to capture the strongest returns, with annual revenue averaging $29,925 against a market where average home prices remain under $460,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Calabash

Average revenue by month in Calabash

Calabash exhibits sharp seasonality, with July ($4,544) delivering nearly 10 times the revenue of January ($475). The June–August summer window accounts for the lion's share of annual income, while the November–February stretch is a pronounced off-season that investors need to budget through.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Calabash

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 22 of the market's 44 listings (50%), followed by 14 three-bedroom units and just 6 one-bedrooms. The relatively thin supply of one-bedroom listings could represent either limited demand for smaller units or an underserved niche worth testing.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Calabash

ADR climbs steadily from $85 for one-bedroom units to $136 for two-bedrooms and $171 for three-bedrooms, roughly doubling from the smallest to largest configuration. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms ($35 per night) is meaningful and, combined with higher monthly revenue, suggests the premium for an extra bedroom is well-supported by guest willingness to pay.

Average RevPAN by property size in Calabash

Two-bedroom listings edge out three-bedrooms on RevPAN ($37 vs. $36), while one-bedrooms trail at $22 — reflecting lower ADR compounded by similar occupancy. For investors focused on per-night yield after factoring in occupancy, two-bedroom properties offer the tightest efficiency, though three-bedrooms close the gap and pull ahead on total revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Calabash

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across property sizes, ranging from 21% for three-bedrooms to 27% for two-bedrooms, with one-bedrooms at 26%. The modest spread suggests that occupancy in Calabash is driven more by seasonal demand patterns than by property configuration, so revenue differentiation comes primarily through ADR.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Calabash

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,493, nearly doubling the $1,394 average for two-bedrooms and significantly outpacing one-bedrooms at $1,181. This clear revenue premium makes three-bedroom configurations the most compelling for investors prioritizing top-line income, despite their slightly lower occupancy rate.

Average annual revenue by property size in Calabash

At $29,925 annually, three-bedroom listings generate nearly 79% more revenue than two-bedrooms ($16,732) and more than double what one-bedrooms earn ($14,177). For investors weighing acquisition costs against income potential, three-bedroom properties in Calabash present the strongest case for annual return.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Calabash

Parking (93%), kitchen (91%), and laundry amenities (89% washer, 84% dryer) are near-universal in Calabash listings, reflecting baseline guest expectations for this coastal market. The high prevalence of pools (75%) and hot tubs (61%) signals that outdoor leisure amenities are a competitive differentiator — investors without these features may struggle to match market-average performance.

Understanding Calabash's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Calabash's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, indicating solid but not exceptional short-term rental fundamentals. All four calculation factors — Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance — register at average levels, meaning the market doesn't have a standout weakness but also lacks a clear breakout driver. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to confirm the opportunity fits their return targets.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Calabash

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Calabash, North Carolina may need to obtain a local permit or business registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Calabash and Brunswick County, as regulations in smaller coastal communities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking rules — particularly relevant in residential neighborhoods. HOA covenants in many Calabash developments may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing community-level rules is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Brunswick County tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Calabash's summer-driven demand pattern should remain intact, with July and August continuing to anchor annual revenue. The rapid supply growth (108% year-over-year) may temper occupancy gains, so investors should anticipate occupancy holding in the 22–27% range market-wide unless they differentiate with amenities or pricing. ADR could see modest upward pressure of 1–3% as the market matures, but individual performance will depend heavily on property quality and seasonal pricing strategy. Investors entering now are well-positioned to establish listing history ahead of what estimates suggest will be continued interest in this coastal corridor."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Calabash, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Calabash?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Calabash is currently 24%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 27% and 3-bedroom properties trailing at 21%. The lower overall rate reflects the market's strong seasonality, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Calabash?

Airbnb hosts in Calabash earn an average of $1,847 per month or approximately $22,168 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings lead with an average of $2,493 monthly ($29,925 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,181 per month ($14,177 annually). Summer months like July can generate over $4,500, while winter months may yield under $500.

Is Calabash a good market for Airbnb investment?

Calabash earns an ROI score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market offers a reasonable balance between revenue potential and property costs, with average home values around $455,631. Investors should be prepared for significant seasonal swings and a rapidly growing supply base (108% year-over-year listing growth). Three-bedroom properties offer the strongest revenue profile, and adding popular amenities like pools and hot tubs can help maximize bookings.

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

The average daily rate in Calabash is $139, which is considerably lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $85 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $136, and 3-bedroom properties command $171 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Calabash's positioning as a more affordable coastal option.

Are short-term rentals legal in Calabash?

Short-term rentals do operate in Calabash, NC, with 44 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and registration requirements can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the Town of Calabash and Brunswick County for the most current rules. HOA restrictions in specific communities may also apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Calabash?

Peak season in Calabash runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,544 in revenue. June ($3,360) and August ($3,507) also deliver strong returns. The shoulder months of April, May, and September generate moderate income in the $1,584–$1,949 range, while winter months from November through February are the slowest, with January bottoming out at just $475.

How many Airbnbs are there in Calabash?

There are currently 44 active Airbnb listings in Calabash as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 108% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply breaks down to 6 one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom, and 14 three-bedroom properties, with two-bedroom units making up the largest share of inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Calabash?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Calabash 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 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates by market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark competitive positioning
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 current market snapshots; conditions may shift as supply grows or regulations change. Local short-term rental regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.