Carolina Beach, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Carolina Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Carolina Beach is a coastal North Carolina market with 532 active Airbnb listings and a pronounced summer-driven revenue cycle. Average annual revenue sits at $35,883 per listing, with an ADR of $206 — below the state average of $262 — but occupancy stability scores above average, suggesting dependable seasonal demand. The market's ROI score of 55 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity where investors who match the right property size and manage pricing strategically can find meaningful returns against average home values of $843,136.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Carolina Beach 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 Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach appeals to investors seeking a seasonal beach-rental market with above-average occupancy stability and a range of property sizes generating meaningful revenue differentiation.

Expert Market Assessment

"Carolina Beach presents a moderately attractive investment landscape, shaped by intense summer demand and a quieter winter. Revenue swings from a low of roughly $1,025 in January to nearly $5,795 in July, creating a market where cash-flow planning around seasonality is essential. The ROI score of 55 reflects solid occupancy stability balanced against a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the $843,136 average home value requires careful underwriting to ensure summer peaks cover annual carrying costs. Investors who target larger properties or optimize for shoulder-season bookings stand to outperform the market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Carolina Beach

Average revenue by month in Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach exhibits sharp seasonality, with July ($5,795) generating more than five times the revenue of January ($1,025). The core summer window from June through August accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, while shoulder months like May and October still deliver respectable revenue above $3,000 — offering investors who optimize pricing a longer earning season than the three-month peak alone suggests.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Carolina Beach

One- and two-bedroom units dominate supply with 156 and 157 listings respectively, together accounting for nearly 59% of the market's 532 active listings. Larger properties (5+ bedrooms) represent only 48 combined listings, which could signal less competition and differentiation potential for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Carolina Beach

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count in Carolina Beach: studios and one-bedrooms sit around $130, while six-plus bedroom properties command $654 per night. The sharpest jump occurs between four bedrooms ($272) and five bedrooms ($364), and again to six-plus bedrooms, suggesting that guests booking large group accommodations are willing to pay outsized premiums.

Average RevPAN by property size in Carolina Beach

Revenue per available night rises steadily from $28 for studios to $57 for five-bedroom homes, but six-plus bedroom properties are the clear standout at $165 RevPAN — roughly three times the next tier. This indicates that the largest homes capture both higher nightly rates and sufficient occupancy to deliver meaningfully superior revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Carolina Beach

One- and two-bedroom units lead occupancy at 27% and 26% respectively, while three- through five-bedroom properties hover in the 16–18% range. Interestingly, six-plus bedroom homes recover to 25% occupancy, suggesting that their group-travel appeal keeps booking calendars competitive despite higher price points — a useful signal for investors weighing cash-flow reliability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Carolina Beach

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,321 for studios to $12,453 for six-plus bedroom properties, with each step up in bedroom count delivering a noticeable income boost. The gap is especially dramatic at the top end: five-bedroom homes earn $6,174 per month, while six-plus bedroom units roughly double that figure, making large properties the clear revenue leaders in Carolina Beach.

Average annual revenue by property size in Carolina Beach

Annual revenue potential scales from $15,858 for studios to $149,447 for six-plus bedroom homes, with four-bedroom properties earning a solid $50,429 that sits in a practical sweet spot for many investors. The top-tier six-plus bedroom category's $149K annual average is particularly notable, though investors should weigh higher acquisition costs and the narrower buyer pool for these larger coastal properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Carolina Beach

Kitchens (98%), parking (94%), and patio or balcony space (88%) are near-universal in Carolina Beach listings, establishing them as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Beach access (47%), pools (43%), and pet-friendliness (41%) appear in less than half of listings, presenting an opportunity for hosts to stand out by offering these higher-impact amenities.

Understanding Carolina Beach's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Carolina Beach's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with genuine potential tempered by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning that the $843K average home value requires strong seasonal revenue to justify the investment. On the positive side, occupancy stability rates above average, while market growth and supply/demand dynamics both track at average levels, indicating a market that isn't overheated but also isn't stagnant. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to identify deals where the numbers work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Carolina Beach

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Carolina Beach, North Carolina may be required to obtain local permits or register their property before hosting guests. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Town of Carolina Beach and review any applicable North Carolina state-level STR regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements (especially during peak season), noise ordinances, designated parking mandates, and potential HOA restrictions that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals entirely. Investors should also check whether any permit caps or zoning overlays apply in their target neighborhood.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Carolina Beach is expected to maintain its strong summer peak — July revenues averaged $5,795 per listing historically — while shoulder months like March through May and September through October should continue drawing moderate bookings. Listing supply grew 135% year over year, so investors should watch for pricing pressure if that pace continues, though occupancy stability remains above average for now. ADR may see modest adjustments in the 1–3% range as competition increases, but the underlying beach-vacation demand should keep revenue per available night relatively steady for well-positioned properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Carolina Beach, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carolina Beach?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Carolina Beach is currently 23%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This figure reflects the market's heavy seasonality — summer months drive significantly higher occupancy while winter months pull the annual average down. Properties that optimize pricing and listing quality for shoulder seasons can often outperform this average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Carolina Beach?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Carolina Beach earns approximately $2,990 per month or $35,883 per year. Revenue varies considerably by property size: studios average around $15,858 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can earn as much as $149,447 per year. Monthly income is highly seasonal, ranging from about $1,025 in January to $5,795 in July.

Is Carolina Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Carolina Beach earns an ROI score of 55 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and consistent summer demand, though the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values averaging $843,136. Investors targeting larger properties or finding homes below the market average price tend to see the strongest return potential. Thorough due diligence on local regulations and seasonal cash-flow planning are key.

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

The average daily rate in Carolina Beach is $206, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR varies significantly by property size, starting at $130–$131 for studios and one-bedrooms and climbing to $364 for five-bedroom properties and $654 for six-plus bedroom homes. This scaling suggests that guests are willing to pay meaningful premiums for larger group-friendly accommodations near the beach.

Are short-term rentals legal in Carolina Beach?

Short-term rentals do operate in Carolina Beach, with 532 active Airbnb listings currently tracked. However, local permit or registration requirements may apply, and regulations can change. Investors should verify current rules with the Town of Carolina Beach, review any applicable North Carolina state requirements, and check for HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Carolina Beach?

Peak season in Carolina Beach runs from June through August, with July leading the way at an average monthly revenue of $5,795 per listing. June ($4,795) and August ($4,844) are close behind. The shoulder months of May ($3,686) and October ($3,024) also perform respectably, while the slowest months are January ($1,025) and February ($1,175).

How many Airbnbs are there in Carolina Beach?

As of April 2026, there are 532 active Airbnb listings in Carolina Beach. The supply is concentrated in one- and two-bedroom properties (156 and 157 listings respectively), with three-bedroom units (104) also well-represented. Larger homes with five or more bedrooms account for a smaller share of supply — just 48 listings combined — which can signal reduced competition for those property types.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Carolina Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Carolina Beach 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $5,795 average) and slower months (like January's $1,025). 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 Carolina Beach and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes and time periods
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics 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 inform property setup 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 most recent update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.