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

Carrboro Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Carrboro, NC presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 61 out of 100, anchored by above-average occupancy stability relative to North Carolina peers. The market currently hosts 43 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $25,500, with an ADR of $157 that sits below the state average of $262 but is paired with a 37% occupancy rate that beats the 34% statewide benchmark. Its proximity to Chapel Hill and UNC creates a steady flow of visitors tied to university events, parent weekends, and local cultural attractions — making it a compelling niche market for investors seeking moderate but consistent returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Carrboro short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Carrboro

Carrboro appeals to STR investors because of its university-driven demand base, above-average occupancy stability, and a manageable competitive landscape with just 43 active listings.

Expert Market Assessment

"Carrboro earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by its occupancy stability — the strongest factor in its ROI profile. The market shows manageable seasonality: revenue dips to around $1,466 in January but climbs steadily through spring and fall, peaking at $2,545 in November, likely tied to football season and holiday-related university travel. With average home values of $678,198 and annual STR revenue of $25,500, the revenue-to-price ratio sits at an average level, meaning investors should be strategic about acquisition costs. Two-bedroom properties offer the most compelling unit economics, but overall, Carrboro rewards operators who optimize amenities and pricing for the university-adjacent guest profile."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Carrboro

Average revenue by month in Carrboro

Carrboro shows moderate seasonality with November ($2,545) and October ($2,364) leading the year, while January ($1,466) marks the clear low point — a peak-to-trough spread of roughly $1,080 that suggests manageable but noticeable off-season softness. The summer months sustain solid mid-$2,100–$2,300 performance, giving investors a broad earning window from May through December.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Carrboro

One-bedroom units dominate Carrboro's supply with 24 of 43 total listings (56%), while two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties are far scarcer at 6 and 5 listings respectively. This undersupply of larger units could represent an opportunity, particularly given that two-bedrooms deliver the highest RevPAN and monthly revenue in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Carrboro

ADR scales predictably from $114 for one-bedrooms up to $221 for three-bedrooms, nearly doubling across that range. However, the jump from one-bedroom to two-bedroom ($114 to $178) represents the steepest rate premium relative to the incremental bedroom, making two-bedrooms a strong value proposition for rate optimization.

Average RevPAN by property size in Carrboro

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $73, outperforming both one-bedrooms ($44) and three-bedrooms ($57). The three-bedroom RevPAN drop-off despite a higher ADR reflects their significantly lower occupancy rate, making two-bedrooms the clear efficiency winner for revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Carrboro

One- and two-bedroom units maintain relatively similar occupancy at 39% and 41% respectively, while three-bedrooms lag substantially at just 26%. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, smaller configurations offer a more reliable booking cadence in Carrboro's market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Carrboro

Two-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $3,045, followed closely by three-bedrooms at $2,844, while one-bedrooms earn $1,652. The nearly $1,400 monthly gap between one- and two-bedroom units underscores the revenue advantage of stepping up in size without the occupancy penalty seen in three-bedroom listings.

Average annual revenue by property size in Carrboro

Two-bedroom units generate the strongest annual revenue at $36,550, followed by three-bedrooms at $34,139 and one-bedrooms at $19,834. Given the scarcity of two-bedroom supply in the market, investors targeting this configuration may find both higher revenue potential and less direct competition.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Carrboro

Parking is universal across Carrboro listings at 100%, followed by kitchen (88%), self check-in (86%), and laundry facilities (72–77%) — signaling that guests expect home-like convenience. Workspace availability at 61% and pet-friendliness at 33% suggest a meaningful segment of remote workers and travelers with pets, offering differentiation opportunities for hosts who cater to these needs.

Understanding Carrboro's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Carrboro's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability is the standout strength, while revenue-to-price ratio, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance all grade at average levels. The score suggests that returns are achievable but depend on smart property selection — particularly targeting two-bedroom units that outperform on RevPAN and annual revenue. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and realistic cost modeling to ensure the numbers work for their specific acquisition.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Carrboro

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

Permit Requirements

Carrboro, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the town before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Carrboro and Orange County authorities, as local STR regulations in North Carolina can vary significantly between municipalities.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar North Carolina markets include occupancy limits, minimum-night stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. Investors should also check for any HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals, as well as potential caps on the number of permits issued within certain zones.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, sales tax, and potentially a tourism development tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Carrboro's STR market is expected to maintain its relatively stable demand profile, with occupancy likely holding in the 35–40% range driven by recurring university-related travel and seasonal events. Monthly revenue data shows a healthy spread from a low of roughly $1,466 in January to peaks above $2,500 in November, suggesting moderate seasonality that won't leave hosts struggling through deep off-seasons. With active listings growing 123% year-over-year, new supply could pressure ADRs slightly, though Rabbu estimates rates may stabilize or see modest 1–3% increases if demand keeps pace. Investors should monitor the supply expansion closely while recognizing that Carrboro's demand drivers remain durable."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Carrboro, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carrboro?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Carrboro is currently 37%, which edges above the North Carolina state average of 34%. Two-bedroom units perform best at 41% occupancy, while one-bedrooms come in at 39% and three-bedrooms trail at 26%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Carrboro?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Carrboro earn approximately $2,125 per month or $25,500 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies meaningfully by property size — two-bedroom listings lead with about $3,045 per month ($36,550 annually), while one-bedrooms average $1,652 monthly ($19,834 annually).

Is Carrboro a good market for Airbnb investment?

Carrboro scores a 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and steady demand tied to UNC Chapel Hill. While the revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values around $678,198, strategic property selection — particularly two-bedroom units — can improve return potential significantly.

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

The average daily rate in Carrboro is $157, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: one-bedrooms average $114, two-bedrooms command $178, and three-bedrooms reach $221 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Carrboro?

Short-term rentals operate in Carrboro, but hosts may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can change, so investors should verify current rules with the Town of Carrboro and ensure compliance with any applicable zoning, HOA, and tax requirements before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Carrboro?

Carrboro's peak revenue months are October ($2,364) and November ($2,545), likely driven by fall university events and football season. Summer months from May through August also perform well, averaging around $2,200–$2,326. January is the softest month at $1,466, but even the off-season generates meaningful income.

How many Airbnbs are there in Carrboro?

Carrboro currently has 43 active Airbnb listings. One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 24 listings, followed by 6 two-bedroom and 5 three-bedroom properties. The market has seen significant growth with a 123% year-over-year increase in active listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Carrboro?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Carrboro are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across 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 remaining data 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, location within Carrboro, 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 rate data for the Carrboro market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance
• Property size breakdowns showing listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue across bedroom configurations
• Amenity prevalence data reflecting what top-performing listings offer guests
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors, management quality, and market shifts. Local regulations governing short-term rentals can change; investors should independently verify all permit, zoning, and tax requirements before acquiring property.