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

Cashiers Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Cashiers, NC is a small, upscale mountain community where short-term rental investors face a distinctive trade-off: premium nightly rates averaging $362 — well above the $262 state average — but relatively modest occupancy at 25%. With only 33 active Airbnb listings and average home values near $2.97 million, this is a market defined more by exclusivity than volume. The 265% year-over-year growth in listing count signals rapidly rising investor interest, though the high entry price demands careful deal selection to achieve meaningful returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Cashiers 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 Cashiers

Cashiers attracts investors seeking premium nightly rates in an exclusive mountain getaway, though high home prices and seasonal demand require disciplined deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Cashiers represents a competitive opportunity — investor appetite is clearly growing, but the combination of nearly $3 million average home values and a 25% occupancy rate means the revenue-to-price ratio sits below average. Seasonality is a defining characteristic: July revenue ($5,817) is more than three times the February low ($1,708), so cash-flow planning must account for meaningful off-peak softness. The market's strengths lie in its premium ADR, limited competition, and above-average growth trend, which together create a viable — if selective — opportunity for investors who can acquire properties well below the market median or add distinctive amenities that boost occupancy during shoulder months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Cashiers

Average revenue by month in Cashiers

Cashiers shows pronounced seasonality, with July ($5,817) generating more than three times the revenue of February ($1,708). A secondary peak in October ($4,012) driven by fall foliage extends the earning season, but investors should plan for four to five softer months between November and April when monthly revenue hovers between $1,700 and $3,060.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Cashiers

Two-bedroom properties dominate the Cashiers supply at 14 of 33 total listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (6) and 3-bedrooms (5). The relatively thin inventory across all sizes means even modest additions could shift competitive dynamics, and the limited 3-bedroom supply may signal an opportunity for investors targeting families or small groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Cashiers

ADR climbs steadily with size, from $189 for 1-bedrooms to $249 for 2-bedrooms and $273 for 3-bedrooms. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom pricing ($60 per night) is particularly notable, suggesting that adding a second bedroom delivers meaningful rate leverage in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Cashiers

Three-bedroom listings edge out 2-bedrooms for the top RevPAN spot at $72 versus $69, while 1-bedrooms trail significantly at $38. The narrow gap between 2- and 3-bedroom RevPAN suggests both are solid performers, but the nearly 2x premium over 1-bedrooms makes larger units the stronger revenue play after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Cashiers

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 28%, with 3-bedrooms close behind at 27%, while 1-bedrooms lag at 20%. The relatively tight range between 2- and 3-bedroom occupancy indicates consistent demand for mid-sized properties, whereas 1-bedrooms may struggle to attract bookings outside peak season.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Cashiers

Two-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,329, outperforming both 3-bedrooms ($2,722) and 1-bedrooms ($2,294). This makes 2-bedrooms the sweet spot in Cashiers — they combine the best occupancy rate with solid nightly pricing to deliver the highest monthly cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Cashiers

Annual revenue peaks at $39,950 for 2-bedroom listings, followed by $32,665 for 3-bedrooms and $27,530 for 1-bedrooms. Given the market's high average home values, investors targeting 2-bedroom configurations may find the most favorable return profile, though all sizes will require competitive acquisition pricing to achieve strong yields.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Cashiers

Parking (97%) and kitchen access (88%) are near-universal in Cashiers, reflecting the mountain getaway nature of the market where guests drive in and stay put. Outdoor living features like patios (76%), backyards (61%), and BBQ grills (55%) are also highly prevalent, while differentiators like hot tubs (15%) and waterfront access (12%) remain relatively rare — suggesting these premium amenities could help a listing stand out from competitors.

Understanding Cashiers's ROI Score: 44/100

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

Cashiers earns an ROI Score of 44 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band where strong investor interest and premium pricing coexist with a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by home values near $3 million. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average, while the above-average market growth trend offers a positive counterweight. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling will be essential for identifying deals that pencil in this high-barrier-to-entry market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cashiers

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Cashiers, North Carolina may be required to obtain permits or register with Jackson County or relevant local authorities. Investors should verify current STR permit requirements directly with the county planning department before purchasing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain communities like Cashiers can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants are especially relevant in this market given the prevalence of planned communities and private developments, so prospective hosts should review any applicable deed restrictions carefully.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina imposes state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Jackson County may levy additional room or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and county requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Cashiers should continue to benefit from its status as a seasonal mountain retreat, with summer and fall foliage months driving the bulk of revenue. We estimate ADR could hold steady or edge up 2–4% as the market remains supply-constrained, though occupancy may settle in the 24–28% range given the leisure-driven, seasonal demand profile. The above-average market growth trend suggests ongoing investor and traveler interest, but the sharp rise in new listings could temper per-property performance if supply outpaces demand. Investors should model conservatively around current revenue levels and treat any upside as a bonus rather than a baseline expectation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Cashiers, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cashiers?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Cashiers is currently 25%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 2-bedroom listings average 28% while 1-bedrooms sit at 20%. The seasonal nature of this mountain market means occupancy concentrates heavily in summer and fall, so annual averages can appear modest even when peak-season fill rates are much stronger.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Cashiers?

Airbnb hosts in Cashiers earn an average of $3,188 per month, which translates to roughly $38,262 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 2-bedroom listings lead at $39,950 annually, while 1-bedrooms average $27,530. Peak months like July can bring in $5,817, while quieter winter months may generate closer to $1,700–$1,900.

Is Cashiers a good market for Airbnb investment?

Cashiers earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 44 out of 100, classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market offers premium daily rates ($362 vs. the $262 state average) and limited competition with only 33 active listings, but average home values near $2.97 million make the revenue-to-price ratio challenging. Investors who can source properties below the market median or differentiate with standout amenities may find viable returns, but this market rewards selectivity over broad buying.

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

The average daily rate in Cashiers is $362, which is 38% higher than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $189, 2-bedrooms come in at $249, and 3-bedrooms reach $273. These rates reflect the premium positioning of Cashiers as an upscale mountain destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Cashiers?

Short-term rentals do operate in Cashiers, NC, with 33 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations including permits, zoning requirements, and HOA restrictions can apply and may change over time. Investors should verify the latest rules with Jackson County planning offices and review any HOA or community covenants before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Cashiers?

Peak season in Cashiers runs from June through October, with July delivering the highest average revenue at $5,817 per listing. October's fall foliage season also performs strongly at $4,012, and August brings in $4,750. The slowest months are January ($1,915) and February ($1,708), reflecting the seasonal nature of this mountain retreat market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Cashiers?

There are currently 33 active Airbnb listings in Cashiers as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 265% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply skews toward 2-bedroom properties (14 listings), followed by 1-bedrooms (6) and 3-bedrooms (5), making it a relatively small and intimate market compared to larger resort destinations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Cashiers?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Cashiers 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. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks like July and slower months like February because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 the Cashiers market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current requirements with relevant authorities before purchasing.