Central, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Central Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Central, SC is a small but growing short-term rental market with just 36 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,556 per property. While the average daily rate of $300 sits below the South Carolina state average of $358, the market has seen explosive 160% year-over-year listing growth — a signal that investors are taking notice. With average home values around $440,306 and occupancy at 22% (well below the 38% state average), this is a market that rewards selective deal sourcing and a clear understanding of seasonal demand patterns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Central 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 Central

Central's appeal to investors stems from its proximity to Clemson University, relatively affordable home prices for South Carolina, and clear seasonal demand spikes that reward well-positioned properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Central presents a competitive opportunity where careful property selection matters more than in higher-volume markets. The 22% average occupancy rate and below-average occupancy stability underscore that not every listing performs equally — 3-bedroom properties stand out with 34% occupancy and $34,181 in annual revenue, while 4-bedroom units struggle at just 4% occupancy. Seasonality is pronounced, with October generating $3,678 in average revenue compared to just $956 in January, so cash flow planning around the September–November peak is essential. Investors who target the right property size and price their listings strategically for fall football and event weekends can find workable returns in this niche market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Central

Average revenue by month in Central

Central's revenue curve is heavily seasonal, peaking in October at $3,678 and bottoming out in January at just $956 — nearly a 4x spread. The September–November stretch accounts for a disproportionate share of annual income, making fall event season (likely tied to Clemson) the critical revenue window for operators.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Central

Supply is distributed fairly evenly across 1-bedroom (10), 2-bedroom (9), and 3-bedroom (10) listings, with only 5 four-bedroom properties. The limited 4-bedroom supply could suggest either lower demand for that size or an underexplored niche, though current performance data favors 3-bedroom units.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Central

ADR roughly doubles from 2-bedroom ($165) to 3-bedroom ($321) listings and jumps again to $428 for 4-bedroom properties, suggesting a significant premium for larger homes. However, the sharpest value inflection occurs at the 3-bedroom tier, where the rate increase pairs with much stronger occupancy than larger units.

Average RevPAN by property size in Central

Three-bedroom listings dominate RevPAN at $110, far outpacing 1-bedroom ($34), 2-bedroom ($29), and especially 4-bedroom ($16) properties. This stark gap makes 3-bedroom units the clear efficiency leader — they convert their nightly rate into actual revenue far more consistently than any other size.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Central

Occupancy ranges dramatically by size, from 34% for 3-bedroom listings down to just 4% for 4-bedroom properties. One- and 2-bedroom units sit in between at 23% and 18% respectively, indicating that mid-sized homes best match traveler demand in Central's market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Central

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,848, followed by 4-bedrooms at $2,560, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom listings earn $1,456 and $1,281 respectively. The gap between 3- and 4-bedroom monthly revenue is modest, but the underlying occupancy difference makes 3-bedroom cash flow far more predictable.

Average annual revenue by property size in Central

At $34,181 per year, 3-bedroom properties generate nearly double the revenue of 2-bedroom listings ($15,378) and meaningfully outpace 4-bedroom units ($30,721). For investors evaluating return potential, 3-bedroom configurations offer the strongest annual revenue relative to the acquisition and operating costs typical in Central.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Central

Parking (94%), kitchen (86%), and backyard access (81%) top the amenity list, reflecting a market oriented toward drive-in guests who expect home-like comforts. Workspace availability at 64% suggests some remote-work appeal, while premium features like pools and lake access remain rare at just 3% — potentially offering differentiation for new listings.

Understanding Central'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

Central's ROI Score of 50 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market attracts investor interest but requires more targeted deal selection to generate strong returns. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance score as average, while occupancy stability and market growth trend fall below average — a combination that suggests returns are achievable but not automatic. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on high-performing property types (particularly 3-bedroom units) will help investors identify the strongest opportunities.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Central

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Central, South Carolina may need to obtain permits or register their properties with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Central and Pickens County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules can also impose additional constraints, so it's important to review any covenants or community bylaws before purchasing an investment property in the area.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in South Carolina are generally subject to state and local accommodations taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Central's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest catches up to the area's proximity to Clemson University and upstate South Carolina attractions. Occupancy could stabilize in the 20–25% range as the market absorbs new listings, though operators targeting 3-bedroom properties — which currently lead in both occupancy and RevPAN — may outperform. ADR is estimated to hold steady or see modest 1–3% increases, particularly during the strong September–November fall season. Investors should plan around pronounced seasonality, with revenue during peak months running three to four times higher than winter lows."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Central, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Central?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Central, SC is currently 22%, which is below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings lead at 34%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 4%. These figures reflect the market's seasonal nature and relatively small listing pool.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Central?

Airbnb hosts in Central earn an average of $2,129 per month or approximately $25,556 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies widely by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead with about $2,848 per month ($34,181 annually), while 2-bedroom units average $1,281 per month ($15,378 annually). Peak months like October can generate over $3,600, while January may bring in under $1,000.

Is Central a good market for Airbnb investment?

Central earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 50 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market has an average revenue-to-price ratio and average supply/demand balance, but occupancy stability and market growth trend score below average. That said, 3-bedroom properties show notably stronger performance, and investors willing to target the right property type and manage around seasonal demand can find opportunities worth pursuing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Central is $300, slightly below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $152, 2-bedrooms come in at $165, 3-bedrooms at $321, and 4-bedroom properties command the highest rate at $428 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Central?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Central, SC, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with the city or county. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check with the City of Central, Pickens County, and any applicable HOA before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Central?

Peak season in Central runs from late summer through fall, with September, October, and November generating the highest revenues. October is the strongest month at $3,678 in average revenue, likely driven by Clemson University football season and fall events. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops below $1,000.

How many Airbnbs are there in Central?

As of April 2026, there are 36 active Airbnb listings in Central, SC. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes, with 10 one-bedroom listings, 9 two-bedroom listings, 10 three-bedroom listings, and 5 four-bedroom listings. The market has seen 160% year-over-year growth in active listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Central?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Central 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 the Central, SC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings

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 performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.