Chapel Hill, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Chapel Hill Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Chapel Hill's short-term rental market is shaped by its deep ties to the University of North Carolina, which drives predictable demand around academic calendars, sporting events, and family visits. With 165 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $204, and average annual revenue of $26,196, the market offers steady — if not spectacular — returns. High home values averaging $989,090 mean investors need to be selective about deal sourcing, but above-average occupancy stability provides a degree of cash-flow predictability that many comparable college-town markets lack.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill appeals to investors seeking a university-anchored market with reliable seasonal demand, though elevated home prices require careful underwriting to achieve attractive yields.

Expert Market Assessment

"Chapel Hill presents a competitive opportunity where strong institutional demand meets elevated acquisition costs. The market's seasonality is relatively mild — monthly revenue ranges from a low of $1,504 in January to a peak of $2,617 in November — suggesting that fall events and football season are the primary revenue accelerators. With occupancy stability rated above average but revenue-to-price and supply/demand ratios rated below average, the path to solid returns here hinges on acquiring properties at the right basis and targeting the higher-earning bedroom configurations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Chapel Hill

Average revenue by month in Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill shows moderate seasonality, with November ($2,617) and October ($2,429) leading revenue and January ($1,504) marking the low point — a peak-to-trough spread of about 74%. The fall surge likely reflects university events and football season, while summer months hold relatively steady around $2,200–$2,400, giving investors a fairly balanced revenue curve outside of the winter dip.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Chapel Hill

One-bedroom units dominate the market with 80 of 165 active listings (nearly half the supply), while 4- and 5-bedroom properties have just 9 listings each. The thin supply of larger homes suggests a potential opportunity for investors willing to target group-travel demand, particularly during event-driven weekends.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Chapel Hill

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count in Chapel Hill — from $119 for 1-bedrooms up to $549 for 5-bedroom properties, a 4.6x premium. The sharpest jump occurs between 2-bedroom ($153) and 3-bedroom ($265) listings, suggesting that crossing the 3-bedroom threshold unlocks a significantly higher pricing tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Chapel Hill

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $145 per available night, well ahead of 3- and 4-bedroom units which tie at $93. One-bedroom listings lag at $39, indicating that despite their high occupancy rates, smaller units generate meaningfully less revenue per night of availability.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Chapel Hill

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 36%, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at 35% and 1-bedrooms at 33%, while 4- and 5-bedroom properties trail at 28% and 27% respectively. The relatively narrow spread across sizes (just 9 percentage points) suggests that even larger homes maintain reasonable booking frequency, though investors should model conservatively for the bigger configurations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Chapel Hill

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $1,290 for 1-bedroom units to $4,380 for 5-bedroom homes — more than triple the earnings of the smallest category. The jump from 3-bedroom ($3,162) to 4-bedroom ($3,350) is modest, making 3-bedroom properties a potentially efficient sweet spot balancing acquisition cost against revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Chapel Hill

Five-bedroom properties top the annual revenue chart at $52,561, more than 3.4 times the $15,484 earned by 1-bedroom listings. For investors evaluating return potential, 3-bedroom units generating $37,950 annually may offer the best balance between revenue scale and lower acquisition and operating costs compared to larger homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Chapel Hill

Parking (98%), kitchen (90%), and washer/dryer (81%) are near-universal among Chapel Hill listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience — likely driven by visiting families and extended-stay academics. Workspace availability at 71% signals notable remote-work and academic traveler demand, while pool (7%) and EV charger (4%) remain rare differentiators that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Chapel Hill's ROI Score: 45/100

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

Chapel Hill's ROI Score of 45 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand fundamentals are sound but elevated home prices compress investor yields. Above-average occupancy stability is a genuine strength, though the below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance signal that careful deal selection and premium positioning are essential. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to identify properties that can outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Chapel Hill

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

Permit Requirements

Chapel Hill, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration and zoning requirements directly with the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County authorities, as rules can change with local council action.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar North Carolina markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the total number of STR permits or restrict non-owner-occupied rentals in certain residential zones.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm their obligations for sales tax, room occupancy tax, and any Orange County-specific tourism levies with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Chapel Hill's STR market is likely to see continued demand driven by university events, graduation weekends, and the broader Triangle region's economic growth. With a 124% year-over-year increase in active listings, supply is expanding quickly, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy rates and ADR unless demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate ADR holding in the $195–$215 range, with occupancy rates fluctuating seasonally between roughly 25% and 45%. Selective property positioning — particularly in the 3- to 5-bedroom range — will be key to outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Chapel Hill, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chapel Hill?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Chapel Hill is currently 34%, which matches the North Carolina state average. Occupancy varies by property size — 2-bedroom units lead at 36%, while larger 5-bedroom properties average around 27%. These rates reflect trailing performance and can shift with seasonal demand tied to the university calendar.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Chapel Hill?

On average, Chapel Hill Airbnb hosts earn approximately $2,183 per month, or about $26,196 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $15,484 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can generate roughly $52,561 per year. Actual results depend on factors like pricing strategy, guest reviews, and property location.

Is Chapel Hill a good market for Airbnb investment?

Chapel Hill scores a 45 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and consistent university-driven demand, but high home values (averaging $989,090) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals selectively and target larger properties may find attractive returns, but this is not a market where any listing will perform well on autopilot.

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

The current average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Chapel Hill is $204, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom units average $119 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $549. This pricing structure makes larger homes particularly compelling for group travelers and event weekends.

Are short-term rentals legal in Chapel Hill?

Short-term rentals operate in Chapel Hill, but hosts should verify current local regulations with the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County. Like many North Carolina municipalities, Chapel Hill may require permits, business licenses, or adherence to specific zoning rules. Regulations can evolve, so it's wise to consult local authorities or a real estate attorney before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Chapel Hill?

Based on trailing 12-month revenue data, Chapel Hill's peak months are November ($2,617 average revenue), October ($2,429), and July ($2,392). The fall surge aligns with UNC football season and homecoming events, while summer captures vacation and relocation traffic. January is the softest month at $1,504, making the peak-to-trough spread roughly $1,100.

How many Airbnbs are there in Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill currently has 165 active Airbnb listings. The supply is heavily weighted toward 1-bedroom properties (80 listings), with 35 two-bedroom, 26 three-bedroom, and 9 each of four- and five-bedroom units. Notably, active listings have grown 124% year-over-year, signaling rapidly increasing investor and host interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Chapel Hill?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Chapel Hill 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently and naturally reflects 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across bedroom configurations
• Trailing 12-month revenue data reflecting actual host booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectation patterns

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 performance and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results may vary based on property-specific factors and management quality. Local regulations and tax obligations are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.