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

Clayton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Clayton, NC is a small but growing short-term rental market southeast of Raleigh, with just 27 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,602 per property. The market's average daily rate of $142 sits well below the North Carolina state average of $262, though home values averaging $477,907 mean investors need to be selective about acquisition pricing. Active listings have grown 150% year-over-year, signaling rising investor interest in this suburban corridor even as occupancy remains modest at 27%.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Clayton 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 Clayton

Investors look to Clayton for its proximity to Raleigh's job market and relatively low entry costs compared to urban centers, though careful deal sourcing is essential given the competitive landscape.

Expert Market Assessment

"Clayton presents a competitive opportunity where returns are achievable but not assured — the ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability alongside a below-average growth trend. Seasonality is moderate, with April through August delivering the strongest months (peaking near $2,143 in April) and January being the softest at $1,171. The 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom segments generate the bulk of meaningful revenue, both approaching $28,000 annually, while 1-bedroom units lag significantly. Investors who source properties at the right price point and target the mid-size segment stand the best chance of building a sustainable cash-flow position in this emerging market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Clayton

Average revenue by month in Clayton

Clayton's revenue peaks in April at $2,143 and bottoms out in January at $1,171, a spread of nearly $1,000 that reflects moderate seasonality. The warm months from April through August consistently exceed $2,000, while winter months dip below $1,700 — investors should plan for lighter cash flow from December through February.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Clayton

Supply in Clayton is evenly distributed, with 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings each accounting for 8 units, while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties have 5 each. The balanced distribution means no single segment is dramatically oversaturated, though the lower count of 2-bedroom listings is notable given their strong revenue performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Clayton

ADR in Clayton roughly doubles from 1-bedroom ($76) to 2-bedroom ($152) and continues climbing to $193 for 4-bedroom properties. The biggest jump occurs between 1 and 2 bedrooms, suggesting the premium-to-cost trade-off is strongest for investors stepping up from studio-type units to 2-bedroom configurations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Clayton

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $52/night, outperforming even larger 3-bedroom ($43) and 4-bedroom ($27) properties thanks to their stronger occupancy rates. This makes the 2-bedroom segment the most efficient revenue generator on a per-night basis in Clayton's market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Clayton

Occupancy drops sharply as properties get larger: 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units maintain 32% and 34% respectively, while 3-bedrooms fall to 25% and 4-bedrooms to just 14%. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, smaller units offer meaningfully steadier booking activity in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Clayton

Two-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties are virtually tied as top earners, averaging $2,350 and $2,337 per month respectively, while 4-bedrooms trail slightly at $2,286. One-bedroom listings lag dramatically at just $456/month, making them a challenging investment for revenue-focused buyers in Clayton.

Average annual revenue by property size in Clayton

The 2-bedroom segment leads annual revenue at $28,210, closely followed by 3-bedrooms at $28,047 and 4-bedrooms at $27,438 — all clustered tightly near $28,000. One-bedroom properties generate only $5,483 annually, underscoring that mid-size configurations offer the strongest return potential in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Clayton

Parking dominates at 96%, followed by kitchen (89%) and self check-in (85%), reflecting guest expectations for a suburban, home-like experience. The high prevalence of workspace (78%) and pet-friendly listings (56%) suggests hosts are catering to remote workers and family travelers, which investors should match to remain competitive.

Understanding Clayton's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Clayton's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real demand but requires disciplined deal sourcing to generate attractive returns. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the market growth trend scores below average — a reflection of competitive dynamics as supply grows 150% year-over-year. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on 2–3 bedroom properties, where revenue metrics are strongest relative to acquisition costs.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Clayton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Clayton, NC may be required to obtain permits or register with local authorities before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements with the Town of Clayton and Johnston County, as regulations can evolve alongside the market's rapid growth.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in North Carolina municipalities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Investors should review any applicable zoning overlays and homeowners association rules before committing to a purchase.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes, and Johnston County may impose additional lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm whether all local obligations are covered or if manual filing is needed.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Clayton's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as the Raleigh metro area expands outward, though occupancy rates may face pressure if new listings outpace demand. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate in the April–August window, with monthly earnings potentially ranging from $1,200 to $2,200 depending on the time of year. ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible given the area's residential growth, but investors should temper expectations — the market's below-average growth trend and modest occupancy stability suggest returns will depend heavily on property selection and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Clayton, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clayton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clayton, NC is currently 27%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 34%, while 4-bedroom properties see just 14%. These figures reflect trailing performance across active listings and can shift with seasonal demand patterns.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Clayton?

Airbnb hosts in Clayton earn an average of $1,800 per month and approximately $21,602 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $2,350/month ($28,210 annually), while 1-bedroom units earn considerably less at $456/month. Peak earning months like April can push monthly revenue above $2,100.

Is Clayton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Clayton scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. This means investor interest and demand exist, but higher home prices or tightening competition require more selective deal sourcing. The 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom segments show the strongest revenue potential relative to occupancy, so targeting those configurations — and negotiating favorable acquisition prices — will be key to generating positive returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Clayton is $142, which is notably below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $76/night, 2-bedrooms hit $152, 3-bedrooms reach $170, and 4-bedroom properties command $193/night. The gap between Clayton's rates and the state average reflects the market's suburban, non-resort character.

Are short-term rentals legal in Clayton?

Short-term rentals do operate in Clayton, NC, with 27 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registrations from the Town of Clayton or Johnston County. We strongly recommend verifying the latest STR rules with local government offices before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Clayton?

Peak season in Clayton runs from April through August, with April delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,143. July and August also perform well at $2,051 and $2,121, respectively. The slowest month is January at $1,171, creating a roughly $970 spread between peak and off-peak periods — a moderate level of seasonality that investors should factor into cash-flow projections.

How many Airbnbs are there in Clayton?

There are currently 27 active Airbnb listings in Clayton, NC. The supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties (8 each), with 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units each accounting for 5 listings. The market has grown 150% year-over-year in active listings, indicating a rapid expansion phase.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Clayton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Clayton 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN across trailing 12-month periods
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on historical booking performance of comparable listings
• Home value data from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition cost benchmarking
• 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.