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

Clemson Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Clemson's short-term rental market is tightly linked to Clemson University and its event calendar, creating sharp seasonal revenue swings that savvy investors can capitalize on. With just 48 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $29,938, the market remains small and event-driven rather than broadly diversified. Average daily rates sit at $302—below the $358 South Carolina state average—but the limited supply means well-positioned properties can command premium pricing during football season and graduation weekends. Investors should approach this market with realistic expectations about off-season softness while recognizing the strong revenue potential during peak months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Clemson 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 Clemson

Clemson appeals to investors who want exposure to a university-driven market with concentrated demand spikes and relatively low competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Clemson presents a moderately attractive opportunity with a clear seasonal profile that investors need to plan around. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the fall: October leads at $4,311 per month, while January bottoms out near $1,117—a nearly 4× spread that underscores how event-dependent this market is. The ROI score of 58 out of 100 reflects an average revenue-to-price ratio but below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance. Investors who can absorb the off-season lulls and maximize pricing during football weekends, graduation, and homecoming stand the best chance of generating competitive returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Clemson

Average revenue by month in Clemson

Clemson's revenue profile is sharply seasonal, peaking in October at $4,311 and bottoming in January at $1,117—a nearly 4× gap that mirrors the Clemson University football and events calendar. Investors should plan for roughly five strong months (July–November) that generate the bulk of annual income, with the remaining months requiring careful expense management.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Clemson

Two-bedroom units dominate supply with 19 of 48 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 10. Three-bedroom (8) and 4-bedroom (6) properties are less common, which could represent an opportunity given their substantially higher revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Clemson

ADR jumps dramatically at the 3-bedroom tier, reaching $609 per night compared to $208 for 2-bedrooms—suggesting strong group and family demand willing to pay a premium for space. Four-bedroom properties average $428, indicating that the sweet spot for nightly rate premiums is at the 3-bedroom level.

Average RevPAN by property size in Clemson

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $124, more than double the $48 for 2-bedrooms, reflecting their ability to command premium nightly rates even at similar occupancy levels. Four-bedroom units follow at $83, while 1-bedrooms trail at $38, making larger properties clearly more efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Clemson

Occupancy rates are remarkably consistent across property sizes, ranging from 20% for 4-bedrooms to 23% for 2-bedrooms. This uniformity suggests that demand in Clemson is driven more by event timing than by property configuration, so revenue differences between sizes are primarily a function of ADR rather than fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Clemson

Monthly revenue scales steeply with size: 4-bedroom properties lead at $6,544 per month, nearly double the $3,523 for 3-bedrooms and six times the $1,070 for 1-bedrooms. This steep gradient makes a compelling case for larger properties, assuming acquisition and operating costs remain proportional.

Average annual revenue by property size in Clemson

Four-bedroom properties stand out with $78,531 in average annual revenue, far exceeding 3-bedrooms at $42,284, 2-bedrooms at $21,859, and 1-bedrooms at $12,849. For investors targeting the strongest return potential in Clemson, larger units that can accommodate game-day groups offer the clearest path to higher gross income.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Clemson

Parking is universal at 100% of listings—essential in a college-town market where guests often drive in for events—while kitchens (83%) and self check-in (77%) round out the top three. The presence of outdoor amenities like patios (63%), backyards (50%), and outdoor furniture (52%) signals that guests value gathering spaces, consistent with a market driven by group travel for university events.

Understanding Clemson's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Clemson's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with workable revenue-to-price dynamics but notable softness in occupancy stability and supply/demand balance. The average revenue-to-price ratio grades as average, meaning returns are possible but not outsized relative to the $616,797 average home value. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger property configurations where revenue per night meaningfully outpaces the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Clemson

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Clemson, South Carolina may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit from the city before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Clemson and Pickens County, as local rules can change with limited notice.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in South Carolina college towns can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain periods, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA and neighborhood covenants may impose additional limitations—sometimes outright banning short-term rentals—so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina requires STR operators to collect and remit state sales tax and local accommodations tax on short-term stays. Platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of this collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and Pickens County tax requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Clemson's STR market is likely to remain heavily event-driven, with peak-season months (September–November) continuing to generate the lion's share of annual income. Listing supply grew 115% year-over-year, which could compress occupancy further if demand doesn't keep pace—investors should watch this trend closely. ADR may hold steady or edge up 1–3% during high-demand weekends, but off-season months will likely keep market-wide occupancy in the low-to-mid 20% range. We estimate annual revenue for a well-managed listing could land between $28,000 and $35,000, depending on property size and pricing strategy."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Clemson, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Clemson?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Clemson is currently 21%, which falls below the South Carolina state average of 38%. This lower figure reflects the market's event-driven nature—occupancy surges during Clemson University football season and key weekends but drops significantly in the off-season. Two-bedroom properties perform slightly better at 23%, while larger units hover around 20–21%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Clemson?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Clemson earns approximately $2,494 per month or $29,938 per year. However, earnings vary dramatically by property size: 1-bedroom units average $12,849 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate up to $78,531 per year. Revenue is highly seasonal, with peak months like October bringing in over $4,300 and slower months like January closer to $1,100.

Is Clemson a good market for Airbnb investment?

Clemson carries an ROI score of 58 out of 100, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from limited supply (48 active listings) and strong event-driven demand tied to Clemson University. However, below-average occupancy stability and rapid listing growth (115% year-over-year) are factors to weigh carefully. Investors who choose larger properties and optimize pricing for peak weekends tend to see the strongest results.

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

The average daily rate in Clemson is $302, which is below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $188 per night, 2-bedrooms average $208, while 3-bedroom properties command a premium at $609 per night. Four-bedroom units average $428, suggesting that mid-size properties with ample space for groups offer the strongest nightly rate potential.

Are short-term rentals legal in Clemson?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Clemson, SC, but operators may need to secure appropriate permits or business licenses from local authorities. Regulations can vary and evolve, so it's important to check with the City of Clemson and Pickens County for current requirements before listing a property. Additionally, HOA or neighborhood covenants may impose their own restrictions on short-term rental activity.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Clemson?

Peak season in Clemson runs from July through November, closely aligned with Clemson University's football schedule and fall events. October is the highest-earning month at $4,311 in average revenue, followed by September at $4,081 and November at $3,581. The off-season from December through April sees significantly lower revenue, with January and February averaging around $1,100–$1,165 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Clemson?

As of April 2026, there are 48 active Airbnb listings in Clemson. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share with 19 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (10), 3-bedrooms (8), and 4-bedrooms (6). Notably, active listings grew 115% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Clemson?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Clemson 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, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like October's $4,311) and slower months (like January's $1,117), because each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 Clemson market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity data across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 12-month averages and current market snapshots; conditions may shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or shifts in traveler demand. Individual property results will vary based on location within the market, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.