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

Davidson Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Davidson, NC is a charming lakeside college town just north of Charlotte that draws a steady mix of visitors thanks to its proximity to Lake Norman and the broader Charlotte metro area. With 39 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $26,392, the market remains small and relatively uncrowded — though average home values near $1.14 million mean investors need to carefully evaluate their revenue-to-price math. Occupancy stability scores above average, which is encouraging for hosts seeking consistent bookings throughout the year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Davidson 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 Davidson

Davidson appeals to investors seeking a boutique STR market with stable demand patterns near a major metro, though high property costs require careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Davidson presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who can identify the right property at the right price point. The market's ROI score of 56 out of 100 reflects genuinely attractive demand fundamentals — particularly the above-average occupancy stability — balanced against a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by home values averaging $1.14 million. Seasonality is fairly mild; revenue ranges from a January low of $1,594 to a July peak of $2,617, creating a manageable spread that keeps cash flow somewhat predictable even in slower months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Davidson

Average revenue by month in Davidson

Davidson shows a gentle seasonal curve with July delivering the highest average revenue at $2,617 and January marking the low at $1,594 — a roughly 64% spread between peak and trough. The relatively mild seasonality means investors can expect steadier year-round income compared to more tourism-dependent markets, with a notable uptick from May through August driven by warm-weather demand.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Davidson

Two-bedroom listings dominate Davidson's supply with 15 active units, followed by 12 one-bedroom listings and just 7 three-bedroom properties. The relatively thin supply of 3-bedroom homes could signal an opportunity for investors, especially since those larger units generate the highest revenue and RevPAN in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Davidson

ADR scales predictably with size in Davidson, rising from $136 for 1-bedroom listings to $171 for 2-bedrooms and $212 for 3-bedrooms. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms adds roughly $41 per night, which — combined with comparable occupancy rates — suggests the larger configurations offer a stronger per-night premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Davidson

Three-bedroom listings lead RevPAN at $67, well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $53 and significantly outpacing 1-bedrooms at just $27. The gap between 1-bedroom and larger units is striking, indicating that smaller properties in Davidson struggle to convert their availability into meaningful revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Davidson

Occupancy is closely grouped for 2-bedroom (31%) and 3-bedroom (32%) listings, while 1-bedroom units trail notably at just 20%. This suggests that guests visiting Davidson tend to favor more spacious accommodations, making the smaller units a riskier bet for consistent cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Davidson

Three-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $2,619, edging out 2-bedrooms at $2,499, while 1-bedroom listings lag significantly at $1,531. The roughly $1,100 monthly gap between the smallest and largest listings underscores how much property size impacts earning potential in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Davidson

Annual revenue ranges from $18,383 for 1-bedroom listings to $31,439 for 3-bedroom properties, with 2-bedrooms closely trailing at $29,999. Given Davidson's high average home values, the 3-bedroom configuration offers the strongest gross revenue potential, though investors should weigh acquisition costs carefully against these returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Davidson

Parking is a universal offering at 100% of Davidson listings, with self check-in and kitchens close behind at 90% — signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient, home-like experience. Workspace availability at 74% suggests a meaningful remote-work traveler segment, while lake access (13%) and waterfront (10%) represent premium differentiators that could command higher nightly rates for the right property.

Understanding Davidson's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Davidson's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with genuine demand fundamentals but some headwinds on the investment math. The above-average occupancy stability is a notable strength, suggesting that bookings hold up well across seasons, while the below-average revenue-to-price ratio — a consequence of home values averaging over $1.1 million — means the yield picture requires a sharper pencil. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and realistic acquisition cost analysis to determine whether Davidson fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Davidson

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Davidson, North Carolina should verify whether a short-term rental permit or registration is required through the Town of Davidson and Mecklenburg County. Requirements can change, so it's wise to check directly with local planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in North Carolina STR markets may include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. Additionally, homeowners association (HOA) rules in Davidson's planned communities could impose their own limitations on short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in North Carolina are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms like Airbnb collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Davidson's STR market is likely to see continued modest growth as supply has expanded significantly (114% year-over-year listing growth). We estimate ADR may hold steady or see a slight 1–3% adjustment as new inventory enters the market, while occupancy rates should remain in the 30–35% range given the town's above-average occupancy stability. Seasonal peaks through summer months suggest revenue per listing could climb incrementally if hosts optimize pricing during July and August, though investors should temper expectations until supply absorption becomes clearer."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Davidson, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Davidson?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Davidson is currently 33%, which sits just below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings averaging 31–32%, while 1-bedroom units tend to see lower occupancy around 20%. Despite the modest headline number, Davidson's occupancy stability factor is rated above average, suggesting that bookings remain relatively consistent rather than swinging dramatically between seasons.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Davidson?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Davidson earn approximately $2,199 per month or $26,392 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $18,383 annually, 2-bedroom listings bring in roughly $29,999, and 3-bedroom properties lead at around $31,439 per year. Peak earning months are July ($2,617) and August ($2,466), while January tends to be the softest month at $1,594.

Is Davidson a good market for Airbnb investment?

Davidson earns an ROI score of 56 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply/demand dynamics, but the below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by average home values near $1.14 million — means investors need to be strategic about acquisition costs. It can work well for those who already own property in the area or can find below-market deals, but the numbers may be tighter for buyers paying full market price.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Davidson is $168, which comes in below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $136, 2-bedrooms average $171, and 3-bedroom properties command approximately $212 per night. Davidson's positioning as a smaller lakeside town rather than a major resort destination keeps nightly rates more modest compared to coastal or mountain markets in the state.

Are short-term rentals legal in Davidson?

Short-term rentals do operate in Davidson, NC, with 39 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any HOA rules that may apply to their specific property by contacting the Town of Davidson and reviewing local ordinances. Regulations can evolve, so checking with local authorities before purchasing or listing a property is always recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Davidson?

Peak season for Airbnb in Davidson runs through the summer months, with July leading at $2,617 in average monthly revenue and August following at $2,466. The warmer months likely benefit from Lake Norman recreation and family travel. The softest period is January at $1,594, though the overall seasonal swing is relatively moderate — the spread between peak and trough is about $1,023, meaning revenue doesn't fall off a cliff in the off-season.

How many Airbnbs are there in Davidson?

There are currently 39 active Airbnb listings in Davidson as of April 2026. The supply breaks down to 12 one-bedroom listings, 15 two-bedroom listings, and 7 three-bedroom listings. Notably, the market has seen significant growth with a 114% year-over-year increase in active listings, suggesting rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Davidson?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Davidson 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods like the July high and January low. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively you manage your listing.

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 Davidson and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the 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 and HOA rules may impact your ability to operate a short-term rental; always verify before investing.