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

Denver Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Denver, NC stands out as a lakeside short-term rental market where larger properties command impressive nightly rates — the market-wide ADR of $348 runs well above North Carolina's $262 state average. With 58 active listings and average annual revenue of $72,415, the market rewards investors who target group-friendly homes near Lake Norman. The 165% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 27% (below the 34% state average) suggests the market is still maturing and best suited for operators who can capture peak summer demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Denver 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 Denver

Investors are drawn to Denver for its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and the premium nightly rates that Lake Norman vacation properties can command.

Expert Market Assessment

"Denver presents an attractive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors — the ROI score of 63 out of 100 reflects healthy revenue relative to property costs and stable occupancy patterns, though below-average marks on market growth trend and supply/demand balance warrant attention. Seasonality is pronounced: monthly revenue swings from a low of $4,093 in December to $8,299 in August, meaning investors should budget for leaner winter months. The sweet spot appears to be 4- to 6-plus-bedroom lakefront homes, which combine strong nightly rates with enough occupancy to deliver meaningful annual returns. Careful operator strategy — competitive pricing in shoulder months and standout amenities like hot tubs or lake access — can help maximize yield in this growing but still small-scale market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Denver

Average revenue by month in Denver

Denver's revenue cycle is unmistakably summer-driven, peaking at $8,299 in August and dipping to $4,093 in December — a spread of more than $4,200 between the strongest and weakest months. The June-through-October stretch consistently outperforms, giving investors roughly five months of above-average income to offset quieter winter bookings.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Denver

Supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom (13 listings) and 5-bedroom (13 listings) properties, with 4-bedroom homes close behind at 11. The 1- and 2-bedroom segments are notably thin at 5 and 7 listings respectively, which could represent either limited demand for smaller units or a gap that the right property could exploit.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Denver

ADR scales steeply with size in Denver — from $82 for a 1-bedroom to $738 for 6-plus-bedroom homes, a nearly 9x premium. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($185) to 4 bedrooms ($400) is especially sharp, suggesting a strong price premium for properties that can accommodate larger groups.

Average RevPAN by property size in Denver

Six-plus-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $230, far outpacing the next tier — 4 bedrooms at $109 and 5 bedrooms at $97. One-bedroom units generate just $7 in RevPAN, indicating that smaller properties struggle to convert their limited rate potential into meaningful revenue after accounting for low occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Denver

Three-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 36%, followed by 6-plus-bedroom properties at 31% and 2-bedrooms at 26%. One-bedroom units lag significantly at just 9% occupancy, suggesting that guests visiting Lake Norman overwhelmingly prefer properties that accommodate groups or families rather than solo or couple travelers.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Denver

Monthly revenue climbs dramatically with property size — 6-plus-bedroom homes average $13,329 per month, roughly 16 times the $842 that 1-bedroom units generate. Even the jump from 3 bedrooms ($2,820) to 4 bedrooms ($6,466) more than doubles monthly income, reinforcing that larger, group-oriented homes capture the bulk of Denver's rental revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Denver

At $159,959 annually, 6-plus-bedroom properties represent the top revenue tier, followed by 5-bedroom homes at $108,637. Three-bedroom and smaller configurations earn between $10,104 and $33,850 per year, which may challenge investors to achieve adequate returns given Denver's average home values of $931,394.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Denver

Every listed property in Denver offers parking (100%), and near-universal amenities include washer/dryer (98%), kitchen (97%), and self check-in (91%). Lake access appears in 72% of listings and waterfront in 66%, confirming that proximity to Lake Norman is the market's core draw — investors without lake-oriented amenities may find it harder to compete.

Understanding Denver's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Denver's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, anchored by above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability — two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weight. The below-average marks on market growth trend and supply/demand balance reflect the rapid influx of new listings (165% YoY growth), which could pressure occupancy if supply continues to outpace demand. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a clear strategy for differentiating their property in this still-small but increasingly competitive lake market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Denver

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Denver, North Carolina may need to obtain permits or register their property with Lincoln County or the Town of Denver before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices, as regulations in North Carolina lake communities can vary by jurisdiction.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar North Carolina markets include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates (especially relevant given 100% of Denver listings offer parking), and potential HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain lakefront communities. Investors should review any applicable homeowners association rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax on lodging. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with Lincoln County and the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Denver's summer-driven revenue pattern — peaking at $8,299 in August — should remain the primary cash-flow engine, with ADR likely holding steady or edging up 1–3% as Lake Norman continues to attract vacation demand. Occupancy rates may face modest pressure given the rapid supply growth (165% YoY increase in listings), so investors should anticipate market-wide occupancy hovering in the 25–30% range unless supply growth moderates. Properties with direct lake access and higher bedroom counts are best positioned to capture premium bookings during peak months and maintain revenue through the shoulder season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Denver, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Denver?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Denver, NC is currently 27%, which sits below North Carolina's 34% state average. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom homes lead at 36%, while 1-bedroom units average just 9%. The lower market-wide figure partly reflects Denver's seasonal, vacation-driven demand pattern and the rapid influx of new listings over the past year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Denver?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Denver, NC earn approximately $6,034 per month or $72,415 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. However, revenue varies dramatically by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $10,104 annually, while 6-plus-bedroom homes generate roughly $159,959 per year. Larger lakefront properties with premium amenities tend to capture the highest returns.

Is Denver a good market for Airbnb investment?

Denver, NC earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 63 out of 100, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average revenue-to-price ratios and solid occupancy stability, driven largely by Lake Norman's appeal to vacationers. That said, rapid supply growth (165% year-over-year increase in listings) and a below-average supply/demand balance mean investors should focus on differentiated properties — especially larger homes with lake access — to stay competitive.

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

The average daily rate in Denver, NC is $348, significantly higher than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales sharply with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $82 per night, while 6-plus-bedroom properties command $738 per night. This premium pricing reflects the vacation and group-travel demand centered around Lake Norman.

Are short-term rentals legal in Denver?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Denver, NC, with 58 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, operators should verify local permit and registration requirements with the Town of Denver and Lincoln County, as regulations can evolve. HOA restrictions in certain lakefront communities may also apply, so reviewing covenants before purchasing is essential.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Denver?

Peak season in Denver, NC runs from June through October, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $8,299. July ($7,379), September ($6,923), and October ($6,891) are also strong months. The off-peak period stretches from November through February, bottoming out in December at $4,093 — roughly half of the August peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Denver?

As of April 2026, there are 58 active Airbnb listings in Denver, NC. The market has seen dramatic growth, with a 165% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in mid-to-large properties: 3-bedroom and 5-bedroom homes each account for 13 listings, while 1-bedroom units make up just 5 of the total.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Denver?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Denver 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 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 and slower months, since 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 Denver, NC market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value data 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; individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management. Local regulations and tax obligations may change; investors should verify current requirements with municipal and county authorities before purchasing.