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

Durham Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Durham, NC offers a competitive short-term rental landscape with 572 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,856 per property. The market's ADR of $153 sits well below North Carolina's $262 state average, which — combined with average home values of $587,149 — creates a tighter revenue-to-price ratio that demands careful deal selection. Still, the 136% year-over-year growth in listings signals strong investor and traveler interest, driven in part by Durham's research-and-university economy, medical centers, and a vibrant food-and-culture scene.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Durham 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 Durham

Durham attracts STR investors because of its diversified demand drivers — anchored by Duke University, Research Triangle Park, and a growing culinary and cultural tourism scene — though tighter margins require disciplined deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Durham represents a competitive opportunity where strong demand fundamentals meet a rapidly expanding supply base. Seasonality is moderate — revenue ranges from about $1,312 in January to $2,128 in May — meaning cash flow is steadier than in many resort-driven markets, though winter months will test margins. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio (with homes averaging $587,149) means investors need to target the right property size and neighborhood to make the numbers work. Larger configurations, particularly 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties, show outsized earning potential that can offset the entry cost if acquisition prices are favorable."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Durham

Average revenue by month in Durham

Durham's revenue cycle shows moderate seasonality, peaking in May at $2,128 and bottoming in January at $1,312 — a spread of roughly $816. The relatively even distribution from May through November (all above $1,800) suggests consistent mid-year demand, with only the winter months requiring hosts to manage tighter margins.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Durham

One-bedroom listings dominate Durham's supply at 204 units (36% of the market), with 2- and 3-bedroom properties close behind at 155 and 148 respectively. Larger properties with 4+ bedrooms are notably scarce — only 54 total — which could signal reduced competition and stronger pricing power for investors in that segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Durham

ADR in Durham scales sharply with size, jumping from $94 for 1-bedrooms to $522 for 5-bedroom properties, though 6+ bedrooms pull back to $394. Studios command a surprisingly high $165 ADR, suggesting niche appeal — possibly near Duke University or downtown — that outperforms the more commoditized 1-bedroom segment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Durham

Revenue per available night is strongest at the extremes: studios deliver $79 RevPAN (boosted by 48% occupancy), while 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties each hit $100 RevPAN through premium nightly rates. The 1-bedroom segment lags at just $35 RevPAN, making it the least efficient size for income generation on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Durham

Occupancy declines steadily as property size increases, from 48% for studios down to 19% for 5-bedroom homes. This pattern is typical — larger properties attract fewer but higher-value bookings — so investors in bigger units should plan for lower fill rates and ensure their ADR premium compensates sufficiently for idle nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Durham

Monthly revenue climbs consistently with bedroom count, from $1,297 for 1-bedrooms to $7,249 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 4-bedroom ($3,089) to 5-bedroom ($3,665) and especially 6+ bedroom ($7,249) listings is dramatic, reflecting the premium that group travelers and event guests are willing to pay in Durham.

Average annual revenue by property size in Durham

On an annual basis, 6+ bedroom properties lead the market at $86,988 — more than five times the $15,565 earned by 1-bedroom listings. Four-bedroom homes at $37,074 and 5-bedrooms at $43,987 also offer strong return potential, making mid-to-large properties the most compelling configurations for revenue-focused investors in Durham.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Durham

Parking (99%) and kitchen access (95%) are near-universal in Durham listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience. A workspace is present in 76% of properties — likely driven by the Research Triangle's professional traveler base — while pet-friendliness (43%) and pools (15%) remain differentiators that could help listings stand out in a growing market.

Understanding Durham'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

Durham's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where demand is real but higher home prices compress the revenue-to-price ratio below average. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, meaning the fundamentals are sound but don't yet tip strongly in investors' favor. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-revenue property sizes can help investors identify deals that outperform the market-wide averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Durham

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Durham and the state of North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Durham's planning and zoning department, as rules can change and may vary by property type or zone.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply in Durham include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and designated parking rules. Some neighborhoods or HOAs may impose additional covenants that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions or community bylaws is an essential step before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state sales tax and local occupancy or room taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with Durham County and the North Carolina Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Durham's STR market is expected to see continued supply growth as investor interest remains high, though occupancy could face modest downward pressure as new listings absorb demand. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue should hold strongest from May through November, with ADR increases in the range of 1–3% possible as the market matures and hosts optimize pricing. Occupancy is likely to hover around 32–36% on average, with well-positioned larger properties outperforming. Investors who pair strategic amenity investments with competitive nightly rates should be best positioned to capture above-average returns in this environment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Durham, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Durham?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Durham is currently 34%, which is in line with the North Carolina state average. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios lead at 48%, while larger homes (4+ bedrooms) tend to see lower occupancy rates in the 19–28% range, though they compensate with much higher nightly rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Durham?

On average, Durham Airbnb hosts earn approximately $1,821 per month or $21,856 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $15,565 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate roughly $86,988 per year. Individual results depend on factors like location, pricing strategy, and property quality.

Is Durham a good market for Airbnb investment?

Durham earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 54 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from diversified demand driven by universities, healthcare, and Research Triangle Park, but higher home prices relative to rental income mean the revenue-to-price ratio is below average. Investors who source deals selectively — especially targeting larger properties with stronger revenue potential — can find worthwhile opportunities here.

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

The average daily rate across all active Durham Airbnb listings is $153, which is notably lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales substantially with property size: 1-bedroom units average $94 per night, 3-bedrooms reach $191, and 5-bedroom properties command an impressive $522 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Durham?

Short-term rentals do operate in Durham, NC, with 572 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations including permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations may apply. Investors should consult Durham's local planning department and review any HOA covenants before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Durham?

Peak season in Durham runs roughly from May through November, with May delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,128. July ($2,035), October ($2,015), and November ($1,983) also perform well. The softer months are January ($1,312) and February ($1,354), making the spread between peak and off-peak roughly $800 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Durham?

Durham currently has 572 active Airbnb listings. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom units (204 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (155) and 3-bedrooms (148). Larger properties with 4+ bedrooms make up a smaller share of the market — just 54 listings combined — which may represent a less competitive niche for investors.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Durham?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Durham 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, 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night trends
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics for consistency

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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.