Elizabeth City, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Elizabeth City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elizabeth City, NC presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with an ROI score of 64 out of 100 and average home values of $375,799 that sit well below many coastal North Carolina markets. The market's 43 active listings generate an average annual revenue of $26,764, and occupancy runs at 38% — outperforming the state average of 34%. With a pronounced summer peak and a small but growing supply base (63% year-over-year listing growth), this waterfront community along the Pasquotank River offers an emerging opportunity worth watching.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elizabeth City 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 Elizabeth City

Investors are drawn to Elizabeth City for its affordable property prices, above-state-average occupancy, and the revenue upside that comes with an early-stage market still building out its STR supply.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 64 and balanced performance across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand factors — all rated average — Elizabeth City lands squarely in "attractive opportunity" territory without flashing any red flags. The deep seasonality is the most important dynamic to plan around: July listings earn nearly eight times what January listings bring in, so investors need reserves or complementary income sources for the cooler months. That said, the shoulder months of September through November still produce meaningful revenue in the $2,000–$2,468 range, softening the winter lull. For investors comfortable with seasonal cash-flow swings and a small-market profile, this is a market where early movers can establish positioning before supply catches up to demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elizabeth City

Average revenue by month in Elizabeth City

Elizabeth City exhibits sharp seasonality, with July peaking at $4,233 and January bottoming out at just $540 — nearly an 8x spread. The summer corridor of June through August accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, while a secondary bump in October ($2,468) suggests fall tourism or events provide a modest revenue cushion before winter.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elizabeth City

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 12 listings, closely followed by 11 three-bedroom properties, while 4-bedrooms (5 listings) and studios (6) are the least represented. The relatively thin supply of larger homes could signal an opening for investors willing to acquire 4-bedroom properties, particularly given their premium ADR.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elizabeth City

ADR scales meaningfully with size: studios and 1-bedrooms cluster around $96–$101, 2- and 3-bedrooms sit at $152 each, and 4-bedroom homes command a substantial premium at $253 per night. The jump from 3 to 4 bedrooms — a $101 increase in nightly rate — suggests the premium-to-cost trade-off is strongest at the upper end of the size spectrum.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elizabeth City

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $67, followed by 4-bedrooms at $61 and studios at $54, while 1-bedrooms lag at $37. The strong RevPAN for 2-bedrooms, driven by a solid 44% occupancy rate combined with a $152 ADR, makes them an efficient performer on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elizabeth City

Studios lead occupancy at 57%, well above the market average, while 4-bedroom properties fill just 24% of available nights. The clear inverse relationship between property size and occupancy means smaller units offer more consistent bookings, though investors should weigh that against the lower nightly rates they command.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elizabeth City

Three-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $2,537, edging out 4-bedrooms ($2,401) and 2-bedrooms ($2,206), while 1-bedroom units trail significantly at $1,381. Studios punch above their weight at $2,182 monthly, driven by their market-leading occupancy rate despite the lowest ADR.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elizabeth City

Three-bedroom homes lead annual revenue at $30,450, offering the best top-line return potential, with 4-bedrooms close behind at $28,823 and 2-bedrooms at $26,474. One-bedroom units at $16,575 annually represent the weakest earners, suggesting investors seeking maximum revenue should target properties with two or more bedrooms.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elizabeth City

Parking is universal across Elizabeth City listings (100%), reflecting the car-dependent nature of this small coastal-plain market, while self check-in (86%), kitchen, washer, and dryer (all 84%) form the expected baseline. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (67%), patios (61%), and waterfront access (21%) signal that guests value leisure and outdoor space — investors who can offer water-adjacent properties may have a notable competitive edge.

Understanding Elizabeth City's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Elizabeth City's ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a balanced profile across all four calculation factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance — each rated average. This means there are no standout weaknesses dragging the score down, but also no single metric vaulting it into top-tier territory; steady and affordable best describes the opportunity here. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm that the market's fundamentals align with their specific return targets.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elizabeth City

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

Permit Requirements

Operators considering a short-term rental in Elizabeth City, North Carolina should verify whether a local STR permit or business registration is required through the City of Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County. Regulations can shift as markets grow, so confirming current requirements with local planning and zoning offices before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in North Carolina municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum-night stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit rentals. Investors should also check whether any permit caps or zoning overlays apply to the specific neighborhood they're targeting.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, and in many cases platforms like Airbnb collect and remit a portion of these on behalf of hosts. It's advisable to consult a tax professional familiar with Elizabeth City and North Carolina tax law to ensure full compliance with all sales and occupancy tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elizabeth City's STR market is expected to continue its expansion, though the 63% year-over-year growth in listings means new supply could temper per-listing revenue gains if demand doesn't keep pace. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months will remain the primary revenue driver, with ADR likely holding in the $150–$160 range and occupancy potentially stabilizing around 36–40% annually. Investors entering now may benefit from relatively low competition — 43 total listings is still a thin market — but should plan conservatively around winter cash flow, when monthly revenue can dip below $700."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elizabeth City, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elizabeth City?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Elizabeth City is currently 38%, which is notably above the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios lead at 57%, while 4-bedroom properties average just 24%. These figures reflect trailing 12-month performance across active comparable listings in the market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elizabeth City?

Airbnb hosts in Elizabeth City earn an average of $2,230 per month and approximately $26,764 per year, based on the trailing 12 months of booking data for active listings. Revenue varies by property size, with 3-bedroom units leading at roughly $30,450 annually and 1-bedroom units trailing at about $16,575. Summer months drive the lion's share of income, with July averaging $4,233 per listing.

Is Elizabeth City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elizabeth City earns an ROI score of 64 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from affordable average home values of $375,799, above-state-average occupancy, and a still-small supply base of 43 listings. The main consideration is pronounced seasonality — winter months produce significantly lower revenue — so investors should plan their financial models around the full annual cycle rather than peak-season numbers alone.

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

The average daily rate in Elizabeth City is $154, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: studios and 1-bedrooms command $96–$101 per night, 2- and 3-bedroom properties both average $152, and 4-bedroom homes reach $253. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Elizabeth City's positioning as a more affordable, emerging market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elizabeth City?

Short-term rentals operate in Elizabeth City, as evidenced by 43 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and local ordinances can change, so prospective investors should verify current regulations directly with the City of Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County planning departments before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elizabeth City?

Peak season in Elizabeth City runs from June through August, with July topping the charts at an average of $4,233 in monthly revenue per listing. June ($3,897) and August ($3,597) are close behind. The shoulder months of September and October still perform respectably at $2,253 and $2,468 respectively, while January is the softest month at just $540.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elizabeth City?

Elizabeth City currently has 43 active Airbnb listings. The supply is spread across property sizes: 12 one-bedroom units lead the count, followed by 11 three-bedrooms, 7 two-bedrooms, 6 studios, and 5 four-bedroom properties. Listings have grown 63% year over year, indicating a market that's gaining momentum.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elizabeth City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Elizabeth City are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors 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 how actively the listing is managed.

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, occupancy, and pricing data for Elizabeth City and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate and occupancy rate trends across property sizes and time periods
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and proprietary Rabbu analytics for consistency and accuracy

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 performance as of April 27, 2026, and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before investing.