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

Elizabethtown Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elizabethtown, NC is a small but intriguing short-term rental market where favorable property prices create an above-average revenue-to-price ratio for investors willing to navigate lower occupancy. With just 20 active Airbnb listings and average home values around $290,930, the market offers a low barrier to entry alongside annual revenues averaging $32,690. The presence of lake access amenities in 75% of listings signals a leisure-driven demand base centered on waterfront getaways, making this a niche opportunity worth evaluating for investors seeking affordable entry points in North Carolina.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown

Investors are drawn to Elizabethtown for its strong revenue-to-price ratio and limited competition in a lakeside leisure market, though occupancy levels require careful financial planning.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elizabethtown presents a moderate opportunity best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality and lower year-round occupancy. Revenue peaks sharply in July and August—when monthly averages reach $4,739 and $4,508 respectively—while January dips to just $499. The market's ROI score of 66 out of 100 reflects a genuine upside in revenue relative to property costs, tempered by below-average occupancy stability. Investors who can optimize pricing during peak lake season and manage costs through the slower winter months stand to benefit most."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elizabethtown

Average revenue by month in Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown's revenue is heavily seasonal, peaking in July at $4,739 and bottoming out in January at just $499—a nearly 10x spread. The summer months of July and August account for a disproportionate share of annual income, so investors should budget carefully for the quieter November-through-February stretch.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elizabethtown

All reportable supply in Elizabethtown is concentrated in 3-bedroom properties, with 8 active listings in that category. This concentration may reflect the lakeside family-vacation market, and investors considering other bedroom counts could face limited comparable data but also less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elizabethtown

Three-bedroom listings command an ADR of $288, which is $52 above the overall market average of $236. This premium likely reflects the demand for larger group-friendly lakeside homes, making 3-bedroom properties the clearest pricing benchmark in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elizabethtown

Three-bedroom properties generate $45 in revenue per available night, closely matching the market-wide RevPAN of $44. While the nightly rate is healthy, the relatively low occupancy keeps RevPAN modest, underscoring the importance of maximizing bookings during peak season.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elizabethtown

Three-bedroom listings average a 16% occupancy rate, slightly below the market-wide 19%. This low figure highlights the seasonal nature of demand in Elizabethtown and means that cash-flow planning should assume a significant number of vacant nights throughout the year.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elizabethtown

Three-bedroom properties earn an average of $2,576 per month, the sole size category with sufficient data in this market. This figure aligns closely with the overall market average of $2,724, confirming that 3-bedrooms represent the standard investment profile in Elizabethtown.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elizabethtown

At $30,919 annually, 3-bedroom properties deliver a solid return relative to the market's average home value of $290,930, implying a gross revenue yield of roughly 10.6%. This revenue-to-price ratio is a key driver of Elizabethtown's above-average ROI score for cost-conscious investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elizabethtown

Kitchens (100%), parking (95%), and laundry facilities (80% washer, 75% dryer) are table stakes in Elizabethtown. Lake access at 75% and outdoor amenities like furniture (70%) and BBQ grills (65%) signal that guests expect a lakeside retreat experience—investors should prioritize waterfront features to remain competitive.

Understanding Elizabethtown's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Elizabethtown's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a favorable supply/demand balance with only 20 active listings. The score is tempered by below-average occupancy stability, reflecting the market's sharp seasonal swings that concentrate most income in the summer months. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a conservative occupancy budget to assess whether Elizabethtown's affordable entry point aligns with their risk tolerance.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elizabethtown

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Elizabethtown, NC may need to obtain a business license or STR permit through the Town of Elizabethtown or Bladen County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants, where applicable, can impose additional limitations on short-term rental use, so reviewing any deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Platforms like Airbnb often handle some tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their 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 Elizabethtown can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elizabethtown's STR market is expected to see continued seasonal swings, with summer months (July and August) likely driving the bulk of annual income. Given that active listings grew 60% year-over-year, occupancy rates—currently at 19%—could face additional pressure if supply continues to outpace demand growth. ADR may hold relatively steady in the $230–$250 range given the market's lake-oriented appeal, but investors should plan conservatively around occupancy estimates of 15–22% depending on the season and marketing effectiveness."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elizabethtown, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elizabethtown?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elizabethtown is currently 19%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the market's seasonal, leisure-driven demand profile—occupancy concentrates heavily in the warmer months when lake-related tourism peaks. Investors should factor this lower occupancy into their financial projections and consider strategies like competitive pricing and minimum-stay adjustments during off-peak periods.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elizabethtown?

Airbnb hosts in Elizabethtown earn an average of $2,724 per month, which translates to approximately $32,690 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, ranging from about $499 in January to nearly $4,739 in July. These figures represent market-wide averages, and individual results will depend on property quality, guest experience, and pricing strategy.

Is Elizabethtown a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elizabethtown scores 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market's strongest selling point is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio—average home values of $290,930 paired with $32,690 in annual revenue offer a compelling entry point. However, occupancy stability is rated below average, so investors should ensure their financial models account for seasonal income fluctuations and slower winter months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Elizabethtown is $236, slightly below the North Carolina state average of $262. For 3-bedroom properties—which make up the bulk of the market's supply—the ADR rises to $288. This premium reflects the demand for larger lakeside accommodations that can host families and groups.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elizabethtown?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Elizabethtown, NC, though operators may need to comply with local business licensing, zoning requirements, and North Carolina tax obligations. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check with the Town of Elizabethtown and Bladen County planning offices for the most current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elizabethtown?

Peak season in Elizabethtown runs through the summer months, with July ($4,739) and August ($4,508) delivering the highest average monthly revenues. March and September also perform well, averaging $3,631 and $3,387 respectively. The slowest month is January at just $499, reflecting the market's strong dependence on warm-weather lake tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elizabethtown?

As of April 2026, there are 20 active Airbnb listings in Elizabethtown. This represents a 60% year-over-year increase in supply, which is notable growth for a small market. The limited inventory means there's still relatively low competition, but investors should monitor whether new supply continues to outpace demand.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elizabethtown?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Elizabethtown 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, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 for the Elizabethtown market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark 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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations can change; always verify current requirements before investing.