Emerald Isle, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Emerald Isle Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Emerald Isle is a beach-driven short-term rental market on North Carolina's Crystal Coast, where listings earn an average of $49,401 per year and command an ADR of $287—well above the $262 state average. With only 149 active Airbnb listings, the market remains relatively small, and its pronounced summer seasonality (July revenue tops $8,165) rewards investors who price strategically across the calendar. The ROI score of 58 out of 100 signals an attractive opportunity, though investors should weigh the high average home value of $1,223,114 against revenue potential to ensure the numbers pencil out.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Emerald Isle 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 Emerald Isle

Investors are drawn to Emerald Isle for its coastal vacation appeal, limited supply, and ADR premium over the North Carolina state average.

Expert Market Assessment

"Emerald Isle presents a moderately attractive investment landscape anchored by summer beach tourism and a relatively thin supply of 149 listings. Revenue swings sharply with the seasons—July averages $8,165 per listing while January drops to $1,322—so cash-flow planning around the off-season is essential. The market's growth trend is above average, and the supply-demand balance is steady, which bodes well for operators who can differentiate through larger properties and strong amenity packages. That said, the below-average revenue-to-price ratio means investors need to scrutinize acquisition costs carefully before committing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Emerald Isle

Average revenue by month in Emerald Isle

Emerald Isle exhibits extreme seasonality: July leads at $8,165 in average revenue while January bottoms out at $1,322—a roughly 6× spread. The core earning window runs May through August, and investors should plan for four to five leaner months where revenue may not cover carrying costs without reserves.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Emerald Isle

Three-bedroom properties dominate the market with 49 of 149 listings, while 6+ bedroom homes are scarce at just 6 listings. The limited supply of larger homes, combined with their outsized revenue, may represent an opportunity for investors willing to acquire higher-bedroom-count properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Emerald Isle

ADR scales consistently from $145 for 1-bedroom units to $540 for 6+ bedroom homes, with each step up in bedrooms adding roughly $60–$100 to the nightly rate. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($368) to 5 bedrooms ($439) is particularly notable, reflecting strong demand for group-sized vacation rentals on the Crystal Coast.

Average RevPAN by property size in Emerald Isle

Revenue per available night peaks at $105 for 6+ bedroom properties—double the next closest tier—while 4-bedroom units deliver $66 and 3-bedroom and 5-bedroom homes both generate around $51. The dip for 5-bedroom properties compared to 4-bedrooms is likely driven by their lower 12% occupancy, suggesting pricing or positioning issues in that segment.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Emerald Isle

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered between 16% and 20% for most sizes, with 6+ bedroom homes leading at 20% and 5-bedroom units trailing at just 12%. The relatively uniform occupancy across 1- through 4-bedroom properties suggests that seasonal demand patterns affect all sizes similarly, though the 5-bedroom underperformance warrants closer examination.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Emerald Isle

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $1,793 for 1-bedroom units to $12,003 for 6+ bedroom homes. The gap between 4-bedroom ($5,645) and 5-bedroom ($7,060) properties is meaningful but narrows on a per-bedroom basis, while 6+ bedroom listings clearly stand apart as the market's top earners.

Average annual revenue by property size in Emerald Isle

Annual revenue ranges from $21,517 for 1-bedroom units to $144,036 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom homes generating a solid $67,745 per year. Given the average home value of $1,223,114, investors targeting larger properties with the strongest revenue potential will want to carefully model acquisition costs against these annual figures.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Emerald Isle

Kitchens (97%) and parking (96%) are near-universal, while outdoor living features like patios (91%), BBQ grills (76%), and outdoor furniture (79%) signal that guests expect a full vacation-home experience. Beach access appears in 45% of listings and pool access in 40%, suggesting these amenities could serve as meaningful differentiators for properties that offer them.

Understanding Emerald Isle's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Emerald Isle's ROI Score of 58 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven by above-average market growth and steady supply-demand balance, though the below-average revenue-to-price ratio reflects the challenge of high coastal home values relative to rental income. Occupancy stability scores as average, consistent with a highly seasonal beach market. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and a detailed property-level pro forma before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Emerald Isle

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Emerald Isle, North Carolina may need to obtain a local permit or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Emerald Isle and Carteret County authorities, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during peak season, noise ordinances, and parking limitations. HOA or neighborhood covenants may add further constraints, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as sales tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit certain taxes automatically, but owners should confirm they are meeting all obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Emerald Isle's above-average market growth trend suggests continued demand expansion, particularly during the peak May–August window when monthly revenues can range from roughly $5,000 to $8,200. Occupancy—currently averaging 17%—could edge up modestly if listing growth stabilizes, and ADR may see incremental gains in the 2–4% range as the Crystal Coast continues to attract summer vacationers. Off-season performance will likely remain soft, so investors should budget for significant revenue dips from November through February. These estimates assume no material changes to local regulations or broader economic conditions."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Emerald Isle, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Emerald Isle?

The average occupancy rate across active Airbnb listings in Emerald Isle currently sits at 17%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the market's heavy seasonality—occupancy spikes during summer months and drops significantly in winter. Properties with 6+ bedrooms tend to perform best at around 20% occupancy, while 5-bedroom units lag at approximately 12%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Emerald Isle?

On a trailing 12-month basis, the average Airbnb listing in Emerald Isle earns roughly $49,401 per year, or about $4,116 per month. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average around $21,517 annually, while 6+ bedroom homes can bring in approximately $144,036 per year. Peak summer months account for a large share of total income.

Is Emerald Isle a good market for Airbnb investment?

Emerald Isle earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 58 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average ADR ($287 vs. $262 state average) and a positive growth trend, but the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values that average $1,223,114. Larger properties tend to generate stronger returns, and investors should plan for significant seasonal revenue fluctuations.

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

The current average daily rate in Emerald Isle is $287, roughly 10% above the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales meaningfully with property size—1-bedroom units average $145 per night while 6+ bedroom homes command around $540 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Emerald Isle?

Short-term rentals do operate in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, with 149 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local permit requirements, zoning rules, and HOA restrictions can apply. Prospective investors should check directly with the Town of Emerald Isle and relevant county offices to confirm they meet all licensing and compliance requirements before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Emerald Isle?

Peak season in Emerald Isle runs from late May through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $8,165 per listing. June ($7,020) and August ($6,862) are also strong performers. The off-season stretches from November through February, when monthly revenues drop to between $1,322 and $1,960.

How many Airbnbs are there in Emerald Isle?

As of April 2026, there are 149 active Airbnb listings in Emerald Isle. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 49 listings, followed by 2-bedroom units (25) and 1-bedroom units (23). Larger homes with 6+ bedrooms are the scarcest at just 6 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Emerald Isle?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Emerald Isle 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 results 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. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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, occupancy, and rate data for Emerald Isle
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value benchmarks 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 snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.