Fair Play, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Fair Play Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fair Play, SC is a small lakeside market with just 20 active Airbnb listings, signaling an early-stage opportunity in South Carolina's Upstate region. With an average daily rate of $232—well below the $358 state average—and average annual revenue of $19,338 per listing, this market appeals to investors seeking affordable entry into a leisure-driven destination. However, a 14% occupancy rate (compared to the 38% state average) and pronounced seasonality mean returns depend heavily on summer traffic and selective property positioning.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fair Play 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 Fair Play

Investors are drawn to Fair Play for its combination of lakefront leisure demand, relatively low listing competition, and property prices that could support cash flow if managed through seasonal peaks.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fair Play presents a competitive but demanding opportunity for STR investors. The market's ROI score of 46 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios paired with below-average occupancy stability and growth trends. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here—July revenue ($2,896) is more than five times the January figure ($563), so investors need to plan cash flow around a roughly five-month high season. Properties with strong lake access, outdoor amenities, and competitive pricing will be best positioned to capture bookings in an increasingly crowded field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fair Play

Average revenue by month in Fair Play

Fair Play's revenue follows a steep seasonal curve, peaking in July at $2,896 and bottoming out in February at $555—a spread of more than 5x. The five months from June through October account for the lion's share of annual income, making cash-flow planning around this warm-weather window essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fair Play

Supply in Fair Play is evenly divided between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings, with 7 of each. The absence of 2-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and larger configurations could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to offer mid-size or family-friendly properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fair Play

Three-bedroom properties command an ADR of $202, roughly 50% more than 1-bedrooms at $134. However, the premium comes with significantly lower occupancy, so investors should weigh the higher nightly rate against the difficulty of filling those additional nights.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fair Play

One-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $30, double the $15 RevPAN of 3-bedroom properties. This gap is driven largely by the occupancy advantage of smaller units, making 1-bedrooms the more efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fair Play

One-bedroom units maintain a 22% occupancy rate—still modest but more than three times the 7% rate for 3-bedroom listings. The low occupancy across both sizes underscores the seasonal nature of the market and the need for dynamic pricing and marketing during off-peak months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fair Play

One-bedroom properties edge out 3-bedrooms in average monthly revenue, earning $1,667 versus $1,419. Despite charging lower nightly rates, the smaller units' occupancy advantage translates into more consistent monthly cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fair Play

On an annual basis, 1-bedroom listings generate approximately $20,011 compared to $17,032 for 3-bedroom properties. Given that smaller units likely carry lower acquisition and operating costs, 1-bedrooms currently offer the stronger return profile in Fair Play's lakeside rental market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fair Play

Parking and kitchen access top the list at 95%, while lake access (80%) and waterfront location (75%) highlight the market's core draw—water-based recreation. BBQ grills (90%), outdoor furniture (70%), and patios (75%) further signal that guests expect a full outdoor lifestyle experience, making these amenities near-essential for competitive listings.

Understanding Fair Play's ROI Score: 46/100

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

Fair Play's ROI score of 46 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning investor interest is present but returns require more deliberate property selection. The score reflects average revenue-to-price and supply/demand dynamics alongside below-average occupancy stability and market growth trends—factors that highlight the challenges of heavy seasonality and rapid listing growth. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will help investors determine whether Fair Play's lakefront appeal aligns with their return targets.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fair Play

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Fair Play, SC should verify whether Oconee County or the state of South Carolina requires a permit, business license, or registration for STR properties. Local requirements can vary, so contacting the county planning office or a local attorney before listing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in South Carolina communities may include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants can also impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so investors should review any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina imposes a state accommodations tax on short-term rentals, and Oconee County may levy additional local hospitality or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local tax obligations and ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fair Play's STR market is likely to remain heavily seasonal, with the bulk of revenue concentrated between May and October. Given the 227% year-over-year growth in active listings, increased competition could put downward pressure on occupancy and ADR unless demand keeps pace. Investors should anticipate monthly revenues ranging from roughly $550 in the winter lows to around $2,900 at July's peak, with overall annual figures likely holding steady or growing modestly by 1–3% if the area's lake tourism appeal continues to draw visitors."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fair Play, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fair Play?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fair Play is currently 14%, which is significantly below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies considerably by property size—1-bedroom listings average 22% occupancy, while 3-bedroom properties sit at roughly 7%. The low overall rate reflects the market's strong seasonal character, with the majority of bookings concentrated in the warmer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fair Play?

Airbnb hosts in Fair Play earn an average of $1,611 per month and approximately $19,338 per year, based on trailing 12-month historical data. Revenue is highly seasonal: July is the strongest month at about $2,896, while January and February dip below $565. One-bedroom listings slightly outperform 3-bedrooms on an annual basis, averaging $20,011 versus $17,032.

Is Fair Play a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fair Play carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 46 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers lake-driven leisure demand and a small competitive set of just 20 listings, but occupancy stability and market growth trend below average. Investors willing to target peak summer months and differentiate with strong amenities—like lake access and outdoor living spaces—may find workable returns, though careful deal sourcing is essential given average home values near $679,000.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Fair Play is $232, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR varies by property size: 1-bedroom units average $134 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command around $202. These rates reflect the market's rural, lakeside character and smaller property inventory.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fair Play?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Fair Play area of South Carolina, but operators should verify any local permit, licensing, or zoning requirements with Oconee County authorities before listing a property. South Carolina does impose a statewide accommodations tax on STRs, and additional local taxes or HOA restrictions may apply depending on the specific property and neighborhood.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fair Play?

Peak season in Fair Play runs from approximately June through October, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,896 per listing. August ($2,631) and September ($2,011) also perform well. The off-season runs from December through March, with January and February seeing the lowest revenues around $555–$563. This pattern aligns with the area's lake and outdoor recreation appeal.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fair Play?

As of April 2026, there are 20 active Airbnb listings in Fair Play. The supply is evenly split between 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties, with 7 listings in each category. Notably, the market has seen 227% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest in this small lakeside community.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fair Play?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Fair Play are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data 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. 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 for the Fair Play 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
• Home value estimates 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 Apr, 27 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 recent market shifts or emerging trends. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.