Folly Beach, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Folly Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Folly Beach sits at the intersection of coastal charm and strong seasonal demand, drawing vacationers to its six miles of shoreline just south of Charleston. With 413 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $97,837 and an ADR of $336, the market delivers meaningful income potential — especially for larger properties. An ROI score of 63 out of 100 reflects a genuinely attractive opportunity, though elevated home values averaging $1,670,674 mean investors should carefully model cash-on-cash returns before committing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Folly Beach 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 Folly Beach

Folly Beach combines reliable beach-vacation demand with above-average occupancy stability, making it a compelling — if capital-intensive — coastal STR market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Folly Beach represents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who can handle the higher entry costs associated with barrier island real estate. Revenue is heavily seasonal — July averages $12,902 per listing while January drops to $3,488 — so cash reserves and smart pricing strategies are essential to ride out quieter months. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a reassuring signal, and the average supply/demand balance suggests the island hasn't been overbuilt relative to demand. Investors targeting 3- to 5-bedroom configurations will find the best blend of occupancy and revenue per available night."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Folly Beach

Average revenue by month in Folly Beach

Folly Beach exhibits sharp seasonality, with July topping out at $12,902 in average revenue and January bottoming at $3,488 — a nearly 3.7x spread between peak and trough. The core summer window (May–August) consistently exceeds $10,000/month, while the November–February off-season hovers between $3,488 and $5,751, making cash reserves critical for year-round operations.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Folly Beach

Three-bedroom units dominate supply with 134 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (83) and 4-bedrooms (75), reflecting the family-vacation orientation of the market. The 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom segments are notably thin at just 30 and 23 listings respectively, which may present a competitive advantage for investors able to offer larger group accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Folly Beach

ADR scales steeply with property size in Folly Beach, climbing from $176 for 1-bedroom units to $929 for 6+ bedroom homes — a premium of more than 5x. The jump from 4-bedroom ($395) to 5-bedroom ($606) is particularly pronounced, suggesting strong willingness among larger groups to pay substantially more per night for additional space.

Average RevPAN by property size in Folly Beach

Revenue per available night follows property size closely, with 6+ bedroom homes leading at $285 and 5-bedrooms at $206, far outpacing the $54 RevPAN of 1-bedroom units. Even mid-range 3-bedroom listings deliver a solid $115 RevPAN, making them a reasonable entry point for investors seeking a balance of acquisition cost and nightly yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Folly Beach

Occupancy is tightest in the 2- and 3-bedroom segments at 40–41%, suggesting consistent demand for mid-size beach rentals that appeal to couples and small families. Larger (5+ bedroom) and smaller (1 bedroom) properties both settle around 31–34%, indicating that while they command higher nightly rates or lower entry costs, they face more variable booking patterns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Folly Beach

Monthly revenue diverges dramatically by size — 6+ bedroom properties average $26,915/month compared to $3,746 for 1-bedroom units, a more than 7x difference. The 4-bedroom sweet spot at $11,760/month may offer the best balance of attainable revenue and manageable property costs for many investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Folly Beach

Annual revenue ranges from $44,954 for 1-bedroom listings to $322,990 for 6+ bedroom homes, underscoring how significantly property size drives earning potential in this beach market. Five-bedroom properties at $181,193/year represent a strong option for investors who want premium returns without the operational complexity of managing the largest homes on the island.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Folly Beach

Parking (97%) and a full kitchen (96%) are near-universal expectations among Folly Beach guests, while self check-in (88%) and laundry facilities (85%) round out the baseline. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (70%), grills (50%), and pet-friendliness (49%) signal that guests prioritize a relaxed, home-like beach experience — investors who include these features are meeting established market norms rather than offering a luxury differentiator.

Understanding Folly Beach's ROI Score: 63/100

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

Folly Beach's ROI score of 63 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where healthy occupancy stability (above average) and balanced supply/demand dynamics support reliable income, even though the revenue-to-price ratio is average given elevated home values. The below-average market growth trend indicates that the rapid supply expansion phase may be behind this market, which could work in favor of established operators going forward. Investors should pair this score with hands-on regulatory research and a conservative cash-flow model to account for the pronounced seasonal revenue cycle.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Folly Beach

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Folly Beach, South Carolina requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their property with the city before accepting guests. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Folly Beach and confirm compliance with any state-level South Carolina regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal STR markets like Folly Beach may include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements (especially during peak season), noise ordinances, designated parking mandates, and trash management rules. HOA covenants can add another layer of restrictions, so investors should review any applicable HOA agreements before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in South Carolina are generally subject to state sales tax, local accommodations tax, and potentially a municipal hospitality tax. Major booking platforms often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with a tax professional familiar with Folly Beach.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Seasonal patterns suggest Folly Beach will continue to see peak demand from May through August, with July historically topping $12,900 in average monthly revenue. Over the next 12–18 months, occupancy is estimated to hold in the 35–40% range market-wide, with ADR potentially nudging 1–3% higher as larger homes continue to command premium nightly rates. The market's below-average growth trend signals that supply expansion has moderated, which could help stabilize per-listing revenue. Investors entering now should plan for a pronounced off-season trough from November through February and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Folly Beach, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Folly Beach?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Folly Beach currently sits at 37%, which is just below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 2- and 3-bedroom units lead at 40–41%, while 1-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties average around 31%. Seasonal swings are significant, with summer months driving the highest fill rates.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Folly Beach?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Folly Beach earns approximately $97,837 per year, or about $8,153 per month. Earnings scale dramatically with property size: 1-bedroom units average $44,954 annually, while 6+ bedroom homes generate around $322,990. Peak months like July can produce more than $12,900 in average revenue, whereas January typically yields around $3,488.

Is Folly Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Folly Beach scores a 63 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a balanced supply/demand dynamic. However, average home values of approximately $1,670,674 mean the revenue-to-price ratio is moderate, so investors should run detailed cash-flow projections. Larger properties tend to deliver the strongest returns relative to operating costs.

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

The average daily rate across all Folly Beach Airbnb listings is $336, slightly below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR increases substantially with property size — from $176 for 1-bedroom units to $929 for 6+ bedroom homes. This steep premium curve rewards investors who can acquire and manage larger properties.

Are short-term rentals legal in Folly Beach?

Short-term rentals do operate in Folly Beach, with 413 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, the City of Folly Beach has specific regulations governing STR operations, including licensing and registration requirements. Prospective investors should consult the city's planning and business licensing departments for the most current rules, as coastal communities in South Carolina periodically update their STR ordinances.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Folly Beach?

Peak season in Folly Beach runs from May through August, with July being the single highest-earning month at an average of $12,902 per listing. June and August are close behind at $11,471 and $10,368 respectively. The shoulder months of March, April, and October still perform respectably ($7,389–$10,090), while winter months from November through February represent the clear off-season with revenues dropping to $3,488–$5,751.

How many Airbnbs are there in Folly Beach?

As of April 2026, there are 413 active Airbnb listings in Folly Beach. The supply is led by 3-bedroom properties (134 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (83) and 4-bedrooms (75). Smaller 1-bedroom units account for 68 listings, while the premium 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom segments have 30 and 23 listings respectively.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Folly Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Folly Beach 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, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July) and slower months (like January). Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, guest reviews, and how effectively a host manages their listing.

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 Folly Beach market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue per available night trends
• Monthly and annual revenue breakdowns by property size based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations and permit requirements may change; always verify current rules with the City of Folly Beach before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.