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

Forest City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Forest City, NC is a compact short-term rental market with just 16 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $20,239 per property. The market's ADR of $130 sits well below North Carolina's $262 state average, but occupancy at 35% slightly edges out the state benchmark of 34%. With average home values around $305,388 and a favorable supply/demand balance, Forest City presents an accessible entry point for investors seeking modest but steady cash flow in a small-town Western North Carolina setting.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Forest 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 Forest City

Forest City's low property costs relative to revenue and a favorable supply/demand ratio make it worth evaluating for investors targeting affordable markets with manageable competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Forest City earns a 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band — a market where healthy demand and reasonable property prices create a viable but not exceptional investment case. Seasonality is pronounced: July revenue of $2,910 is nearly four times the February low of $738, so cash-flow planning around winter months is essential. The above-average supply/demand balance is a meaningful positive, signaling that guest interest outstrips current inventory. Investors who pair strong amenity packages with competitive pricing should be well-positioned to capture share in this small but underserved market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Forest City

Average revenue by month in Forest City

Forest City shows strong seasonality, with July ($2,910) and August ($2,664) delivering roughly three to four times the revenue of the slowest months — February ($738) and January ($877). Investors should budget for lean winter quarters and capitalize on the June-through-October window, which consistently generates above-average returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Forest City

The market's 16 listings are concentrated in smaller configurations, with 1-bedrooms (6 listings) and 2-bedrooms (5 listings) making up the majority of supply. Larger properties are essentially absent, which could represent either limited demand or an untapped niche for investors willing to test 3+ bedroom offerings.

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

ADR is nearly flat across property sizes, with 1-bedrooms at $110 and 2-bedrooms at $112 — just a $2 difference. This minimal premium suggests that guests in Forest City are price-sensitive and that larger units may need to compete on amenities and experience rather than per-night pricing.

Average RevPAN by property size in Forest City

Two-bedroom listings deliver a significantly stronger RevPAN of $53 compared to $33 for 1-bedrooms, a 61% premium driven by higher occupancy rather than rate differences. For investors focused on per-night yield, the 2-bedroom configuration is the clear winner in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Forest City

Two-bedroom properties maintain a 47% occupancy rate — 17 percentage points higher than the 30% average for 1-bedrooms. This gap makes 2-bedrooms the more reliable cash-flow option, while 1-bedroom investors may need sharper pricing or niche positioning to fill more nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Forest City

Interestingly, 1-bedroom listings edge out 2-bedrooms on monthly revenue ($1,640 vs. $1,267), likely reflecting a subset of high-performing 1-bedroom units or premium pricing during peak periods. Investors should dig into individual listing performance rather than relying solely on averages at this small sample size.

Average annual revenue by property size in Forest City

On an annual basis, 1-bedroom listings generate approximately $19,691 compared to $15,215 for 2-bedrooms. While the 1-bedroom figure is higher, the 2-bedroom's superior occupancy rate may offer more predictable income — the right choice depends on whether an investor prioritizes peak revenue or booking consistency.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Forest City

Every listing in Forest City offers a kitchen (100%), and self check-in and a dedicated workspace each appear in 88% of properties — signaling a guest base that values independence and practical amenities over luxury. Outdoor features like backyards (75%) and BBQ grills (75%) are also widely offered, suggesting guests expect a home-like, outdoor-friendly experience.

Understanding Forest City's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Forest City's ROI Score of 57 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics paired with an above-average supply/demand balance. The below-average market growth trend is the main factor holding the score back, suggesting the market hasn't yet demonstrated consistent upward momentum. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative underwriting approach to account for the market's small size and pronounced seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Forest City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Forest City, North Carolina may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Forest City and Rutherford County, as regulations in smaller municipalities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in North Carolina communities include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may impose additional constraints, and some jurisdictions cap the number of STR permits issued — it's essential to review any deed restrictions or neighborhood covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires collection of state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and additional sales tax may apply. Many platforms like Airbnb collect and remit some taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm with the North Carolina Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Forest City's STR market is likely to see gradual demand growth, though market growth trends currently sit below average. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest summer months will continue driving the bulk of returns, with July and August historically generating $2,600–$2,900 per listing. Occupancy could hold steady in the 33–37% range, and modest ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible if supply growth remains measured. Investors should plan conservatively around the slower winter months, when revenue can dip below $900."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Forest City, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Forest City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Forest City is currently 35%, which slightly exceeds the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings average 47% occupancy while 1-bedrooms come in at around 30%. Seasonality also plays a role, with summer months driving stronger bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Forest City?

Airbnb hosts in Forest City earn an average of $1,686 per month, which translates to approximately $20,239 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue fluctuates seasonally, ranging from about $738 in February to nearly $2,910 in July. Individual results depend on property size, amenities, pricing strategy, and guest reviews.

Is Forest City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Forest City scores a 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, classified as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and affordable property prices averaging around $305,388. Competition is limited with only 16 active listings. However, market growth trends are currently below average, so investors should weigh the low entry cost against moderate revenue expectations and plan for pronounced seasonal swings.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Forest City is $130, which is about half the North Carolina state average of $262. Rates are relatively consistent across property sizes, with 1-bedroom listings averaging $110 and 2-bedrooms at $112. The lower ADR reflects the market's small-town character and is offset by lower acquisition costs.

Are short-term rentals legal in Forest City?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Forest City, NC, though operators may need to secure local permits or register with the city or county. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should verify current rules with the City of Forest City and Rutherford County before purchasing. State and local tax obligations also apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Forest City?

Peak season in Forest City runs from June through October, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,910 per listing. August ($2,664), September ($2,152), and October ($2,109) also deliver above-average returns. The slowest months are January and February, when revenue drops to approximately $877 and $738 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Forest City?

As of April 2026, there are 16 active Airbnb listings in Forest City. The market has seen significant year-over-year growth of 186% in listing count, though it remains a very small market overall. The current supply is split between 1-bedroom (6 listings) and 2-bedroom (5 listings) properties, with the remainder being other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Forest City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Forest City 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 results 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 operational management.

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 Forest City market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Average home values sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing.