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

Franklin Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Franklin, NC sits in the heart of the southern Appalachian Mountains, and its 163 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $25,014 per property — a figure that pairs well with an average home value of $437,440. The market's ADR of $176 runs below the North Carolina state average of $262, but lower acquisition costs help keep the revenue-to-price ratio competitive. With strong summer and fall seasonality and a manageable supply base, Franklin presents an accessible entry point for investors drawn to mountain-tourism demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Franklin 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 Franklin

Franklin appeals to investors seeking an affordable mountain-market entry with meaningful seasonal upside and relatively limited competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Franklin earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with an ROI score of 58 out of 100, reflecting a balanced mix of decent revenue relative to property costs and stable — if not exceptional — demand metrics. Seasonality is a defining characteristic: July leads all months at $3,797 in average revenue, while February bottoms out at $948, so cash-flow planning around the quieter winter stretch is essential. Three-bedroom properties hit a compelling sweet spot, pairing a $31,209 annual revenue figure with a 30% occupancy rate — the highest among all bedroom counts. Overall, this is a market where disciplined operators who optimize pricing around peak periods and invest in the right amenities can generate meaningful returns without competing in an oversaturated field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Franklin

Average revenue by month in Franklin

Franklin's revenue peaks sharply in July at $3,797 and stays elevated through October ($3,081), reflecting strong summer-vacation and fall-foliage demand. The quietest stretch runs from January through April, bottoming out at $948 in February — a roughly 4× gap that underscores the importance of seasonal pricing strategy.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Franklin

One- and two-bedroom listings dominate Franklin's supply with 52 and 49 units respectively, while four-bedroom (13) and five-bedroom (6) properties are notably scarce. The thin supply of larger homes, combined with their higher revenue potential, could signal a niche opportunity for investors willing to acquire or build bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Franklin

ADR scales steeply with size in Franklin: 1-bedroom units average $116 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $531 — more than four times the rate. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($181) to 4 bedrooms ($253) is where the premium begins to accelerate meaningfully, making mid-to-large homes the sweet spot for nightly-rate leverage.

Average RevPAN by property size in Franklin

Revenue per available night climbs consistently from $28 for 1-bedroom listings to $92 for 5-bedroom properties, showing that larger homes more than compensate for their lower occupancy through premium pricing. Three-bedroom units at $54 RevPAN offer a strong middle ground, delivering nearly double the smallest category's figure with considerably more supply liquidity.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Franklin

Three-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 30%, while 5-bedroom homes trail at just 18%, illustrating the classic trade-off between nightly rate and fill rate. One- and four-bedroom units share a 24% occupancy rate, suggesting that mid-sized properties (2–3 bedrooms) provide the most predictable booking volume for investors focused on cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Franklin

Monthly revenue rises steadily from $1,347 for 1-bedroom listings to $4,507 for 5-bedroom properties, with the biggest absolute jump occurring between 3 bedrooms ($2,600) and 4 bedrooms ($3,826). For investors weighing acquisition cost against income, 3-bedroom units deliver a solid $2,600 per month from the most occupancy-stable segment of the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Franklin

Five-bedroom properties top annual revenue at $54,092, more than three times the $16,171 earned by 1-bedroom units, making them the highest-grossing option despite limited supply. Four-bedroom homes at $45,916 annually also stand out, and with only 13 currently listed, they face less direct competition — a factor worth weighing against their higher purchase and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Franklin

Kitchens (98%) and parking (96%) are essentially table stakes in Franklin, while outdoor-focused amenities like BBQ grills (80%), outdoor furniture (80%), and patios (77%) signal that guests expect a nature-oriented retreat experience. Hot tubs appear in 25% of listings and could serve as a meaningful differentiator, and the 50% workspace penetration hints at a growing remote-worker segment that investors can target.

Understanding Franklin'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

Franklin's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average marks across all four key factors — revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. No single factor drags the score down dramatically, which suggests a well-rounded if unspectacular profile where disciplined operators can outperform the averages. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm whether a specific deal pencils out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Franklin

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Franklin, NC should verify whether a short-term rental permit or business registration is required by Macon County or the Town of Franklin before listing a property. Local requirements can change, so checking directly with the town's planning or zoning department is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in North Carolina mountain communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply and can be more restrictive than municipal rules, so investors should review covenants carefully before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes as well as sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with Macon County and the state Department of Revenue to avoid surprises.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Franklin's seasonal peaks — July through October — should continue to anchor host earnings, and we estimate ADR could edge up 1–3% as the market's outdoor-recreation appeal draws steady visitor interest. Occupancy, currently at 27% against a 34% state average, has room to tighten modestly if listing growth remains measured; year-over-year active listing count held at 98% of the prior year's level, suggesting supply isn't outpacing demand. Investors should plan for softer months from January through April, where monthly revenue dips below $1,400, and build reserves accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Franklin, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Franklin?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Franklin is currently 27%, which sits below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 30%, while 5-bedroom properties average 18%. Seasonal demand plays a significant role — summer and fall months drive considerably more bookings than the winter and early spring period.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Franklin?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Franklin earn approximately $2,084 per month or $25,014 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $16,171 annually, while 5-bedroom properties bring in roughly $54,092. July is the highest-earning month at $3,797 on average, and February is the slowest at $948.

Is Franklin a good market for Airbnb investment?

Franklin carries an ROI score of 58 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio given average home values of $437,440, a manageable supply of 163 active listings, and strong seasonal peaks driven by mountain tourism. Investors should factor in the slower winter months and an occupancy rate below the state average, but the relatively low entry cost and clear upside in larger properties make it a worthwhile market to evaluate.

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

The average daily rate across all Franklin Airbnb listings is $176, compared to the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR increases substantially with property size — 1-bedroom units average $116 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $531. This pricing gradient means larger homes capture significantly more revenue per booking, though they also tend to have lower occupancy.

Are short-term rentals legal in Franklin?

Short-term rentals do operate in Franklin, NC, with 163 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can vary and may require permits, business registration, or compliance with zoning rules. Investors should check directly with the Town of Franklin and Macon County planning departments for the most current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Franklin?

Peak season in Franklin runs from June through October, with July topping the chart at $3,797 in average monthly revenue and October close behind at $3,081. This aligns with summer mountain getaway demand and the vibrant fall foliage season in the southern Appalachians. The slowest stretch runs from January through April, when monthly revenue ranges from roughly $948 to $1,302.

How many Airbnbs are there in Franklin?

Franklin currently has 163 active Airbnb listings. The supply skews toward smaller properties, with 1-bedroom (52 listings) and 2-bedroom (49 listings) units making up the majority. Larger homes are notably scarce — only 13 four-bedroom and 6 five-bedroom listings are active — which may present an opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue property types.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Franklin?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Franklin 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. 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 by market and property size
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location within the market, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.