Gaffney, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Gaffney Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gaffney, SC is a micro-market with just 14 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition entry point in the upstate South Carolina region. With an average daily rate of $110—well below the $358 state average—and a 41% occupancy rate that actually edges out the statewide 38% benchmark, the market caters to budget-conscious travelers and generates roughly $12,277 in average annual revenue per listing. The small supply base and affordable price points could appeal to investors seeking a low-cost foothold in an emerging area.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gaffney short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Gaffney

Gaffney's very limited supply, affordable entry costs, and occupancy above the state average make it a compelling micro-market for cost-conscious STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Gaffney represents a modest but intriguing opportunity for STR investors comfortable with a small-scale, low-competition environment. Revenue peaks sharply in August at $2,053 per listing before tapering through the fall and bottoming out near $553 in February, creating a pronounced seasonal curve that investors need to plan around. The market's strength lies in its affordability and lack of saturation rather than high per-unit earnings. For investors targeting supplemental income or testing a first STR property with minimal risk, this market deserves a closer look paired with thorough local due diligence."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Gaffney

Average revenue by month in Gaffney

Gaffney's revenue cycle is heavily seasonal, with August standing out as the clear peak at $2,053 per listing—roughly 3.7 times the February low of $553. A secondary cluster of stronger months spans May through September, while the November bump to $897 offers a modest shoulder-season lift before winter softness sets in.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Gaffney

The market is overwhelmingly dominated by 1-bedroom properties, which account for 9 of the 14 active listings. This concentration could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer larger properties that currently appear underserved in Gaffney's supply mix.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Gaffney

One-bedroom listings in Gaffney command an ADR of $85, while the overall market average sits at $110, suggesting that the few larger properties in the market pull rates up considerably. Investors considering multi-bedroom acquisitions may benefit from this ADR premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Gaffney

One-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $42, closely tracking the market-wide average of $45. This tight alignment indicates that 1-bedrooms are performing efficiently relative to their nightly rates when occupancy is factored in.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Gaffney

One-bedroom listings achieve a 50% occupancy rate, noticeably above the market-wide 41% average. This suggests that smaller, more affordable units are in steadier demand and may offer more predictable cash flow for investors prioritizing consistency over peak-night revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Gaffney

One-bedroom properties generate approximately $1,036 per month, which is closely in line with the overall market average of $1,023. The tight gap implies that larger property types, while potentially commanding higher nightly rates, aren't dramatically outearning smaller units on a monthly basis in this micro-market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Gaffney

At $12,442 in average annual revenue, 1-bedroom properties nearly match the market-wide figure of $12,277. For investors prioritizing lower acquisition and maintenance costs, 1-bedrooms appear to be the most capital-efficient configuration in Gaffney's current landscape.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Gaffney

Kitchen, parking, and self check-in are universal across all Gaffney listings at 100%, establishing these as baseline guest expectations. Laundry amenities (71%), outdoor spaces like backyards and patios (64%), and dedicated workspaces (57%) are also common, while premium features like pools (14%) and hot tubs (7%) remain rare—potentially offering differentiation for hosts who invest in them.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gaffney

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Gaffney, South Carolina may need to obtain a business license or STR permit from the city or Cherokee County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina requires collection of state and local accommodations taxes on short-term rentals, and platforms like Airbnb often remit some or all of these taxes on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Gaffney's STR market is likely to remain a niche opportunity with modest but steady demand. August's standout revenue of $2,053 per listing suggests a late-summer demand driver that could strengthen if local events or regional tourism grow. Investors should anticipate occupancy hovering in the 40–50% range with potential ADR increases of 2–5% as the limited supply absorbs any uptick in visitors. Winter months will likely remain soft, so budgeting for seasonal revenue swings is prudent."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gaffney, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gaffney?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gaffney is currently 41%, which slightly exceeds the South Carolina state average of 38%. For 1-bedroom properties specifically, occupancy runs higher at around 50%, suggesting smaller units stay booked more consistently in this market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gaffney?

Airbnb hosts in Gaffney earn an average of approximately $1,023 per month, translating to about $12,277 in annual revenue based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, with August being the strongest month at around $2,053 and February the softest at roughly $553.

Is Gaffney a good market for Airbnb investment?

Gaffney can be a worthwhile market for investors seeking a low-cost, low-competition entry into short-term rentals. With only 14 active listings and occupancy above the state average, there's room for well-managed properties to capture demand. However, annual revenue of around $12,277 means this is best suited for investors with affordable acquisition costs who are comfortable with seasonal revenue swings.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Gaffney is $110, which is considerably lower than the South Carolina state average of $358. For 1-bedroom properties, the ADR sits at about $85. These rates reflect the market's budget-friendly positioning and lower cost of living compared to coastal and metro areas of the state.

Are short-term rentals legal in Gaffney?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Gaffney, but hosts may need to obtain a local business license or permit and comply with applicable zoning rules. South Carolina also requires accommodations tax collection. Investors should check with the City of Gaffney and Cherokee County for the latest regulatory requirements before launching a listing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Gaffney?

Peak season in Gaffney centers on August, when average monthly revenue reaches approximately $2,053 per listing—nearly four times the February low of $553. The broader high-demand window runs from roughly May through September, with a secondary bump in November. Winter months from December through February represent the softest period for bookings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Gaffney?

As of April 2026, there are 14 active Airbnb listings in Gaffney. The majority of these are 1-bedroom properties, with 9 of the 14 listings falling into that category. This small supply base means there is relatively little competition for new hosts entering the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gaffney?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Gaffney 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 Gaffney, SC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property positioning
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics 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, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.