Harkers Island, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Harkers Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Harkers Island is a small, seasonal coastal market on North Carolina's Crystal Coast with just 28 active Airbnb listings. The market's average annual revenue of $29,347 and average daily rate of $204 sit below the state average of $262, but the intimate supply and waterfront appeal create a niche opportunity for investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. With average home values around $744,558 and a 15% occupancy rate, the revenue-to-price ratio demands careful deal sourcing to achieve healthy returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Harkers Island 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 Harkers Island

Investors consider Harkers Island for its proximity to Cape Lookout National Seashore and the low listing count that limits direct competition, though the seasonal revenue profile and elevated home prices require disciplined underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Harkers Island presents a competitive but selective opportunity. The ROI score of 49 out of 100 reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and modest growth trajectory, tempered by average occupancy stability and supply-demand balance. Revenue is heavily concentrated from May through August, with July alone generating more than six times what January produces — making cash-flow management essential during the quieter winter months. Investors who can acquire property below the $744K average or who optimize for peak-season bookings are best positioned to make this market work."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Harkers Island

Average revenue by month in Harkers Island

Harkers Island shows extreme seasonality, with July revenue peaking at $4,849 — more than six times the January low of $786. The prime earning window spans June through August, accounting for the lion's share of annual income, while December through February collectively average under $1,000 per month.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Harkers Island

Supply is tightly concentrated in two sizes: 9 two-bedroom and 11 three-bedroom listings make up the entire tracked inventory of 28. The absence of one-bedroom, four-bedroom, or larger properties could signal an opportunity for investors willing to offer a differentiated product in an underserved size category.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Harkers Island

ADR scales modestly from $172 for two-bedroom properties to $179 for three-bedroom units, a gap of just $7 per night. The narrow premium suggests that guests in this market aren't paying dramatically more for an extra bedroom, so investors should weigh the additional acquisition and maintenance costs carefully.

Average RevPAN by property size in Harkers Island

Two-bedroom listings deliver a significantly stronger RevPAN of $34 compared to just $15 for three-bedroom properties, driven by their higher occupancy rates. This gap suggests that smaller units are more efficiently monetized on a per-available-night basis in Harkers Island.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Harkers Island

Two-bedroom properties achieve 20% occupancy — more than double the 8% rate for three-bedroom units. For cash-flow-focused investors, the smaller configuration offers meaningfully more consistent booking activity, though both sizes remain well below the state average of 34%.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Harkers Island

Three-bedroom properties edge ahead on monthly revenue at $2,394 versus $1,992 for two-bedroom listings, despite their lower occupancy. The higher nightly rate and larger booking value per stay help three-bedroom units generate roughly 20% more gross monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Harkers Island

Three-bedroom listings bring in approximately $28,730 annually compared to $23,913 for two-bedroom properties, a difference of about $4,800 per year. However, when weighed against likely higher purchase prices and the significantly lower occupancy of three-bedroom units, the two-bedroom configuration may offer a more compelling risk-adjusted return.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Harkers Island

Kitchens are universal (100%), and laundry facilities (93% washer, 89% dryer) along with parking (89%) are near-standard — signaling that guests expect a full home experience. Outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (79%), patios (68%), and backyards (64%) are highly prevalent, reflecting the coastal vacation character of the market and setting a high baseline for competitive listings.

Understanding Harkers Island's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Harkers Island's ROI score of 49 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, where investor interest is strong but profitability requires more selective deal sourcing. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values near $745K against annual revenue around $29K — is the primary drag, while occupancy stability and supply-demand balance score at average levels. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a focus on peak-season optimization will be critical for investors targeting this niche coastal market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Harkers Island

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Harkers Island, North Carolina should verify whether Carteret County or the state requires a short-term rental permit or registration before listing a property. Local zoning rules may apply, so checking directly with county planning offices is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise and parking requirements, and minimum-stay mandates during certain seasons. HOA covenants are particularly relevant on island and waterfront properties and may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires collection of state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Carteret County may levy an additional room occupancy tax. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm compliance with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Harkers Island's sharp summer seasonality — with July revenue peaking near $4,849 per listing — is likely to persist, keeping annual occupancy in the 15–20% range. The 215% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could compress margins if supply outpaces demand. ADR may see modest increases of 1–3% during peak months as the market matures, but off-season performance from November through February will likely remain soft unless operators adopt aggressive pricing or minimum-stay strategies to attract shoulder-season guests."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Harkers Island, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harkers Island?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harkers Island is currently 15%, which is notably below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — summer months drive the majority of bookings, while winter occupancy is minimal. Two-bedroom properties lead with roughly 20% occupancy compared to 8% for three-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Harkers Island?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Harkers Island earn approximately $2,445 per month and $29,347 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by season: July is the top-earning month at around $4,849, while January averages just $786. Three-bedroom properties bring in about $28,730 annually, while two-bedroom listings average $23,913.

Is Harkers Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

Harkers Island carries an ROI score of 49 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's below-average revenue-to-price ratio and seasonal demand profile mean investors need to be strategic about acquisition price and operational management. That said, the small supply of just 28 listings and strong summer demand create a niche opportunity, especially for properties that stand out with waterfront access or outdoor amenities.

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

The average daily rate in Harkers Island is $204, which falls below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR doesn't vary dramatically by property size in this market — two-bedroom listings average $172 per night while three-bedroom properties come in at $179. Peak summer months likely command higher nightly rates due to concentrated coastal tourism demand.

Are short-term rentals legal in Harkers Island?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Harkers Island, as evidenced by the 28 active Airbnb listings in the area. However, investors should verify any permit or registration requirements with Carteret County and North Carolina state authorities before listing. Local zoning rules, HOA restrictions, and occupancy tax obligations may also apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Harkers Island?

Peak season in Harkers Island runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,849 per listing. June ($4,174) and August ($4,073) are close behind. The shoulder months of May and October still generate meaningful revenue ($2,976 and $2,630 respectively), while the winter months from December through February are the slowest period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Harkers Island?

As of April 2026, there are 28 active Airbnb listings in Harkers Island. The supply is concentrated in two- and three-bedroom properties, with 9 and 11 listings respectively. Notably, the market has seen 215% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rapidly increasing investor interest in this small coastal community.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Harkers Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Harkers Island 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, seasonal peaks and slower periods are naturally reflected. Individual host results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the island, 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 Harkers Island and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data 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 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.