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

Hayesville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hayesville, NC is a small mountain-lake market in western North Carolina with 69 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,372 per property. With an ADR of $186—well below the $262 state average—and occupancy sitting at 21% compared to the 34% state benchmark, this is a market where selective deal sourcing matters. However, a striking 90% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, and seasonal peaks in summer and fall foliage months show clear demand drivers tied to the region's natural appeal.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Hayesville 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 Hayesville

Investors are drawn to Hayesville for its mountain-lake lifestyle appeal and relatively affordable entry into North Carolina's growing vacation rental landscape, though the competitive dynamics require careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hayesville earns a Competitive Opportunity designation with an ROI score of 50 out of 100, reflecting a market where demand is genuine but returns require thoughtful execution. Seasonality is pronounced—July peaks at $3,250 in average monthly revenue while January and February bottom out near $850–$870, creating a roughly 3.7x spread between peak and off-peak months. The rapid expansion of supply (90% YoY growth) against below-average occupancy (21%) and revenue-to-price metrics means investors need to identify properties with competitive advantages, whether that's lake proximity, larger layouts, or standout amenities. This is not a passive-income market; it rewards operators who actively manage pricing, guest experience, and seasonal marketing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hayesville

Average revenue by month in Hayesville

Hayesville shows pronounced seasonality, with July ($3,250) and October ($3,008) standing out as the highest-revenue months—likely driven by summer lake recreation and fall foliage tourism. Winter months are notably soft, with January and February averaging just $867 and $849 respectively, creating a nearly 4x spread between peak and trough that investors should factor into cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hayesville

Supply is distributed relatively evenly across 1-bedroom (18), 2-bedroom (19), and 3-bedroom (19) listings, with only 9 four-bedroom properties on the market. The comparatively limited 4-bedroom supply, combined with their significantly higher revenue, may signal an underserved segment where new entrants could capture outsized returns.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hayesville

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count in Hayesville: 1-bedroom units average $136 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $303—more than double the rate. The jump from 2-bedroom ($154) to 3-bedroom ($211) is particularly notable, suggesting that the extra space commands a meaningful premium with guests seeking mountain getaways.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hayesville

Revenue per available night increases steadily from $30 for 1-bedroom listings to $43 for 4-bedroom properties, though the gap narrows at the top. The relatively modest RevPAN spread between 3-bedroom ($42) and 4-bedroom ($43) units suggests that while larger homes charge more per night, their lower occupancy partially offsets the ADR advantage.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hayesville

Smaller properties fill more consistently, with 2-bedroom units leading at 24% occupancy and 1-bedrooms close behind at 23%, while 4-bedroom listings trail at just 14%. Investors targeting larger properties should be prepared for fewer booked nights and will need to rely on higher nightly rates to compensate for the occupancy gap.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hayesville

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,259—roughly 60% more than 3-bedroom units at $2,051 and nearly triple the $1,140 earned by 1-bedroom listings. The revenue step-up from 2-bedroom ($1,911) to 3-bedroom ($2,051) is more modest, suggesting that the biggest revenue gains come at the top end of the size spectrum.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hayesville

Annual revenue ranges from $13,688 for 1-bedroom properties to $39,118 for 4-bedroom homes, with each bedroom size delivering a clear step up in earning potential. Given that average home values in Hayesville sit around $554,586, investors should carefully weigh acquisition costs against these revenue figures—particularly for larger properties where the revenue-to-price calculation becomes more favorable.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hayesville

Kitchens (100%), parking (91%), and washer/dryer (87%) are table-stakes amenities in Hayesville, while outdoor features like BBQ grills (80%), patios (80%), and outdoor furniture (74%) reflect the market's nature-oriented guest expectations. Differentiating amenities remain less common—only 30% of listings offer lake access, 25% are waterfront, and just 15% have hot tubs—suggesting these features could meaningfully boost a property's competitive positioning.

Understanding Hayesville's ROI Score: 50/100

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

Hayesville's ROI score of 50 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, where genuine demand coexists with tighter margins that demand smart property selection. The below-average ratings on revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance are partially offset by an above-average market growth trend, indicating the area is gaining momentum even as competition intensifies. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and focus on properties with differentiating features—like lake access or 4-bedroom layouts—to tilt the economics in their favor.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hayesville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Hayesville, North Carolina may be required to obtain permits or register their properties with Clay County or the town itself. Investors should verify current permit and zoning requirements directly with local authorities before purchasing, as regulations in smaller mountain communities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in North Carolina STR markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay provisions. HOA covenants in lakefront or mountain communities may also impose additional rules—investors should review any applicable HOA agreements and local ordinances carefully before committing to a property.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires collection of state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Clay County may levy additional room or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hayesville's short-term rental market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 90% year-over-year increase in listings, which could put additional pressure on occupancy rates unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest summer and October will remain the strongest booking windows, with monthly revenues potentially reaching $3,000–$3,250 during peak periods. ADR growth may remain modest at 1–3% given the market's positioning below the state average, and investors should anticipate softer winter months where revenue can dip below $900. Properties that differentiate through lake access, hot tubs, or larger bedroom counts stand the best chance of outperforming market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hayesville, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hayesville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hayesville is currently 21%, which sits below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 2-bedroom units leading at 24% and 4-bedroom properties trailing at 14%. These figures reflect a highly seasonal market where peak summer and fall months drive the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hayesville?

Airbnb hosts in Hayesville earn an average of $1,947 per month and $23,372 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies substantially by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $13,688 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in approximately $39,118 per year. Peak months like July and October can see revenues of $3,000–$3,250, while winter months often dip below $900.

Is Hayesville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Hayesville holds a Competitive Opportunity ROI score of 50 out of 100, meaning there's real investor interest and demand but the numbers require selective deal sourcing. The market's revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both score below average, while market growth trend is above average. Investors who target larger properties with differentiating amenities like lake access or hot tubs are best positioned to outperform market averages. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and careful financial modeling is recommended.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Hayesville is $186, compared to the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $136 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $303. This pricing structure suggests that larger properties capture a significant premium per night in this mountain-lake market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hayesville?

Short-term rentals do operate in Hayesville, NC, with 69 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, STR regulations can vary at the county and municipal level, and operators may need permits or registration. Investors should verify current rules with Clay County and any applicable HOA before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hayesville?

Peak season in Hayesville runs through the summer months and into fall. July is the highest-revenue month at $3,250 on average, followed closely by October at $3,008—likely driven by fall foliage tourism. June, August, September, and November also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenues drop to roughly $850–$870.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hayesville?

There are currently 69 active Airbnb listings in Hayesville as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 90% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is distributed fairly evenly among smaller sizes, with 18 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, and 19 three-bedroom listings, plus 9 four-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hayesville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Hayesville 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 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 Hayesville and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of the dates indicated; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.