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

Hickory Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hickory, NC presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with an average daily rate of $146 and occupancy running at 37% — slightly above the North Carolina state average of 34%. The market's 115 active Airbnb listings generate an average annual revenue of $22,742 per property, and with average home values around $464,768, the revenue-to-price ratio sits at a reasonable level for investors seeking cash-flow opportunities in a smaller metro. Notably, the market has seen a 128% year-over-year increase in active listings, signaling growing investor interest in the area.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Hickory 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 Hickory

Investors are drawn to Hickory for its favorable occupancy relative to state averages, accessible property prices compared to larger North Carolina metros, and proximity to outdoor recreation and lake amenities.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hickory earns an ROI score of 57 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market where healthy demand and reasonable property values create a workable investment equation. Seasonality is pronounced, with monthly revenue swinging from a low of $851 in February to a high of $3,359 in July, so investors should plan for leaner winter months. The above-average occupancy stability is a positive signal, though the below-average supply/demand balance warrants attention given the rapid influx of new listings. Properties that differentiate with lake access, outdoor spaces, or larger bedroom counts are best positioned to capture premium bookings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hickory

Average revenue by month in Hickory

Hickory shows strong seasonality, with July ($3,359) and August ($3,194) delivering roughly four times the revenue of the slowest month, February ($851). The summer surge from June through September accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, so investors should budget carefully for the quieter winter stretch from November through March.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hickory

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 51 of the 115 active listings (44%), followed by 31 two-bedroom and 22 three-bedroom properties. The relative scarcity of larger properties could represent an opportunity, especially since 3-bedroom listings generate the highest monthly revenue in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hickory

ADR climbs steadily from $101 for 1-bedroom listings to $153 for 2-bedrooms and $168 for 3-bedrooms. The jump from 1- to 2-bedrooms is the steepest at roughly 50%, suggesting that the added space commands a meaningful premium from guests.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hickory

Two-bedroom listings lead on RevPAN at $60 per available night, slightly ahead of 3-bedrooms at $56 and well above 1-bedrooms at $36. This makes 2-bedroom properties the most efficient earners on a per-night basis when occupancy is factored in alongside nightly rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hickory

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 40%, while 1-bedrooms sit at 36% and 3-bedrooms at 34%. The consistency across sizes is relatively tight, though the 2-bedroom sweet spot — pairing the best occupancy with a solid ADR — makes it the most reliable configuration for steady bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hickory

Three-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $2,757, followed by 2-bedrooms at $2,222 and 1-bedrooms at $1,204. The gap between 1- and 2-bedroom revenue is substantial, suggesting that upgrading from a studio or 1-bed to a 2-bedroom significantly improves earning potential.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hickory

Annually, 3-bedroom properties earn an average of $33,085 — more than double the $14,448 generated by 1-bedroom listings. Two-bedroom units fall in between at $26,672, offering a strong balance of revenue and likely lower acquisition costs compared to larger homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hickory

Parking is nearly universal at 99% of listings, followed by self check-in (88%) and a kitchen (84%), establishing these as baseline guest expectations in Hickory. The notable presence of lake access (16%) and waterfront listings (17%) highlights the recreational appeal of the area, while outdoor amenities like backyards (64%) and patios (63%) appear to be valued differentiators.

Understanding Hickory'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

Hickory's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio create workable investment economics. The score is tempered by a below-average supply/demand balance — driven by the 128% surge in new listings — and average market growth trends. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and on-the-ground property analysis to validate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hickory

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Hickory, North Carolina may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Hickory and Catawba County authorities, as local STR regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules can also impose additional limitations on short-term rentals, so investors should review any applicable covenants before purchasing. Some jurisdictions also cap the number of STR permits issued in specific zones.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hickory's short-term rental market is likely to see continued demand growth, particularly through the summer months when revenue peaks above $3,300. ADR may edge up modestly in the range of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies and the market matures. However, the rapid supply growth (128% YoY) could put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace, so investors should monitor the supply-demand balance closely. Occupancy is estimated to hold in the 35–40% range annually, with stronger performance from well-positioned 2- and 3-bedroom properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hickory, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hickory?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hickory is currently 37%, which edges above the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings leading at 40% and 3-bedroom units at 34%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, with stronger bookings during summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hickory?

Airbnb hosts in Hickory earn an average of $1,895 per month, which works out to approximately $22,742 annually based on trailing 12-month data. Larger properties tend to earn more — 3-bedroom listings average $2,757 per month ($33,085 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in around $1,204 per month ($14,448 annually). Revenue is highest during the summer peak season.

Is Hickory a good market for Airbnb investment?

Hickory scores 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio given average home values of $464,768. Investors should be mindful of the rapid supply growth (128% year-over-year) and plan for seasonal revenue fluctuations, but the fundamentals support a viable STR investment for well-managed properties.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Hickory is $146, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $101 per night, 2-bedrooms average $153, and 3-bedrooms command $168. This lower ADR reflects Hickory's positioning as a value-oriented market compared to the state's coastal and mountain resort areas.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hickory?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Hickory, NC, though operators may need to secure appropriate permits or registrations. Local regulations regarding zoning, occupancy limits, and other requirements can change, so prospective investors should verify current rules with the City of Hickory and relevant Catawba County offices before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hickory?

Peak season in Hickory runs from June through September, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,359 per listing. August follows closely at $3,194. The slowest months are January ($912) and February ($851), creating a significant seasonal spread that investors should account for in their financial planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hickory?

There are currently 115 active Airbnb listings in Hickory as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 128% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is dominated by 1-bedroom properties (51 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (31) and 3-bedrooms (22).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hickory?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Hickory 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 remaining data 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 by market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Revenue metrics including monthly, annual, and RevPAN breakdowns
• Amenity prevalence data for competitive benchmarking
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 performance of active listings and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax requirements can change; always verify current rules before investing.