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

Highlands Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Highlands, NC is a mountain retreat community with a highly seasonal short-term rental market and elevated home values averaging over $2 million. With 181 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $55,913, the market's revenue-to-price ratio is notably thin, making property-level diligence essential. Despite a premium ADR of $349 — well above North Carolina's $262 state average — occupancy sits at just 27%, reflecting the area's concentrated demand windows and leisure-driven guest base.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Highlands 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 Highlands

Investors consider Highlands for its affluent vacation demographic and premium nightly rates, though the market's high entry costs and seasonal demand require careful property-level analysis.

Expert Market Assessment

"Highlands presents a limited-opportunity profile at the market level, driven primarily by the gap between elevated home prices and modest annual revenue. Seasonality is dramatic — July revenue ($8,488) is more than four times the February low ($2,119) — which concentrates cash flow into a narrow window and increases risk for investors relying on year-round income. That said, the market rewards those who target larger properties: 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom listings achieve strong RevPAN ($194 and $296 respectively) and meaningfully higher annual revenue. Success here hinges on selecting the right property type and pricing for peak seasons rather than betting on broad market strength."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Highlands

Average revenue by month in Highlands

Highlands exhibits extreme seasonality, with July ($8,488) generating more than four times the revenue of the slowest month, February ($2,119). A secondary peak in October ($6,887) driven by fall foliage means the most productive earning window spans June through November, while the winter and early spring months require careful budgeting.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Highlands

Three-bedroom properties dominate the Highlands supply with 62 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (45) and 1-bedrooms (32). Larger properties — particularly 5-bedroom (9 listings) and 6+ bedroom (7 listings) — are notably underrepresented, which could signal reduced competition and an opportunity for investors targeting the luxury segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Highlands

ADR scales steeply in Highlands, from $254 for 1-bedroom units to $840 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($411) to 5 bedrooms ($576) is particularly sharp, suggesting that larger mountain homes command a strong per-night premium from groups and families seeking spacious vacation retreats.

Average RevPAN by property size in Highlands

Revenue per available night increases dramatically with property size, from $64 for 2-bedrooms up to $296 for 6+ bedroom listings. The 5-bedroom ($194) and 6+ bedroom ($296) categories deliver the strongest RevPAN, indicating that despite the market's low overall occupancy, larger properties convert their high ADR into meaningfully better per-night yield.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Highlands

Occupancy rates are modest across the board but tick upward for larger properties — 6+ bedroom listings achieve 35% compared to 25% for 2- and 3-bedroom units. This pattern suggests that larger homes face less direct competition and attract committed bookings, offering somewhat steadier cash flow in an otherwise low-occupancy market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Highlands

Monthly revenue ranges from $3,070 for 1-bedroom listings to $13,507 for 6+ bedroom properties, a more than 4x spread that underscores the outperformance of larger homes. Even the mid-range 3-bedroom category generates a respectable $4,980 per month, close to the overall market average of $4,659.

Average annual revenue by property size in Highlands

Annualized, the gap between property sizes is substantial: 1-bedroom listings earn roughly $36,848 while 6+ bedroom properties bring in approximately $162,092. For investors weighing return potential against acquisition cost, the 4-bedroom ($70,805) and 5-bedroom ($116,210) tiers may offer the most practical balance of revenue and entry price.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Highlands

Parking (98%), kitchens (93%), and laundry facilities (87%) are near-universal in Highlands, reflecting a market geared toward self-sufficient mountain stays. Outdoor amenities like patios (80%), BBQ grills (78%), and backyards (62%) are also prevalent, signaling that guests expect indoor-outdoor living — while hot tubs (13%) remain a potential differentiator for listings seeking a competitive edge.

Understanding Highlands's ROI Score: 31/100

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

Highlands earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 31 out of 100, placing it in the "Limited" investment potential band. The primary drag is a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — with median home values above $2 million and average annual revenue near $56,000, the yield math is challenging at the market level. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both rate as average, while supply/demand balance is below average following 121% year-over-year listing growth, making property-specific diligence and local regulatory research especially important before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Highlands

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Highlands, NC may be required to obtain permits or register their property with the town and comply with any applicable Macon County or North Carolina state regulations. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with local authorities before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain communities like Highlands can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay mandates. HOA covenants are especially relevant in this market, as many residential communities may impose their own rules on short-term rentals that go beyond municipal regulations.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligation with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Highlands is expected to maintain its pronounced seasonal rhythm, with the strongest revenue concentrated between June and October. Supply has grown significantly — active listings are up 121% year over year — which may put additional pressure on already-modest occupancy rates unless demand keeps pace. ADR could hold steady or see marginal increases of 1–3% given the area's affluent visitor profile, but investors should estimate conservatively around 25–30% occupancy for underwriting purposes. Properties that capture the fall foliage and summer escape demand will likely perform best."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Highlands, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Highlands?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Highlands is currently 27%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the market's seasonal nature — demand is heavily concentrated in the summer and fall months, with quieter periods from January through April pulling the annual average down.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Highlands?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Highlands earn approximately $4,659 per month and $55,913 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average around $36,848 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $162,092 per year.

Is Highlands a good market for Airbnb investment?

Highlands carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 31 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential at the broad market level. The primary challenge is the revenue-to-price ratio: average home values exceed $2 million while annual revenue averages about $55,913. However, larger luxury properties can generate considerably more income, so investors willing to conduct deep property-level analysis and target the right configurations may still find opportunities.

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

The average daily rate in Highlands is $349, which is 33% above the North Carolina state average of $262. Rates scale sharply with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $254 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command around $840 per night — reflecting the premium that guests place on spacious mountain retreats.

Are short-term rentals legal in Highlands?

Short-term rentals are currently operating in Highlands, NC, with 181 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations, permit requirements, and HOA restrictions can vary and may evolve over time. Prospective investors should verify current rules with the Town of Highlands and any applicable homeowners association before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Highlands?

Peak season in Highlands runs from June through October, driven by summer mountain getaways and fall foliage tourism. July is the single highest-earning month at $8,488 in average revenue, followed by August ($7,124) and October ($6,887). The slowest period is January through April, when monthly revenue drops to between $2,119 and $2,910.

How many Airbnbs are there in Highlands?

As of April 2026, there are 181 active Airbnb listings in Highlands. The supply has grown 121% year over year, with 3-bedroom properties making up the largest share at 62 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (45) and 1-bedrooms (32). Larger properties with 5+ bedrooms remain relatively scarce, with only 16 combined listings in those categories.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Highlands?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Highlands 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 remainder 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 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 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 Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data from multiple providers combined and processed by Rabbu for consistency

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 may change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.