Hilton Head Island, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Hilton Head Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hilton Head Island is one of the Southeast's premier vacation destinations, drawing visitors year-round with its beaches, golf courses, and resort-style living. With 1,567 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $54,487, the market offers meaningful income potential — though elevated home values averaging $1,537,881 mean investors need to be strategic about property selection. The market's ROI score of 52 out of 100 reflects a competitive landscape where strong demand meets higher entry costs, rewarding those who source deals carefully.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island attracts investor attention because of its deeply established vacation rental culture, reliable seasonal demand, and the ability to command premium nightly rates on larger properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hilton Head Island represents a competitive but rewarding opportunity for investors willing to be selective. Revenue peaks sharply in summer — July listings earn nearly six times what January brings — so annual returns hinge heavily on maximizing the June-through-August corridor. Properties with three or more bedrooms consistently outperform on both occupancy and revenue metrics, making mid-size to large vacation homes the sweet spot. With occupancy stability rated above average and supply-demand balance holding at average levels, the fundamentals remain sound despite the market's higher price point."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hilton Head Island

Average revenue by month in Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island exhibits dramatic seasonality, with July ($10,275) generating nearly six times the revenue of January ($1,740). The prime earning window stretches from March through August, while the November-through-February period represents a significant off-season trough that investors should plan for in cash-flow projections.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hilton Head Island

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 724 listings — nearly half the market — followed by 1-bedrooms at 306. Larger configurations (5+ bedrooms) are notably scarce with just 135 combined listings, which could represent an opportunity for investors willing to take on bigger properties where competition is thinner.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hilton Head Island

ADR scales steeply with property size in Hilton Head Island, climbing from $111 for studios to $827 for 6+ bedroom homes. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($295) to 4 bedrooms ($431) is particularly notable — a 46% increase — suggesting strong guest willingness to pay a premium for family-sized accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hilton Head Island

RevPAN increases steadily with bedroom count, from $27 for studios up to $222 for 6+ bedroom properties. Three-bedroom listings hit a solid middle ground at $109 RevPAN, while the largest homes deliver the highest revenue per available night despite lower occupancy rates, indicating that rate premiums more than compensate for fewer booked nights.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hilton Head Island

Mid-size properties fill most consistently, with 2- and 3-bedroom units leading at 36% and 37% occupancy respectively. Larger homes (5+ bedrooms) and studios trail at around 25–27%, suggesting that while they command higher nightly rates, their booking frequency is lower — a trade-off that still favors larger properties on a total revenue basis.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hilton Head Island

Monthly revenue climbs dramatically with size: studios average $1,813 while 6+ bedroom properties pull in $15,807 per month. The 3-bedroom tier at $5,686 monthly represents a compelling balance point for investors seeking strong returns without the operational complexity of managing larger vacation homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hilton Head Island

Annual revenue ranges from $21,757 for studios to $189,688 for 6+ bedroom homes, with each additional bedroom adding meaningful income. Four-bedroom properties crossing the $100,000 annual threshold ($101,267) is a notable milestone, and 5-bedroom units at $137,329 offer the highest incremental revenue gain relative to added bedrooms.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hilton Head Island

Kitchens (100%), washers (93%), dryers (90%), and pools (90%) are virtually table-stakes for Hilton Head listings, reflecting guest expectations for resort-caliber, self-sufficient vacation homes. Differentiating amenities like hot tubs (27%), beach access (49%), and BBQ grills (51%) are less common and could help a property stand out in search results and justify premium pricing.

Understanding Hilton Head Island's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Hilton Head Island's ROI score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where strong demand and above-average occupancy stability are counterbalanced by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by elevated home values. Market growth trend also scores below average, suggesting that recent supply increases may be outpacing demand gains, while the supply-demand balance holds at average levels. Investors can still find attractive deals here, but should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types — particularly larger homes — where the revenue potential best justifies the entry cost.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hilton Head Island

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their property before listing it for transient stays. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the Town's planning and business licensing departments.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in resort-oriented markets like Hilton Head Island can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and rules imposed by homeowner associations or planned unit developments. Given the island's HOA-heavy landscape, it's especially important to confirm that any prospective property's covenants allow short-term rentals before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in South Carolina are typically subject to state sales tax, local accommodations tax, and potentially a tourism development fee. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their full obligations with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hilton Head Island's pronounced summer seasonality — with July revenue reaching $10,275 per listing — should continue to anchor annual returns for well-positioned properties. Occupancy stability rates above average for the market, suggesting consistent demand patterns that investors can plan around. ADR currently sits at $269, below the South Carolina state average of $358, which could indicate room for modest rate growth in the range of 2–4% as operators refine pricing strategies. That said, the 179% year-over-year growth in active listings signals increasing competition, so investors should monitor supply trends closely when evaluating entry points."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hilton Head Island, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hilton Head Island?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Hilton Head Island is currently 34%, which falls slightly below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 2- and 3-bedroom units perform best at 36% and 37% respectively, while studios and 5-bedroom properties sit around 25%. Seasonality also plays a significant role, with summer months driving the bulk of occupied nights.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hilton Head Island?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Hilton Head Island earn approximately $4,540 per month and $54,487 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: a 1-bedroom listing averages about $35,304 annually, while a 6+ bedroom property can bring in roughly $189,688 per year. Peak summer months like July can push monthly revenue above $10,000 for the market overall.

Is Hilton Head Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

Hilton Head Island scores a 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong seasonal demand, but higher property values (averaging $1,537,881) create a below-average revenue-to-price ratio that demands careful deal sourcing. Investors targeting larger properties — particularly 4- to 6+ bedroom homes — stand to capture the strongest revenue potential relative to the market.

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

The average daily rate across all Hilton Head Island Airbnb listings is $269, which is below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales significantly with property size: studios average $111 per night, while 6+ bedroom homes command $827 per night. Three-bedroom properties hit a popular mid-range at $295 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hilton Head Island?

Short-term rentals operate in Hilton Head Island, as evidenced by over 1,567 active Airbnb listings. However, operators may need to obtain permits, business licenses, or registrations from the Town of Hilton Head Island. Regulations can vary, and many properties on the island are subject to HOA rules that may restrict or regulate rental activity. Investors should always verify current local ordinances and HOA covenants before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hilton Head Island?

Peak season in Hilton Head Island runs from June through August, with July being the clear standout at an average revenue of $10,275 per listing. The spring shoulder season (March through May) also performs well, with March and April each averaging over $5,000. The slowest months are January ($1,740) and December ($1,799), making the off-season revenue roughly one-sixth of the summer peak.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hilton Head Island?

As of April 2026, there are 1,567 active Airbnb listings in Hilton Head Island. The market is dominated by 2-bedroom properties (724 listings), followed by 1-bedroom units (306) and 3-bedroom homes (276). Larger properties with 4 or more bedrooms make up a smaller share of supply, totaling 256 listings combined.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hilton Head Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Hilton Head 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 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 draws on 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates for Hilton Head Island
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns covering studio through 6+ bedroom configurations
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property preparation decisions
• Home value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking

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 market snapshots; conditions may shift due to seasonal trends, regulatory changes, or macroeconomic factors. Local short-term rental regulations and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with Hilton Head Island and South Carolina authorities before purchasing.