Holly Ridge, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Holly Ridge Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Holly Ridge, NC presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 73 out of 100, driven largely by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio. The market hosts 250 active Airbnb listings with an average annual revenue of $39,972 and average home values around $492,397. Its coastal proximity—evidenced by 54% of listings advertising beach access—fuels strong seasonal demand that peaks sharply in summer, making it a compelling option for investors targeting beach-market returns at relatively moderate entry costs compared to nearby resort communities.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Holly Ridge 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 Holly Ridge

Investors are drawn to Holly Ridge for its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and strong seasonal beach demand that delivers outsized summer earnings relative to moderate property costs.

Expert Market Assessment

"Holly Ridge represents a solid opportunity for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. July revenues average $6,422—nearly five times the January figure of $1,389—so cash-flow planning around the summer peak is critical. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and growing listing base point to a healthy investment environment, though the 20% occupancy rate (below the 34% state average) reflects the seasonal nature of a beach-adjacent market. Investors targeting larger properties stand to benefit most, as 4-bedroom and larger units generate meaningfully higher annual revenue and RevPAN."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Holly Ridge

Average revenue by month in Holly Ridge

Holly Ridge shows dramatic seasonality, with July revenues peaking at $6,422—roughly 4.6 times the January low of $1,389. The summer corridor from June through August accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, while a secondary bump in October ($3,642) may reflect fall beach travel, giving investors a slightly extended shoulder season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Holly Ridge

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 75 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms at 65 units, together representing over half the market's 250 active listings. The 5-bedroom (24) and 6+ bedroom (5) segments are notably thin, which could signal an opportunity for investors willing to target larger group-rental properties with less competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Holly Ridge

ADR climbs steadily from $155 for 2-bedroom units to $416 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 1-bedrooms commanding a slight premium at $184 over 2-bedrooms—likely reflecting studio-style beach condos. The sharpest jump occurs between 3-bedroom ($215) and 4-bedroom ($283) properties, suggesting the shift to family and group-size homes unlocks a meaningful pricing tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Holly Ridge

Revenue per available night scales clearly with size: 1- and 2-bedroom listings each earn $36, while 4- and 5-bedroom units reach $59, and 6+ bedrooms lead at $77. This progression reinforces that larger properties generate meaningfully better per-night revenue even after accounting for their lower occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Holly Ridge

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across all property sizes, ranging from 19% for 3-bedroom and 6+ bedroom units to 24% for 2-bedroom listings. The narrow spread suggests that property size doesn't dramatically affect booking frequency in this market—revenue differentiation is primarily driven by nightly rate rather than fill rate.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Holly Ridge

Monthly revenue rises sharply with bedroom count, from $1,673 for 1-bedroom units to $7,046 for 6+ bedroom properties—a more than 4x difference. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($2,786) to 4-bedrooms ($4,946) is particularly steep, making the 4-bedroom segment a potential sweet spot for balancing acquisition cost against revenue.

Average annual revenue by property size in Holly Ridge

Annual revenue ranges from $20,080 for 1-bedroom listings to $84,561 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 5-bedroom units generating $76,963. For investors evaluating return potential, the 4-bedroom tier at $59,354 per year offers strong revenue against what is typically a lower acquisition cost than the largest homes in a beach market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Holly Ridge

Kitchens (98%), parking (94%), and self check-in (93%) are near-universal, signaling baseline guest expectations that every listing should meet. Beach access (54%), outdoor furniture (71%), and BBQ grills (59%) highlight the coastal vacation character of the market, while the 50% pet-friendly rate suggests that allowing pets could be a differentiating strategy for listings that don't yet offer it.

Understanding Holly Ridge's ROI Score: 73/100

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

Holly Ridge earns an ROI score of 73 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band. The score is bolstered by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average market growth trend, while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance rate as average—consistent with a seasonal coastal market. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-level underwriting to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Holly Ridge

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

Permit Requirements

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

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in North Carolina coastal communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain periods, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants in planned communities may impose additional limitations or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as state sales tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full 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 Holly Ridge can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Holly Ridge is likely to see continued summer-driven demand, with July revenues expected to remain in the $6,000–$6,500 range for average listings. Above-average market growth trends suggest listing activity and traveler interest are still expanding, though investors should anticipate softer winter months where revenues may dip to $1,400–$1,500. ADR could edge up modestly by 2–4% as the market matures and larger properties continue commanding premium nightly rates. Occupancy, currently at 20% market-wide, may see incremental improvement as supply-demand dynamics stabilize, though significant jumps are unlikely without a meaningful shift in off-season demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Holly Ridge, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Holly Ridge?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Holly Ridge is currently 20%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This lower figure reflects the market's strong seasonality—coastal demand surges in summer and drops considerably during winter months. By property size, 2-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 24%, while most other sizes hover around 19–21%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Holly Ridge?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Holly Ridge earn approximately $3,331 per month or $39,972 annually based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $20,080 per year, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in around $84,561 annually. Summer months like July can see individual monthly revenues exceed $6,400 on average.

Is Holly Ridge a good market for Airbnb investment?

Holly Ridge scores 73 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average growth trend, making it appealing for investors seeking coastal exposure at moderate property costs. Investors should factor in the seasonal nature of demand—summer months drive the majority of income—and pair this data with local regulatory research before committing.

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

The average daily rate in Holly Ridge is $228, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 2-bedroom units average $155 per night, 4-bedroom properties command $283, and 6+ bedroom listings reach $416 per night. This pricing gradient reflects the premium that larger group-friendly accommodations can capture in a beach market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Holly Ridge?

Short-term rentals operate in Holly Ridge, with 250 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, specific permit requirements and zoning restrictions may apply at the local and county level. Investors should contact the Town of Holly Ridge and review any applicable HOA covenants before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Holly Ridge?

Peak season in Holly Ridge runs from June through August, with July standing out as the top-earning month at an average of $6,422 in revenue. June and August also perform strongly at $5,068 and $4,964 respectively. The off-season spans December through February, when monthly revenues drop to the $1,389–$1,993 range, reflecting the typical coastal seasonality pattern.

How many Airbnbs are there in Holly Ridge?

As of April 2026, there are 250 active Airbnb listings in Holly Ridge. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest segment with 75 listings, followed by 4-bedroom units (65 listings) and 2-bedroom properties (42 listings). The market has seen notable growth, with year-over-year listing activity at 96% of the prior period's level.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Holly Ridge?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Holly Ridge are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses 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 for Holly Ridge and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Annual and monthly revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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; investors should verify current rules with Holly Ridge and North Carolina authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.