Isle Of Palms, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Isle Of Palms Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Isle Of Palms, SC commands a premium average daily rate of $402—well above the $358 state average—driven by its barrier-island beach appeal and vacation-rental culture. With 408 active Airbnb listings generating an average of $100,893 in annual revenue, the market offers meaningful income potential despite occupancy sitting at 33%, slightly below the state benchmark. High home values averaging nearly $2.9 million mean investors need to weigh strong per-night pricing against a below-average revenue-to-price ratio.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Isle Of Palms 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 Isle Of Palms

Investors are drawn to Isle Of Palms for its high nightly rates, strong seasonal demand from beachgoers, and the island's established reputation as a premier Lowcountry vacation destination.

Expert Market Assessment

"Isle Of Palms presents an attractive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. Revenue potential is compelling—especially for larger homes, where 6+ bedroom properties pull in roughly $23,582 per month—but elevated property values compress the revenue-to-price ratio to below-average levels. Seasonality is pronounced: July peaks at $13,305 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $3,596, a nearly 4:1 spread that investors should account for in cash-flow planning. The market's above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics help offset some of the seasonal risk, making it a worthwhile consideration for investors who can acquire at the right basis."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Isle Of Palms

Average revenue by month in Isle Of Palms

Isle Of Palms exhibits strong seasonality, with July leading at $13,305 in average revenue and January bottoming out at $3,596—a nearly 3.7x spread. The core earning season spans March through August, where every month exceeds $10,000, making summer-focused cash-flow planning essential for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Isle Of Palms

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 109 listings, followed by 4-bedroom (75) and 1-bedroom (72) units. Five-bedroom listings are the scarcest at just 37, which could represent a supply gap given their strong revenue potential of over $180,000 annually.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Isle Of Palms

ADR scales dramatically with size, from $185 for 1-bedroom units to $862 for 6+ bedroom homes—a 4.7x premium. The jump from 4-bedroom ($479) to 5-bedroom ($582) suggests that larger family and group properties command meaningful rate premiums on this resort island.

Average RevPAN by property size in Isle Of Palms

Revenue per available night climbs steadily from $70 for 1-bedroom listings to $243 for 6+ bedroom properties, confirming that larger homes convert their rate premium into actual nightly earnings. The gap between 5-bedroom ($159) and 6+ bedroom ($243) RevPAN is especially notable, suggesting outsized returns for investors willing to operate bigger properties.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Isle Of Palms

Smaller units fill more consistently, with 1-bedroom properties leading at 38% occupancy versus 27–28% for 5- and 6+ bedroom homes. Investors in larger properties should expect lower occupancy but can offset it with substantially higher nightly rates, as the revenue data confirms.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Isle Of Palms

Monthly revenue ranges from $4,562 for 1-bedroom listings to $23,582 for 6+ bedroom homes, underscoring how powerfully property size drives income in this market. Four-bedroom properties hit a notable sweet spot at $11,038 per month, well above the market-wide average of $8,407.

Average annual revenue by property size in Isle Of Palms

Annual revenue potential spans from $54,744 for 1-bedroom units to $282,990 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in bedroom count delivering a meaningful revenue increase. Five-bedroom homes earning $180,906 annually may offer one of the stronger return profiles when weighed against acquisition costs relative to the largest properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Isle Of Palms

Near-universal amenities include kitchens (98%), washers (96%), dryers (95%), and parking (94%), reflecting a market where guests expect full home-like convenience during extended beach stays. Pools appear in 83% of listings, making them effectively a baseline requirement, while beach access (49%) and hot tubs (18%) offer differentiation opportunities for hosts looking to stand out.

Understanding Isle Of Palms's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Isle Of Palms earns an ROI score of 60 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band. The score reflects a tension between above-average occupancy stability and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio—high home values near $2.9 million mean even $100,893 in annual revenue translates to a modest yield on investment. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and realistic acquisition pricing to determine whether the market's strong seasonal demand justifies the entry cost.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Isle Of Palms

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Isle Of Palms, South Carolina requires short-term rental operators to obtain the appropriate permits and business licenses before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the city's planning and zoning department, as rules have evolved in recent years.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in barrier-island beach communities like Isle Of Palms can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the total number of rental permits issued. HOA covenants are also prevalent in many Isle Of Palms neighborhoods and may impose additional limitations on short-term rental activity.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in South Carolina are generally subject to state sales tax, local accommodations tax, and any applicable tourism-related fees. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but operators 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 Isle Of Palms can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Isle Of Palms should continue benefiting from its strong summer season, with peak monthly revenues likely hovering around $11,000–$13,000 during June and July. Above-average occupancy stability suggests demand is resilient even as the listing count has grown 128% year over year, though that supply surge may temper ADR gains. Investors can reasonably anticipate modest ADR growth in the 1–3% range if supply growth moderates, while shoulder-season revenue—March through May—is expected to remain a solid contributor at roughly $10,000–$11,000 per month."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Isle Of Palms, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Isle Of Palms?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Isle Of Palms is currently 33%, which is slightly below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom listings achieving the highest rate at 38%, while larger 5-bedroom properties average around 27%. The market's occupancy stability is rated above average, indicating consistent demand patterns even if the headline rate appears modest.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Isle Of Palms?

Airbnb hosts in Isle Of Palms earn an average of $8,407 per month, or approximately $100,893 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size—1-bedroom units average $54,744 annually, while 6+ bedroom homes can bring in around $282,990. Peak summer months like July push monthly revenue to roughly $13,305, whereas January is the slowest month at about $3,596.

Is Isle Of Palms a good market for Airbnb investment?

Isle Of Palms earns an ROI score of 60 out of 100, classified as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from strong nightly rates ($402 ADR), above-average occupancy stability, and robust seasonal demand fueled by its beachfront location near Charleston. However, average home values near $2.9 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is below average, so investors should carefully model their acquisition cost against realistic income expectations before committing.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Isle Of Palms?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Isle Of Palms is $402, which is about 12% higher than the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR rises sharply with property size: 1-bedroom units average $185 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command an impressive $862 per night. This premium pricing reflects the island's desirability as a beach vacation destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Isle Of Palms?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Isle Of Palms, South Carolina, though they are subject to local regulations including permit and licensing requirements. The city has enacted rules governing STR operations, and these have been updated over time, so prospective investors should consult the Isle Of Palms planning and zoning department for the latest requirements. HOA rules may also apply depending on the property's location.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Isle Of Palms?

Peak season in Isle Of Palms runs from roughly March through August, with the highest revenues occurring in July when the average listing earns about $13,305. June and May are also strong months at $11,829 and $10,663 respectively. The off-season spans November through February, with January being the slowest month at approximately $3,596 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Isle Of Palms?

There are currently 408 active Airbnb listings in Isle Of Palms. The supply has grown significantly, with year-over-year listing growth of 128%. Three-bedroom properties represent the largest segment with 109 listings, followed by 4-bedroom (75) and 1-bedroom (72) units. Despite the growth in supply, demand metrics remain stable.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Isle Of Palms?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Isle Of Palms 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 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 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, and pricing data for Isle Of Palms
• Average daily rate, occupancy rate, and RevPAN metrics broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index for market-level investment analysis
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.