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

Jefferson Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Jefferson, NC is a small but growing short-term rental market nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Ashe County, with just 25 active Airbnb listings and a notable 75% year-over-year growth in supply. The market averages $29,466 in annual revenue per listing, with an ADR of $217 and a 26% occupancy rate — both below the North Carolina state average but consistent with a seasonal, mountain-getaway destination. For investors drawn to emerging markets with lower competition, Jefferson offers an attractive entry point, though modest occupancy and a below-average revenue-to-price ratio warrant careful underwriting.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Jefferson short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Jefferson

Jefferson appeals to investors seeking an emerging mountain-market opportunity with low competition, affordable entry relative to more established resort towns, and strong seasonal demand during summer and fall.

Expert Market Assessment

"Jefferson presents a moderate opportunity for short-term rental investment — the market is small enough that a well-run property can stand out, and the above-average growth trend suggests building demand. However, the 26% average occupancy rate and below-average revenue-to-price ratio mean this isn't a set-it-and-forget-it cash-flow play. Seasonality is pronounced: August leads at $3,704 in average monthly revenue while March bottoms out at $1,570, so investors should plan for lean winter and early-spring months. Three-bedroom units appear to offer the strongest balance of nightly rate and occupancy, making them a natural starting point for anyone entering this market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Jefferson

Average revenue by month in Jefferson

Jefferson's revenue curve is heavily seasonal, with August ($3,704) and July ($3,633) delivering roughly double the income of the slowest month, March ($1,570). The summer-to-fall corridor from June through December consistently outperforms the first five months of the year, making this a market where investors need to plan cash flow around a pronounced off-season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Jefferson

Supply is relatively balanced across property sizes, with two-bedrooms leading at 8 listings, followed by four-bedrooms at 7 and three-bedrooms at 5. The smaller number of three-bedroom units relative to demand could represent an opportunity, especially given that size's strong revenue performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Jefferson

ADR jumps significantly from two-bedroom units ($144) to three-bedrooms ($255), while four-bedrooms come in slightly lower at $245. This suggests that three-bedroom properties capture the strongest nightly rate premium without the diminishing returns seen in the four-bedroom segment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Jefferson

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $62, well ahead of two-bedrooms ($45) and four-bedrooms ($32). The sharp drop-off for four-bedroom units signals that their lower occupancy significantly erodes the revenue advantage of a higher nightly rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Jefferson

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 31%, followed by three-bedrooms at 24% and four-bedrooms at just 13%. Investors targeting larger properties should be aware that while ADRs are higher, filling those nights will be substantially more challenging in a market of this size.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Jefferson

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,156, outperforming both four-bedrooms ($2,489) and two-bedrooms ($2,047). This makes the three-bedroom configuration the clear revenue leader in Jefferson, combining a strong rate with enough occupancy to drive consistent monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Jefferson

At $37,879 per year, three-bedroom listings generate roughly 54% more annual revenue than two-bedrooms ($24,571) and about 27% more than four-bedrooms ($29,879). For investors evaluating return potential, three-bedroom properties offer the strongest top-line earnings in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Jefferson

Kitchens (100%), parking (96%), and self check-in (92%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient mountain stays. Outdoor-focused amenities like backyards (88%), patios (60%), and BBQ grills (52%) are common, while hot tubs — present in 40% of listings — could serve as a meaningful differentiator for properties that include them.

Understanding Jefferson's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Jefferson's ROI Score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, indicating solid but not exceptional short-term rental potential. The score is buoyed by above-average market growth and average marks for occupancy stability and supply/demand balance, though the below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values near $596,042 against $29,466 in average annual revenue — tempers the overall outlook. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and realistic cash-flow modeling that accounts for Jefferson's seasonal demand patterns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Jefferson

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Jefferson, NC and Ashe County may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property before listing it. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Jefferson and Ashe County planning departments, as rules in smaller North Carolina municipalities can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking provisions for guests, and potential HOA rules that could prohibit or limit short-term rentals in certain subdivisions. It's wise to confirm whether any permit caps or zoning restrictions apply before purchasing a property.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and local occupancy taxes, which can vary by county. Many booking platforms like Airbnb handle a portion of tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Ashe County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Jefferson's supply is likely to continue expanding given the 75% year-over-year listing growth, which could put downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal peaks in July–October should continue to anchor most of the market's revenue, with summer and fall months likely sustaining ADRs in the $200+ range. Investors can reasonably expect occupancy to hover around 24–28% market-wide, with modest ADR gains of 1–3% if the area's tourism appeal continues to grow. The above-average market growth trend is encouraging, but new entrants should budget conservatively and plan around heavy seasonality."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Jefferson, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Jefferson?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Jefferson, NC is currently 26%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — two-bedroom units lead at 31%, while four-bedroom properties sit at just 13%. The lower overall rate reflects Jefferson's seasonal demand patterns, with the strongest bookings concentrated in the summer and fall months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Jefferson?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Jefferson earn approximately $2,455 per month and $29,466 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by property size: three-bedroom listings are the top earners at roughly $3,156 per month ($37,879 annually), while two-bedroom properties average $2,047 per month ($24,571 annually). Peak earning months like July and August can push monthly revenue above $3,600.

Is Jefferson a good market for Airbnb investment?

Jefferson earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and average supply/demand balance, though the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given home values around $596,042. It's best suited for investors comfortable with seasonal income patterns and who can differentiate their property through amenities and guest experience.

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

The average daily rate across all active Airbnb listings in Jefferson is $217, compared to $262 for North Carolina overall. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: two-bedroom units average $144, three-bedrooms command $255, and four-bedrooms come in at $245. Pricing a property competitively while offering standout amenities like a hot tub or mountain views can help maximize bookings in this rate range.

Are short-term rentals legal in Jefferson?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Jefferson, NC, as evidenced by 25 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local permit requirements, zoning rules, and HOA restrictions may apply. Investors should verify the latest regulations with the Town of Jefferson and Ashe County before purchasing or listing a property, as rules can evolve — particularly in growing markets.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Jefferson?

Peak season in Jefferson runs from July through October, with August generating the highest average monthly revenue at $3,704 and July close behind at $3,633. October ($3,074) and September ($2,697) also perform well, likely driven by fall foliage tourism in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The slowest period runs from February through May, with March averaging just $1,570 in monthly revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Jefferson?

As of April 2026, there are 25 active Airbnb listings in Jefferson, NC. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 75% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is distributed across two-bedroom (8 listings), three-bedroom (5 listings), and four-bedroom (7 listings) properties, with no single size dominating the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Jefferson?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Jefferson 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 for Jefferson, NC
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.