Kill Devil Hills, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Kill Devil Hills Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kill Devil Hills sits on North Carolina's Outer Banks, one of the East Coast's most recognizable beach vacation corridors, and its STR market reflects that draw. With 350 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $46,653 and home values around $675,844, the market offers a compelling — if highly seasonal — income profile for investors willing to capitalize on summer demand. An ROI score of 64 out of 100 places it in "Attractive Opportunity" territory, supported by above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kill Devil Hills 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 Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills appeals to investors seeking a proven coastal vacation rental market with strong summer revenue peaks and relatively stable occupancy patterns across seasons.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kill Devil Hills presents an attractive opportunity for STR investors who understand and plan around deep seasonality. Revenue swings dramatically — from roughly $965 in January to $9,906 in July — meaning cash reserves and smart pricing strategies during shoulder and off-peak months are essential. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a genuine strength, suggesting that even through slower periods, listings maintain a baseline level of bookings. With average revenue-to-price ratios and balanced supply and demand, this is a market where operational excellence and property differentiation will separate profitable investments from marginal ones."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kill Devil Hills

Average revenue by month in Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills shows extreme seasonality, with July topping out at $9,906 in average revenue and January bottoming at just $965 — a roughly 10:1 spread. The summer corridor from June through August generates the vast majority of annual income, while December through February collectively contribute less than a single strong summer month.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kill Devil Hills

Three-bedroom homes dominate supply with 112 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (94) and 1-bedrooms (75), making mid-sized properties the most competitive segment. Larger 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties are relatively scarce at just 13 and 6 listings respectively, which could present an opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue configurations with less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kill Devil Hills

ADR scales steadily from $121 for studios and 1-bedrooms up to $366 for 5-bedroom homes, representing a 3x premium for larger properties. Interestingly, 6+ bedroom listings average $326 — below the 5-bedroom tier — suggesting that the very largest homes may face pricing resistance or cater to a slightly different guest profile.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kill Devil Hills

Five-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $65, reflecting their ability to command high nightly rates even with moderate occupancy. One-bedroom units lag at just $24 per available night, while the 6+ bedroom category drops to $40 despite high ADR, indicating that lower occupancy at that size erodes revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kill Devil Hills

Studios and 2-bedroom units lead occupancy at 28% and 29% respectively, suggesting these smaller configurations attract more consistent bookings throughout the year. Occupancy declines notably for larger properties, with 5-bedrooms at 18% and 6+ bedrooms at just 13%, meaning investors in larger homes must rely on high nightly rates to compensate for fewer booked nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kill Devil Hills

Five-bedroom properties are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $9,065, nearly double the 3-bedroom average of $4,132 and more than four times what studios earn ($1,932). The jump from 4-bedroom ($5,579) to 5-bedroom revenue is especially notable, suggesting a sweet spot where guest willingness to pay a premium aligns with group travel demand.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kill Devil Hills

Annual revenue climbs from $23,186 for studios to $108,784 for 5-bedroom homes, making the larger format the top earner by a wide margin. Four-bedroom properties at $66,949 and 6+ bedrooms at $92,230 also perform well, though investors should weigh these figures against higher acquisition and maintenance costs to determine the best return configuration.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kill Devil Hills

Parking (98%), kitchens (91%), and self check-in (89%) are near-universal across Kill Devil Hills listings, establishing a baseline guest expectation. Outdoor amenities like patios (80%), outdoor furniture (81%), and BBQ grills (54%) signal a market geared toward relaxed beach vacations, while differentiators like pools (29%), hot tubs (24%), and pet-friendliness (35%) remain less common and could help listings stand out.

Understanding Kill Devil Hills's ROI Score: 64/100

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

Kill Devil Hills earns an ROI score of 64 out of 100, landing in the "Attractive Opportunity" band. Its strongest factor is above-average occupancy stability, which helps offset the market's deep seasonality and gives investors more predictable cash-flow patterns, while revenue-to-price ratio, market growth, and supply/demand balance all register as average — solid but not exceptional. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a clear understanding of summer-weighted revenue will help investors set realistic expectations for this Outer Banks market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kill Devil Hills

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

Permit Requirements

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Kill Devil Hills and Dare County, as rules can change and enforcement varies.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Outer Banks communities can include occupancy limits tied to septic or water capacity, minimum night stays during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking requirements — especially relevant given 98% of local listings advertise parking. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations on specific neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit state sales tax and applicable local occupancy taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle collection on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Dare County tax office to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kill Devil Hills is likely to continue following its pronounced summer-driven revenue cycle, with July and August accounting for the bulk of annual income. We estimate ADR could see modest increases in the 1–3% range as Outer Banks demand remains resilient, while occupancy is expected to hold steady around 24–27% on an annualized basis given the market's deep seasonality. Active listings grew 133% year over year, so investors should monitor whether new supply begins to compress per-listing revenue during shoulder months. Properties that differentiate through size, amenities like pools or hot tubs, and competitive off-season pricing will be best positioned to outperform."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kill Devil Hills, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kill Devil Hills?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Kill Devil Hills is currently 25%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This is largely driven by the market's strong seasonality — summer months see significantly higher booking rates while winter months are much quieter. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units leading at 29% and studios close behind at 28%, while larger 6+ bedroom properties average just 13%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kill Devil Hills?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Kill Devil Hills earn approximately $3,887 per month and $46,653 per year based on trailing 12-month booking performance. However, revenue varies considerably by property size: 5-bedroom homes lead with an average of $108,784 annually, while studios bring in around $23,186. The summer months of June through August generate the lion's share of annual income, so hosts should budget accordingly for leaner winter months.

Is Kill Devil Hills a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kill Devil Hills earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 64 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand conditions, though revenue-to-price ratios and market growth trends are closer to average. Investors who select the right property size and manage off-season pricing effectively can do well here, but the heavy summer concentration of revenue means careful financial planning is important.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Kill Devil Hills?

The average daily rate in Kill Devil Hills is $176, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales meaningfully with property size — studios and 1-bedrooms average $121, while 5-bedroom homes command $366 per night. Larger properties carry premium nightly rates, though their occupancy tends to be lower, so investors should weigh both metrics together when evaluating potential returns.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kill Devil Hills?

Short-term rentals do operate in Kill Devil Hills, with 350 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific rules regarding occupancy, noise, and parking. Investors should check directly with the Town of Kill Devil Hills and Dare County for the latest regulatory requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kill Devil Hills?

Peak season in Kill Devil Hills runs from June through August, with July being the single highest-earning month at an average of $9,906 in revenue per listing. August follows closely at $9,459. Revenue drops sharply after September and hits its lowest point in January at just $965. This dramatic seasonal swing is typical of Outer Banks beach markets and makes summer pricing strategy critical to annual performance.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kill Devil Hills?

There are currently 350 active Airbnb listings in Kill Devil Hills as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in mid-sized properties, with 3-bedroom homes making up the largest share at 112 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (94) and 1-bedrooms (75). Larger homes with 5 or more bedrooms represent a much smaller portion of the market, which may signal an opportunity for investors looking at that segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kill Devil Hills?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Kill Devil Hills 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 into 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 Kill Devil Hills and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index for investment analysis
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 performance and market conditions as of the dates noted; future results may differ due to regulatory changes, economic shifts, or competitive dynamics. Individual property results vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.