Kure Beach, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Kure Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kure Beach is a small coastal community in North Carolina where short-term rentals command an average daily rate of $226 and generate roughly $39,628 in annual revenue per listing. With only 166 active Airbnb listings, this is a compact market with strong seasonal demand — but average home values near $1.1 million and a 20% occupancy rate mean investors need to be strategic about deal sourcing and property selection. The market rewards larger properties and peak-summer positioning, making it best suited for investors who can capitalize on the June–August surge.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kure Beach 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 Kure Beach

Investors are drawn to Kure Beach for its oceanfront appeal and concentrated summer demand, though elevated home prices require disciplined underwriting to achieve attractive yields.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kure Beach presents a competitive opportunity where selectivity matters more than in higher-yield markets. The 44 out of 100 ROI score reflects a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values exceeding $1.1 million — alongside rapid supply growth that's outpacing demand gains. That said, occupancy stability scores above average, and the dramatic summer peak (July listings average $6,400) provides a concentrated earning window that can anchor annual returns. Investors who target larger, well-amenitized properties and manage off-season costs carefully stand the best chance of generating positive cash flow here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kure Beach

Average revenue by month in Kure Beach

Revenue in Kure Beach follows a dramatic seasonal curve, peaking in July at $6,400 and bottoming in January at $1,131 — a nearly 6x spread. The June–August window accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making effective summer pricing and availability management critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kure Beach

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 44 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (35) and 1-bedrooms (30). Larger configurations like 5-bedroom (16) and 6+ bedroom (9) units are relatively scarce, which could signal opportunity given their higher revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kure Beach

ADR climbs steadily with size, from $135 for 1-bedrooms up to $473 for 6+ bedroom properties. Studios are an outlier at $217 — higher than both 1- and 2-bedroom units — likely reflecting unique or premium-positioned units in this small segment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kure Beach

RevPAN is strongest for 6+ bedroom properties at $91 per available night, with 5-bedrooms ($66) and 4-bedrooms ($65) also performing well. One-bedroom units trail at just $22, suggesting that smaller properties struggle to convert their lower nightly rates into consistent revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kure Beach

Studios lead occupancy at 25%, while 2-bedrooms follow at 24% — both outperforming the market average of 20%. One-bedroom units fill just 17% of available nights, the lowest among all sizes, which may reflect weaker demand for the smallest configurations in a beach-vacation market where groups and families dominate bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kure Beach

Monthly revenue is highest for 6+ bedroom homes at $6,888, with studios ($4,641) and 4-bedrooms ($4,628) also earning well above the market average of $3,302. One-bedroom and 3-bedroom units cluster around $2,636–$2,924, roughly 20–35% below the overall average.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kure Beach

At $82,657 per year, 6+ bedroom properties are the clear top earners, followed by studios and 4-bedrooms at approximately $55,500–$55,700 each. The mid-range (1–3 bedrooms) clusters between $31,637 and $35,593 annually, highlighting a meaningful revenue jump once investors move into larger or more unique property types.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kure Beach

Parking (98%), kitchens (93%), and patios or balconies (90%) are near-universal, reflecting baseline guest expectations in a beach rental market. Beach access (63%), pools (51%), and BBQ grills (64%) are strong differentiators, while hot tubs (34%) and pet-friendliness (31%) remain relatively uncommon — suggesting these could help listings stand out in search results.

Understanding Kure Beach's ROI Score: 44/100

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

Kure Beach's ROI score of 44 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, signaling that while demand exists, the economics require careful property selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values averaging over $1.1 million — is the primary headwind, compounded by rapid supply growth and softening supply/demand balance. Occupancy stability scores above average, which is a positive indicator for cash-flow predictability, but investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kure Beach

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

Permit Requirements

Kure Beach, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register with the town before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Kure Beach and New Hanover County, as local STR ordinances can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina towns include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements (especially during peak season), noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, 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 sales tax on rental proceeds. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligation with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kure Beach's seasonal revenue pattern should remain firmly intact, with summer months continuing to drive the lion's share of annual income. ADR may see modest pressure as supply has grown 159% year-over-year, though above-average occupancy stability suggests underlying demand remains resilient. Investors should anticipate occupancy settling in the 18–25% range annually, with peak-season months like July potentially reaching much higher fills. Careful pricing and off-season marketing could help close the revenue gap during the quieter January–March window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kure Beach, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kure Beach?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Kure Beach is currently 20%, which sits below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with studios leading at 25% and 1-bedroom units at the lower end around 17%. The seasonal nature of this beach market means occupancy is heavily concentrated in the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kure Beach?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Kure Beach earn approximately $3,302 per month or $39,628 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size — 6+ bedroom homes lead with an average of $82,657 annually, while 1-bedroom units average around $31,637. Revenue is highly seasonal, with July averaging $6,400 per listing and January dropping to about $1,131.

Is Kure Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kure Beach earns a 44 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. Strong seasonal demand and above-average occupancy stability are positives, but high home values (averaging $1,105,354) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source deals below the market average and target larger, premium properties may find the returns more attractive — but this is a market where selective deal sourcing is essential.

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

The average daily rate in Kure Beach is $226, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $135 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $473. Three-bedroom homes sit right near the market average at $229 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kure Beach?

Short-term rentals do operate in Kure Beach, with 166 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, investors should verify local permit and registration requirements with the Town of Kure Beach and New Hanover County before purchasing, as regulations can vary and may evolve. HOA restrictions in certain communities can also limit or prohibit STR activity.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kure Beach?

Peak season in Kure Beach runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $6,400 per listing. June and August follow closely at $5,296 and $5,351, respectively. The off-season from November through February sees revenue drop to $1,131–$2,178 per listing, underscoring the market's heavy reliance on summer beach tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kure Beach?

There are currently 166 active Airbnb listings in Kure Beach as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with active listings increasing 159% year-over-year. Two-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 44 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (35) and 1-bedrooms (30).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kure Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Kure Beach 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July's $6,400 average) and slower months (like January's $1,131). 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 Kure Beach and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes and time periods
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property improvement 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 current snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Investors should independently verify local STR regulations, tax obligations, and HOA restrictions before purchasing.