Lake Toxaway, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lake Toxaway Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lake Toxaway is a small, exclusive mountain-lake community in western North Carolina with just 27 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,174 per property. While average daily rates of $274 outpace the state average of $262, occupancy sits at only 20%—well below the 34% North Carolina benchmark—signaling that this is a seasonal, leisure-driven market where deal selection and pricing strategy are critical. With average home values exceeding $2 million, the revenue-to-price ratio is thin, making this a market better suited for investors who also plan personal use or who can secure a differentiated property.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lake Toxaway 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 Lake Toxaway

Investors look at Lake Toxaway for its premium nightly rates and affluent guest profile, though high property costs and low occupancy demand careful underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lake Toxaway presents a competitive but challenging investment landscape. The ROI score of 35 out of 100 reflects below-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, largely driven by home values above $2 million and a 20% average occupancy rate. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer months—July alone generates nearly four times the revenue of January—so investors should underwrite conservatively and plan for lean winters. That said, the market's exclusivity, premium ADR, and small listing count mean that a well-located, well-appointed property can meaningfully outperform the averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lake Toxaway

Average revenue by month in Lake Toxaway

Lake Toxaway shows stark seasonality: July leads at $3,689 in average monthly revenue—nearly four times the January low of $982. A secondary peak in October ($2,828) reflects fall tourism demand, while the November-through-March period consistently underperforms, making cash-flow planning around the off-season essential.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lake Toxaway

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 10 of the 27 active listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (8) and 1-bedrooms (6). The relatively balanced distribution across sizes means no single configuration is dramatically underserved, though the small total count leaves room for new entrants in any category.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lake Toxaway

ADR nearly doubles from 2-bedroom ($202) to 3-bedroom ($387) properties, while 1-bedrooms sit at $192—suggesting that the jump to a larger property commands a significant nightly premium. Investors eyeing 3-bedroom units should weigh this rate advantage against the substantially lower occupancy those units currently achieve.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lake Toxaway

Two-bedroom listings deliver the strongest RevPAN at $58, outpacing both 1-bedrooms ($31) and 3-bedrooms ($23) by a wide margin. Despite commanding the highest nightly rates, 3-bedroom properties see such low occupancy that their revenue per available night is the weakest of all sizes—a critical signal for investors evaluating which configuration to target.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lake Toxaway

Occupancy diverges sharply by size: 2-bedroom units lead at 29%, 1-bedrooms come in at 17%, and 3-bedrooms trail significantly at just 6%. The low 3-bedroom occupancy is a red flag for cash-flow consistency, while 2-bedrooms appear to hit the sweet spot of demand in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lake Toxaway

Three-bedroom listings generate the highest average monthly revenue at $1,889, followed by 2-bedrooms ($1,705) and 1-bedrooms ($1,440). However, the gap between sizes is relatively narrow, and when occupancy risk is factored in, 2-bedroom properties may offer more dependable monthly income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lake Toxaway

Annual revenue scales modestly with size: 3-bedrooms average $22,675, 2-bedrooms $20,460, and 1-bedrooms $17,280. Given that property acquisition costs likely increase with size as well, the 2-bedroom configuration may represent the most efficient return potential when balancing revenue against occupancy stability and purchase price.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lake Toxaway

Parking (96%), kitchen (93%), and patio or balcony (89%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient mountain getaways. Outdoor-focused amenities like BBQ grills (78%), backyards (70%), and outdoor furniture (85%) are also prevalent, while differentiators like hot tubs (26%) and lake access (19%) remain uncommon—offering a potential competitive edge for properties that include them.

Understanding Lake Toxaway's ROI Score: 35/100

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

Lake Toxaway's ROI Score of 35 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting below-average marks on revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend, with only supply/demand balance rated as average. The combination of $2 million-plus home values and modest annual revenues of roughly $25,000 means traditional cash-flow investing here requires very selective deal sourcing or a hybrid personal-use strategy. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic off-season budget will be essential before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lake Toxaway

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina may need to obtain local permits or register their rental properties with Transylvania County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with county planning offices and the state of North Carolina before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in mountain communities like Lake Toxaway can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, minimum stay mandates, and HOA covenants—especially relevant in lakefront or gated communities. Investors should review any applicable homeowner association rules and county land-use regulations carefully, as these can vary significantly by subdivision.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Transylvania County tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect Lake Toxaway's pronounced summer peak (July revenues near $3,689) to remain the primary revenue driver, with fall leaf season providing a secondary boost in October. Occupancy may hover in the 18–22% range market-wide given the rapid 148% year-over-year growth in listings, which is adding supply to a small demand pool. ADR could hold steady or edge up modestly by 1–3% as the area continues to attract affluent travelers, but investors should plan conservatively around off-season softness from November through March. Properties with standout amenities like lake access or hot tubs are most likely to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lake Toxaway, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Toxaway?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Toxaway is currently 20%, which trails the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies widely by property size, with 2-bedroom listings averaging 29% while 3-bedroom properties see just 6%. The market's seasonal nature means occupancy climbs substantially during summer and fall months, then drops off significantly in winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake Toxaway?

Airbnb hosts in Lake Toxaway earn an average of $2,097 per month and approximately $25,174 per year based on trailing 12-month historical performance. Earnings vary by property size: 3-bedroom listings average about $22,675 annually, while 2-bedroom units bring in roughly $20,460. Peak months like July can generate $3,689 per property, whereas January dips to around $982.

Is Lake Toxaway a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lake Toxaway carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 35 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's premium daily rates ($274 ADR) and exclusive mountain-lake appeal are attractive, but average home values above $2 million create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who can source a competitively priced property and optimize for peak-season bookings may find success, but this market rewards selectivity and strong property differentiation over broad-based returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb in Lake Toxaway is $274, slightly above the North Carolina state average of $262. Rates scale significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $192 per night, 2-bedrooms average $202, and 3-bedroom properties command $387 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake Toxaway?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Lake Toxaway, but operators should verify current permit and registration requirements with Transylvania County and the state of North Carolina. HOA rules are also a critical factor in this area, as many properties are located in planned communities with their own rental restrictions. It's always advisable to consult local authorities and any applicable homeowner association before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lake Toxaway?

Peak season in Lake Toxaway runs from June through October, with July being the strongest revenue month at an average of $3,689 per listing. August ($3,003) and October ($2,828) are also strong performers, with October likely benefiting from fall foliage tourism. The off-season from January through March sees the lowest revenues, with January and February averaging under $1,000 per property.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lake Toxaway?

There are currently 27 active Airbnb listings in Lake Toxaway as of April 2026. The supply has grown substantially, with a 148% year-over-year increase in active listings. The majority of properties are 2-bedroom (10 listings) and 3-bedroom (8 listings) units, with 6 one-bedroom listings rounding out the inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lake Toxaway?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lake Toxaway 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value estimates from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.