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

Lake Waccamaw Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lake Waccamaw is a small, lake-oriented market in North Carolina with just 16 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,886 per property. With an ADR of $177—well below the $262 state average—and a 16% occupancy rate, this market caters primarily to seasonal lake-goers rather than year-round travelers. The ROI score of 56 out of 100 positions it as an attractive opportunity, buoyed by a favorable supply/demand balance in a niche setting where competition remains thin.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lake Waccamaw 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 Waccamaw

Investors are drawn to Lake Waccamaw for its low competition, lakefront leisure appeal, and a supply/demand balance that rates above average among comparable markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lake Waccamaw presents a moderate opportunity best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality and a leisure-driven guest profile. Revenue peaks sharply in the summer months—July tops $3,354—while winter months like January and February dip below $1,100, creating a roughly 3:1 spread between peak and trough. The market's above-average supply/demand balance is a genuine strength, though the 16% occupancy rate and sub-$30 RevPAN mean cash flow will lean heavily on a few strong months each year. Investors who can acquire lakefront property at a reasonable basis and tolerate off-season softness stand to benefit most."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lake Waccamaw

Average revenue by month in Lake Waccamaw

Lake Waccamaw shows strong seasonality, with July peaking at $3,354 and winter months like February bottoming out at $1,027—a spread of more than $2,300. Investors should expect roughly 55–60% of annual revenue to come from the May-through-August window, making summer performance the primary driver of returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lake Waccamaw

The market's 16 active listings are split between two-bedroom (5 listings) and three-bedroom (7 listings) properties, with no inventory reported in one-bedroom, four-bedroom, or larger categories. This narrow supply distribution could signal opportunity for investors willing to list larger or smaller properties that currently have no competitive presence.

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

Three-bedroom listings command a $210 ADR—a 50% premium over the $140 rate for two-bedroom properties. Given that the jump from two to three bedrooms often involves modest incremental acquisition cost, the ADR premium makes three-bedroom units the more compelling choice on a rate basis.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lake Waccamaw

RevPAN for three-bedroom properties sits at $23 compared to $20 for two-bedroom units, reflecting the higher ADR offsetting a slightly lower occupancy rate. While the difference is modest, it indicates that three-bedroom listings extract more revenue per available night overall.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lake Waccamaw

Two-bedroom properties edge out three-bedroom units on occupancy, achieving 15% versus 11%. Both figures are low in absolute terms, underscoring the seasonal nature of the market—cash-flow planning should account for extended vacancy periods outside of peak summer months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lake Waccamaw

Three-bedroom properties lead with $2,610 in average monthly revenue, about $457 more per month than two-bedroom listings at $2,153. Despite lower occupancy, the higher nightly rate of three-bedroom homes more than compensates, making them the stronger revenue generators on a monthly basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lake Waccamaw

On an annual basis, three-bedroom properties generate approximately $31,329 compared to $25,845 for two-bedroom units—a roughly 21% premium. For investors evaluating return potential against acquisition costs, the three-bedroom configuration offers the strongest revenue ceiling in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lake Waccamaw

Kitchens, parking, washers, and dryers each appear in 94% of listings, establishing them as baseline expectations for guests. Lake access (88%), backyards (81%), and BBQ grills (75%) dominate the amenity mix, confirming that the market is firmly oriented around outdoor lakefront experiences—investors should prioritize waterfront access and outdoor living spaces to stay competitive.

Understanding Lake Waccamaw's ROI Score: 56/100

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 Waccamaw's ROI score of 56 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with decent revenue potential relative to property values and a notably favorable supply/demand balance. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while market growth trend holds steady—suggesting a maturing niche rather than a runaway growth story. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and realistic seasonal cash-flow modeling before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lake Waccamaw

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, may need to obtain local permits or register their property with the town before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Lake Waccamaw and Columbus County authorities, as regulations in smaller municipalities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants may impose additional rules—particularly in lakefront developments—so reviewing any deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lake Waccamaw's summer-driven demand cycle should continue to anchor revenue, with July historically delivering around $3,354 per listing. The 63% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy—currently at 16%—may face further pressure if new supply outpaces demand. Investors can expect ADR to remain relatively stable in the $170–$185 range, with the strongest booking windows concentrated from May through September. Off-peak months will likely remain soft, so annual revenue estimates of $24,000–$31,000 should factor in significant seasonal downtime."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lake Waccamaw, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Waccamaw?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Waccamaw is currently 16%, which is notably below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the market's seasonal, leisure-driven nature—demand concentrates heavily in the warmer months while winter bookings are limited. Investors should plan their financial models around this seasonal pattern rather than expecting consistent year-round occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake Waccamaw?

Airbnb hosts in Lake Waccamaw earn an average of $1,990 per month, or approximately $23,886 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Three-bedroom properties tend to outperform, generating about $2,610 monthly and $31,329 annually, while two-bedroom listings average $2,153 per month. Actual earnings vary depending on property location, amenities, pricing strategy, and how well hosts capture peak summer demand.

Is Lake Waccamaw a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lake Waccamaw earns an ROI score of 56 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from a favorable supply/demand balance and very low competition with only 16 active listings. However, occupancy runs well below the state average, and revenue is heavily seasonal, so this market tends to suit investors who are comfortable with a summer-weighted income profile and can secure lakefront properties at values that make the numbers work.

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

The average daily rate in Lake Waccamaw is $177, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR varies by property size: two-bedroom listings average $140 per night, while three-bedroom properties command about $210. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects the market's rural, lake-community positioning rather than an urban or coastal resort setting.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake Waccamaw?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, though local permits or registration may be required. Regulations can vary and may change, so prospective investors should check directly with the Town of Lake Waccamaw and Columbus County for the most up-to-date rules on STR operations, zoning restrictions, and any applicable HOA covenants.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lake Waccamaw?

Peak season in Lake Waccamaw runs from May through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $3,354 per listing. June and August also perform well at $2,952 and $2,668 respectively. The off-peak months of January and February are the slowest, with average revenues dropping to around $1,027–$1,060, reflecting the lake destination's strong summer orientation.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lake Waccamaw?

As of April 2026, there are 16 active Airbnb listings in Lake Waccamaw. The market has seen significant growth, with a 63% year-over-year increase in listings. Supply is concentrated in two- and three-bedroom properties, with seven three-bedroom and five two-bedroom listings making up the active inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lake Waccamaw?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lake Waccamaw are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 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 Lake Waccamaw and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity data across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the 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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules before purchasing.