Lexington, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

66 / 100

Lexington offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Lexington Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lexington, SC is a compact but growing short-term rental market with 40 active Airbnb listings and notable year-over-year supply growth of 77%. With an average annual revenue of $20,380 and home values around $472,912, the market offers an accessible entry point for investors looking at smaller South Carolina communities. While occupancy sits at 32% — below the state average of 38% — above-average market growth trends and a favorable supply/demand dynamic suggest this is a market still finding its footing with upside potential.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 40
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $358 state avg. $250
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 38% state avg. 32%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $80
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $1,698
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $20,380

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

Why Investors Consider Lexington

Investors are drawn to Lexington for its relatively affordable property prices, above-average market growth, and proximity to Lake Murray — a regional draw that supports seasonal rental demand.

Key investment factors

  • Rapid supply growth of 77% YoY signals emerging investor interest and rising traveler demand
  • Average home values of $472,912 sit well below many competing South Carolina resort markets
  • 4-bedroom properties generate $48,683 annually, offering strong revenue potential for larger investments
  • Lake access and waterfront amenities (15–23% of listings) indicate a niche leisure demand driver
  • Above-average market growth trend per Rabbu's ROI analysis supports near-term appreciation in rental performance

Expert Market Assessment

"Lexington earns an Attractive Opportunity rating with a 66/100 ROI score, reflecting a market where revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability are solidly average while growth momentum runs above the norm. Seasonality is pronounced — revenue dips to $854 in January before climbing to $2,150 in August, so investors should plan cash reserves for the winter months. The 4-bedroom segment stands out as the clear revenue leader, pulling in over $4,000 per month on average, while the overall market still offers room for differentiation given only 40 active listings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Lexington's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Factor Lexington Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Average 30%
Market Growth Trend Above average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Lexington's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, reflecting average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability alongside an above-average market growth trend. The rapid expansion in listings suggests a market where demand is catching up to an underserved supply base, though the average occupancy of 32% means hosts need strong pricing and amenity strategies to maximize returns. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-specific analysis to identify the configurations — particularly 4-bedrooms — that best capitalize on Lexington's growth trajectory.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lexington

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lexington, South Carolina may need to obtain a business license or STR permit from the Town of Lexington or Lexington County. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with local authorities before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in South Carolina municipalities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any community-level restrictions alongside municipal regulations before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in South Carolina are generally subject to state sales tax and local accommodations tax on rental income. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Lexington

Financing an Airbnb investment in Lexington requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Lexington Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lexington's rapid listing growth (77% year-over-year) is expected to moderate as the market matures, though demand from lake visitors and regional travelers should continue to strengthen during warmer months. Revenue peaks in July and August suggest the summer corridor will remain the primary earnings driver, with ADR potentially edging up 2–4% as hosts refine pricing strategies. Occupancy rates may stabilize in the 30–35% range market-wide, though well-positioned 4-bedroom properties could outperform significantly given their strong RevPAN of $130."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lexington, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lexington?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lexington, SC is currently 32%, which falls below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 40%, while 3-bedroom properties see the lowest rate at 29%. Investors can improve occupancy through competitive pricing, flexible minimum stays, and amenities that match guest expectations in this market.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lexington?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Lexington earn approximately $1,698 per month or $20,380 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $750/month, while 4-bedroom properties pull in roughly $4,056/month ($48,683 annually). Peak months like July and August can see revenues above $2,100, while winter months like January may drop to around $854.
Is Lexington a good market for Airbnb investment?
Lexington scores a 66 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity tier. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a reasonable supply/demand balance, with average home values around $472,912. While occupancy is below the state average, the rapid 77% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising demand. Larger properties — especially 4-bedrooms — deliver the strongest returns and may represent the best investment configuration here.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lexington?
The market-wide average daily rate in Lexington is $250, which comes in below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $87/night, 2-bedrooms average $118, 3-bedrooms reach $224, and 4-bedroom properties command $357 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who can accommodate larger groups.
Are short-term rentals legal in Lexington?
Short-term rentals generally operate in Lexington, SC, but hosts may need to obtain appropriate business licenses or permits from local authorities. Regulations can vary at the town and county level, and HOA rules may impose additional restrictions. We recommend consulting with the Town of Lexington, Lexington County, and any applicable homeowners' association to confirm current requirements before investing.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Lexington?
Peak season in Lexington runs from late spring through early fall, with the highest average monthly revenues occurring in August ($2,150) and July ($2,112). October also performs well at $2,060, likely driven by fall foliage and pleasant weather. The slowest months are January ($854) and February ($966), creating a seasonal spread of roughly $1,300 between the highest and lowest performing months.
How many Airbnbs are there in Lexington?
There are currently 40 active Airbnb listings in Lexington, SC as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 77% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is fairly evenly distributed across property sizes, with 11 three-bedroom listings being the most common, followed by 10 two-bedrooms, 9 one-bedrooms, and 6 four-bedroom properties.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lexington?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lexington 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a host manages their listing.

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 Lexington, SC
  • 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
  • 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 averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Lexington's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

Browse Airbnbs for Sale

Explore active Airbnbs and STR-ready homes in Charlotte with verified income data.

View Properties

Connect with an Agent

Work with specialized agents who've helped investors acquire over $650M in STR properties.

Find an Agent

Connect with a Lender

Qualify for as low as 15% down on a DSCR loan using the rental property's projected income.

Find a Lender
Browse Airbnbs for Sale