Little River, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Little River Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Little River, SC is a small coastal market near North Myrtle Beach with 64 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,350 per property. With an ADR of $138—well below the $358 state average—and occupancy at 27%, the market rewards investors who target the right property size and optimize for a pronounced summer peak. The 108% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising investor interest, though tighter competition will require disciplined deal sourcing to capture meaningful returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Little River 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 Little River

Investors look at Little River for its affordable coastal entry point relative to neighboring beach markets, with summer-driven demand that rewards well-positioned larger properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Little River presents a competitive but uneven opportunity. The ROI score of 54 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price dynamics and below-average occupancy stability, meaning not every property configuration will pencil out. Seasonality is dramatic—July revenue of $5,069 is more than ten times January's $482—so investors should underwrite conservatively with most income concentrated from June through August. Three-bedroom units stand out as the sweet spot, combining the highest occupancy (33%) with strong nightly rates, while 4-bedroom properties show surprisingly low occupancy at just 11% despite similar ADR."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Little River

Average revenue by month in Little River

Little River's revenue is intensely seasonal: July peaks at $5,069—more than ten times January's $482—with June and August forming a strong summer core above $3,500. The spring shoulder (March–May) holds around $1,960–$1,980, while winter months dip below $1,000, making summer performance the primary driver of annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Little River

Two-bedroom units dominate the market with 25 of 64 listings (39%), followed by 3-bedrooms at 17 and 1-bedrooms at 11. With only 6 four-bedroom listings in the entire market, larger properties face less direct competition—though their low occupancy suggests demand at that size is limited.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Little River

ADR rises from $100 for 1-bedroom properties to $113 for 2-bedrooms, then jumps to $180 for both 3- and 4-bedroom listings. The pricing plateau at 3 and 4 bedrooms means the premium for adding a fourth bedroom is negligible, making 3-bedroom units the more efficient choice from a rate-per-bedroom perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in Little River

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $60, nearly double the $33 achieved by 2-bedroom units and more than four times the $14 for 1-bedrooms. Notably, 4-bedroom listings produce just $19 in RevPAN despite matching the ADR of 3-bedrooms, dragged down by their very low 11% occupancy rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Little River

Occupancy peaks at 33% for 3-bedroom properties and 30% for 2-bedrooms, while 1-bedrooms lag at 15% and 4-bedrooms trail at just 11%. This spread suggests that mid-sized properties align best with guest demand in Little River, offering more predictable booking volume for steadier cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Little River

Four-bedroom listings narrowly lead monthly revenue at $2,759, edging out 3-bedrooms at $2,670, but the gap is thin relative to the higher acquisition and operating costs of larger properties. One-bedroom units generate $1,343 per month—roughly half the revenue of the top tier—reflecting both their lower rates and weaker occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Little River

Annual revenue scales from $16,117 for 1-bedroom properties up to $33,119 for 4-bedrooms, with 3-bedroom units close behind at $32,040. Given the minimal revenue gap between 3- and 4-bedroom configurations ($1,079), the 3-bedroom segment offers arguably the best return potential when factoring in lower purchase prices and maintenance costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Little River

Parking (97%), kitchens (91%), and in-unit laundry (86–88%) are near-universal, setting the baseline for guest expectations in Little River. Pools appear in 73% of listings—an unusually high share that signals this amenity is practically table stakes, while hot tubs (33%) and waterfront access (17%) remain differentiators that could help boost occupancy and rates.

Understanding Little River's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Little River's ROI score of 54 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting average revenue-to-price dynamics and market growth trends but below-average occupancy stability. The supply/demand balance scores as average, though the 108% year-over-year listing growth warrants close monitoring—rising competition could erode per-listing returns if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property configurations (particularly 3-bedrooms) that have historically outperformed in occupancy and RevPAN.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Little River

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Little River, South Carolina may need to obtain a local business license and register with Horry County before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the county and the Town of Little River, as rules can evolve with rising STR activity.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal South Carolina communities include occupancy limits tied to property size, noise ordinances especially during evening hours, and parking requirements for guest vehicles. HOA covenants in many Little River neighborhoods may impose additional limits such as minimum stay requirements or outright STR prohibitions, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in South Carolina are typically subject to state and local accommodations taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm with the South Carolina Department of Revenue that all obligations are met.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate Little River's summer season will continue to drive the bulk of annual income, with June–August revenues likely holding in the $3,500–$5,000 range per month. Occupancy may face mild downward pressure given the 108% jump in active listings, so investors should plan conservatively around 25–30% average occupancy. ADR could edge up 2–4% as hosts add amenities like pools and hot tubs to differentiate. Properties that capture both beach-season demand and shoulder-month bookings through competitive pricing will be best positioned for stable cash flow."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Little River, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Little River?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Little River is currently 27%, which falls below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—3-bedroom listings lead at 33%, while 1-bedroom units average around 15%. The pronounced summer season drives much of the annual occupancy, so hosts should expect quieter winter months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Little River?

Airbnb hosts in Little River earn an average of $1,945 per month and roughly $23,350 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Larger properties tend to earn more: 4-bedroom listings average $2,759 per month ($33,119 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in about $1,343 per month ($16,117 annually). Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer months, with July alone averaging over $5,000.

Is Little River a good market for Airbnb investment?

Little River carries an ROI score of 54 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from its coastal location near the Grand Strand and relatively affordable home values averaging $427,292, but below-average occupancy stability and a highly seasonal revenue pattern mean investors need to be selective. Three-bedroom properties currently offer the best balance of occupancy, nightly rates, and annual revenue, making them the most compelling configuration for new investors.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Little River?

The average daily rate in Little River is $138, significantly below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $100 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $113, and both 3- and 4-bedroom properties average $180 per night. These lower rates reflect the market's positioning as a more affordable alternative to nearby beach destinations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Little River?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Little River, SC, though operators should check with Horry County and local authorities for any required permits, business licenses, or registration. Some neighborhoods may have HOA restrictions that limit or prohibit short-term rentals. It's important to verify current regulations before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Little River?

Peak season in Little River runs from June through August, with July being the single highest-earning month at an average of $5,069 in revenue. June and August each generate roughly $3,500–$3,600. The shoulder months of March through May see moderate activity around $1,900–$2,000 per month, while the off-season from November through February drops below $1,000 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Little River?

There are currently 64 active Airbnb listings in Little River. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom properties (25 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (17), 1-bedrooms (11), and 4-bedrooms (6). The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 108% year over year.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Little River?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Little River 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 roll the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 Little River and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply growth and amenity prevalence data to assess competitive positioning

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.