Macon, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Macon Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Macon, NC is a small but distinctive short-term rental market where just 20 active listings command an impressive average daily rate of $419 — well above the $262 state average. The market skews toward larger properties (4- and 5-bedroom homes) that cater to groups seeking lake access and outdoor recreation. With average annual revenue of $44,521 and year-over-year listing growth of 114%, Macon is attracting investor attention despite its notably low occupancy rate of 8%, which reflects a highly seasonal demand pattern concentrated in the summer months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Macon 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 Macon

Investors are drawn to Macon for its premium nightly rates, favorable supply-demand dynamics, and the lake-oriented lifestyle that supports group travel bookings.

Expert Market Assessment

"Macon presents a niche opportunity rather than a volume play. The combination of premium ADR and a favorable supply/demand balance gives the market its ROI score of 55 — an 'Attractive Opportunity' rating — but the very low 8% occupancy rate signals that revenue is concentrated into a narrow summer window. July alone averages $8,575 per listing, while January drops to just $1,386, creating a roughly 6:1 peak-to-trough ratio. Investors who can carry costs through quiet months and maximize summer bookings stand to benefit, particularly with 5-bedroom properties that historically earn the highest RevPAN at $43."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Macon

Average revenue by month in Macon

Revenue in Macon follows an extreme seasonal curve, peaking at $8,575 in July and bottoming at $1,386 in January — a spread of more than $7,000. The June-through-August window accounts for a disproportionate share of annual income, so investors should plan cash reserves to cover the quieter months from November through March.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Macon

The market's 20 listings are concentrated in larger configurations, with 4-bedroom and 5-bedroom properties each accounting for 6 listings. This uniform split suggests that group-oriented accommodations dominate, and there may be limited competition for investors who can differentiate on amenities or location.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Macon

ADR scales significantly with size: 5-bedroom homes command $571 per night compared to $359 for 4-bedroom properties, a 59% premium. For investors weighing the incremental cost of an extra bedroom, the ADR jump suggests that larger properties capture a meaningfully higher rate per booking.

Average RevPAN by property size in Macon

Five-bedroom properties lead with a RevPAN of $43 compared to $31 for 4-bedroom homes, confirming that the larger format delivers better revenue per available night even after accounting for occupancy. Both figures remain modest relative to the high ADRs, reflecting the market's low overall occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Macon

Occupancy rates are low across both tracked sizes, with 4-bedroom properties at 9% and 5-bedroom homes at 8%. The similarity between the two suggests that seasonality — rather than property size — is the primary driver of occupancy in this market, and cash-flow planning should account for long vacancy stretches outside summer.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Macon

Five-bedroom homes earn an average of $5,679 per month, roughly 34% more than 4-bedroom properties at $4,224. This gap underscores the revenue advantage of larger properties in a market where guests are willing to pay a premium for space and group-friendly amenities.

Average annual revenue by property size in Macon

On an annual basis, 5-bedroom properties generate an estimated $68,150 compared to $50,697 for 4-bedroom homes. Given average home values of $815,473, investors should model whether the incremental revenue from a larger property justifies the likely higher acquisition cost.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Macon

BBQ grills, kitchens, parking, and washers each appear in 95% of listings, establishing these as baseline expectations for guests in Macon. Lake access (65%) and waterfront positioning (55%) are strong differentiators that align with the area's outdoor recreation appeal, while hot tubs remain relatively rare at 15%, potentially representing an amenity upgrade that could boost bookings.

Understanding Macon's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Macon's ROI Score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' tier, reflecting a market with genuine upside tempered by notable risk factors. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both rate as average, and the supply/demand balance scores above average thanks to just 20 active listings — but below-average occupancy stability pulls the overall score down, underscoring how reliant revenue is on a short summer season. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative cash-flow modeling will help investors determine whether Macon's premium pricing can offset its seasonal rhythm.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Macon

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Macon, North Carolina may be required to obtain permits or register their property with Macon County or the relevant local jurisdiction. Investors should verify current STR permit requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply to STR properties in the area include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and HOA covenants that could limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Because Macon's inventory is heavily oriented toward larger homes, septic and well-water capacity rules in rural North Carolina settings can also come into play.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and applicable occupancy taxes, though platforms like Airbnb often handle collection on the host's behalf. Macon County may impose additional local room-occupancy taxes, so investors should confirm their obligations with the county tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Macon's summer-driven revenue cycle is likely to persist, with July and August continuing to generate the lion's share of annual income. ADR could hold steady or edge up modestly given the limited supply of just 20 listings and strong premium pricing, though occupancy may remain in the 8–12% range on an annualized basis unless shoulder-season demand develops. Investors should budget conservatively, treating this as a high-ADR, low-occupancy market where four or five peak months carry the year. The rapid supply growth (114% year-over-year) bears watching — if new listings outpace demand gains, per-property revenue could soften."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Macon, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Macon?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Macon is currently 8%, which is significantly below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This low annualized figure reflects the market's intense seasonality — the bulk of bookings are concentrated in the summer months, particularly June through August. Four-bedroom properties average 9% occupancy and five-bedroom properties average 8%, indicating that both sizes follow a similar seasonal pattern.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Macon?

Airbnb hosts in Macon earn an average of $3,710 per month, or approximately $44,521 per year based on the trailing 12-month historical average. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 4-bedroom homes average $50,697 annually while 5-bedroom homes average $68,150. Keep in mind that monthly income swings dramatically with the season — July averages $8,575 while January averages just $1,386.

Is Macon a good market for Airbnb investment?

Macon earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, rated as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from a strong average daily rate of $419 and a favorable supply/demand balance, but below-average occupancy stability tempers the overall score. With average home values at $815,473 and annual revenue around $44,521, investors should carefully model cash flow to ensure the seasonal revenue pattern covers carrying costs year-round. Larger properties (5 bedrooms) offer the best revenue potential at $68,150 annually.

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

The average daily rate in Macon is $419, which is 60% higher than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR varies by property size: 4-bedroom homes average $359 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $571 per night. This premium pricing reflects the area's appeal for group and family getaways, particularly properties with lake access and outdoor amenities.

Are short-term rentals legal in Macon?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Macon, NC, as evidenced by 20 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and local ordinances may apply. Investors should consult Macon County planning and zoning offices and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Macon?

Peak season in Macon runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average of $8,575 in monthly revenue. August follows closely at $7,554, and June averages $5,090. The off-season runs from November through March, with January representing the lowest point at $1,386. This pronounced seasonality is consistent with a lake and outdoor recreation destination.

How many Airbnbs are there in Macon?

There are currently 20 active Airbnb listings in Macon, NC. The market is split evenly between 4-bedroom properties (6 listings) and 5-bedroom properties (6 listings), with the remaining listings falling into other size categories. Year-over-year listing growth has been 114%, suggesting the market is expanding quickly from a small base.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Macon?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Macon 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 remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like July at $8,575) and slower months (like January at $1,386) because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 the Macon, NC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to guide property optimization

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 permit requirements vary and should be verified independently before investing.