Manns Harbor, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Manns Harbor Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Manns Harbor, NC is a small coastal market on the Outer Banks mainland with just 43 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a niche entry point into a tourism-driven region. Average annual revenue sits at $42,130 against an average home value of $539,300, and the market's ROI score of 60 out of 100 signals attractive but not exceptional return potential. Summer months drive dramatic revenue spikes — July alone averages $8,945 per listing — making this a heavily seasonal play that rewards disciplined pricing and cost management during quieter winter months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Manns Harbor 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 Manns Harbor

Investors are drawn to Manns Harbor for its proximity to Outer Banks attractions, relatively low listing count, and strong summer revenue spikes that can offset quieter off-season months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Manns Harbor presents a moderate-opportunity market best suited for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. Revenue concentrates heavily in the summer — July and August alone account for roughly $17,500 of the $42,130 annual average — while January and February dip below $900 per month. The 33% occupancy rate sits just below the North Carolina state average, and below-average occupancy stability is the market's most notable weak point. That said, the favorable revenue-to-price ratio and manageable competition from a small listing pool create a window for well-positioned properties, particularly waterfront or one-bedroom units, to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Manns Harbor

Average revenue by month in Manns Harbor

Manns Harbor exhibits extreme seasonality, with July ($8,945) and August ($8,543) generating roughly ten times the revenue of January ($871) and February ($895). Investors should expect the June–August window to deliver the majority of annual income, with meaningful shoulder-season revenue only in May ($3,900) and September ($3,309).

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Manns Harbor

One-bedroom units dominate the supply at 21 of 43 total listings, with three-bedrooms (8) and four-bedrooms (7) representing the remainder of tracked inventory. The absence of two-bedroom and five-plus bedroom listings in the data could signal either a gap in supply or limited demand for those configurations in this market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Manns Harbor

ADR increases only modestly with property size — from $184 for one-bedrooms to $213 for four-bedrooms — representing just a 16% premium for triple the bedroom count. This compressed ADR spread suggests that smaller units may offer a better rate-per-bedroom value, while larger properties need to rely on higher total nightly revenue to justify their acquisition cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Manns Harbor

One-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $96, dramatically outperforming both three-bedrooms ($15) and four-bedrooms ($54). This disparity is driven primarily by the substantially higher occupancy rates that smaller units achieve, making one-bedrooms the most efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Manns Harbor

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 52%, more than double the four-bedroom rate of 25% and far ahead of the 7% recorded for three-bedrooms. The steep occupancy drop-off for larger properties suggests that demand in Manns Harbor skews toward couples and small groups, and three-bedroom investors in particular may struggle with cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Manns Harbor

Four-bedroom properties earn the highest average monthly revenue at $5,354, followed by one-bedrooms at $4,254 and three-bedrooms at $2,199. Despite lower nightly rates, one-bedrooms' strong occupancy keeps their monthly earnings competitive with much larger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Manns Harbor

Four-bedroom listings lead annual revenue at $64,249, while one-bedrooms generate $51,050 and three-bedrooms trail at $26,390. Given the lower acquisition and operating costs typically associated with one-bedroom properties, that configuration may offer the strongest return on investment relative to capital deployed.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Manns Harbor

Parking tops the amenity list at 93% prevalence, reflecting the car-dependent nature of this rural coastal location, while kitchens (67%), BBQ grills (61%), and self check-in (58%) round out the most common offerings. Nearly half of listings feature waterfront access (47%), outdoor furniture, and patios — signaling that guests expect an outdoor-oriented, self-sufficient vacation experience in Manns Harbor.

Understanding Manns Harbor's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Manns Harbor's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting an average revenue-to-price ratio and balanced supply/demand dynamics offset by below-average occupancy stability. The seasonal concentration of revenue means investors need to budget carefully for months when income drops significantly, though summer performance is strong enough to pull annual totals into a viable range. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative cash-flow model will help investors determine whether the market's strengths align with their risk tolerance.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Manns Harbor

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Manns Harbor, North Carolina should verify whether Dare County or the local municipality requires a vacation rental permit or business registration before listing a property. Investors are encouraged to check directly with Dare County planning and zoning offices, as requirements can change and may differ from neighboring Outer Banks jurisdictions.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina STR markets include occupancy limits tied to septic or bedroom capacity, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking regulations given limited road infrastructure. HOA covenants can also impose additional limitations, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and applicable occupancy taxes, which in Dare County typically include a county room occupancy tax. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm local tax obligations are fully covered.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Manns Harbor's revenue trajectory will likely hinge on continued Outer Banks tourism demand and whether the 32% year-over-year listing growth stabilizes or intensifies competition. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold near the current $192 range, though occupancy — currently at 33% — may face modest downward pressure if supply continues expanding at this pace. Peak-season months (June through August) should remain robust with monthly revenues estimated between $6,400 and $9,000, while shoulder and off-season months will likely stay soft, keeping annual figures in the low-to-mid $40,000 range for a typical listing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Manns Harbor, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Manns Harbor?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Manns Harbor is currently 33%, which is just slightly below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — one-bedroom units average 52%, while three-bedroom listings sit much lower at 7%. Seasonality plays a major role, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Manns Harbor?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Manns Harbor earn approximately $3,510 per month or $42,130 per year based on trailing 12-month historical data. Earnings vary widely by property size: four-bedroom listings lead with an average of $64,249 annually, while one-bedrooms average $51,050 and three-bedrooms come in at $26,390. Summer months account for a disproportionate share of that income.

Is Manns Harbor a good market for Airbnb investment?

Manns Harbor scores 60 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from an average revenue-to-price ratio and low competition with only 43 active listings. However, below-average occupancy stability and heavy seasonal dependence mean investors need to plan carefully for cash-flow gaps in the off-season. Properties with waterfront access or smaller bedroom counts tend to perform better here.

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

The average daily rate in Manns Harbor is $192, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales modestly with property size — one-bedrooms average $184, three-bedrooms $211, and four-bedrooms $213. The lower ADR compared to the state average reflects Manns Harbor's mainland location relative to the barrier island portions of the Outer Banks.

Are short-term rentals legal in Manns Harbor?

Short-term rentals operate in Manns Harbor, as evidenced by 43 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, investors should verify current permit requirements and zoning regulations with Dare County and any applicable local authorities before purchasing a property, as rules can change and may vary from neighboring Outer Banks communities.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Manns Harbor?

Peak season in Manns Harbor runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $8,945 per listing. August follows closely at $8,543. Revenue drops sharply after September and reaches its lowest points in January ($871) and February ($895), making this one of the more seasonally concentrated markets on the North Carolina coast.

How many Airbnbs are there in Manns Harbor?

As of April 2026, there are 43 active Airbnb listings in Manns Harbor. The supply has grown 32% year-over-year, indicating increasing investor interest. One-bedroom properties make up the largest segment with 21 listings, followed by three-bedrooms (8) and four-bedrooms (7).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Manns Harbor?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Manns Harbor 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls up the remaining data into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower months. 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 Manns Harbor and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for consistency

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 restrictions, and tax requirements should be independently verified before any investment decision.