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

Marion Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Marion, NC is a small mountain-area market with 82 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,565 per listing based on trailing 12-month data. With an average daily rate of $191—well below the $262 North Carolina state average—the market offers relatively affordable nightly pricing, though occupancy sits at just 24% compared to the 34% state benchmark. Listing supply has surged 132% year over year, signaling growing investor interest that will require careful deal sourcing to stay competitive. Larger properties command meaningfully higher revenue, making property selection a critical lever in this market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Marion 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 Marion

Marion appeals to investors seeking affordable entry into North Carolina's mountain tourism corridor, though selective deal sourcing is essential given rising competition and below-average occupancy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Marion earns a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band—investor interest is real, but the numbers demand discipline. Revenue-to-price ratio is average given the $390,947 mean home value paired with $23,565 in average annual revenue, while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both grade below average. Seasonality is pronounced: July peaks near $2,816 in average monthly revenue while February dips to just $938, creating a nearly 3:1 swing that investors must budget around. The market rewards those who target the right property size and manage operating costs tightly during the quieter winter stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Marion

Average revenue by month in Marion

Revenue in Marion swings sharply with the seasons—July tops out at $2,816 while February bottoms at just $938, a roughly 3:1 ratio. The summer-to-fall corridor (June through October) consistently delivers the strongest returns, making this stretch critical for annual cash-flow targets.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Marion

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 28 of the 82 active properties, followed by 3-bedrooms (22) and 2-bedrooms (17), while 5-bedroom homes represent just 5 listings. The scarcity of larger properties paired with their significantly higher revenue could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Marion

ADR climbs steeply with property size in Marion, from $143 for 1-bedroom units to $418 for 5-bedroom homes—nearly a 3x premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($153) to 3-bedroom ($227) is particularly notable, suggesting that adding a third bedroom meaningfully shifts a property into a higher pricing tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Marion

RevPAN tells a clear story: 5-bedroom properties lead at $123 per available night, nearly 4x the $31 figure for 1-bedroom listings. Even 3-bedrooms deliver $56 in RevPAN, reinforcing that larger configurations outperform smaller ones on a per-night revenue basis after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Marion

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across property sizes, ranging from 22% for 1-bedrooms to 29% for 5-bedroom homes. While the differences are modest, the slight edge for larger properties combines with their higher ADR to produce meaningfully better revenue outcomes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Marion

Monthly revenue scales significantly with size—5-bedroom properties average $4,495 per month, more than double the $2,231 for 2-bedrooms and nearly four times the $1,164 for 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom listings at $2,649 per month represent a solid middle ground for investors seeking strong returns without the operational complexity of larger homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Marion

Annual revenue ranges from $13,976 for 1-bedroom listings to $53,944 for 5-bedroom properties, illustrating how property size is the single biggest lever for maximizing returns in Marion. Three-bedroom homes earning $31,793 annually may offer the best balance of revenue potential and acquisition cost for most investors.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Marion

Parking (98%) and kitchens (88%) are table stakes in Marion, while outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (82%), patios (78%), and outdoor furniture (67%) reflect the mountain-getaway expectations of guests. Hot tubs appear in 32% of listings—a potential differentiator for properties that include them, given the outdoor recreation focus of the area.

Understanding Marion'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

Marion's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, indicating real potential tempered by meaningful headwinds. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both grade as average, but occupancy stability and supply/demand balance fall below average—driven in part by a 132% surge in new listings over the past year that has outpaced demand growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger property configurations where per-night revenue significantly outperforms the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Marion

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Marion, NC should verify whether the city or McDowell County requires a specific STR permit or registration before listing a property. North Carolina does not have a statewide STR licensing framework, so requirements can vary at the local level—checking directly with Marion's planning or zoning department is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking regulations. Investors should also review any applicable HOA or deed restrictions, as these can impose additional limitations—or outright bans—on short-term rentals regardless of local government rules.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina levies a state sales tax and a county occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and McDowell County may impose its own room-occupancy levy as well. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Marion's STR performance will likely hinge on whether the rapid supply growth stabilizes or continues to outpace demand. Summer months (June through August) and fall foliage season in October are reliable revenue peaks, and investors can reasonably expect ADRs to hold in the $185–$200 range given the market's mountain-getaway positioning. Occupancy may face continued pressure from the influx of new listings, so estimates suggest rates could settle around 22–26% unless demand meaningfully accelerates. Investors entering this market should plan for pronounced seasonality and build conservative cash-flow models that account for slower winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Marion, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Marion?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Marion is currently 24%, which trails the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, ranging from 22% for 1-bedroom units up to 29% for 5-bedroom properties. The lower overall rate partly reflects the market's strong seasonality and a significant increase in supply over the past year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Marion?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Marion earns approximately $1,963 per month, or about $23,565 annually. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $13,976 per year, while 5-bedroom properties average $53,944. Peak earning months are July ($2,816) and August ($2,768), with February being the slowest at $938.

Is Marion a good market for Airbnb investment?

Marion scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a "Competitive Opportunity." The market benefits from mountain-area tourism appeal and relatively affordable home values averaging $390,947, but investors should note that occupancy (24%) runs below the state average and listing supply has grown 132% year over year. Success here depends on targeting the right property size—3-bedroom and 5-bedroom units significantly outperform smaller listings—and managing expenses carefully during the slower winter months.

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

The average daily rate in Marion is $191, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $143 per night, 2-bedrooms average $153, 3-bedrooms reach $227, and 5-bedroom properties command $418 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Marion?

Short-term rentals do operate in Marion, NC, with 82 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and HOA rules can vary, so prospective investors should verify current regulations directly with Marion's city government and McDowell County before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Marion?

Peak season in Marion runs from June through October, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $2,816, followed closely by August at $2,768 and October at $2,465. The slowest months are February ($938) and January ($1,252), creating a pronounced seasonal pattern typical of mountain-area destinations in North Carolina.

How many Airbnbs are there in Marion?

As of April 2026, there are 82 active Airbnb listings in Marion. The supply has grown 132% year over year. One-bedroom listings make up the largest share with 28 properties, followed by 22 three-bedroom units, 17 two-bedroom listings, and 5 five-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Marion?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Marion 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like July at $2,816) and slower months (like February at $938). 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 Marion 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
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 12-month averages and current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Local regulations and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.