Mars Hill, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Mars Hill Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mars Hill, NC is a small mountain market in western North Carolina with 157 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $27,852 per property. With an average daily rate of $237—slightly below the $262 state average—and occupancy sitting at 28% versus 34% statewide, the market rewards investors who target larger properties and lean into the area's outdoor recreation and seasonal tourism appeal. A 150% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though tighter competition means deal sourcing and property differentiation matter more than ever.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill

Mars Hill attracts investor attention because of its proximity to western North Carolina's mountain recreation scene and the potential for strong per-night rates on larger cabin-style properties, though rising competition demands careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mars Hill presents a competitive opportunity that favors investors willing to differentiate their properties and target larger configurations. Revenue peaks sharply in July ($3,192) and October ($3,013) thanks to summer tourism and fall foliage, while the winter months—particularly February at $1,246—represent a significant trough that investors need to plan around. Occupancy at 28% trails the North Carolina state average, and rapid supply growth has intensified competition, so pricing strategy and amenity offerings are key levers for outperformance. Larger homes with 5+ bedrooms demonstrate materially better RevPAN and occupancy, suggesting the best risk-adjusted returns come from premium, group-friendly properties rather than smaller units."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mars Hill

Average revenue by month in Mars Hill

Mars Hill shows pronounced seasonality, with July ($3,192) and October ($3,013) delivering peak revenue and February ($1,246) marking the low point—a spread of nearly $2,000 between the best and worst months. Investors should budget for lean winter earnings and capitalize on summer and fall foliage demand to drive annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mars Hill

Four-bedroom properties lead supply with 47 listings, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units each account for 35. Notably, 5-bedroom (8 listings) and 6+ bedroom (5 listings) segments are significantly underserved despite delivering the highest per-unit revenue, suggesting a potential opportunity gap for investors willing to go bigger.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mars Hill

ADR scales steadily from $155 for 1-bedroom units to $430 for 6+ bedroom homes, with a particularly meaningful jump between 3-bedroom ($220) and 4-bedroom ($293) properties. The premium commanded by larger homes reflects strong group and family demand in this mountain market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mars Hill

RevPAN climbs dramatically with size—6+ bedroom properties lead at $174 per available night, nearly four times the $42 earned by 1-bedroom units. Two-bedroom ($68) and 4-bedroom ($79) properties offer solid middle-ground performance, but the clearest efficiency gains come from the largest configurations.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mars Hill

Occupancy rates range from 23% for 3-bedroom units to 41% for 6+ bedroom properties, with 2-bedroom (33%) and 5-bedroom (31%) listings also performing above the market average of 28%. The stronger fill rates for the largest properties suggest consistent group demand and better cash-flow predictability at the top end of the size spectrum.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mars Hill

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,578 for 1-bedroom units to $5,305 for 6+ bedroom homes, with a clear inflection point at 4 bedrooms ($2,980). Smaller properties may still work for investors with lower acquisition costs, but the revenue ceiling is notably limited below 4 bedrooms.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mars Hill

Annual revenue potential tops out at $63,668 for 6+ bedroom properties and $51,250 for 5-bedroom homes, while 1-bedroom units generate just $18,942. Given the $611,248 average home value in Mars Hill, larger properties with annual earnings above $35,000 offer a more compelling path to covering carrying costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mars Hill

Kitchen (98%) and parking (97%) are near-universal, reflecting the car-dependent, self-catering nature of mountain getaways. Outdoor amenities are heavily represented—83% offer outdoor furniture, 82% have a patio or balcony, and 78% include a BBQ grill—while hot tubs at 56% and pet-friendliness at 66% offer meaningful differentiation opportunities for listings that include them.

Understanding Mars Hill's ROI Score: 45/100

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

Mars Hill's ROI Score of 45 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting an average revenue-to-price ratio but below-average marks for occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. The rapid influx of new listings has outpaced demand growth, making it harder for every property to achieve strong occupancy without deliberate pricing and amenity strategies. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger, well-differentiated properties to maximize their chances of outperforming the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mars Hill

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Mars Hill, NC may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities in Madison County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Mars Hill's town administration and the state of North Carolina before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits, minimum night stays, noise and parking regulations, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA covenants in mountain communities may also impose additional limitations, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes as well as sales tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mars Hill's short-term rental market is likely to face continued supply growth given the 150% surge in new listings over the past year, which could put additional downward pressure on occupancy rates that already trail the state average. Seasonal demand should remain anchored by summer and fall peaks—July and October historically generate the strongest revenues—so investors targeting those corridors may see ADRs hold steady or inch up 1–3%. Occupancy stabilization will depend on whether listing growth moderates; we estimate market-wide rates could settle in the 26–30% range absent a significant demand catalyst. Investors entering this market should budget conservatively and plan for meaningful revenue dips during the January–February shoulder season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mars Hill, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mars Hill?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mars Hill is currently 28%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 6+ bedroom properties achieving the highest rates at 41%, while 3-bedroom units see the lowest at 23%. Investors can improve occupancy through competitive pricing, strong amenity packages, and targeting peak-season demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mars Hill?

Airbnb hosts in Mars Hill earn an average of $2,321 per month and approximately $27,852 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom units average $18,942 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in around $63,668 per year. Monthly income fluctuates with seasonality, peaking in July at roughly $3,192 and dipping to about $1,246 in February.

Is Mars Hill a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mars Hill scores 45 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers decent revenue-to-price ratios, but below-average occupancy stability, market growth trends, and supply/demand balance mean investors need to be more selective. Larger properties tend to perform best, and the rapid 150% growth in listings makes it especially important to differentiate your property with premium amenities and strategic pricing.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Mars Hill is $237, slightly below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales significantly with property size, ranging from $155 for 1-bedroom units up to $430 for 6+ bedroom homes. Investors targeting larger, group-friendly properties can command meaningfully higher nightly rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mars Hill?

Short-term rentals operate in Mars Hill, NC, as evidenced by the 157 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations, permit requirements, and zoning rules can change, so investors should verify the latest STR rules with Mars Hill's town government and Madison County before purchasing or listing a property. HOA restrictions may also apply in certain communities.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mars Hill?

Peak season in Mars Hill runs through the summer and fall months. July is the strongest revenue month at $3,192 on average, followed closely by October at $3,013—driven largely by fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are January ($1,467) and February ($1,246), creating a notable seasonal revenue spread that investors should factor into their cash-flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mars Hill?

There are currently 157 active Airbnb listings in Mars Hill as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 150% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is led by 4-bedroom properties (47 listings), followed by 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units (35 each), 2-bedroom units (26), 5-bedroom homes (8), and 6+ bedroom properties (5).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mars Hill?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Mars Hill 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 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 and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 Mars Hill and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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