Morehead City, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Morehead City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Morehead City sits along North Carolina's Crystal Coast, drawing seasonal visitors who fuel a compact short-term rental market of just 51 active Airbnb listings. With an average daily rate of $168 — well below the $262 state average — and average annual revenue of $28,918, the market rewards investors who can capitalize on strong summer demand while managing quieter winter months. The 122% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the ROI score of 49 out of 100 suggests that selective deal sourcing will be essential to finding properties that pencil out.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Morehead City 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 Morehead City

Morehead City appeals to investors seeking a coastal North Carolina market with manageable entry costs and strong seasonal peaks, though competition and lower occupancy require careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Morehead City presents a competitive but uneven opportunity for STR investors. The dramatic revenue swing from a $774 January average to a $4,780 July peak underscores just how seasonal this coastal market is — investors need the financial cushion to weather five to six lean months. With below-average revenue-to-price ratios, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance, the numbers work best for operators who can secure properties at a discount, maximize summer bookings, and differentiate through amenities or location. Smaller units (one- and two-bedroom) currently achieve the highest occupancy rates, offering a path to steadier cash flow in an otherwise lumpy market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Morehead City

Average revenue by month in Morehead City

Revenue in Morehead City follows a pronounced seasonal curve, peaking in July at $4,780 and bottoming out in January at just $774 — a roughly 6:1 spread that makes summer performance critical to annual returns. The shoulder months of May ($2,936) and October ($2,594) provide meaningful supplemental income beyond the core summer window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Morehead City

Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 17 listings, while one- and two-bedroom units each account for 13. With only 5 four-bedroom listings, larger properties represent a thinner segment of the market and may face less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Morehead City

ADR increases steadily with size, from $126 for one-bedroom units to $203 for four-bedrooms — a 61% premium. The jump from two-bedroom ($174) to three-bedroom ($175) is negligible, suggesting three-bedroom investors should differentiate through amenities or location rather than relying on nightly rate alone.

Average RevPAN by property size in Morehead City

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $62, followed closely by one-bedrooms at $56, while three- and four-bedroom units trail at $40 and $39 respectively. This gap reflects the significantly higher occupancy rates that smaller units sustain, making them more efficient revenue generators on a per-available-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Morehead City

Occupancy drops sharply as property size increases: one-bedrooms lead at 44%, two-bedrooms reach 36%, while three- and four-bedroom units average just 23% and 19%. Investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency may find smaller units substantially less volatile, though seasonal concentration will still be a factor across all sizes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Morehead City

Four-bedroom listings generate the highest average monthly revenue at $3,075, despite their lower occupancy, followed by two-bedrooms at $2,811 and three-bedrooms at $2,467. One-bedroom units trail at $1,635 per month, reflecting their lower ADR even though they fill more nights.

Average annual revenue by property size in Morehead City

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $36,905, followed by two-bedrooms at $33,743 — a relatively narrow gap considering the higher acquisition cost of larger homes. Two-bedroom units may offer the best return potential when factoring in lower purchase prices and higher occupancy, while one-bedrooms at $19,622 are better suited for lower-cost entry points.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Morehead City

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and kitchen access (96%), self check-in (84%), and laundry amenities (82%) are near-standard — any property lacking these will be at a competitive disadvantage. Outdoor features like backyards (82%), outdoor furniture (75%), and patios (69%) are highly prevalent, reflecting guest expectations for a coastal vacation setting, while waterfront access (14%) and beach access (10%) remain rarer differentiators.

Understanding Morehead City's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Morehead City's ROI score of 49 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting below-average performance across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance, with only market growth trend scoring at an average level. This means the market can work for investors, but deals need to be well-priced and well-managed to overcome the headwinds of seasonal demand and rising competition from 122% listing growth. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic off-season financial plan will be essential before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Morehead City

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

Permit Requirements

Morehead City, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties with the city before accepting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Morehead City's planning or code enforcement department and the Carteret County government.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina markets can include occupancy limits tied to septic or building capacity, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules during certain seasons. HOA and community covenants in waterfront or planned developments may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

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

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Morehead City's summer-driven demand pattern is likely to persist, with July revenues potentially remaining near the $4,780 monthly peak while winter months stay in the $774–$1,149 range. The rapid 122% listing growth could put downward pressure on occupancy if supply outpaces demand, so investors should watch whether the current 33% average occupancy rate stabilizes or continues to soften. ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible given the coastal location, but investors should plan conservatively and budget for four to five months of below-average cash flow during the off-season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Morehead City, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Morehead City?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Morehead City is currently 33%, which is just slightly below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: one-bedroom units lead at 44%, while four-bedroom properties average just 19%. Given the coastal seasonality, occupancy spikes during the summer months and drops considerably from November through February.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Morehead City?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Morehead City earns approximately $2,409 per month or $28,918 per year. Earnings are heavily concentrated in the summer, with July averaging $4,780 and January dipping to just $774. Four-bedroom properties lead with average annual revenue of $36,905, while one-bedroom units bring in around $19,622 per year.

Is Morehead City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Morehead City carries an ROI score of 49 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from strong summer coastal tourism demand, but below-average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability mean investors need to be selective. Properties priced well below the $651,771 average home value, or those with waterfront access and strong amenity packages, are more likely to achieve attractive returns. Careful deal sourcing and realistic off-season revenue expectations are key.

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

The average daily rate in Morehead City is $168, which is significantly below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom listings average $126 per night, two-bedrooms come in at $174, three-bedrooms at $175, and four-bedroom properties command approximately $203 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Morehead City?

Short-term rentals do operate in Morehead City, North Carolina, but local regulations and permitting requirements can change. Investors should check with Morehead City's local government and Carteret County for the latest rules regarding STR permits, zoning restrictions, and tax registration before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Morehead City?

Peak season in Morehead City runs from June through August, driven by Crystal Coast beach and boating tourism. July is the single strongest month, with average revenue reaching $4,780 per listing. Revenue remains solid in May ($2,936) and October ($2,594), while the slowest months are January ($774) and February ($810).

How many Airbnbs are there in Morehead City?

As of April 2026, there are 51 active Airbnb listings in Morehead City. Three-bedroom properties are the most common with 17 listings, followed by one-bedroom and two-bedroom units at 13 each, and five four-bedroom listings. The market has seen 122% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor and host interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Morehead City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Morehead City 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 results up to 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 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property-level amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.