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

Morganton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Morganton, NC is a small but growing short-term rental market nestled in the foothills of western North Carolina, offering investors affordable entry points relative to the broader state. With an average daily rate of $150 and annual revenue around $19,978 per listing, the market delivers moderate returns supported by seasonal mountain tourism and outdoor recreation appeal. The 75 active Airbnb listings and a 107% year-over-year growth in supply signal rising investor interest, though occupancy at 32% sits slightly below the state average of 34%.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Morganton 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 Morganton

Morganton attracts STR investors with affordable property prices, proximity to Blue Ridge Mountain attractions, and growing visitor interest that keeps revenue-to-price ratios at average levels.

Expert Market Assessment

"Morganton presents a moderate investment opportunity that suits investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality. Revenue peaks sharply in July at $2,416 and again in October at $1,995 — likely tied to summer tourism and fall foliage — while February dips to just $1,081. The ROI score of 55 out of 100, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity," reflects a market where revenue and home prices are reasonably balanced but where occupancy stability and supply/demand dynamics require careful attention. Investors who optimize pricing for peak months and manage costs through slower winter periods can find workable returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Morganton

Average revenue by month in Morganton

Morganton shows clear seasonality, with July leading at $2,416 in average revenue and February bottoming out at $1,081 — a spread of over $1,300. A secondary fall peak in October ($1,995) adds a welcome revenue boost, but investors should plan for notably quieter winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Morganton

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 30 units (40% of the market), followed by 22 three-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom listings. The relatively smaller share of 2-bedroom properties could represent a gap worth exploring, especially given their stronger occupancy rates.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Morganton

ADR climbs steadily with size, from $119 for 1-bedroom units to $188 for 3-bedroom properties — a 58% premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($140) to 3-bedroom ($188) is particularly notable and suggests guests value the extra space enough to pay a meaningful premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Morganton

Three-bedroom listings lead RevPAN at $58, closely followed by 2-bedrooms at $55, while 1-bedrooms trail significantly at $35. This gap highlights that larger properties generate meaningfully more revenue per available night after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Morganton

Two-bedroom properties stand out with the highest occupancy at 39%, outperforming both 3-bedrooms (31%) and 1-bedrooms (29%) by a notable margin. This suggests 2-bedroom units hit a sweet spot for guest demand, offering stronger cash-flow consistency for investors prioritizing steady bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Morganton

Monthly revenue scales modestly with size: 3-bedroom listings earn $1,814 per month on average compared to $1,688 for 2-bedrooms and $1,448 for 1-bedrooms. The gap between 2- and 3-bedroom monthly revenue is relatively narrow at $126, so the added cost of a larger property should be weighed carefully.

Average annual revenue by property size in Morganton

Three-bedroom properties top the annual revenue chart at $21,774, while 2-bedrooms generate $20,258 and 1-bedrooms come in at $17,385. Given the $4,389 annual revenue difference between the smallest and largest configurations, investors should compare acquisition costs to determine which size delivers the best return on investment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Morganton

Parking (99%) and a kitchen (97%) are near-universal in Morganton's listings, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient mountain stays. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (67%), patios (61%), and BBQ grills (51%) are also widespread, signaling that guests value outdoor living space — while hot tubs (19%) remain a potential differentiator for listings seeking a competitive edge.

Understanding Morganton'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

Morganton's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, indicating balanced but not exceptional short-term rental investment potential. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, suggesting the market can generate reasonable returns without standing out on either metric, while the below-average supply/demand balance warrants caution as listing growth outpaces demand. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal revenue plan will help investors determine whether Morganton fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Morganton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Morganton, NC may be required to obtain permits or register with local authorities before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Morganton and Burke County, as well as North Carolina state-level regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar North Carolina markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, minimum stay mandates, and HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Permit caps and zoning restrictions are also worth investigating before purchasing a property.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and local occupancy taxes, though platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of this collection automatically. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with Burke County and the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Morganton's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investors recognize the area's relatively low home values compared to neighboring mountain destinations. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain concentrated in summer and fall, with July and October continuing as the strongest booking months. ADR could see modest increases of 1–3% if demand keeps pace with new supply, though occupancy may face mild pressure given the below-average supply/demand balance. Investors entering now should plan for monthly revenue fluctuations between roughly $1,100 and $2,400 depending on the season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Morganton, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Morganton?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Morganton is currently 32%, which falls just slightly below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings performing strongest at 39%, while 1-bedroom units average 29%. Seasonal demand fluctuations mean occupancy is higher during summer and fall months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Morganton?

Airbnb hosts in Morganton earn an average of $1,664 per month, or approximately $19,978 annually, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings average $21,774 per year, while 1-bedroom units bring in about $17,385. Monthly earnings also fluctuate seasonally, ranging from around $1,081 in February to $2,416 in July.

Is Morganton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Morganton carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 55 out of 100, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity" for short-term rental investment. The market benefits from affordable home values averaging $417,558 and an average revenue-to-price ratio, making cash flow achievable with the right strategy. Investors should account for seasonality and a below-average supply/demand balance, which may require proactive pricing and marketing during slower months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Morganton is $150, which is well below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR ranges from $119 for 1-bedroom properties up to $188 for 3-bedroom listings, reflecting the premium guests are willing to pay for larger accommodations in the area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Morganton?

Short-term rentals operate in Morganton, NC, but investors should verify current permit requirements and zoning regulations with the City of Morganton and Burke County. North Carolina state law also imposes tax collection obligations on STR operators. It's advisable to consult local authorities and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Morganton?

Peak season for Airbnb in Morganton runs through the summer and fall months. July is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $2,416, followed by August at $2,024 and October at $1,995 — the latter likely driven by fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are February ($1,081) and January ($1,197), so investors should budget for reduced income during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Morganton?

As of April 2026, there are 75 active Airbnb listings in Morganton. The supply is distributed across 30 one-bedroom listings, 19 two-bedroom listings, and 22 three-bedroom listings. The market has experienced 107% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating increasing investor and host interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Morganton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Morganton 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Morganton market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data for competitive benchmarking

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, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify with local authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary based on location within the market, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.