Mount Airy, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Mount Airy Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mount Airy, NC presents an accessible entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $325,280 and annual revenue averaging $19,850 across 45 active Airbnb listings. The market carries strong seasonal swings—October leads at $2,604 in monthly revenue—suggesting tourism and leaf-peeping traffic tied to the Blue Ridge foothills. A 118% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 23% trails the North Carolina state average of 34%, so careful underwriting remains important.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mount Airy 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 Mount Airy

Affordable property prices relative to many North Carolina markets, combined with a distinct seasonal tourism draw, make Mount Airy worth evaluating for investors seeking supplemental rental income.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mount Airy represents a moderate-opportunity market where the math works best for investors who can tolerate pronounced seasonality. Revenue concentrates heavily between July and November, with October alone generating nearly three times January's haul—meaning cash-flow planning around off-peak months is essential. The ROI score of 57 out of 100 reflects average performance across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, growth, and supply/demand balance, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier without being a runaway winner. Investors who secure well-located properties near downtown or the surrounding foothills attractions, and who price aggressively during peak periods, stand the best chance of outperforming market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mount Airy

Average revenue by month in Mount Airy

Mount Airy's revenue curve is sharply seasonal: October peaks at $2,604 while January bottoms out at $855, a roughly 3× spread that underscores the importance of aggressive peak-season pricing. The strongest corridor runs July through November, accounting for the lion's share of annual income.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mount Airy

Two-bedroom properties dominate with 18 of 45 active listings (40%), followed by 11 three-bedrooms and 10 one-bedrooms. The relatively even split suggests no single property size is drastically underserved, though larger formats like 4+ bedrooms are absent from the data, potentially signaling an untapped niche.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mount Airy

ADR climbs modestly with size—from $117 for 1-bedrooms to $153 for 3-bedrooms—representing a $36 premium that may not fully offset the higher acquisition and maintenance costs of larger properties. Investors weighing the ADR-to-expense ratio should note that the jump from 2-bedrooms ($139) to 3-bedrooms is only $14.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mount Airy

RevPAN is remarkably tight across property sizes, ranging from $30 for 3-bedrooms to $33 for 2-bedrooms, suggesting that the occupancy advantage of smaller units largely offsets the ADR premium of larger ones. Two-bedroom listings deliver the best revenue per available night in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mount Airy

Smaller listings fill more consistently: 1-bedrooms lead at 27% occupancy, followed by 2-bedrooms at 24% and 3-bedrooms at 20%. For investors prioritizing steadier cash flow over rate premiums, compact properties offer a slight edge in booking frequency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mount Airy

Two-bedroom listings top monthly revenue at $1,773, narrowly edging out 3-bedrooms at $1,726, while 1-bedrooms trail significantly at $892. The near-parity between 2- and 3-bedroom revenue, combined with likely lower acquisition costs for 2-bedrooms, makes that configuration particularly compelling.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mount Airy

Annual revenue peaks at $21,280 for 2-bedroom properties and $20,715 for 3-bedrooms, with 1-bedrooms generating roughly half that at $10,705. Investors targeting the strongest return potential relative to property cost should focus on the 2-bedroom segment, which combines the highest annual revenue with moderate purchase prices.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mount Airy

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and kitchens (96%), washers (78%), and self check-in (76%) are near-standard—signaling that guests expect a home-like, self-sufficient experience. Premium differentiators like hot tubs (9%) and pools (4%) are rare, presenting an opportunity for hosts willing to invest in standout features.

Understanding Mount Airy's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Mount Airy's ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average marks across all four calculation factors: revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance. No single factor stands out as a weakness or a clear strength, which means returns will depend heavily on execution—property selection, seasonal pricing, and guest experience. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling will help investors determine whether the numbers work for their specific goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mount Airy

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Mount Airy, North Carolina may be required to obtain a business license, zoning approval, or an STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Mount Airy and Surry County planning departments, as regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking provisions for guests. Properties in HOA-governed communities could face additional covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchase is advisable.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as state sales tax on rental proceeds. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their specific 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 Mount Airy can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mount Airy's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as new hosts enter, which may keep occupancy rates in the low-to-mid 20% range unless demand accelerates in tandem. Seasonal peaks in the July–October corridor should remain the primary revenue driver, and hosts who optimize pricing during these months could capture the bulk of annual income. ADR may edge up modestly—perhaps 2–4%—as the market matures and operators invest in higher-quality amenities. Investors should plan conservatively around the softer winter months, when revenue can dip below $900."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mount Airy, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mount Airy?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Mount Airy is currently 23%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average 27%, 2-bedrooms come in at 24%, and 3-bedrooms sit around 20%. These figures reflect pronounced seasonality, with stronger demand from summer through fall and lighter bookings in winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mount Airy?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Mount Airy earn approximately $1,654 per month or $19,850 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—2-bedroom listings lead with an average of $21,280 annually, while 1-bedrooms average closer to $10,705. Seasonality plays a large role, with peak months like October generating over $2,600 compared to under $900 in January.

Is Mount Airy a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mount Airy scores 57 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from affordable home values averaging $325,280 and a distinct tourism niche tied to the Blue Ridge foothills and Mayberry heritage. However, occupancy runs below the state average at 23%, and revenue is heavily seasonal, so investors should model conservatively around off-peak months and ensure their property can stand out during the competitive summer-to-fall window.

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

The average daily rate across Mount Airy's Airbnb market is $154, well below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedrooms average $117, 2-bedrooms average $139, and 3-bedrooms average $153. The lower rate reflects Mount Airy's position as a value-oriented destination, which can work in investors' favor given the correspondingly lower property acquisition costs.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mount Airy?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Mount Airy, though operators may need to secure appropriate business licenses or permits from the city or Surry County. Regulations can change, so prospective hosts should check directly with local planning and zoning authorities for the latest requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mount Airy?

Peak season in Mount Airy runs from July through November, with October delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,604. August ($2,420) and September ($1,977) are also strong months. The weakest period falls in January and February, when monthly revenue averages between $855 and $873. This pattern aligns with the region's appeal for fall foliage, outdoor recreation, and warm-weather tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mount Airy?

As of April 2026, there are 45 active Airbnb listings in Mount Airy. The supply is concentrated in smaller property types: 18 listings are 2-bedrooms, 11 are 3-bedrooms, and 10 are 1-bedrooms. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing by 118% year over year.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mount Airy?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Mount Airy 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 remainder into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and quieter periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how the listing is managed.

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 Mount Airy, NC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Amenity prevalence across active listings to guide property setup decisions
• Home value benchmarks 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 and tax requirements may change; always verify current rules with city and county authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.