Mountain Rest, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Mountain Rest Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Mountain Rest, SC is a small but growing short-term rental market nestled in the upstate mountains of South Carolina, where outdoor recreation and waterfront getaways drive seasonal guest demand. With just 22 active Airbnb listings and 75% year-over-year growth in supply, the market is still in an early stage — offering first-mover advantages for investors who time their entry well. Average annual revenue sits at $25,561 against average home values of $433,605, and the market's ROI score of 65 out of 100 reflects a genuine, if nuanced, opportunity.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Mountain Rest short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Mountain Rest

Mountain Rest appeals to investors seeking early entry into an emerging mountain and waterfront destination where property values and competition remain relatively low.

Expert Market Assessment

"Mountain Rest earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and above-average growth trajectory. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here: July and August generate the lion's share of income, with monthly revenue exceeding $3,400, while January and February drop below $750 — a spread that demands careful financial planning. Occupancy at 13% trails the South Carolina state average of 38% significantly, which tempers near-term cash-flow expectations even as nightly rates hold reasonably well. For investors comfortable with a seasonal income profile and willing to optimize their listing strategy, this emerging mountain market offers meaningful upside as awareness and demand continue to build."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Mountain Rest

Average revenue by month in Mountain Rest

Mountain Rest displays pronounced seasonality, with July ($3,831) and August ($3,481) delivering roughly five times the revenue of the slowest months — January ($748) and February ($731). The warm-weather peak extends through October, giving investors a solid five-month window of stronger earnings before a notable winter downturn.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Mountain Rest

Supply is concentrated in smaller configurations, with 7 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom listings accounting for the tracked inventory. The absence of larger properties (3+ bedrooms) in the data could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to offer group-friendly accommodations near mountain and lake attractions.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Mountain Rest

ADR is remarkably flat between property sizes — $168 for 1-bedroom units and $173 for 2-bedrooms — suggesting that guests in this market don't pay a significant premium for the extra space. This means the incremental cost of acquiring or furnishing a larger property may not be offset by meaningfully higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Mountain Rest

One-bedroom listings deliver substantially better RevPAN at $30 compared to just $11 for 2-bedroom units, reflecting the significant occupancy gap between the two sizes. For investors focused on maximizing revenue per available night, smaller properties clearly outperform in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Mountain Rest

One-bedroom properties achieve 18% occupancy — more than double the 7% rate for 2-bedroom listings — indicating that solo travelers and couples represent the most reliable demand segment in Mountain Rest. The low occupancy across both sizes underscores the importance of aggressive pricing and marketing during shoulder and off-peak months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Mountain Rest

One-bedroom units generate $1,928 per month on average, outpacing 2-bedroom listings at $1,651 — a roughly 17% revenue advantage driven primarily by their higher occupancy. In a market this small, even modest occupancy improvements on a 2-bedroom property could close that gap.

Average annual revenue by property size in Mountain Rest

On an annual basis, 1-bedroom properties earn approximately $23,144 compared to $19,820 for 2-bedrooms, making the smaller format the stronger revenue play relative to likely lower acquisition and furnishing costs. Investors should weigh these figures against property prices to determine which configuration delivers the better yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Mountain Rest

Parking (100%), kitchen (91%), and self check-in (86%) are table stakes for Mountain Rest listings, reflecting a market of self-sufficient, nature-oriented travelers who expect cabin-style independence. Outdoor amenities like furniture (77%), BBQ grills (73%), and patios (64%) dominate — and with 50% of listings featuring waterfront access, properties without some form of outdoor or water-adjacent appeal may struggle to compete.

Understanding Mountain Rest's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Mountain Rest's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, signaling a market with genuine potential tempered by some softer fundamentals. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both rate as average, while above-average market growth is a positive indicator — but below-average occupancy stability is the primary drag on the score. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal budgeting plan to determine whether the opportunity aligns with their investment goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Mountain Rest

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Mountain Rest, South Carolina may need to obtain permits or register with Oconee County or relevant local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local government offices, as regulations in smaller unincorporated communities can differ from those in larger South Carolina cities.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in South Carolina communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may also apply, especially in lakefront or planned developments near Mountain Rest, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit state accommodations tax and any applicable local hospitality taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle collection on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their obligations with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Mountain Rest's above-average market growth trend suggests continued expansion of both supply and traveler interest, particularly as remote-work-friendly mountain escapes remain popular. Summer months should continue to anchor revenue — expect ADR to hold in the $200–$215 range during peak season — though investors should plan for significantly softer winters where monthly revenue can dip below $750. Occupancy may gradually improve from its current 13% average as the market matures and hosts refine their pricing strategies, though reaching the state average of 38% will likely take time. Investors entering now should budget conservatively and view the market as a medium-term play rather than an immediate cash-flow engine."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Mountain Rest, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mountain Rest?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Mountain Rest is currently 13%, which is notably below the South Carolina state average of 38%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months drive the bulk of bookings — and its relatively early stage of development. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 1-bedroom listings averaging 18% compared to just 7% for 2-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Mountain Rest?

Airbnb hosts in Mountain Rest earn an average of $2,130 per month and approximately $25,561 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season: July is the strongest month at $3,831 on average, while February is the softest at around $731. One-bedroom properties tend to outperform slightly, generating about $23,144 annually compared to $19,820 for two-bedroom listings.

Is Mountain Rest a good market for Airbnb investment?

Mountain Rest scores 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, though occupancy stability is below average. It's best suited for investors who are comfortable with seasonal income patterns and are looking for early entry into a growing mountain and waterfront destination in South Carolina.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Mountain Rest is $205, which is below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR is relatively consistent across property sizes, with 1-bedroom units averaging $168 and 2-bedroom units at $173. The lower ADR compared to the state reflects Mountain Rest's positioning as a more affordable, nature-focused getaway market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Mountain Rest?

Short-term rentals operate in Mountain Rest, SC, with 22 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify local permit requirements, zoning regulations, and any applicable Oconee County or South Carolina state rules before purchasing or listing a property. HOA restrictions may also apply in certain communities, particularly near waterfront areas.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Mountain Rest?

Peak season in Mountain Rest runs from June through October, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,831 per listing. August follows closely at $3,481, and the fall months of September and October remain solid at $2,655 and $2,524 respectively. The off-season spans December through March, with January and February being the quietest months at under $750 in average revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Mountain Rest?

There are currently 22 active Airbnb listings in Mountain Rest as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 75% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 7 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom listings making up the reported inventory.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Mountain Rest?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Mountain Rest 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 the Mountain Rest market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value estimates 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary — investors should verify all requirements with relevant authorities before purchasing.