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

Murphy Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Murphy, NC offers an intriguing short-term rental landscape nestled in the western North Carolina mountains, with 235 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $23,341 per property. With an average daily rate of $162—well below the $262 state average—the market provides an accessible entry point, though occupancy at 29% trails the 34% state benchmark. Investors willing to be selective on property type and positioning can find meaningful cash flow, particularly in larger units that command premium rates.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Murphy 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 Murphy

Murphy attracts STR investors with its affordable home prices relative to the western North Carolina region, strong seasonal tourism demand, and room to differentiate through larger properties and premium amenities.

Expert Market Assessment

"Murphy rates as a competitive opportunity with an ROI score of 53 out of 100—investors can find workable deals here, but the market rewards careful property selection over passive buying. The pronounced seasonality is both a feature and a challenge: July ($3,333) and October ($3,113) deliver standout months, while February dips to just $810, creating a wide revenue spread that requires disciplined budgeting. Larger properties in the 3- and 4-bedroom range punch well above their weight in both RevPAN and total revenue, making them the clearest path to stronger returns. The recent surge in new listings (175% YoY growth) means competition is intensifying, so investors should focus on differentiation through location, amenities, and guest experience."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Murphy

Average revenue by month in Murphy

Murphy's revenue follows a strongly seasonal pattern, with July ($3,333) and October ($3,113) standing out as peak months—likely driven by summer vacationers and fall foliage visitors—while February bottoms out at just $810. This roughly 4x spread between peak and trough months means investors need to budget carefully for the slower winter and early spring period.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Murphy

Two-bedroom properties dominate Murphy's supply with 123 listings (over half the market), followed by 57 three-bedroom units. The 4-bedroom segment has only 14 listings, which combined with its strong revenue performance may signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Murphy

ADR scales predictably with size, rising from $74 for studios to $249 for 4-bedroom homes—a 3.4x premium. Three-bedroom properties at $196 ADR represent a strong middle ground, offering meaningful rate increases over 2-bedrooms ($148) without the higher acquisition costs of larger homes.

Average RevPAN by property size in Murphy

RevPAN peaks in the 4-bedroom ($61) and 3-bedroom ($60) segments, reflecting their ability to combine higher nightly rates with solid occupancy. Studios also perform surprisingly well at $44 RevPAN thanks to their 61% occupancy, while 1-bedroom units lag at just $32.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Murphy

Studios stand out with a 61% occupancy rate—more than double any other size category—suggesting strong demand for affordable, compact getaways. The remaining sizes cluster between 25% and 31%, with 3-bedrooms edging ahead at 31%, indicating that most properties in Murphy should expect roughly one week booked per month outside peak season.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Murphy

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with bedroom count, from $813 for studios to $3,068 for 4-bedroom listings. The jump from 2-bedroom ($1,784) to 3-bedroom ($2,392) represents a 34% revenue increase, making the move to a larger property one of the most impactful levers for boosting cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Murphy

Four-bedroom properties lead the market with $36,821 in average annual revenue, nearly double the $18,856 generated by 1-bedroom listings. For investors evaluating return potential relative to acquisition cost, 3-bedroom units at $28,711 annually may offer the best balance of revenue and purchase price in Murphy's current market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Murphy

Kitchens (98%), parking (89%), and laundry facilities (87–88%) are table stakes in Murphy, reflecting a guest base that expects self-sufficient cabin-style accommodations. Differentiators like hot tubs (32%), pet-friendliness (49%), and lake access (8%) are less common and could help listings stand out in a market increasingly crowded with new supply.

Understanding Murphy's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Murphy's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, indicating that profitable deals exist but require more selective sourcing. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while market growth trend scores below average—reflecting the rapid 175% increase in listings that could outpace demand growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 3–4 bedrooms) where the revenue fundamentals are strongest.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Murphy

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Murphy, North Carolina may need to obtain permits or register their properties with Cherokee County or the town itself before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local government offices, as STR regulations in smaller mountain communities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar North Carolina markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants in certain subdivisions may also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina imposes state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Cherokee County may levy additional room taxes. Platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm whether any local taxes require separate filing.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Murphy's STR market is likely to see continued seasonal demand concentration in the summer and fall months, with July and October driving the strongest bookings. The 175% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy rates if demand doesn't keep pace. ADR may see incremental gains of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies, but RevPAN improvements will largely depend on whether newer listings can maintain competitive occupancy levels. Investors should plan for meaningful revenue swings between peak and off-peak periods when modeling returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Murphy, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Murphy?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Murphy is currently 29%, which falls slightly below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—studios lead at 61%, while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties sit in the mid-20s. Seasonal demand patterns, with peaks in summer and fall, heavily influence these figures.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Murphy?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Murphy earn approximately $1,945 per month or $23,341 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 4-bedroom listings average $3,068 per month ($36,821 annually), while studios average $813 per month ($9,764 annually). Peak months like July and October can push monthly revenue above $3,000 for many hosts.

Is Murphy a good market for Airbnb investment?

Murphy earns an ROI score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers affordable entry points with average home values of $398,025 and solid seasonal demand, but the recent 175% year-over-year growth in listings means competition is increasing. Investors who target larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) and differentiate with sought-after amenities like hot tubs and outdoor spaces tend to see the strongest returns.

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

The average daily rate across all Murphy Airbnb listings is $162, which is meaningfully lower than the $262 North Carolina state average. Rates scale with property size, from $74 for studios up to $249 for 4-bedroom homes. This pricing positions Murphy as an affordable mountain getaway for guests, which can support steady demand during peak travel seasons.

Are short-term rentals legal in Murphy?

Short-term rentals operate in Murphy, NC, with 235 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registration. Investors should verify current STR rules with Cherokee County and the Town of Murphy, and review any HOA restrictions that may apply to specific properties before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Murphy?

Peak season in Murphy runs primarily through the summer and fall months. July is the highest-earning month with average revenue of $3,333, followed closely by October at $3,113—likely driven by fall foliage tourism. The slowest period is February at $810, so investors should plan cash flow around a roughly 4:1 spread between peak and off-peak monthly revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Murphy?

As of April 2026, there are 235 active Airbnb listings in Murphy. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 175% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 123 listings, while 4-bedroom homes represent a smaller niche with just 14 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Murphy?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Murphy are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks like July and slower months like February. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within Murphy, and how actively 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 Murphy, NC and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions can shift due to seasonal trends, regulatory changes, or economic factors. Local STR regulations vary and may change—investors should independently verify permit requirements, tax obligations, and zoning rules before purchasing.