Murrells Inlet, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Murrells Inlet Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Murrells Inlet, SC earns a 70 out of 100 ROI score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier for short-term rental investors. With an average annual revenue of $45,472 across 304 active listings and a favorable revenue-to-price ratio against an average home value of $603,649, the market offers a compelling coastal entry point. Seasonal demand is heavily summer-driven, but the above-average occupancy stability suggests hosts can maintain cash flow outside peak months with the right pricing strategy.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Murrells Inlet 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 Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet attracts investors with its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and seasonal coastal demand that rewards well-positioned properties.

Expert Market Assessment

"Murrells Inlet presents an attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with seasonal cash-flow patterns. Revenue swings dramatically between a January low of $926 and a July peak of $9,975, so annual performance hinges on maximizing the June–August window. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability offset some of that seasonality risk, while growth trends and supply-demand dynamics sit at average levels—suggesting the market is competitive but not yet oversaturated. Investors who target larger properties and execute strong summer pricing can capture outsized returns relative to the broader South Carolina STR landscape."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Murrells Inlet

Average revenue by month in Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet displays extreme seasonality, with July revenue ($9,975) more than ten times the January figure ($926). The core earning window runs June through August, collectively generating over $23,500 in average revenue—investors should budget around this concentrated summer peak and plan for lean winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Murrells Inlet

Two-bedroom units dominate the supply at 105 listings (roughly 35% of all inventory), followed by 3-bedrooms (68) and 1-bedrooms (45). Larger configurations—especially 5-bedroom (18 listings) and 6+ bedroom (29 listings)—are relatively scarce, potentially signaling less competition and opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Murrells Inlet

ADR scales sharply with property size, jumping from $119 for 1-bedroom units to $937 for 6+ bedroom homes. The steepest rate premiums emerge at 4 bedrooms ($327) and above, suggesting that investors targeting larger properties can capture disproportionately higher nightly rates relative to the incremental cost of additional bedrooms.

Average RevPAN by property size in Murrells Inlet

Revenue per available night peaks dramatically at $294 for 6+ bedroom properties, far outpacing every other size category. Among mid-range options, 4-bedroom units lead at $79 RevPAN, while 5-bedroom listings dip to $61—likely due to their lower 15% occupancy rate—making the 3- and 4-bedroom segment the most consistent performers below the luxury tier.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Murrells Inlet

Occupancy rates cluster between 30–32% for 1- through 3-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties, providing relatively consistent demand across most sizes. Five-bedroom listings are the notable outlier at just 15% occupancy, suggesting either oversupply at that tier or pricing that limits booking frequency, which investors should weigh carefully.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Murrells Inlet

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,354 for 1-bedroom units to $15,336 for 6+ bedroom homes, with each step up in size yielding meaningful incremental income. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($5,416) to 5 bedrooms ($8,161) and especially to 6+ bedrooms ($15,336) demonstrates that larger coastal vacation homes command outsized revenue in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Murrells Inlet

Annual revenue potential climbs steeply with size, from $28,255 for 1-bedroom properties to $184,036 for 6+ bedroom homes. Four-bedroom listings averaging $65,003 per year offer a strong middle ground for investors seeking solid returns without the operational complexity and higher acquisition costs associated with the largest properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Murrells Inlet

Kitchens (98%), parking (95%), and laundry facilities (90% washer, 87% dryer) are near-universal, making them table stakes rather than differentiators. Pool access (60%), patios or balconies (80%), and beach access (30%) reflect the coastal vacation market, and investors who can offer waterfront positioning or pool amenities may gain a meaningful booking edge over competitors.

Understanding Murrells Inlet's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Murrells Inlet's ROI score of 70 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability—two factors that together account for 70% of the score weighting. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both rate as average, reflecting a competitive but not overcrowded environment where disciplined operators can still perform well. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to confirm the opportunity aligns with their return targets.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Murrells Inlet

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina may need to obtain permits or register their properties with Georgetown County or applicable local authorities. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the county before listing, as regulations in coastal South Carolina communities can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal STR markets like Murrells Inlet may include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking provisions for guests. HOA covenants are also worth investigating, as many communities in the area have their own rules governing short-term rentals that may be more restrictive than local ordinances.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina imposes state sales tax and local accommodations taxes on short-term rentals, and Murrells Inlet hosts should expect to collect and remit these obligations. Platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of tax collection automatically, but operators should confirm full compliance with both state and county tax requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Murrells Inlet is likely to see continued summer-weighted demand, with July revenues potentially reaching $9,000–$10,000 for the average listing. ADR may drift modestly higher in the 2–4% range as supply growth—currently at 112% year-over-year—begins to stabilize and competition pushes hosts toward better differentiation. Shoulder-season occupancy could edge up slightly if more operators adopt dynamic pricing, though winter months will likely remain soft with revenues in the $900–$1,500 range. Investors should plan around this pronounced seasonality rather than expecting flat performance year-round."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Murrells Inlet, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Murrells Inlet?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Murrells Inlet is currently 30%, which falls below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 2- and 3-bedroom units performing best at 32%, while 5-bedroom properties average just 15%. The lower overall figure reflects Murrells Inlet's strong seasonality—summer months drive the bulk of bookings, while winter occupancy drops considerably.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Murrells Inlet?

Airbnb hosts in Murrells Inlet earn an average of $3,789 per month and approximately $45,472 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies widely by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $28,255 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate around $184,036 per year. Peak-season months like July can bring in nearly $10,000 for the average listing, so annual totals are heavily influenced by summer performance.

Is Murrells Inlet a good market for Airbnb investment?

With a Rabbu ROI score of 70 out of 100 and an "Attractive Opportunity" rating, Murrells Inlet shows solid potential for STR investors. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability, though investors should plan for pronounced seasonality with most revenue concentrated between May and August. Larger properties tend to deliver the strongest returns, and pairing competitive amenities with dynamic pricing can help maximize performance across the full calendar year.

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

The average daily rate in Murrells Inlet is $275, which is lower than the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales significantly with property size—from $119 for 1-bedroom listings up to $937 for 6+ bedroom properties. The lower market-wide average reflects the prevalence of smaller units in the supply mix, but investors targeting larger homes can command much higher nightly rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Murrells Inlet?

Short-term rentals operate in Murrells Inlet, as evidenced by the 304 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify local permit requirements, zoning rules, and any HOA restrictions with Georgetown County and South Carolina state authorities before purchasing a property. Regulations in coastal communities can change, so staying current on local ordinances is an important part of due diligence.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Murrells Inlet?

Peak season in Murrells Inlet runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $9,975 per listing. June ($7,095) and August ($6,451) also deliver well above the annual monthly average. The shoulder months of April and May see moderate activity, while winter months from November through February are the slowest, with January bottoming out at $926.

How many Airbnbs are there in Murrells Inlet?

There are currently 304 active Airbnb listings in Murrells Inlet as of April 2026. The supply is led by 2-bedroom properties (105 listings), followed by 3-bedroom units (68) and 1-bedroom listings (45). Year-over-year listing growth stands at 112%, indicating the market is expanding and attracting new hosts.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Murrells Inlet?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Murrells Inlet are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) is averaged by month over the past year, regional outliers are removed, and the remaining data is rolled 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. 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 Murrells Inlet market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property amenity prevalence data from active listings in the market
• 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. Individual results may vary based on property condition, location within the market, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.