Oak Island, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Oak Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Oak Island, NC presents a compelling beach-market opportunity for short-term rental investors, with an ROI score of 66 out of 100 — placing it in the Attractive Opportunity range. The market supports 453 active Airbnb listings and generates an average annual revenue of $50,584 per property, driven by intense summer seasonality that pushes July revenues above $10,300. With average home values around $858,568 and above-average occupancy stability, investors who can navigate the seasonal cash-flow cycle will find a market with solid fundamentals and room for strategic differentiation.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Oak Island 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 Oak Island

Oak Island attracts STR investors with its combination of strong seasonal beach demand, above-average occupancy stability, and growing market momentum that together create a reliable — if seasonal — income stream.

Expert Market Assessment

"Oak Island rates as an attractive opportunity for STR investment, though the market rewards investors who understand and plan for pronounced seasonality. July stands out as the revenue peak at $10,372 per month on average, while January dips to roughly $1,089 — a nearly 10:1 spread that underscores how concentrated income is during the warm months. The market's above-average occupancy stability and growth trend provide a reassuring floor, and the average RevPAN of $60 per night reflects a healthy balance between nightly rates and fill rates. Investors targeting 4-bedroom or 6+ bedroom properties will find the strongest revenue-per-available-night figures, making larger configurations particularly worth evaluating."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Oak Island

Average revenue by month in Oak Island

Oak Island's revenue profile is sharply seasonal: July peaks at $10,372 while January bottoms out at just $1,089 — a nearly 10x swing. The lion's share of annual income arrives between June and August, making summer optimization critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Oak Island

Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 183 listings (40% of the market), followed by 4-bedrooms at 79 and 2-bedrooms at 73. Studios (6) and 1-bedrooms (25) are notably scarce, which could present a niche opportunity for investors targeting couples or solo travelers at lower acquisition costs.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Oak Island

ADR scales steadily with bedroom count, from $120 for 1-bedrooms all the way up to $513 for 6+ bedroom homes. The jump from 3-bedroom ($195) to 4-bedroom ($281) pricing represents a meaningful premium that may justify the higher acquisition cost for investors targeting mid-size family properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Oak Island

Six-plus bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $99, followed by 4-bedrooms at $72 and 2-bedrooms at $58. Interestingly, 5-bedroom homes trail at just $47 RevPAN despite their high ADR, suggesting that lower occupancy rates erode their effective earning power on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Oak Island

Two-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 30%, while studios (26%) and 4-bedrooms (26%) also perform relatively well. Five-bedroom homes lag at just 13% average occupancy, indicating that demand may not consistently support the largest standalone inventory outside peak summer weeks.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Oak Island

Monthly revenue climbs with size, from $1,653 for studios to $9,177 for 6+ bedroom properties — a 5.5x difference. Four-bedroom homes ($6,119/month) offer a strong balance of revenue and broader demand appeal compared to 5-bedrooms ($5,828), which actually earn slightly less due to lower occupancy.

Average annual revenue by property size in Oak Island

At $110,131 per year, 6+ bedroom homes generate more than double the revenue of 3-bedrooms ($41,048) and nearly six times what a studio produces ($19,842). Four-bedroom properties also stand out at $73,429 annually, representing an appealing sweet spot between acquisition cost and income potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Oak Island

Kitchens and parking are essentially table stakes at 98% prevalence, while washer/dryer combos (93%) and patios or balconies (81%) round out the baseline expectations. Outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (75%), outdoor furniture (72%), and beach access (36%) signal that guests prioritize the coastal vacation experience — investors who include a pool (31%) or waterfront positioning (30%) can differentiate meaningfully.

Understanding Oak Island's ROI Score: 66/100

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

Oak Island's ROI score of 66 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where revenue potential aligns reasonably well with property costs. Above-average marks in occupancy stability and market growth trend suggest the destination is gaining traction and retaining demand through seasonal shifts, while average scores for revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance indicate that careful property selection — particularly around size and location — will be key to outperformance. Investors should pair these data-driven insights with thorough local regulatory research and property-level underwriting before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Oak Island

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

Permit Requirements

Oak Island, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the town before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Town of Oak Island and Brunswick County, as regulations can change and may involve specific application processes or fees.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and trash management rules. HOA covenants in many Oak Island subdivisions may impose additional constraints or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as state sales tax on rental proceeds. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Brunswick County tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Oak Island's short-term rental market is expected to continue benefiting from above-average market growth trends and stable occupancy patterns. Summer months should remain the primary revenue engine, with peak-season ADRs likely holding steady or rising modestly by 1–3% as coastal demand persists along North Carolina's southern beaches. Off-season occupancy — currently in the low-to-mid 20% range — may see incremental improvement as more hosts adopt dynamic pricing and shoulder-season marketing. Investors should plan for roughly 60–70% of annual revenue to concentrate between May and August, and budget accordingly for leaner winter months."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Oak Island, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Oak Island?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Oak Island is currently 24%, compared to the North Carolina state average of 34%. This lower figure reflects the market's strong seasonality — summer months see much higher fill rates, while winter occupancy drops considerably. Two-bedroom properties lead at 30% average occupancy, while 1-bedroom units trail at 16%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Oak Island?

On average, Oak Island Airbnb hosts earn approximately $4,215 per month and $50,584 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 6+ bedroom homes average $110,131 annually, while studios bring in around $19,842. Summer months — particularly July — drive the bulk of annual income.

Is Oak Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

Oak Island earns an ROI score of 66 out of 100, placing it in the Attractive Opportunity category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and market growth trends, though its revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values around $858,568. Investors who select the right property size and optimize for peak-season bookings can find meaningful returns, especially with larger homes that command premium nightly rates.

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

The current average daily rate in Oak Island is $251, slightly below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales significantly with property size — studios average $172 per night, 3-bedrooms sit at $195, and 6+ bedroom homes command $513. Choosing a larger, well-appointed property can meaningfully increase nightly pricing power.

Are short-term rentals legal in Oak Island?

Short-term rentals do operate in Oak Island, with 453 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits or registration, and restrictions related to occupancy limits, noise, parking, and HOA rules can apply. Investors should verify the latest requirements directly with the Town of Oak Island and Brunswick County before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Oak Island?

Peak season in Oak Island runs from June through August, with July topping the chart at an average monthly revenue of $10,372. June ($7,669) and August ($8,006) also deliver strong returns. The shoulder months of May and September generate moderate income, while December through February represent the quietest period with revenues dipping below $1,600.

How many Airbnbs are there in Oak Island?

Oak Island currently has 453 active Airbnb listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 183 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms (79) and 2-bedrooms (73). Studios and 1-bedroom units are much less common, with only 6 and 25 listings respectively, which could signal opportunity for smaller-format investors.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Oak Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Oak Island 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 roll the remaining data 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, location within the island, 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, occupancy rates, and nightly rates for the Oak Island market
• Historical revenue performance based on trailing 12-month booking data across comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns for listings, ADR, occupancy, RevPAN, and revenue metrics
• Amenity prevalence data reflecting current guest expectations and competitive positioning
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment return context

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 are subject to change; always verify with municipal and county authorities before investing. Individual property results may vary significantly based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.