Ocean Isle Beach, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Ocean Isle Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ocean Isle Beach is a classic coastal North Carolina market where summer-driven demand pushes average daily rates to $394—well above the $262 state average. With an average annual revenue of $63,197 across 159 active listings and an ROI score of 55 out of 100, the market offers attractive potential for investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. Larger properties command especially strong nightly rates, making this a compelling destination for vacation-home buyers targeting family and group travel.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ocean Isle Beach 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 Ocean Isle Beach

Investors are drawn to Ocean Isle Beach for its high nightly rates, strong summer revenue peaks, and above-average market growth trajectory that can offset seasonal softness.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ocean Isle Beach presents an attractive but seasonally dependent investment opportunity. Revenue swings dramatically from a low of $1,360 in January to a peak of $12,958 in July, so cash-flow planning around the off-season is essential. The market's above-average growth trend and strong ADR relative to the state are encouraging, though occupancy at 23% sits below the 34% state average—a reflection of concentrated summer demand rather than weak interest. Investors who target 4- to 6+ bedroom properties and optimize amenities for family vacationers stand to capture the strongest returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ocean Isle Beach

Average revenue by month in Ocean Isle Beach

Revenue in Ocean Isle Beach follows a dramatic seasonal curve, peaking at $12,958 in July and bottoming out at $1,360 in January—a nearly 10x spread. June through August collectively drive the bulk of annual income, making summer occupancy optimization critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ocean Isle Beach

Three- and four-bedroom properties dominate supply with 39 and 40 listings respectively, while the 6+ bedroom category has just 11 listings despite commanding the highest revenues. This relative scarcity of large homes could signal an opportunity for investors who can acquire or develop bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ocean Isle Beach

ADR scales steeply with size, rising from $138 for 1-bedroom units to $1,000 for 6+ bedroom homes. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($223) to 4 bedrooms ($472) is especially notable, suggesting that families and groups booking mid-to-large properties are willing to pay a substantial premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ocean Isle Beach

Six-plus bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $144, followed by 4-bedroom units at $122, indicating that larger homes convert their high ADRs into strong per-night revenue even with lower occupancy. One-bedroom listings lag at just $27 RevPAN, making them the weakest performers on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ocean Isle Beach

Two-bedroom units lead occupancy at 31%, while 5-bedroom (16%) and 6+ bedroom (14%) properties sit at the bottom—reflecting fewer but higher-value bookings for larger homes. Investors in bigger properties should expect fewer booked nights but can compensate with significantly higher nightly rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ocean Isle Beach

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with bedroom count, from $2,212 for 1-bedroom listings to $17,856 for 6+ bedroom homes. The gap between 5-bedroom ($8,936) and 6+ bedroom ($17,856) properties is striking, suggesting outsized returns for the largest homes in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ocean Isle Beach

Annual revenue ranges from $26,553 for 1-bedroom units to $214,274 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom homes at $73,688 representing a solid mid-tier option. Investors targeting the highest absolute returns will find the 5-bedroom ($107,241) and 6+ bedroom tiers most compelling, though acquisition costs should be weighed carefully.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ocean Isle Beach

Parking (97%) and kitchens (96%) are near-universal, while pools (57%) and beach access (49%) serve as meaningful differentiators in a coastal vacation market. Investors who include pools, pet-friendliness (only 26% of listings), or direct beach access may gain a competitive edge with guests seeking premium beach-house experiences.

Understanding Ocean Isle Beach's ROI Score: 55/100

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

With an ROI score of 55 out of 100, Ocean Isle Beach falls into the 'Attractive Opportunity' band—meaning the fundamentals support investment but with caveats worth understanding. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while market growth trend is above average, suggesting improving conditions. However, the below-average supply/demand balance signals growing competition, so investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow plan.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ocean Isle Beach

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina may be required to obtain permits or register with local authorities before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Ocean Isle Beach and Brunswick County, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking regulations, and trash management rules. HOA covenants are especially prevalent in beach communities and may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ocean Isle Beach is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with summer months continuing to generate the lion's share of annual income. Above-average market growth trends suggest listing performance could improve modestly, with ADRs potentially rising 2–4% as coastal demand remains resilient. Winter occupancy will likely stay soft—estimates point to occupancy hovering around 20–25% outside peak season—so investors should plan cash reserves accordingly. Listings that differentiate through pools, pet-friendliness, or premium outdoor spaces may outperform as competition from a growing supply base intensifies."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ocean Isle Beach, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ocean Isle Beach?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ocean Isle Beach is currently 23%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This lower figure reflects the market's heavily seasonal nature—occupancy surges during summer beach season and drops considerably in winter. Two-bedroom listings lead with the highest average occupancy at 31%, while larger 6+ bedroom properties average around 14%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ocean Isle Beach?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Ocean Isle Beach earn approximately $5,266 per month and $63,197 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average about $26,553 annually, while 6+ bedroom homes can generate around $214,274 per year. Peak summer months account for a disproportionate share of total income.

Is Ocean Isle Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ocean Isle Beach earns an ROI score of 55 out of 100 from Rabbu, classified as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' The market benefits from above-average daily rates ($394 vs. $262 statewide) and an above-average growth trend. However, seasonality is pronounced, and occupancy rates are below the state average. Investors targeting larger properties and planning for off-season cash-flow gaps tend to do best here.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Ocean Isle Beach?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ocean Isle Beach is $394, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales sharply with property size—1-bedroom units average $138 per night, while 6+ bedroom homes command around $1,000 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ocean Isle Beach?

Short-term rentals do operate in Ocean Isle Beach, with 159 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with specific zoning rules. Investors should check directly with the Town of Ocean Isle Beach and Brunswick County for the latest requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ocean Isle Beach?

Peak season in Ocean Isle Beach runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average revenue of $12,958 per listing. June ($9,580) and August ($10,003) also perform strongly. The off-season stretches from November through February, when monthly revenues drop to between $1,360 and $2,207.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ocean Isle Beach?

There are currently 159 active Airbnb listings in Ocean Isle Beach as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 3- and 4-bedroom properties (39 and 40 listings respectively), with fewer 1-bedroom (20) and 6+ bedroom (11) listings. Year-over-year listing growth has been substantial at 261%.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ocean Isle Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ocean Isle Beach 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 Ocean Isle Beach market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue performance based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots; market conditions may shift due to seasonal factors, regulatory changes, or economic trends. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.