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

Ocracoke Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ocracoke, a remote island village on North Carolina's Outer Banks, presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity driven by its seasonal beach tourism and limited housing stock. With just 30 active Airbnb listings and an ROI score of 71 out of 100, the market benefits from scarcity — there simply aren't many places to stay on this barrier island. Average annual revenue reaches $43,859 based on trailing 12-month performance, and above-average occupancy stability suggests consistent demand patterns that reward well-positioned hosts during the warm months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ocracoke 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 Ocracoke

Ocracoke's geographic isolation, limited supply, and strong summer tourism create a niche STR market where scarcity works in the investor's favor.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ocracoke earns its "Attractive Opportunity" designation through a combination of supply scarcity and reliable seasonal demand, though investors should plan for significant revenue concentration in summer. July and August together account for more than a third of annual income, while winter months like February dip to around $1,164 — a spread that demands careful cash-flow planning. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a reassuring signal, and three-bedroom properties stand out as the strongest performers with $55,132 in average annual revenue and the highest RevPAN at $81. For investors comfortable with a seasonal rhythm and premium property prices, this island market offers genuine upside in a tightly constrained supply environment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ocracoke

Average revenue by month in Ocracoke

Ocracoke's revenue curve is steeply seasonal: July peaks at $8,046 and August at $7,557, while February bottoms out at just $1,164 — nearly a 7x spread between the best and worst months. Investors should plan for roughly 60% of annual income arriving between May and August, with the shoulder months of October ($3,347) and November ($2,627) providing modest supplementary revenue.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ocracoke

Two-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 12 of 30 active listings (40%), while one-bedroom and three-bedroom units each account for 8 listings. The relatively even distribution across sizes means no single configuration is dramatically underserved, though the three-bedroom segment's stronger revenue performance could make it worth competing in despite equal supply.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ocracoke

ADR climbs steadily with bedroom count: one-bedrooms average $193, two-bedrooms $243, and three-bedrooms $273 per night. The jump from one to two bedrooms ($50) is proportionally larger than from two to three ($30), suggesting the premium-to-cost trade-off may be most efficient at the two-bedroom level for investors watching acquisition costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ocracoke

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $81, substantially outperforming both one-bedrooms ($46) and two-bedrooms ($32). The two-bedroom segment's notably low RevPAN — despite having the most listings — suggests that increased competition at that size may be compressing effective revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ocracoke

Three-bedroom listings lead in occupancy at 30%, followed by one-bedrooms at 24%, while two-bedroom units lag at just 14%. The two-bedroom segment's lower occupancy, despite being the most common property size, points to supply saturation at that tier and reinforces the case for three-bedroom investments if the goal is cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ocracoke

Monthly revenue scales predictably with size: one-bedrooms earn an average of $2,713, two-bedrooms $3,630, and three-bedrooms lead at $4,594 per month. The $964 monthly gap between two- and three-bedroom units adds up to meaningful annual income and supports prioritizing larger configurations where acquisition economics allow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ocracoke

Three-bedroom properties generate the highest annual revenue at $55,132, followed by two-bedrooms at $43,569 and one-bedrooms at $32,558. For investors weighing return potential against Ocracoke's average home value of $738,644, the three-bedroom tier offers the most compelling top-line revenue — though acquisition and furnishing costs for larger units should be factored into the full analysis.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ocracoke

Parking is universal (100%) in Ocracoke — unsurprising for a ferry-access island — and kitchen, washer/dryer, and self check-in all exceed 90%, setting a high baseline for guest expectations. Nearly half of listings (47%) allow pets, signaling that pet-friendliness is becoming a competitive differentiator in this vacation market, while outdoor amenities like backyards (33%), BBQ grills (30%), and patios (27%) are common but not yet standard.

Understanding Ocracoke's ROI Score: 71/100

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

Ocracoke's ROI score of 71 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where seasonal demand and limited inventory work together to support meaningful returns. Above-average occupancy stability is the standout factor, while revenue-to-price ratio, market growth, and supply/demand balance all register as average — consistent with a niche island market that won't deliver year-round cash flow but rewards patient, seasonally-savvy investors. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and a clear-eyed assessment of Ocracoke's infrastructure constraints will give investors the fullest picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ocracoke

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ocracoke, North Carolina, should verify whether a permit or registration is required through Hyde County or applicable local authorities, as Outer Banks communities may have specific STR oversight. Investors are encouraged to confirm current requirements before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits tied to septic or water capacity, minimum-stay requirements during peak season, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA-level rules that may further limit rental activity. Given Ocracoke's unique infrastructure as a ferry-access-only island, utility and environmental restrictions may also apply.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires collection of state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Hyde County may impose additional room or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should verify compliance with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ocracoke's summer-heavy revenue pattern is likely to persist, with July and August continuing to anchor the bulk of annual earnings. The 99% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though the island's physical constraints should keep total supply modest. Investors can reasonably expect ADR to hold in the $240–$260 range, with occupancy fluctuating between roughly 15–30% depending on property size and season. Shoulder months like May, October, and even November may see incremental gains as travelers seek off-peak coastal getaways."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ocracoke, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ocracoke?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ocracoke is currently 21%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the island's heavily seasonal demand pattern — occupancy spikes during summer months and drops considerably in winter. Three-bedroom properties tend to perform best at 30% occupancy, while two-bedroom units average 14%. Investors should factor this seasonality into their financial projections.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ocracoke?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Ocracoke earns approximately $43,859 per year, or about $3,654 per month. Revenue varies significantly by property size: one-bedroom listings average $32,558 annually, two-bedrooms average $43,569, and three-bedroom properties lead at $55,132 per year. Summer months drive the lion's share of income, with July alone averaging $8,046 in revenue.

Is Ocracoke a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ocracoke scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from limited supply — just 30 active listings serve the entire island — and above-average occupancy stability. However, average home values sit at $738,644, and revenue is heavily concentrated in summer, so investors should carefully model their expected cash-on-cash return. For those comfortable with seasonal income patterns and a premium entry price, the island's scarcity dynamics offer meaningful upside.

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

The average daily rate in Ocracoke is $244, which is slightly below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom listings average $193 per night, two-bedrooms average $243, and three-bedroom properties command $273 per night. These rates reflect the island's vacation-oriented market where guests expect well-appointed, self-contained accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ocracoke?

Short-term rentals operate in Ocracoke, and there are currently active Airbnb listings on the island. However, operators should verify local permit requirements, zoning rules, and any applicable Hyde County or North Carolina state regulations before listing a property. Coastal communities on the Outer Banks may have specific restrictions related to infrastructure, environmental protection, or occupancy limits that could affect STR operations.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ocracoke?

Peak season in Ocracoke runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $8,046 per listing. August follows closely at $7,557. Revenue drops sharply after Labor Day, with September averaging $2,423 and winter months like February bottoming out around $1,164. May ($4,729) and June ($5,470) mark the ramp-up to peak season and are also strong earning months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ocracoke?

As of April 2026, there are 30 active Airbnb listings in Ocracoke. The supply breaks down to 8 one-bedroom properties, 12 two-bedroom properties, and 8 three-bedroom properties. Notably, year-over-year listing growth stands at 99%, indicating the market is attracting significant new investor interest — though total inventory remains quite small given the island's geographic constraints.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ocracoke?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ocracoke 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 results 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 Ocracoke market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may shift due to weather events, regulatory changes, or economic factors. Individual property results will vary based on location within Ocracoke, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.