Pickens, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Pickens Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Pickens, SC is a compact short-term rental market with just 34 active Airbnb listings, offering investors relatively low competition and room to establish a presence. Average annual revenue sits at $23,497 against average home values of $438,543, and the market's 133% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest in this corner of upstate South Carolina. While occupancy at 29% trails the state average of 38%, the strong fall seasonality—with October revenue peaking at $3,380—suggests meaningful upside for operators who price and market strategically during high-demand months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Pickens 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 Pickens

Pickens appeals to investors seeking an emerging upstate South Carolina market with low competition, outdoor recreation demand, and property values that support reasonable revenue-to-price ratios.

Expert Market Assessment

"Pickens earns an ROI score of 57 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band—a market with real potential but some metrics that require careful underwriting. The dramatic seasonality is the defining feature here: monthly revenue swings from $879 in January to $3,380 in October, meaning cash flow will be uneven and investors need to budget for lean winter months. The market's small size and rapid supply growth warrant attention, but the upstate South Carolina location and outdoor appeal provide a credible demand floor. Investors who can optimize for the September–November peak and maintain reasonable occupancy through summer stand to benefit most."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Pickens

Average revenue by month in Pickens

Pickens exhibits strong seasonality, with October ($3,380) generating nearly four times the revenue of January ($879). The peak earning window stretches from July through November, while the December–March period is markedly softer—investors should plan reserves to cover lean winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Pickens

The supply of 34 listings skews toward smaller properties, with 1-bedroom (12) and 2-bedroom (13) units making up roughly 74% of all inventory. Three-bedroom listings account for just 6 properties, which may represent an opportunity for investors willing to offer more space in an undersupplied segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Pickens

ADR increases meaningfully with size: 1-bedroom listings average $111 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $133, and 3-bedroom properties command a notable premium at $192. The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms ($59 difference) is the steepest, suggesting guests are willing to pay substantially more for the added space and capacity.

Average RevPAN by property size in Pickens

RevPAN is notably flat across property sizes, with 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings both delivering $41 per available night while 2-bedrooms come in slightly lower at $36. This suggests that while 3-bedroom properties charge more per night, their lower occupancy brings per-night yield in line with smaller units.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Pickens

Occupancy drops sharply as property size increases: 1-bedroom units lead at 37%, 2-bedrooms average 28%, and 3-bedrooms fill just 22% of available nights. For investors prioritizing consistent bookings and steadier cash flow, smaller units in Pickens offer a clear advantage on the occupancy front.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Pickens

Despite the wide occupancy gap, monthly revenue is surprisingly similar across sizes—1-bedrooms earn $1,774, 2-bedrooms bring in $1,780, and 3-bedrooms lead modestly at $1,973. The higher ADR of larger properties largely offsets their lower occupancy, resulting in relatively narrow revenue differences.

Average annual revenue by property size in Pickens

Three-bedroom properties top the annual revenue chart at $23,677, but the gap over 1-bedroom ($21,293) and 2-bedroom ($21,370) units is only about $2,300. Given the likely higher acquisition and operating costs for larger homes, investors should carefully weigh whether the incremental revenue justifies the added expense.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Pickens

Parking (100%), kitchen (97%), and outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (82%), outdoor furniture (82%), and backyards (79%) dominate listings in Pickens, signaling that guests expect a rural retreat experience with ample outdoor space. Self check-in is also near-universal at 82%, while hot tubs (24%) and waterfront access (9%) remain differentiators that could help a property stand out from competitors.

Understanding Pickens's ROI Score: 57/100

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

Pickens' ROI score of 57 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier, reflecting average performance across all four calculation factors: Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance. No single factor stands out as a clear strength or weakness, which means returns here will largely depend on operational execution—particularly around seasonal pricing and maintaining bookings during the softer winter months. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow model that accounts for Pickens' pronounced seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Pickens

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

Permit Requirements

Investors considering short-term rentals in Pickens, South Carolina should verify whether a business license or STR-specific permit is required through the City of Pickens and Pickens County. South Carolina does not impose a statewide STR registration mandate, so local requirements can vary—checking with municipal planning and zoning offices before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply in Pickens include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and minimum-stay rules in certain zoning districts. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in specific neighborhoods, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before committing to a property.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina requires collection of a state accommodations tax and local hospitality taxes on short-term rentals, and Pickens County may impose additional local lodging levies. Major platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their obligations for any county or municipal taxes directly.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Pickens is likely to see continued supply growth given the 133% year-over-year increase in active listings, though the small base of 34 listings means the market could absorb new entrants without dramatic rate compression. Seasonal patterns point to sustained strength from July through November, and ADR may edge up 1–3% as operators refine pricing around fall leaf-peeping and outdoor recreation demand. Occupancy rates could stabilize in the 28–32% range market-wide, though well-positioned properties with desirable amenities may outperform that band. Investors should monitor whether the rapid supply expansion begins to soften RevPAN, particularly during the slower January–March window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Pickens, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pickens?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Pickens is currently 29%, which is below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom units lead at 37%, while 3-bedroom properties average 22%. Seasonal demand patterns mean occupancy is considerably higher during the fall months and lower during winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Pickens?

Airbnb hosts in Pickens earn an average of $1,958 per month and approximately $23,497 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Larger properties tend to earn more, with 3-bedroom listings averaging $23,677 annually compared to $21,293 for 1-bedroom units. Revenue is heavily seasonal, with October being the highest-earning month at $3,380 and January the lowest at $879.

Is Pickens a good market for Airbnb investment?

Pickens carries an ROI score of 57 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market offers a reasonable balance of revenue relative to property values, and with only 34 active listings, competition remains limited. However, occupancy runs below the state average and revenue is highly seasonal, so investors should plan for uneven monthly cash flow and focus on maximizing the strong September–November peak period.

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

The average daily rate in Pickens is $139, well below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $111, 2-bedrooms come in at $133, and 3-bedroom properties command $192 per night. The lower ADR compared to the state reflects Pickens' positioning as an affordable getaway market rather than a premium resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Pickens?

Short-term rentals operate in Pickens, SC, as evidenced by the 34 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, specific permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and tax obligations can vary at the city and county level. Investors should verify current regulations with the City of Pickens and Pickens County planning offices before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Pickens?

Peak season in Pickens runs from roughly July through November, with October generating the highest average monthly revenue at $3,380. September ($3,203) and November ($2,812) are also strong months, likely driven by fall foliage and outdoor recreation in the upstate South Carolina foothills. The slowest months are January ($879) and February ($915), making winter the clear off-peak period.

How many Airbnbs are there in Pickens?

There are currently 34 active Airbnb listings in Pickens as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across 12 one-bedroom, 13 two-bedroom, and 6 three-bedroom properties. Notably, the market has seen 133% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor interest and a rapidly expanding—though still small—supply base.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Pickens?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Pickens 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder 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 how well 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 the Pickens market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Local regulations, zoning rules, and tax requirements may change; always verify current STR policies with Pickens and Pickens County authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.