Pisgah Forest, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Pisgah Forest Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Pisgah Forest, NC sits at the doorstep of Pisgah National Forest, drawing hikers, waterfall chasers, and mountain-retreat seekers year-round. With 82 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $29,539 per property, the market offers moderate income potential — though average home values near $701,153 and a 21% occupancy rate mean investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing. The ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects a competitive landscape where strong demand is tempered by elevated entry costs and growing supply.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Pisgah Forest 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 Pisgah Forest

Pisgah Forest attracts investors seeking exposure to a mountain tourism market with year-round outdoor recreation demand, though higher home prices and rising competition require careful deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Pisgah Forest registers as a competitive opportunity — solid guest interest driven by outdoor recreation, but the market demands selectivity. Seasonality is pronounced: July revenues peak at $4,330 while February dips to just $1,048, creating a roughly 4:1 spread that investors must plan around. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio (average home values of $701,153 against $29,539 in annual revenue) means cash-flow-positive outcomes depend on acquiring below the market median or operating at above-average occupancy. For operators who can secure well-located properties and stand out in a rapidly growing listing pool, the mountain-tourism fundamentals remain genuinely appealing."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Pisgah Forest

Average revenue by month in Pisgah Forest

Revenue in Pisgah Forest follows a sharp seasonal curve, peaking in July at $4,330 and bottoming out in February at $1,048 — a spread of more than 4×. A strong secondary peak in October ($3,322) reflects fall foliage demand, giving operators two distinct high-revenue windows per year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Pisgah Forest

Supply is relatively balanced across 1- through 3-bedroom properties (22, 20, and 24 listings respectively), while 4-bedroom homes are the least represented at just 12 listings. The limited 4-bedroom inventory, combined with their higher revenue metrics, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to enter at that size.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Pisgah Forest

ADR climbs steadily from $144 for 1-bedroom units to $319 for 4-bedroom properties, with the jump from 3 bedrooms ($195) to 4 bedrooms representing a 64% premium. That outsized rate increase at the top end suggests guests are willing to pay significantly more for larger mountain retreats that accommodate groups.

Average RevPAN by property size in Pisgah Forest

RevPAN stays relatively flat across 1- through 3-bedroom properties ($35–$37), but 4-bedroom listings pull ahead at $45 per available night. This indicates that while smaller units fill more nights, larger properties more than compensate through higher nightly rates, making them the most efficient earners on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Pisgah Forest

Occupancy decreases as property size increases: 1-bedroom units lead at 26%, followed by 2-bedrooms at 21%, 3-bedrooms at 19%, and 4-bedrooms at 14%. The higher fill rate for smaller properties supports more predictable cash flow, though their lower ADR means they generate less total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Pisgah Forest

Monthly revenue scales with property size, from $1,979 for 1-bedroom listings up to $3,070 for 4-bedroom homes — a 55% increase. The gap between 3-bedroom ($2,742) and 4-bedroom ($3,070) properties is narrower, suggesting diminishing marginal returns at the largest sizes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Pisgah Forest

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $36,845, followed by 3-bedrooms at $32,908, 2-bedrooms at $25,541, and 1-bedrooms at $23,748. For investors focused on maximizing gross revenue, larger properties clearly outperform, though this needs to be weighed against higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Pisgah Forest

Kitchens (100%), parking (96%), and washer/dryer (88%/84%) are table stakes in Pisgah Forest, reflecting guests who plan self-catered mountain stays. Outdoor-oriented amenities — patio or balcony (77%), BBQ grill (62%), and pet-friendliness (62%) — are highly prevalent, signaling that nature-focused guests expect comfortable indoor-outdoor living, while hot tubs (12%) remain a potential differentiator.

Understanding Pisgah Forest's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Pisgah Forest's ROI score of 51 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning there's genuine investor interest and demand but the economics require careful deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary drag, driven by home values averaging $701,153 against annual revenue of roughly $29,539, while occupancy stability and market growth trend score as average. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target properties priced well below the market median to improve the return profile.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Pisgah Forest

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Pisgah Forest should verify whether Transylvania County or the state of North Carolina requires a short-term rental permit, business license, or registration before listing a property. Local requirements can vary, so checking directly with the county planning office is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain communities like Pisgah Forest may include occupancy limits, minimum-night stays, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and HOA covenants that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals. Investors should review any applicable zoning overlays and homeowner association rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and county occupancy taxes; Transylvania County may impose its own room occupancy tax as well. Major booking platforms often handle tax collection on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm 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 Pisgah Forest can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Pisgah Forest's summer and fall peaks — July topped $4,330 and October reached $3,322 — should continue to anchor revenue, with ADR potentially inching up 1–3% as the area's outdoor recreation appeal grows. Occupancy is likely to hover in the 20–25% range market-wide, given the 121% year-over-year listing growth adding competitive pressure. Investors who differentiate through premium amenities or target underserved property sizes could outperform these averages, but the expanding supply warrants conservative underwriting."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Pisgah Forest, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pisgah Forest?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Pisgah Forest is currently 21%, which trails the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average 26%, while 4-bedroom properties come in at 14%. The lower market-wide figure reflects strong seasonality and rapid supply growth, so well-managed properties with competitive pricing can meaningfully outperform the average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Pisgah Forest?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb listing in Pisgah Forest earns approximately $29,539 per year, or about $2,461 per month. Larger properties tend to earn more: 4-bedroom listings average $36,845 annually, while 1-bedroom units average $23,748. Actual results depend on property quality, location, pricing strategy, and seasonal demand patterns.

Is Pisgah Forest a good market for Airbnb investment?

Pisgah Forest scores 51 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' tier. The area benefits from strong leisure demand tied to Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge mountain tourism, but elevated home values (averaging $701,153) and a 121% year-over-year increase in listings mean the revenue-to-price ratio is below average. Investors who source deals carefully and optimize operations can still find worthwhile returns, particularly with larger properties that command higher nightly rates.

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

The average daily rate across all Pisgah Forest Airbnb listings is $194, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $144, 2-bedrooms $170, 3-bedrooms $195, and 4-bedroom properties command $319 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Pisgah Forest?

Short-term rentals operate in Pisgah Forest, but investors should verify current permit, registration, and zoning requirements with Transylvania County and the state of North Carolina before listing. Regulations can change, and some properties may be subject to HOA restrictions that limit or prohibit short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Pisgah Forest?

Peak season in Pisgah Forest runs from June through October, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,330. October is a strong secondary peak at $3,322, driven by fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to $1,150 and $1,048 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Pisgah Forest?

As of April 2026, there are 82 active Airbnb listings in Pisgah Forest. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 121% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is fairly evenly distributed: 22 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, 24 three-bedroom, and 12 four-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Pisgah Forest?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Pisgah Forest 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Pisgah Forest market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index for investment cost context
• Amenity prevalence data showing guest expectation benchmarks

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 as of the dates noted; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations should be independently verified before making investment decisions.