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

Purlear Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Purlear, NC is a small but emerging short-term rental market nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, currently hosting just 33 active Airbnb listings. With an average annual revenue of $26,143 and average home values around $456,810, the market offers an approachable entry point for investors drawn to rural mountain getaway demand. While occupancy runs at 20%—below the 34% North Carolina state average—the market's 55% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest and growing traveler awareness of the area.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Purlear 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 Purlear

Purlear appeals to investors seeking affordable mountain-market exposure with room for growth in a still-developing STR landscape.

Expert Market Assessment

"Purlear presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to play the long game in a developing mountain market. Revenue peaks sharply in July ($3,120) and October ($2,919), while the softest months—February at $1,255 and May at $1,598—highlight meaningful seasonality that investors should plan around. The ROI score of 59 out of 100 reflects average performance across revenue-to-price, occupancy stability, and supply/demand metrics, but 3-bedroom properties stand out as the clear outperformer. Investors who target larger units and optimize for peak-season pricing have the best shot at capturing above-average returns in this still-maturing market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Purlear

Average revenue by month in Purlear

Purlear's revenue swings considerably across the year, peaking in July at $3,120 and bottoming out in February at just $1,255—a spread of nearly $1,900. Summer and fall months (July through December) consistently outperform, reflecting strong seasonal demand tied to mountain recreation and autumn foliage.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Purlear

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 13 of the 33 active properties, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units each account for 9 listings. The relative scarcity of larger properties—combined with their superior performance metrics—could signal an opportunity for investors willing to target 3-bedroom configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Purlear

ADR climbs steadily with size, from $143 for 1-bedroom units to $203 for 3-bedroom properties, representing a 42% premium. Given that 3-bedrooms also achieve meaningfully higher occupancy, the extra acquisition cost for a larger property appears well justified by nightly rate gains.

Average RevPAN by property size in Purlear

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $67, nearly triple the $24 earned by both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom listings. This dramatic gap underscores that larger properties in Purlear convert their higher rates and occupancy into substantially better revenue efficiency per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Purlear

Occupancy rates vary widely: 3-bedroom units achieve 33%, roughly double the 17% for 1-bedrooms and well above the 14% for 2-bedroom properties. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, the larger configurations offer materially steadier booking activity.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Purlear

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,010 for 1-bedroom listings up to $2,678 for 3-bedroom properties, a 33% increase. While the gap between 1- and 2-bedroom revenue ($272) is modest, the jump to 3-bedrooms adds nearly $400 more per month, reinforcing their position as the top earners.

Average annual revenue by property size in Purlear

Three-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $32,143, compared to $27,392 for 2-bedrooms and $24,128 for 1-bedrooms. Investors targeting the highest gross return potential in Purlear should focus on 3-bedroom units, which earn roughly $8,000 more per year than their smallest counterparts.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Purlear

Kitchens and parking top the list at 97% prevalence, followed by self check-in (94%), BBQ grills (88%), and patios or balconies (82%)—reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented mountain stays. Hot tubs appear in only 27% of listings, which may represent a differentiation opportunity given the mountain setting and typical traveler preferences in similar markets.

Understanding Purlear's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Purlear's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, 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 hinge on execution—particularly property size selection and seasonal pricing optimization. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on 3-bedroom properties could help investors outperform the market-level averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Purlear

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Purlear and Wilkes County, North Carolina may need to obtain local permits or register their property depending on county and municipal ordinances. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Wilkes County planning offices and the state of North Carolina before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in rural North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and septic system capacity considerations for larger properties. HOA covenants, where applicable, may impose additional limitations on rental frequency or guest counts, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and applicable occupancy taxes; Wilkes County may impose its own local room occupancy tax as well. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Purlear's STR market is likely to see continued supply expansion given the 55% year-over-year listing growth, though demand will need to keep pace to sustain current revenue levels. Seasonal patterns suggest summer and fall will remain the strongest booking windows, with July and October revenue potentially reaching $2,900–$3,200 per listing. ADR could see modest upward pressure in the $175–$185 range as hosts refine pricing strategies, but occupancy may hover around 18–22% market-wide unless demand growth accelerates meaningfully. Investors should monitor whether the influx of new listings creates downward pressure on already-lean occupancy rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Purlear, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Purlear?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Purlear is currently 20%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—3-bedroom listings achieve about 33%, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units see 17% and 14%, respectively. Investors targeting larger properties may find more consistent booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Purlear?

Airbnb hosts in Purlear earn an average of $2,178 per month and approximately $26,143 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $24,128 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in roughly $27,392, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $32,143 per year. Individual results will depend on property quality, pricing strategy, and seasonal management.

Is Purlear a good market for Airbnb investment?

Purlear earns an ROI score of 59 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from growing traveler interest in North Carolina's mountain region, with 55% year-over-year listing growth signaling rising demand. While occupancy rates are below the state average, 3-bedroom properties perform notably better, and the relatively low competition (33 listings) gives well-managed properties room to stand out.

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

The average daily rate in Purlear is $176, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $143 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $172, and 3-bedroom properties command $203 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Purlear's rural positioning and smaller property sizes in the market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Purlear?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Purlear area, though operators should verify local permit and registration requirements with Wilkes County and the state of North Carolina. Regulations can vary and may include occupancy limits, parking rules, and tax collection obligations. It's advisable to consult local planning authorities and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Purlear?

Peak season in Purlear runs primarily through the summer and fall months. July leads with average monthly revenue of $3,120, followed closely by October at $2,919 and August at $2,951. The fall foliage season in the Blue Ridge area drives strong October and November bookings, while February ($1,255) and May ($1,598) represent the softest periods.

How many Airbnbs are there in Purlear?

As of April 2026, there are 33 active Airbnb listings in Purlear. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties: 13 are 1-bedroom units, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings each account for 9 properties. The market has grown 55% year-over-year, suggesting increasing investor activity in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Purlear?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Purlear 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, 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 Purlear, NC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current requirements before purchasing.