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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

62 / 100

Ridgeway offers attractive short-term rental potential, with a balance of healthy demand and revenue relative to property values.

Ridgeway Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ridgeway, SC is a small but intriguing short-term rental market where lake access and waterfront appeal drive guest interest across a compact inventory of just 17 active listings. With an average annual revenue of $35,595 and an ADR of $281—below the $358 state average but paired with favorable property-to-revenue dynamics—the market presents an accessible entry point for investors seeking lakefront STR exposure. The favorable supply/demand balance, rated above average in Rabbu's analysis, suggests there's room for well-positioned properties to capture bookings without heavy competition.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ridgeway short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 17
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $358 state avg. $281
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 38% state avg. 29%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $80
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,966
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $35,595

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Ridgeway

Ridgeway appeals to investors looking for a lake-driven leisure market with a favorable supply/demand balance and lower competition than more saturated South Carolina destinations.

Key investment factors

  • Lake access and waterfront proximity featured in 77–88% of listings signals strong leisure demand
  • Above-average supply/demand balance with only 17 active listings limits direct competition
  • Average revenue-to-price ratio offers a reasonable yield relative to property costs
  • Summer peak months (May–July) generate revenues exceeding $4,300/month, creating strong seasonal cash flow
  • 100% year-over-year listing growth indicates rising investor and host interest in the market

Expert Market Assessment

"Ridgeway earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation with a 62/100 ROI score, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property values are reasonably aligned but occupancy stability needs attention. Seasonality is pronounced—June tops the revenue chart at $4,506/month while January bottoms out near $1,142, a roughly 4x swing that demands savvy pricing and marketing strategies. The lake-oriented demand profile creates genuine appeal during warmer months, yet investors should plan conservatively for winter cash flow gaps. Overall, this is a market better suited for investors who can tolerate seasonal variability in exchange for lower competition and an approachable entry cost."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Ridgeway's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Factor Ridgeway Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Above average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Ridgeway's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by a favorable supply/demand balance rated above average and an average revenue-to-price ratio that suggests reasonable yield potential. The score is tempered by below-average occupancy stability, which reflects the pronounced seasonality of this lake-focused market. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash flow model to determine if Ridgeway fits their portfolio strategy.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ridgeway

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ridgeway, South Carolina may need to register or obtain a business license at the local or county level, and the state of South Carolina requires accommodation tax registration. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Fairfield County and any applicable municipal offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in South Carolina communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may also impose additional limitations on short-term rental activity, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is strongly recommended before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina imposes a state accommodations tax and local jurisdictions may layer on additional hospitality or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations for county and municipal levies with a local tax professional.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Ridgeway

Financing an Airbnb investment in Ridgeway requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Ridgeway Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ridgeway's STR market is expected to follow its established seasonal pattern, with peak revenues concentrated between May and July and softer winter months pulling down annual averages. ADR could see modest increases in the range of 1–3% as the small supply base limits pricing pressure, though occupancy—currently at 29% versus the 38% state average—may remain a challenge outside peak season. Investors should anticipate that revenue performance will hinge heavily on capturing summer and shoulder-season bookings. Market growth trends are tracking at an average pace, so incremental demand gains are plausible but unlikely to be dramatic."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ridgeway, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ridgeway?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Ridgeway is currently 29%, which sits below the South Carolina state average of 38%. This reflects the market's seasonal demand pattern, where lake and waterfront properties see strong summer bookings but lighter activity during cooler months. Investors who optimize pricing and minimum-stay strategies for shoulder seasons may be able to improve on this average.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ridgeway?
Airbnb hosts in Ridgeway earn an average of $2,966 per month, which translates to approximately $35,595 in average annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data. Monthly earnings vary significantly with the season—peak months like June can bring in around $4,506, while January drops to roughly $1,142. Individual results depend on property quality, guest experience, and pricing strategy.
Is Ridgeway a good market for Airbnb investment?
Ridgeway scores 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance with only 17 active listings competing for guest bookings, and its lake access and waterfront appeal create genuine leisure demand. However, below-average occupancy stability means investors should budget for seasonal revenue swings and plan accordingly for off-peak months.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Ridgeway?
The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ridgeway is $281, which is below the South Carolina state average of $358. For 3-bedroom properties specifically—which make up the bulk of the market's inventory—the ADR comes in at $235. These rates reflect the market's positioning as a more affordable lake getaway compared to coastal South Carolina destinations.
Are short-term rentals legal in Ridgeway?
Short-term rentals can be operated in Ridgeway, SC, but hosts should verify local licensing and registration requirements with Fairfield County and any applicable municipal authorities. South Carolina requires accommodation tax registration at the state level, and additional local permits or business licenses may apply. Regulations can change, so checking with local government before purchasing or listing is always recommended.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Ridgeway?
Peak season in Ridgeway runs from May through July, when average monthly revenues climb above $4,300 and hit a high of approximately $4,506 in June. The shoulder months of April and August also perform respectably at around $3,100–$3,500. Winter months from December through February are the slowest period, with January revenues averaging just $1,142.
How many Airbnbs are there in Ridgeway?
There are currently 17 active Airbnb listings in Ridgeway as of April 2026. This compact inventory has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 100% year over year. The small supply base means less direct competition for hosts but also signals that the market is still in an early growth phase.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ridgeway?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Ridgeway 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 remaining data 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. 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 Ridgeway, SC
  • Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change—always verify with local authorities before investing.

Next Steps

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