Rocky Mount, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Rocky Mount Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Rocky Mount, NC presents an accessible entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $294,504 and annual revenues averaging $15,251 across 48 active Airbnb listings. The market's ADR of $127 sits well below the North Carolina state average of $262, but lower acquisition costs help maintain a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio. Year-over-year listing growth of 123% signals rapidly rising investor interest, making now a pivotal time to evaluate the opportunity before competition intensifies.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Rocky Mount 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 Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount's combination of affordable property prices, steady regional demand, and a still-small supply base makes it a market worth watching for investors seeking favorable revenue-to-price dynamics.

Expert Market Assessment

"Rocky Mount represents a moderate-opportunity market where the math can work for disciplined investors, particularly those targeting three-bedroom properties. Seasonality is present but not extreme — July peaks at $1,606 in average monthly revenue while February dips to $940, a manageable spread that avoids the feast-or-famine cycle of purely vacation-driven markets. The below-average occupancy stability score is the primary caution flag, suggesting that consistent bookings require active management and competitive pricing. Pairing affordable acquisition costs with a solid amenity package should help investors outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Rocky Mount

Average revenue by month in Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount shows moderate seasonality, with July ($1,606) as the clear peak and February ($940) as the softest month — a spread of roughly $666. A notable secondary spike in November ($1,500) and December ($1,407) provides a welcome revenue boost heading into winter, helping smooth out annual cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Rocky Mount

Three-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 20 of the 48 active listings, followed by 14 one-bedroom and just 10 two-bedroom units. The relative scarcity of two-bedroom listings could represent a niche opportunity for investors, though the segment's lower occupancy and revenue metrics warrant careful evaluation.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Rocky Mount

ADR nearly doubles from one-bedroom units ($82) to three-bedroom properties ($157), reflecting a strong premium for larger spaces. Two-bedrooms sit in the middle at $118, and the jump from two to three bedrooms ($39 more per night) suggests families and groups are willing to pay meaningfully more for extra capacity.

Average RevPAN by property size in Rocky Mount

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $40, edging past one-bedrooms at $37, while two-bedroom units trail at $30. The fact that one-bedrooms nearly match three-bedrooms in RevPAN despite a much lower ADR highlights the revenue power of their significantly higher occupancy rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Rocky Mount

One-bedroom listings stand out with a 45% occupancy rate, nearly double the 26% seen for both two- and three-bedroom properties. This gap signals that smaller units attract more consistent demand in Rocky Mount, offering better cash-flow predictability even though they generate less revenue per booking.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Rocky Mount

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $1,493, while one- and two-bedroom units are closely matched at $978 and $960 respectively. The substantial $500+ monthly gap between three-bedrooms and smaller units underscores the earning advantage of larger properties in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Rocky Mount

At $17,927 in average annual revenue, three-bedroom properties outperform one-bedrooms ($11,745) and two-bedrooms ($11,531) by a wide margin. Given that three-bedrooms generate over 50% more annual income than two-bedroom units, investors with the capital for a larger property will find the strongest return potential in this size category.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Rocky Mount

Parking is offered by 100% of Rocky Mount listings, and kitchen access (96%), washer (90%), dryer (88%), and self check-in (88%) are near-universal — reflecting a guest base that expects practical, self-sufficient stays. Premium amenities like pools (4%), gyms (4%), and lake access (4%) remain rare, which could present differentiation opportunities for hosts willing to invest in standout features.

Understanding Rocky Mount's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Rocky Mount's ROI Score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where affordable property prices and reasonable revenue potential create a workable investment thesis. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both score at average levels, while occupancy stability comes in below average — a factor investors should plan around with conservative underwriting. Pairing these data points with thorough local regulatory research will help ensure the numbers hold up before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Rocky Mount

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Rocky Mount, NC may need to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Rocky Mount and Nash County, as regulations in North Carolina municipalities can vary significantly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants in certain neighborhoods could also limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina imposes state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Rocky Mount may levy additional tourism or room taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligation with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Rocky Mount's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as new investors enter, though demand signals remain moderate with occupancy currently at 33%. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate in the summer months and the November–December holiday corridor, with softer periods in February and October. ADR could see modest upward pressure in the range of 1–3% as hosts improve amenity offerings and compete on quality rather than price. Investors should plan for occupancy in the 30–40% range and build conservative cash-flow models accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Rocky Mount, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rocky Mount?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Rocky Mount is currently 33%, which is just below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — one-bedroom units lead at 45%, while two- and three-bedroom properties average around 26%. Investors focused on smaller units may find more consistent booking volume.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Rocky Mount?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Rocky Mount earn approximately $1,270 per month or $15,251 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Three-bedroom properties are the top earners, bringing in an average of $1,493 monthly ($17,927 annually), while one- and two-bedroom units generate closer to $960–$978 per month. Individual results depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Rocky Mount a good market for Airbnb investment?

Rocky Mount scores a 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from an average revenue-to-price ratio and relatively affordable home values near $294,504, which lowers the barrier to entry. However, below-average occupancy stability means investors should build conservative projections and focus on delivering a standout guest experience to capture consistent bookings.

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

The average daily rate in Rocky Mount is $127, which is significantly lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom units average $82, two-bedrooms command $118, and three-bedroom properties reach $157. The lower ADR reflects the market's affordable positioning but also means operating costs need to be managed carefully to maintain healthy margins.

Are short-term rentals legal in Rocky Mount?

Short-term rentals operate in Rocky Mount, NC, and the market currently has 48 active Airbnb listings. However, local regulations around permits, zoning, and licensing can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Rocky Mount and relevant county offices to confirm current requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Rocky Mount?

Peak season in Rocky Mount centers on the summer months, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $1,606. May and June are also strong performers at $1,422 and $1,419 respectively. A secondary revenue bump appears in November ($1,500) and December ($1,407), likely driven by holiday travel. February tends to be the softest month, averaging $940 in revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Rocky Mount?

Rocky Mount currently has 48 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across three main sizes: 20 three-bedroom properties make up the largest share, followed by 14 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom listings. Notably, the market has seen 123% year-over-year growth in listings, indicating significant new investor activity.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Rocky Mount?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Rocky Mount 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 aggregate the remainder into 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 draws on 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition cost context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to benchmark 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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenity offerings, pricing strategy, and management quality.