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

Rodanthe Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Rodanthe, a small Outer Banks community on North Carolina's Hatteras Island, stands out for its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a pronounced summer-driven rental season that can push monthly revenue past $19,000 in July. With just 35 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $345—well above the $262 North Carolina state average—supply remains tight and pricing power is strong. The market's ROI score of 70 out of 100 reflects attractive investment potential, though investors should plan for significant seasonality and occupancy that averages 21% across the full year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Rodanthe 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 Rodanthe

Rodanthe appeals to investors seeking a beach-market entry point with strong per-night rates and a compact competitive set of just 35 listings.

Expert Market Assessment

"Rodanthe presents an attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with a highly seasonal revenue profile. The summer months of June, July, and August generate the lion's share of annual income—July alone averages $19,364—while winter months like January and February dip below $2,000. Despite a modest 21% average occupancy rate, the market's strong ADR and above-average revenue-to-price ratio help offset the quiet off-season. Investors who pair a well-appointed, larger property with strategic pricing during shoulder months stand to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Rodanthe

Average revenue by month in Rodanthe

Rodanthe's revenue is heavily seasonal, with July ($19,364) and August ($18,493) generating roughly ten times the income of January ($1,887) or February ($1,939). This pronounced peak-to-trough spread means investors should plan for five strong months (May–September) to carry the full year's financial performance.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Rodanthe

Four-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 10 listings, followed by 3-bedroom units at 9. Two-bedroom and 6+ bedroom categories each have just 5 listings, suggesting potential opportunity in the larger configuration where revenue per listing is substantially higher.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Rodanthe

ADR scales dramatically at the top end, with 6+ bedroom homes commanding $517 per night—nearly triple the $178 rate for 4-bedroom units. Interestingly, 2-bedroom listings ($301) carry a higher nightly rate than 3-bedroom ($267) and 4-bedroom properties, likely reflecting premium oceanfront locations among smaller units.

Average RevPAN by property size in Rodanthe

Revenue per available night is highest for 6+ bedroom properties at $93, more than three times the $29 RevPAN for 4-bedroom units. Three-bedroom ($53) and 2-bedroom ($50) listings cluster together in the middle, indicating that the largest homes deliver meaningfully better yield after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Rodanthe

Occupancy rates are fairly uniform across property sizes, ranging from 17% for 2- and 4-bedroom units to 20% for 3-bedroom listings. This narrow band suggests that property size has less impact on how often a unit books than factors like location, amenities, and pricing strategy.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Rodanthe

Six-plus bedroom properties lead convincingly at $12,861 in average monthly revenue—more than double the next tier. Two-bedroom ($6,343), 3-bedroom ($5,581), and 4-bedroom ($5,335) units cluster more closely together, indicating that incremental bedrooms below six don't dramatically change the revenue picture.

Average annual revenue by property size in Rodanthe

At $154,337 annually, 6+ bedroom homes generate more than twice the revenue of any other size category, making them the clear top earner in Rodanthe. Two-bedroom units ($76,119) outperform both 3-bedroom ($66,972) and 4-bedroom ($64,031) listings on an annual basis, an unusual pattern that merits attention from investors evaluating property configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Rodanthe

Washer, dryer, parking, and kitchen are virtually universal at 97–100% of listings, establishing a baseline that every new property must meet. Outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (89%), outdoor furniture (94%), and patios or balconies (77%) are also prevalent, reflecting guest expectations for a beach vacation experience—while hot tubs (51%) and beach access (46%) represent differentiators that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Rodanthe's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Rodanthe's ROI score of 70 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that signals competitive yield potential relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rate as average, while the market growth trend scores below average—likely reflecting the rapid 159% increase in active listings that could pressure per-listing performance. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic cash-flow plan that accounts for the market's strong seasonality.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Rodanthe

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

Permit Requirements

Dare County and the unincorporated community of Rodanthe may require short-term rental permits or registration for properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with Dare County planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Outer Banks communities can include occupancy limits tied to septic or bedroom capacity, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-age renter policies. HOA covenants in specific subdivisions may impose additional rules on rental frequency or signage, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina imposes a state sales tax and an occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and Dare County levies its own room occupancy tax on top of that. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm that all state and county obligations are being met.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Rodanthe's summer season is expected to remain the dominant revenue driver, with June through August likely accounting for the bulk of annual income. Active listings grew 159% year over year, which could moderate occupancy or ADR gains by 1–3% if supply continues to outpace demand growth. Investors should anticipate occupancy staying in the 20–25% range on an annualized basis, with peak-month rates climbing significantly higher. Shoulder months like May, September, and October may see incremental improvement as the Outer Banks continues to attract extended-stay and remote-work travelers."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Rodanthe, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rodanthe?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rodanthe is currently 21%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality—summer months see substantially higher occupancy while winter months are quiet. Property size doesn't dramatically change the picture, with occupancy ranging from 17% for 2- and 4-bedroom units to 20% for 3-bedroom listings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Rodanthe?

Airbnb hosts in Rodanthe earn an average of $7,599 per month and approximately $91,198 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Larger properties command significantly more, with 6+ bedroom homes averaging $12,861 monthly and $154,337 annually. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer season, so hosts should budget accordingly for slower winter months.

Is Rodanthe a good market for Airbnb investment?

Rodanthe earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 70 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a small competitive set of just 35 listings. The main considerations are pronounced seasonality and average occupancy stability, so investors who can manage cash flow through the off-season are best positioned to succeed here.

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

The average daily rate in Rodanthe is $345, which is 32% higher than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR varies significantly by property size: 6+ bedroom homes command $517 per night, while 4-bedroom properties average $178. Two-bedroom and 3-bedroom units fall in between at $301 and $267, respectively.

Are short-term rentals legal in Rodanthe?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Rodanthe and the surrounding Outer Banks area, which has a long history of vacation rental activity. However, operators may need to obtain permits or register with Dare County, and specific restrictions can apply depending on zoning, HOA rules, and property type. Investors should verify current local regulations with Dare County officials before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Rodanthe?

Peak season in Rodanthe runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $19,364. August follows closely at $18,493, and June brings in $14,013. The shoulder months of May and September also produce meaningful revenue at $8,443 and $7,163 respectively, while winter months from November through February are the slowest.

How many Airbnbs are there in Rodanthe?

There are currently 35 active Airbnb listings in Rodanthe. The supply is distributed across property sizes: 10 are 4-bedroom units, 9 are 3-bedroom, and there are 5 each of 2-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties. Active listings grew 159% year over year, indicating increased investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Rodanthe?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Rodanthe 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively 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 Rodanthe and surrounding markets
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Annual and monthly revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property outfitting decisions

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 as of April 27, 2026, and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.