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

Rutherfordton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Rutherfordton, NC is a compact short-term rental market with just 48 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $24,034 per property. While occupancy sits at 23%—below the 34% North Carolina state average—the market's above-average growth trend and an ADR of $196 suggest rising traveler interest in this western NC foothills community. With average home values around $417,617, the revenue-to-price ratio is modest but the small supply base could reward early movers who position their properties well.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Rutherfordton 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 Rutherfordton

Investors are drawn to Rutherfordton for its emerging STR market dynamics, comparatively low competition, and proximity to the natural attractions of North Carolina's foothills region.

Expert Market Assessment

"Rutherfordton represents a moderate-opportunity market with upside potential for investors willing to navigate its current limitations. The pronounced seasonality—revenue peaks at $3,456 in July and dips to $879 in February—means cash-flow planning is essential, but the summer-fall corridor from June through October generates strong enough returns to carry the quieter months. With an ROI score of 59 out of 100 ("Attractive Opportunity"), the market balances average revenue-to-price fundamentals against an above-average growth trajectory, suggesting the window for favorable entry may be narrowing as more hosts enter the space."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Rutherfordton

Average revenue by month in Rutherfordton

Rutherfordton shows strong seasonality, with July ($3,456) and August ($3,161) delivering roughly 3–4× the revenue of the slowest month, February ($879). The June-through-October stretch consistently outperforms the annual average of $2,002, making summer and early fall the primary revenue-driving window for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Rutherfordton

Supply is distributed fairly evenly across property sizes, with 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings tied at 12 units each and 2-bedrooms close behind at 10. The 4- and 5-bedroom segments have just 6 listings each, which could represent an undersupplied niche given their significantly higher revenue potential.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Rutherfordton

ADR climbs steeply with bedroom count, from $119 for 1-bedroom units to $436 for 5-bedroom properties—a nearly 4× premium. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($176) to 4 bedrooms ($273) is particularly notable, suggesting that group-sized properties can command substantial nightly rates in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Rutherfordton

RevPAN peaks at $51 for 4-bedroom properties and $48 for 5-bedrooms, while 1- and 2-bedroom units trail at $28 and $26 respectively. Three-bedroom listings hold a solid middle ground at $47, making them a balanced option for investors seeking decent yield without the higher acquisition costs of larger homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Rutherfordton

Three-bedroom properties lead in occupancy at 27%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 24%, while 2- and 4-bedroom units share 19% and 5-bedrooms lag at 11%. The lower occupancy on larger properties is offset by their significantly higher nightly rates, but investors should plan for more vacant nights when budgeting for 5-bedroom acquisitions.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Rutherfordton

Monthly revenue scales clearly with size: 5-bedroom listings average $5,065 per month—more than four times the $1,225 earned by 1-bedroom units. Even 3-bedroom properties at $2,035 per month track closely to the overall market average, making them a reliable mid-range option.

Average annual revenue by property size in Rutherfordton

Five-bedroom properties stand out dramatically at $60,785 in average annual revenue, nearly double the $32,516 generated by 4-bedroom listings and well above the market-wide average of $24,034. For investors prioritizing top-line revenue, the 4- and 5-bedroom segments clearly offer the strongest return potential, though acquisition and operating costs will be proportionally higher.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Rutherfordton

Parking (98%) and kitchen access (96%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient stays in this rural-feeling market. Outdoor amenities are especially prevalent—BBQ grills (71%), patios (79%), and backyards (67%) signal that guests are coming for nature-oriented getaways, while the 21% hot tub prevalence suggests an opportunity to differentiate with that upgrade.

Understanding Rutherfordton'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

Rutherfordton's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market with genuine potential but some constraints worth understanding. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both score as average, while the above-average market growth trend signals increasing traveler interest that could improve fundamentals over time. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to determine whether the opportunity fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Rutherfordton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Rutherfordton, NC may need to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements with the Town of Rutherfordton and Rutherford County before listing, as regulations can evolve quickly in growing markets.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in North Carolina communities include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking rules. HOA covenants may also impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any applicable deed restrictions or community guidelines before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as sales tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"With a 96% year-over-year increase in active listings, Rutherfordton is clearly attracting new host attention—a signal that demand fundamentals are improving. Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate occupancy could stabilize in the 23–28% range as the market absorbs new supply, with ADR potentially ticking up 2–5% if hosts continue to invest in amenities like hot tubs and outdoor spaces. Summer months (June through August) should continue anchoring annual revenue, and investors who target 3- to 5-bedroom properties may capture a disproportionate share of that peak-season income. These are estimates based on trailing performance, and actual results will depend on how quickly supply grows relative to demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Rutherfordton, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Rutherfordton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Rutherfordton is currently 23%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 3-bedroom units performing best at 27% and 5-bedroom properties sitting at 11%. The lower overall rate reflects the market's seasonal nature, with demand concentrated in the summer and early fall months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Rutherfordton?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Rutherfordton earn approximately $2,002 per month or $24,034 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies widely by property size—1-bedroom units average about $14,704 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can generate around $60,785 per year. Peak months like July can bring in $3,456, while slower months like February may yield closer to $879.

Is Rutherfordton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Rutherfordton scores a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and a small competitive supply base of just 48 listings, though occupancy rates remain below the state average. Investors targeting larger properties (4–5 bedrooms) may find the strongest returns, but should plan for significant seasonal revenue swings and verify local regulatory requirements before purchasing.

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

The average daily rate in Rutherfordton is $196, compared to the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $119 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command an average of $436. This pricing structure rewards investors who can offer larger, well-appointed homes that cater to groups and families.

Are short-term rentals legal in Rutherfordton?

Short-term rentals operate in Rutherfordton, NC, with 48 currently active listings on Airbnb. However, investors should verify permit and registration requirements with local Rutherfordton and Rutherford County authorities, as STR regulations can change. It's also important to check for any HOA restrictions, zoning limitations, or other local rules that may apply to your specific property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Rutherfordton?

Peak season in Rutherfordton runs from June through October, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,456 per listing. August ($3,161) and September ($2,552) also perform well above the annual monthly average of $2,002. The slowest months are January ($1,046) and February ($879), reflecting the market's strong seasonal pattern tied to warmer-weather outdoor activities.

How many Airbnbs are there in Rutherfordton?

As of April 2026, there are 48 active Airbnb listings in Rutherfordton. The supply is relatively evenly distributed across property sizes, with 12 one-bedroom units, 10 two-bedroom units, 12 three-bedroom units, and 6 each of four- and five-bedroom properties. Notably, active listings grew 96% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing host interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Rutherfordton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Rutherfordton 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. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks (like July at $3,456) and slower months (like February at $879), 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 the Rutherfordton market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current active listings
• Monthly and annual revenue figures derived from trailing 12-month booking performance
• Supply distribution and amenity prevalence across active listings by property size
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 performance of active listings and may not account for recently added or removed properties. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.