Saint Helena Island, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Saint Helena Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Saint Helena Island sits in South Carolina's Lowcountry, where coastal charm and proximity to Beaufort draw seasonal vacationers looking for beach access, waterfront settings, and laid-back island living. With 166 active listings generating an average annual revenue of $58,068 and an ADR of $315, the market offers meaningful income potential — though occupancy at 28% runs well below the state average of 38%, signaling a pronounced seasonal swing that investors need to plan around. A 55% year-over-year increase in active listings also points to growing investor interest, which makes timing and property selection especially important.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Saint Helena Island 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 Saint Helena Island

Saint Helena Island appeals to investors seeking a coastal vacation-rental market where larger properties can generate six-figure annual revenues, balanced against seasonal demand patterns and rising competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Saint Helena Island presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors who choose the right property configuration and price accordingly for seasonality. Revenue swings are dramatic — July averages nearly $10,951 while January drops to $1,853, a spread of roughly 6x — so cash reserves and dynamic pricing are essential. The market's ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability alongside a below-average supply/demand balance, largely driven by the 55% listing growth over the past year. Investors who focus on larger, well-amenitized homes and manage the off-season strategically will find the most compelling returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Saint Helena Island

Average revenue by month in Saint Helena Island

Saint Helena Island's revenue is heavily summer-concentrated, peaking in July at $10,951 and bottoming out in January at $1,853 — a nearly 6x spread that underscores the need for dynamic pricing and cash reserves. The shoulder season from March through May offers a secondary earning window in the $5,300–$5,950 range, providing some relief from the deep winter trough.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Saint Helena Island

Two-bedroom units lead supply with 45 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (33) and 1-bedrooms (31), making the small-to-mid-size segment the most competitive. Larger 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties are comparatively scarce at just 14 and 6 listings respectively, which may present an opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue configurations with less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Saint Helena Island

ADR climbs steeply with size, from $163 for studios to $739 for 6+ bedroom properties — a 4.5x premium that reflects the island's appeal to families and groups willing to pay for space. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($297) to 4 bedrooms ($444) is particularly notable, suggesting a pricing inflection point where guests begin paying meaningfully more per night.

Average RevPAN by property size in Saint Helena Island

Five-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $186, followed by 6+ bedrooms at $168 and 3-bedrooms at $110, indicating that larger homes convert their high ADRs into actual earnings more effectively. Studios ($29) and 4-bedrooms ($80) lag behind, with the 4-bedroom figure notably lower than 3-bedrooms despite a much higher ADR — a sign that occupancy challenges eat into nightly rate premiums at that size.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Saint Helena Island

Three-bedroom properties achieve the highest occupancy at 37%, followed by 5-bedrooms at 31% and 1-bedrooms at 30%, suggesting these sizes best match traveler demand patterns. Studios and 4-bedroom units both sit at just 18% occupancy, which could indicate either pricing misalignment or less consistent demand for those configurations.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Saint Helena Island

Monthly revenue scales reliably with size, ranging from $1,938 for studios up to $11,106 for 6+ bedroom properties. The most significant jump occurs between 4-bedrooms ($6,728) and 5-bedrooms ($10,425), where a nearly $3,700 monthly increase makes the case for targeting larger homes if acquisition costs support it.

Average annual revenue by property size in Saint Helena Island

At $125,104 and $133,272 respectively, 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties deliver the strongest annual revenue — roughly 3x to 5.7x what studios and 1-bedrooms generate. Three-bedroom homes at $57,790 closely mirror the market average, making them a solid middle-ground choice for investors who want competitive returns without the higher acquisition costs of larger properties.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Saint Helena Island

Kitchens (99%), parking (93%), and laundry (90%) are near-universal, signaling that guests expect a fully self-sufficient vacation home experience. The high prevalence of pools (65%), beach access (57%), and outdoor amenities like patios (85%) and grills (53%) reflects the coastal, leisure-oriented nature of this market — listing without these features could put a property at a meaningful competitive disadvantage.

Understanding Saint Helena Island'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

Saint Helena Island's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property values are reasonably aligned but where some caution is warranted. Revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend all score in the average range, while supply/demand balance rates below average — driven largely by the 55% surge in new listings over the past year. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and a clear strategy for managing seasonal revenue swings to maximize returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Saint Helena Island

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

Permit Requirements

Saint Helena Island falls within Beaufort County, South Carolina, where short-term rental operators may need to register or obtain a permit depending on local zoning rules. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Beaufort County's planning and zoning department before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in South Carolina's coastal communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA covenants are also prevalent in island and resort-style communities, so any prospective purchase should include a thorough review of association rules regarding short-term rentals.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in South Carolina are generally subject to state sales tax and local accommodations tax, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with Beaufort County and the South Carolina Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, we expect Saint Helena Island's revenue cycle to remain heavily summer-weighted, with July likely continuing as the clear peak and winter months staying soft. ADR may edge up modestly — perhaps 1–3% — as larger, amenity-rich properties continue to command premium rates, but occupancy could face downward pressure given the 55% year-over-year jump in supply. Investors targeting 3- to 5-bedroom properties are best positioned to capture the seasonal upside, while those entering with smaller units should budget conservatively for off-season months when revenue can dip below $2,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Saint Helena Island, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saint Helena Island?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Saint Helena Island is currently 28%, which is below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size, with 3-bedroom properties achieving the highest rate at 37% and studios sitting at just 18%. The lower market-wide figure reflects the island's strong seasonality, where summer months drive the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Saint Helena Island?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Saint Helena Island earn about $4,839 per month or $58,068 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary widely by property size — studios average around $23,259 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can bring in roughly $133,272. Larger homes with premium amenities like pools and beach access tend to perform best, particularly during the peak summer season.

Is Saint Helena Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

Saint Helena Island carries an ROI score of 55 out of 100, classified as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from strong coastal tourism demand and solid ADR ($315), though investors should be aware of seasonal occupancy fluctuations and a 55% year-over-year increase in listing supply. Properties with 3 to 5+ bedrooms tend to generate the most compelling returns, especially when equipped with guest-expected amenities like pools and outdoor spaces.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Saint Helena Island?

The average daily rate in Saint Helena Island is $315, slightly below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $163, while 6+ bedroom properties command $739 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who target larger vacation homes that can accommodate families and groups.

Are short-term rentals legal in Saint Helena Island?

Short-term rentals do operate in Saint Helena Island, with 166 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and Beaufort County may require permits or registration for STR properties. Investors should check with Beaufort County's planning and zoning office and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Saint Helena Island?

Peak season in Saint Helena Island centers on summer, with July generating the highest average revenue at $10,951 — nearly six times the January figure of $1,853. June ($8,470) and August ($6,594) also perform well, while the shoulder months of March through May see moderate activity in the $5,300–$5,950 range. The winter months from November through February are the softest period, so pricing and availability strategies should account for this pronounced seasonality.

How many Airbnbs are there in Saint Helena Island?

There are currently 166 active Airbnb listings in Saint Helena Island as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in 1- to 3-bedroom properties, which make up about two-thirds of all listings, while larger 5- and 6+ bedroom homes represent a smaller share of just 20 combined listings. Active listings have grown 55% year over year, indicating rising investor interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Saint Helena Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Saint Helena Island 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 roll the remainder 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, broken down by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across multiple property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks derived from trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition context
• Amenity prevalence data showing guest expectations and competitive standards in the market

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 and market conditions that may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.