Saint Simons Island, GA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

59 / 100

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

Saint Simons Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Saint Simons Island stands out as a coastal Georgia destination where short-term rental demand is driven by beachgoers, family vacationers, and weekend travelers drawn to the Golden Isles. With an average daily rate of $446—well above the $299 Georgia state average—and 650 active listings, the market commands premium nightly pricing. Average annual revenue sits at $49,090, and occupancy of 37% edges past the state benchmark of 32%, reflecting steady visitor interest even outside peak season.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Saint Simons Island short-term rental market shows:

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 650
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $299 state avg. $446
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 32% state avg. 37%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $167
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $4,090
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $49,090

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 Simons Island

Investors are drawn to Saint Simons Island for its premium nightly rates, above-average occupancy relative to the state, and strong seasonal demand patterns anchored by coastal tourism.

Key investment factors

  • ADR of $446 significantly exceeds Georgia's $299 state average, signaling strong pricing power
  • Occupancy of 37% beats the 32% state benchmark, providing a more reliable revenue floor
  • Pronounced summer and spring peaks create opportunities to maximize revenue during high-demand months
  • Larger properties (4+ bedrooms) generate outsized returns—up to $188,486 annually for 6+ bedroom homes
  • Coastal barrier island location creates a natural cap on new construction, supporting long-term scarcity

Expert Market Assessment

"Saint Simons Island presents an attractive opportunity for investors who can navigate higher entry costs—average home values sit at $1,267,480—and are comfortable with seasonal revenue swings. The market's peak months of July ($7,466) and March ($6,424) deliver roughly three to four times the revenue of the December–January trough, so cash-flow planning around seasonality is critical. Occupancy stability rates above average, which helps cushion slower months, and the supply/demand balance remains in a healthy range despite brisk listing growth. For investors targeting larger properties, the revenue upside is compelling, though the below-average revenue-to-price ratio means returns depend on smart acquisition pricing and strong operational execution."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Saint Simons Island'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

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

What This Means for Investors

Saint Simons Island's ROI Score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply/demand fundamentals are partially offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio driven by elevated home values ($1,267,480 average). Market growth trends rate as average, suggesting steady but not accelerating momentum. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property sizes where RevPAN and revenue potential best justify the acquisition cost.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Saint Simons Island

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators on Saint Simons Island should verify whether Glynn County and the state of Georgia require a business license, STR permit, or registration before listing. Requirements can vary at the county level, so investors are encouraged to confirm current rules directly with local planning and zoning offices.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal Georgia markets may include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants that restrict or prohibit short-term rentals. Properties within planned communities or condo associations on the island may carry additional rules, so reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Georgia imposes state sales tax and local lodging or hotel-motel taxes on short-term rentals, and Glynn County may levy its own occupancy tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full filing obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Saint Simons Island

Financing an Airbnb investment in Saint Simons Island 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 Saint Simons Island Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate Saint Simons Island will see continued seasonal strength in summer and spring, with July and March likely remaining the revenue highpoints. ADR may tick up 2–4% as demand for coastal getaways holds, though the 109% year-over-year growth in active listings could moderate occupancy rates slightly if supply outpaces demand. Investors should plan for softer cash flow in the December–January window and budget accordingly, but overall market fundamentals support stable returns for well-positioned properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Saint Simons Island, GA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Saint Simons Island?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Saint Simons Island is currently 37%, which outperforms the Georgia state average of 32%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom units leading at 42% and 1-bedroom units sitting at 32%. Seasonal fluctuations are significant, so investors should expect higher fill rates during spring and summer months.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Saint Simons Island?
On average, Airbnb hosts in Saint Simons Island earn approximately $4,090 per month or $49,090 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales substantially with property size—1-bedroom listings average about $23,186 annually, while 6+ bedroom homes can generate around $188,486 per year. Peak months like July can bring in over $7,400, while slower months like December may yield closer to $2,088.
Is Saint Simons Island a good market for Airbnb investment?
Saint Simons Island earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 59 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and strong nightly rates ($446 ADR vs. $299 state average), though the revenue-to-price ratio is below average given elevated home values around $1,267,480. Investors targeting larger properties with 4+ bedrooms may find the most compelling returns, especially if they can optimize pricing during peak spring and summer seasons.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Saint Simons Island?
The average daily rate in Saint Simons Island is $446, which is roughly 49% higher than the Georgia state average of $299. ADR scales significantly with property size, ranging from $171 for 1-bedroom listings up to $801 for 6+ bedroom homes. This premium pricing reflects the island's desirability as a coastal vacation destination.
Are short-term rentals legal in Saint Simons Island?
Short-term rentals do operate on Saint Simons Island, as evidenced by 650 active Airbnb listings. However, investors should verify current permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any licensing obligations with Glynn County authorities before purchasing. Local regulations can change, and properties within HOAs or condo associations may face additional restrictions.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Saint Simons Island?
Peak season on Saint Simons Island centers around summer and spring. July is the single highest-revenue month at $7,466 on average, followed closely by March at $6,424 and June at $6,020. The slowest months are December and January, when average revenue dips to around $2,088–$2,089. This seasonal spread of roughly 3.5x between peak and trough months is important to factor into cash-flow projections.
How many Airbnbs are there in Saint Simons Island?
There are currently 650 active Airbnb listings on Saint Simons Island. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom (234 listings) and 3-bedroom (187 listings) properties, while larger 5-bedroom and 6+ bedroom homes represent a smaller share with 34 and 12 listings respectively. Active listings have grown 109% year-over-year, signaling increasing investor and host interest in the market.
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Saint Simons Island?
The annual and monthly revenue figures for Saint Simons Island 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 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 because each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 Saint Simons Island and surrounding areas
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Supply distribution and popular amenity data across active listings

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 12-month averages and market conditions as of the dates noted; actual results may differ based on property condition, location within the market, and management approach. Local regulations and tax requirements are subject to change; investors should verify current rules with Glynn County and state authorities before purchasing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Saint Simons Island's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

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