Salem, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Salem Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Salem, SC is a small lakeside market in the Upstate region with just 42 active Airbnb listings, offering a niche opportunity for investors targeting vacation-rental demand around Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. Average annual revenue sits at $30,810 with a $210 ADR, though occupancy at 23% trails the South Carolina state average of 38%. The market has seen significant supply growth at 84% year-over-year, signaling rising investor interest — but with average home values near $1.34 million, the revenue-to-price ratio requires careful deal sourcing to pencil out.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Salem 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 Salem

Salem attracts STR investors because of its proximity to Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee, which create concentrated seasonal demand for vacation rentals in a small, scenic market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Salem represents a competitive but niche opportunity, best suited for investors who can source properties at favorable price points relative to the market's $1.34 million average home value. Revenue is heavily seasonal — July peaks at $4,615 per month while January and February dip below $900 — so cash-flow planning needs to account for extended softer periods from late fall through early spring. The 23% average occupancy rate underscores that this is not a year-round high-demand market, but the strong summer and early fall window can deliver meaningful returns for well-positioned properties. Investors who pair lake-access amenities with competitive pricing during shoulder months will be best positioned to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Salem

Average revenue by month in Salem

Salem exhibits sharp seasonality, with July peaking at $4,615 and January bottoming out at just $900 — a spread of more than 5x. The warm-weather months from June through October account for the vast majority of annual revenue, making cash-flow management during the November-through-March stretch critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Salem

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 19 of 42 total listings, while 4-bedrooms hold the second-largest share at 10 units. One-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings are relatively scarce at 5 and 6 respectively, which could present a differentiation opportunity — particularly for 3-bedrooms given their strong occupancy and RevPAN performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Salem

ADR jumps notably at the 4-bedroom tier, commanding $292 per night versus $180–$187 for 2- and 3-bedroom units. The premium for larger properties is substantial, though 3-bedrooms actually price slightly below 2-bedrooms at $180, suggesting an opportunity for well-appointed 3-bedroom listings to capture more nightly rate upside.

Average RevPAN by property size in Salem

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $60, narrowly edging out 4-bedrooms at $59, while 2-bedrooms come in at $48. One-bedroom units lag significantly at just $9 RevPAN, indicating that smaller properties struggle to generate meaningful per-night returns in this lake-focused market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Salem

Three-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 33%, followed by 2-bedrooms at 26% and 4-bedrooms at 20%. One-bedroom units trail dramatically at 7% occupancy, suggesting limited demand for the smallest configurations in a market where guests typically travel as families or groups for lake getaways.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Salem

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,266, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $2,748 and 2-bedrooms at $2,593. One-bedroom units generate only $1,291 per month — less than half of a 4-bedroom — reinforcing that larger, group-friendly properties are the revenue workhorses in Salem.

Average annual revenue by property size in Salem

On an annual basis, 4-bedroom properties top the market at $39,202, while 3-bedrooms generate $32,980 and 2-bedrooms bring in $31,126. The gap between 2- and 3-bedroom annual revenue is relatively narrow at roughly $1,850, which means investors should weigh acquisition and operating costs carefully when choosing between these configurations.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Salem

Parking and kitchen amenities are universal at 100% of listings, while self check-in (93%), washer (86%), and dryer (86%) are near-standard. Lake access at 60% and outdoor amenities like patios (71%), BBQ grills (67%), and outdoor furniture (62%) signal that guests expect a full lakeside vacation experience — properties without these features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Salem's ROI Score: 40/100

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

Salem's ROI Score of 40 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where demand and investor interest are present but returns require strategic execution. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by high average home values near $1.34 million against roughly $30,800 in annual revenue — is the primary drag on the score, while average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance, paired with above-average market growth, round out the picture. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties that can outperform market averages through superior amenities and peak-season pricing.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Salem

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Salem, SC should verify whether Oconee County or the state of South Carolina requires a business license, STR permit, or registration before listing a property. Requirements can vary at the county and municipal level, so contacting local planning or zoning offices directly is recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants are especially relevant for lakefront and resort-style communities in the area, and investors should review any deed restrictions before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina imposes a state accommodations tax on short-term rentals, and Oconee County may levy an additional local hospitality or accommodations tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Salem's STR market is likely to benefit from continued interest in lakefront getaways across the Carolinas, with summer months driving the bulk of revenue. ADR may see modest gains in the 1–3% range as new listings compete for bookings, though occupancy could remain in the 22–26% band market-wide given the seasonal nature of demand. The above-average market growth trend suggests sustained investor attention, but the rapid 84% listing increase means supply could outpace demand if the pace continues. Investors entering this market should budget conservatively and target peak-season performance as the primary revenue driver."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Salem, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Salem?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Salem, SC is currently 23%, which is below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings lead at 33%, while 1-bedroom units average just 7%. The seasonal nature of lakefront demand in Salem means occupancy concentrates heavily in the warmer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Salem?

Airbnb hosts in Salem earn an average of $2,567 per month, or approximately $30,810 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies widely by property size: 4-bedroom properties average $3,266 monthly ($39,202 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in about $1,291 per month ($15,492 annually). Peak months like July can generate over $4,600, while winter months may drop below $900.

Is Salem a good market for Airbnb investment?

Salem earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 40 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. Investor interest and demand are strong — listing growth hit 84% year-over-year — but elevated home prices (averaging $1.34 million) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Success in this market typically requires selective deal sourcing and properties that can capitalize on lake-access demand during peak summer months.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Salem is $210, which is below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom units average $149 per night, 2-bedrooms average $187, 3-bedrooms come in at $180, and 4-bedroom properties command $292 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Salem?

Short-term rentals operate in Salem, SC, but investors should verify current permit, licensing, and zoning requirements with Oconee County and the state of South Carolina before listing a property. Local HOA covenants — common in lakefront communities — may impose additional restrictions. Consulting with local authorities and a real estate attorney is recommended to ensure full compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Salem?

Peak season in Salem runs from June through September, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $4,615 in revenue. August follows closely at $4,193, and September and June round out the strong season at $3,202 and $3,165 respectively. The slowest months are January ($900) and February ($880), reflecting the seasonal lake-vacation demand pattern.

How many Airbnbs are there in Salem?

As of April 2026, there are 42 active Airbnb listings in Salem, SC. The market has grown rapidly, with an 84% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 19 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms (10), 3-bedrooms (6), and 1-bedrooms (5).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Salem?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Salem 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 remaining data 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 draws on its own historical performance. 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 Salem, SC and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence and property size distribution 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 periods and may not capture the most recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.