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

Salisbury Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Salisbury, NC is a compact short-term rental market with 44 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $19,880 per property. With an ADR of $181 — well below the $262 North Carolina state average — and average home values around $420,092, the market offers a relatively accessible entry point for investors looking at smaller historic cities. The 95% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though occupancy at 32% remains slightly below the state average of 34%.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Salisbury 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 Salisbury

Investors are drawn to Salisbury for its affordable property prices relative to North Carolina peers, growing market activity, and balanced supply-demand dynamics that create room for well-managed listings to outperform.

Expert Market Assessment

"Salisbury presents an attractive but measured investment opportunity, best suited for investors comfortable with moderate occupancy and clear seasonal patterns. Revenue peaks sharply from June through August — where monthly averages climb above $2,000 — then tapers to a low near $1,017 in January, creating a pronounced summer-driven cycle. The market's above-average growth trend and balanced supply-demand dynamics are encouraging, though the 32% average occupancy rate means careful pricing and guest experience management will be essential to capturing consistent returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Salisbury

Average revenue by month in Salisbury

Salisbury's revenue cycle peaks in July at $2,125 and bottoms out in January at $1,017 — a spread of over $1,100 that underscores significant summer-driven seasonality. The June–August window consistently delivers monthly revenues above $2,000, while the October–February stretch hovers between $1,000 and $1,600, making revenue planning around these seasonal swings critical for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Salisbury

Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 16 listings, followed closely by 2-bedrooms at 14, while 1-bedroom units account for just 6 of the market's 44 listings. The relatively thin supply of 1-bedroom units could represent a niche opportunity, especially given their significantly higher occupancy rate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Salisbury

ADR scales predictably with size in Salisbury: 1-bedrooms average $84/night, 2-bedrooms command $139, and 3-bedrooms top out at $174. The jump from 1- to 2-bedrooms is particularly steep at $55, suggesting that the added bedroom delivers substantial pricing power relative to incremental costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Salisbury

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $55, outpacing both 1-bedrooms ($43) and 2-bedrooms ($41) after accounting for occupancy differences. Despite 1-bedrooms having the highest occupancy, 3-bedrooms' superior nightly rate more than compensates for their lower fill rate, making them the most efficient revenue generators per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Salisbury

One-bedroom listings stand out with a 51% occupancy rate — nearly 20 percentage points above the 30–32% range seen for 2- and 3-bedroom properties. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency over peak revenue, the smaller units offer notably steadier booking patterns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Salisbury

Three-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $1,756, followed by 2-bedrooms at $1,478 and 1-bedrooms at $1,196. The $560 monthly gap between the smallest and largest configurations illustrates how each additional bedroom adds meaningful top-line income in Salisbury.

Average annual revenue by property size in Salisbury

At $21,082 per year, 3-bedroom properties offer the highest annual revenue potential in Salisbury, compared to $17,736 for 2-bedrooms and $14,355 for 1-bedrooms. Investors weighing acquisition costs against revenue should note that 3-bedrooms generate nearly 47% more annual income than 1-bedrooms, making them the strongest option for maximizing gross returns.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Salisbury

Kitchens (98%) and parking (96%) are near-universal among Salisbury listings, setting a high baseline for guest expectations, while washers (84%) and self check-in (84%) are also strongly represented. Differentiators like lake access (14%), waterfront (14%), and pools (7%) remain uncommon, suggesting that properties offering these features could command premium rates and stand out in a competitive set.

Understanding Salisbury's ROI Score: 56/100

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

Salisbury's ROI Score of 56 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with workable fundamentals but room for improvement on occupancy and revenue metrics. The score is supported by above-average market growth trends and average marks across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply-demand balance — meaning the market isn't overheated but also isn't a guaranteed home run. Pairing this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic expense model will help investors determine whether Salisbury fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Salisbury

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Salisbury, NC may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Salisbury planning or zoning department and check North Carolina state-level regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking provisions, and potential HOA rules that could limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods. Some municipalities in North Carolina also impose caps on the number of permits issued in specific zones.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with Rowan County and the NC Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Salisbury's above-average market growth trend suggests continued expansion in both supply and traveler demand. Summer months should remain the strongest booking window, with monthly revenues likely ranging from $2,000–$2,150 during June through August, while winter months may dip closer to the $1,000–$1,200 range. ADR could see a modest 2–4% increase as the market matures and hosts optimize pricing strategies, though occupancy rates may hover around 30–35% as new supply absorbs into the market. These estimates assume stable economic conditions and no significant regulatory changes in the Salisbury area."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Salisbury, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Salisbury?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Salisbury is currently 32%, which sits just below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings lead at 51%, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties average around 30–32%. Investors targeting smaller units may benefit from more consistent bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Salisbury?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Salisbury earn approximately $1,656 per month or $19,880 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $14,355 annually, 2-bedrooms around $17,736, and 3-bedrooms lead at roughly $21,082 per year. Peak summer months can push monthly revenue above $2,000.

Is Salisbury a good market for Airbnb investment?

Salisbury scores a 56 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' range. The market benefits from above-average growth trends, average revenue-to-price ratios, and a manageable competitive landscape of just 44 active listings. Property values averaging $420,092 offer an accessible entry point, though the 32% occupancy rate means investors should plan for seasonal variability and budget accordingly.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Salisbury is $181, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $84, 2-bedrooms come in at $139, and 3-bedroom properties command about $174 per night. The relatively lower rates compared to the state can be offset by the market's more affordable acquisition costs.

Are short-term rentals legal in Salisbury?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Salisbury, NC, though operators should verify specific permit, zoning, and registration requirements with local authorities. Regulations can vary by neighborhood and may be subject to HOA restrictions. It's advisable to consult the City of Salisbury's planning department and review North Carolina state regulations before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Salisbury?

Peak season for Airbnb in Salisbury runs from June through August, when average monthly revenues reach $2,049 to $2,125. The shoulder months of March through May also perform well, with revenues between $1,701 and $1,798. The slowest period is January, when average revenue drops to around $1,017, making summer-focused pricing strategies especially important.

How many Airbnbs are there in Salisbury?

As of April 2026, there are 44 active Airbnb listings in Salisbury. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom (14 listings) and 3-bedroom (16 listings) properties, with just 6 one-bedroom listings. The market has seen 95% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rapidly increasing investor and host activity.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Salisbury?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Salisbury 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up into 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 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 the Salisbury, NC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property optimization
• 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 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 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.