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

Sapphire Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sapphire, NC is a mountain-lake community in the Blue Ridge highlands where short-term rental investors can tap into strong seasonal demand, particularly during summer and fall. With an average daily rate of $281—above the North Carolina state average of $262—and average annual revenue of $39,340 across 79 active listings, the market rewards well-positioned properties even as occupancy (22%) runs below the statewide norm. Elevated home values averaging $1,234,822 mean deal sourcing and property selection are critical to generating acceptable returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sapphire 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 Sapphire

Investors are drawn to Sapphire for its premium nightly rates, scenic mountain-lake appeal, and pronounced seasonal peaks that can generate outsized summer and fall revenue.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sapphire presents a competitive opportunity where premium pricing offsets lower-than-average occupancy, but high home values tighten the margin for error. Seasonality is pronounced: revenue climbs sharply from June through October—July alone averaging $5,766—before dropping to lows around $1,400–$1,500 in the winter months. Investors who target larger properties and optimize pricing during the peak summer-fall window have the clearest path to solid cash flow. Given the below-average revenue-to-price ratio, careful acquisition pricing and a realistic off-season budget are essential to making the numbers work."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sapphire

Average revenue by month in Sapphire

Revenue in Sapphire is sharply seasonal, peaking in July at $5,766 and bottoming out in February at $1,397—a spread of more than 4×. The strongest corridor runs from June through October, with a secondary bump in October ($4,423) likely tied to fall foliage demand, making off-season budgeting a critical part of any investment plan.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sapphire

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 29 of 79 listings, while 1-bedroom (9) and 5-bedroom (7) units are comparatively scarce. The limited supply of larger homes could signal an opportunity for investors, especially given that 4- and 5-bedroom properties generate significantly higher revenue.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sapphire

ADR scales sharply from $151 for 1-bedroom units to $422 for 4-bedroom homes, though 5-bedroom listings pull back slightly to $387. The 4-bedroom segment commands the highest nightly premium, suggesting it may offer the strongest rate-to-cost trade-off for investors willing to acquire mid-to-large properties.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sapphire

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $85, followed closely by 4-bedrooms at $75, while 2-bedroom units lag at $41. This pattern confirms that larger homes convert their rate premiums into meaningfully better per-night revenue even after factoring in occupancy differences.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sapphire

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 39%—nearly double the market average—while 3- and 4-bedroom homes sit at just 20% and 18%, respectively. Investors targeting larger properties should expect lower occupancy but can offset it with substantially higher nightly rates and total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sapphire

Monthly revenue scales consistently with size, from $1,526 for 1-bedroom units up to $5,757 for 5-bedroom homes. The jump from 3-bedroom ($3,202) to 4-bedroom ($4,833) is particularly notable, representing a roughly 50% revenue increase that may justify the incremental acquisition cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sapphire

Five-bedroom properties top the revenue chart at $69,087 annually, followed by 4-bedrooms at $58,002, while 1-bedroom units generate $18,321. Investors focused on maximizing gross revenue should strongly consider the 4–5 bedroom range, though they should weigh these figures against Sapphire's elevated home prices.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sapphire

Kitchens (99%), washers (96%), dryers (94%), and parking (92%) are near-universal, reflecting a market geared toward self-sufficient vacation stays. Outdoor amenities are also heavily represented—BBQ grills at 81%, patios at 80%, and lake access at 57%—signaling that guests expect a nature-immersive experience and properties lacking these features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Sapphire's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Sapphire's ROI Score of 49 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where demand and investor interest are real but returns require disciplined deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability scores highlight the challenge of high home values paired with seasonal booking patterns, though the above-average market growth trend offers a positive demand signal. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting to identify properties that can outperform the market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sapphire

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sapphire, North Carolina may need to register or obtain permits at the county level, as Transylvania County and the state of North Carolina each maintain their own regulatory frameworks. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain-resort communities like Sapphire can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking caps on residential roads, and HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Because regulations can change quickly—especially in high-growth STR markets—consulting a local attorney or the county permitting office is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina imposes a state sales tax and an occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and Transylvania County may levy additional local room taxes. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm county-level obligations and filing schedules independently.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Sapphire's 75% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, and its above-average market growth trend suggests demand is keeping pace for now. Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate ADR could hold steady or tick up 1–3% as the market continues to attract vacationers drawn to western North Carolina's lakes and mountain scenery. Occupancy may face modest downward pressure from expanding supply, likely settling in the 20–25% range market-wide, so investors should plan conservatively and lean on peak-season revenue from June through October to anchor their pro formas."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sapphire, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sapphire?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sapphire is currently 22%, which sits below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom units lead at 39%, while 4-bedroom homes average around 18%. Seasonal swings also play a major role, with summer and fall months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sapphire?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Sapphire earn approximately $3,278 per month and $39,340 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings scale meaningfully with property size: 5-bedroom homes average $69,087 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in roughly $18,321. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $5,700 for the market overall.

Is Sapphire a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sapphire carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 49 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average daily rates ($281 vs. $262 statewide) and strong growth trends, but elevated home prices (averaging $1,234,822) and below-average occupancy mean investors need to be selective about deal sourcing and property type. Larger homes that capitalize on peak summer and fall demand tend to deliver the strongest returns.

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

The average daily rate in Sapphire is $281, which is about 7% higher than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR rises substantially with property size, ranging from $151 for 1-bedroom listings up to $422 for 4-bedroom homes. Five-bedroom properties average $387, suggesting a slight rate ceiling at the largest sizes.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sapphire?

Short-term rentals do operate in Sapphire, NC, with 79 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, operators should verify local permit, registration, and zoning requirements with Transylvania County and the state of North Carolina, as regulations can evolve. HOA restrictions may also apply in certain communities within Sapphire.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sapphire?

Peak season in Sapphire runs from June through October, with July leading the way at an average monthly revenue of $5,766. October also stands out at $4,423, driven by fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to around $1,400–$1,531, making this a highly seasonal market.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sapphire?

There are currently 79 active Airbnb listings in Sapphire as of April 2026. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (29 listings), followed by 2-bedroom (17) and 4-bedroom (15) homes. Notably, the listing count has grown 75% year over year, indicating a rapidly expanding market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sapphire?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Sapphire 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Sapphire and surrounding areas
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property-level data segmented by bedroom count for targeted investment analysis
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; always verify current rules with the relevant authorities before purchasing or listing a property. Individual property results will vary based on location within the market, property condition, amenity mix, pricing strategy, and management quality.