Sneads Ferry, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sneads Ferry Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sneads Ferry, a coastal community in North Carolina, presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity for investors drawn to beach-market economics. With an average annual revenue of $40,182 across 297 active listings and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, the market rewards operators who can capitalize on strong summer demand. Average home values of $487,063 paired with robust peak-season earnings — July alone averages $6,456 — create a compelling yield profile, though the 25% occupancy rate (below the 34% state average) underscores the seasonal nature of this coastal market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sneads Ferry 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 Sneads Ferry

Sneads Ferry attracts STR investors with its favorable revenue-to-price ratio, coastal tourism demand, and a range of property sizes that offer scalable income potential.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sneads Ferry earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by its above-average revenue-to-price ratio and the sheer earning power of larger vacation homes during peak months. Seasonality is the defining characteristic here — July revenue ($6,456) is nearly five times what hosts earn in January ($1,395), so cash-flow planning around the off-season is essential. The market's supply has grown rapidly at 131% year-over-year, which warrants monitoring, though average and stable occupancy and growth trends suggest demand is keeping pace for now. Investors who target 4-bedroom or larger properties and invest in beach-friendly amenities are best positioned to capture the strongest returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sneads Ferry

Average revenue by month in Sneads Ferry

Sneads Ferry displays sharp seasonality, with July's $6,456 average revenue towering over January's $1,395 — a nearly 4.6x spread. The prime earning window runs May through August, while October provides a secondary bump at $3,660, suggesting fall weekend demand from visitors enjoying milder coastal weather.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sneads Ferry

Supply is concentrated among 1- to 3-bedroom properties, which together account for roughly 68% of all 297 listings. Five-bedroom (17 listings) and 6+ bedroom (23 listings) homes are notably scarce, potentially creating a supply gap that larger-property investors could exploit given the premium revenues those sizes generate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sneads Ferry

ADR scales steeply with size, jumping from $120 for 1-bedroom units to $458 for 6+ bedroom homes — nearly a 4x premium. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 3-bedroom ($199) and 4-bedroom ($292) properties, suggesting that the move to family-sized vacation homes unlocks a meaningfully higher pricing tier.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sneads Ferry

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $86, outperforming both smaller units and larger 5-bedroom ($76) and 6+ bedroom ($69) homes. This indicates that 4-bedroom listings hit the sweet spot between commanding higher nightly rates and maintaining sufficient occupancy to maximize per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sneads Ferry

Four-bedroom homes lead occupancy at 30%, while 6+ bedroom properties trail at just 15%, reflecting the challenge of filling premium-priced large homes consistently. Mid-range units (1–3 bedrooms) cluster between 24% and 28%, offering more predictable booking volume for investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency over peak-night revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sneads Ferry

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $1,708 for 1-bedroom units to $8,888 for 6+ bedroom homes. The jump from 4-bedroom ($5,018) to 5-bedroom ($7,936) properties is particularly notable — a 58% increase — suggesting that group-friendly vacation homes capture outsized spending in this beach market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sneads Ferry

Six-plus bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $106,661, more than five times the $20,502 earned by 1-bedroom listings. For investors weighing return potential, 4-bedroom homes generating $60,227 per year may offer the best balance of revenue and acquisition cost, given their stronger occupancy and RevPAN metrics.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sneads Ferry

Kitchens (100%), parking (96%), and washer/dryer combos (93%/89%) are near-universal, reflecting baseline guest expectations for a coastal vacation rental. Waterfront access (65%) and beach access (53%) appear in a majority of listings, signaling that proximity to the water is a key competitive differentiator — investors without these features may need to lean on pools (38%) or other outdoor amenities to compete.

Understanding Sneads Ferry's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Sneads Ferry's ROI Score of 65 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that suggests favorable yield potential relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all rate as average — healthy enough to support investment but worth monitoring as the market's listing count has grown 131% year over year. Pairing this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a property-specific revenue analysis will give investors the clearest picture of whether a Sneads Ferry STR fits their portfolio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sneads Ferry

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina may need to obtain local permits or register their property with Onslow County authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and potential HOA rules that govern or prohibit short-term rentals. Investors should review both county-level regulations and any neighborhood-specific covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes, which may include sales tax and county room taxes. Major booking platforms typically handle tax collection on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm compliance with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sneads Ferry's short-term rental market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with peak revenues concentrated from May through August. Given the 131% year-over-year growth in active listings, occupancy rates may face modest downward pressure, though rising coastal tourism demand in the Topsail Island area could help absorb new supply. ADR is likely to hold steady or inch up by 1–3% for well-positioned properties, particularly larger homes that command premium nightly rates. Investors should plan for lighter cash flow from November through February and budget reserves accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sneads Ferry, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sneads Ferry?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sneads Ferry is currently 25%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This reflects the market's strong seasonal character — occupancy surges during the summer beach season and drops significantly in winter months. Four-bedroom properties lead at 30% occupancy, while larger 6+ bedroom homes average just 15%, likely due to higher nightly rates limiting their booking frequency.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sneads Ferry?

Airbnb hosts in Sneads Ferry earn an average of $3,348 per month or approximately $40,182 per year based on the trailing 12-month historical average. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom units average around $20,502 annually, while 6+ bedroom homes bring in roughly $106,661 per year. Peak summer months like July can yield over $6,400 in a single month, making property size and seasonal pricing strategy key drivers of total income.

Is Sneads Ferry a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sneads Ferry scores 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, with average home values around $487,063 and annual revenues that can exceed $100,000 for larger properties. Investors should account for pronounced seasonality and ensure they have reserves for quieter winter months, but the overall yield profile is compelling for a coastal vacation rental market.

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

The average daily rate in Sneads Ferry is $223, which comes in below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales significantly with property size — from $120 for 1-bedroom listings up to $458 for 6+ bedroom homes. This pricing structure rewards investors who target larger vacation properties that can accommodate families and groups visiting the Topsail Island coast.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sneads Ferry?

Short-term rentals do operate in Sneads Ferry, with 297 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations, permits, and zoning requirements can change, so investors should verify current rules with Onslow County and any applicable homeowners' associations before purchasing. North Carolina also requires collection of state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rental income.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sneads Ferry?

Peak season in Sneads Ferry runs from May through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $6,456. June and August are also strong, averaging $5,096 and $4,990 respectively. The off-season spans November through February, when monthly revenues drop to the $1,395–$2,412 range. This roughly 4.6x spread between peak and trough months highlights the importance of maximizing summer bookings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sneads Ferry?

There are currently 297 active Airbnb listings in Sneads Ferry. Supply is fairly evenly distributed among smaller property sizes, with 60 one-bedroom, 71 two-bedroom, and 72 three-bedroom listings. Larger homes are less common — just 17 five-bedroom and 23 six-plus bedroom properties — which may represent an opportunity given their significantly higher revenue potential.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sneads Ferry?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sneads Ferry 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 results 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, location within the market, 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates by market
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance of comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue across bedroom counts
• Amenity prevalence data for active listings to benchmark competitive positioning
• 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 may change; always verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.