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

Southport Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Southport, NC delivers a compelling revenue-to-price ratio for short-term rental investors, with an average annual revenue of $74,068 against home values averaging $665,063. The market's $360 average daily rate significantly outpaces the North Carolina state average of $262, signaling strong guest willingness to pay a premium for this coastal destination. While occupancy sits at 22% — below the 34% state average — the seasonal concentration of revenue during summer months drives meaningful income potential for well-positioned properties.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Southport 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 Southport

Southport's premium nightly rates and strong summer demand create an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that makes it worth serious consideration for coastal STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Southport presents an attractive but seasonal investment opportunity, best suited for investors comfortable with concentrated summer earnings. Revenue swings dramatically from a January low of $1,594 to a July peak of $15,188 — a nearly 10x spread that underscores the market's dependence on warm-weather tourism. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability support a solid foundation, though below-average market growth trend and supply/demand balance suggest increasing competition as new listings enter the market. Investors who optimize their properties for peak season and maintain competitive pricing during shoulder months will be best positioned to capture the strongest returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Southport

Average revenue by month in Southport

Southport's revenue is intensely seasonal, peaking at $15,188 in July and bottoming at $1,594 in January — a nearly 10x spread. The June–August window accounts for the bulk of annual income, while March through May and September–October provide meaningful shoulder-season earnings for hosts who price competitively.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Southport

Three-bedroom properties dominate Southport's supply with 64 listings, making up nearly 39% of all active inventory. One-bedroom (30) and two-bedroom (24) units represent smaller segments, and the relatively limited supply of 5-bedroom properties (16 listings) could signal a less crowded niche for investors targeting larger family groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Southport

ADR scales steeply with property size in Southport, from $155 for 1-bedroom units to $726 for 5-bedroom homes. The jump from 3-bedroom ($335) to 4-bedroom ($554) represents a 65% premium, suggesting that the extra bedroom commands outsized pricing power — likely driven by demand from larger vacation groups.

Average RevPAN by property size in Southport

RevPAN climbs steadily with property size, from $40 for 1-bedroom listings to $154 for 5-bedroom properties. Four- and 5-bedroom units stand out with RevPAN of $140 and $154 respectively, reflecting both their premium nightly rates and relatively solid occupancy that translates into stronger per-night revenue after accounting for vacant days.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Southport

Occupancy rates are fairly compressed across property sizes, ranging from 19% for 3-bedroom units to 26% for 1-bedroom listings. The relatively narrow spread suggests that lower occupancy is a market-wide characteristic driven by seasonality rather than a size-specific issue, though smaller units do edge ahead on fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Southport

Monthly revenue ranges from $2,340 for 1-bedroom properties to $14,018 for 5-bedroom homes, with each bedroom increment delivering a meaningful step up in earnings. Four-bedroom units ($9,240/month) and 5-bedroom units ($14,018/month) offer the strongest absolute income, generating roughly 4–6x the revenue of 1-bedroom listings.

Average annual revenue by property size in Southport

Five-bedroom properties lead with $168,219 in average annual revenue — more than double the $73,144 earned by 3-bedroom units, which represent the market's most common listing type. Even 4-bedroom homes at $110,889 annually suggest strong return potential, making larger configurations the most compelling from a gross revenue standpoint.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Southport

Kitchen (90%), washer (86%), and dryer (85%) are near-universal in Southport listings, establishing them as baseline guest expectations. Outdoor amenities like patios (47%), BBQ grills (27%), and pools (21%) offer clear differentiation opportunities, while the 18% waterfront and 13% beach access figures highlight the premium positioning available to properties with direct water proximity.

Understanding Southport's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Southport's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability — two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weight. The below-average ratings on market growth trend and supply/demand balance reflect the rapid influx of new listings (201% year-over-year growth), which warrants close attention to competitive dynamics. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear property differentiation strategy will help investors maximize their position in this seasonal coastal market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Southport

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Southport, NC may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the city or Brunswick County before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Southport and North Carolina state agencies, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina markets can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations on STR activity, particularly in planned communities, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with Brunswick County and state tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Southport's summer-driven revenue cycle is expected to remain the dominant pattern, with June through August continuing to generate the lion's share of annual income. ADR may see modest increases in the range of 2–4% as coastal North Carolina demand holds steady, though the 201% year-over-year growth in active listings introduces supply-side pressure that could temper occupancy gains. Investors should anticipate occupancy rates hovering around 20–25% on an annualized basis, with properties that differentiate through amenities and pricing strategy outperforming the market average. Seasonal revenue estimates suggest peak months will continue to account for roughly half of total annual earnings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Southport, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Southport?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Southport is currently 22%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. This lower annualized figure largely reflects the market's strong seasonality — coastal destinations like Southport tend to see concentrated demand during summer months, with quieter winters pulling the annual average down. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 26% and 3-bedroom properties at 19%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Southport?

Airbnb hosts in Southport earn an average of $6,172 per month and approximately $74,068 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average $28,083 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can generate up to $168,219 per year. Revenue is heavily concentrated in the summer months, with July alone averaging $15,188.

Is Southport a good market for Airbnb investment?

Southport earns an ROI score of 61 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy patterns, making it appealing for investors who understand seasonal coastal markets. However, below-average market growth trends and supply/demand balance — partly driven by a 201% year-over-year increase in active listings — mean investors should carefully evaluate competition and focus on differentiation through property quality and amenities.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Southport is $360, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $155 for 1-bedroom units to $726 for 5-bedroom properties. This premium pricing reflects the desirability of Southport as a coastal vacation destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Southport?

Short-term rentals operate in Southport, NC, with 165 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations, permit requirements, and zoning rules can vary and change over time. Investors should verify current STR legality and any registration or licensing requirements directly with the City of Southport and Brunswick County before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Southport?

Peak season in Southport runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $15,188 per listing. June ($11,229) and August ($11,723) also deliver robust earnings. The shoulder months of April, May, and September generate moderate income between $5,288 and $6,522, while winter months from November through February represent the slowest period, with revenues dropping to $1,594–$2,586.

How many Airbnbs are there in Southport?

There are currently 165 active Airbnb listings in Southport as of April 2026. The market has seen substantial growth, with a 201% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 64 listings, followed by 1-bedroom units (30) and 4-bedroom properties (27).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Southport?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Southport 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, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 Southport, NC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for property valuation context

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 current market snapshots; actual conditions may shift due to seasonality, regulation changes, or economic factors. Local short-term rental regulations vary and are subject to change — always verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before investing.