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

Summerville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Summerville, SC presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with an average daily rate of $149 and occupancy running at 40% — slightly above the South Carolina state average of 38%. The market's 124 active listings generate an average annual revenue of $25,836, and with home values around $495,096, the revenue-to-price ratio sits at an average level that still leaves room for well-operated properties to outperform. Above-average occupancy stability adds a layer of cash-flow predictability that newer STR markets often lack.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Summerville 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 Summerville

Investors are drawn to Summerville for its combination of above-average occupancy stability, proximity to the greater Charleston metro, and property values that support a workable revenue-to-cost ratio for short-term rentals.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 59 out of 100, Summerville lands in the "Attractive Opportunity" range — a market where the fundamentals work for investors willing to manage seasonality and rising competition. Revenue swings meaningfully across the year, from a January low of $958 to a July peak of $3,177, so cash reserves and dynamic pricing are important operational levers. The above-average occupancy stability is a genuine bright spot, suggesting that existing demand is resilient even as new supply enters. Investors targeting 3- and 4-bedroom properties stand to capture the highest returns, though the expanding listing count signals that differentiation — through amenities, design, or guest experience — will matter more going forward."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Summerville

Average revenue by month in Summerville

Summerville's revenue peaks in July at $3,177 and bottoms out in January at just $958, a spread of more than 3x that underscores significant seasonality. The April-through-August stretch consistently delivers above-average months, while the November-through-February window requires careful budgeting to maintain positive cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Summerville

One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 55 of 124 total listings (44%), while 2-bedroom properties are surprisingly underrepresented with just 16 listings. The relative scarcity of 2-bedroom inventory could signal a gap worth exploring, especially given that mid-size properties often attract both couples and small families.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Summerville

ADR climbs steadily from $105 for studios to $221 for 4-bedroom properties, with the sharpest jump occurring between 1-bedroom ($108) and 2-bedroom ($150) units. The 4-bedroom premium of roughly 2x over smaller units suggests that investors willing to acquire larger homes can command meaningfully higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Summerville

RevPAN scales consistently with size, from $25 for studios up to $73 for 4-bedroom properties, reflecting the combined benefit of higher daily rates and relatively solid occupancy in larger units. Three- and 4-bedroom listings deliver the strongest revenue per available night at $66 and $73 respectively, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Summerville

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 44%, followed by 2- and 3-bedroom units at 41% each, while 4-bedrooms dip to 33% and studios lag at 25%. The higher occupancy for 1-bedrooms helps offset their lower ADR, but the moderate occupancy drop-off in 4-bedroom properties is more than compensated by their premium pricing.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Summerville

Monthly revenue ranges from $858 for studios to $2,835 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $2,781 — making the two larger categories nearly interchangeable in monthly income. The jump from 1-bedroom ($1,551) to 2-bedroom ($2,293) revenue represents a 48% increase, suggesting the move to a second bedroom significantly improves earning potential.

Average annual revenue by property size in Summerville

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $34,025, with 3-bedrooms close at $33,375, while studios generate just $10,303 — roughly a third of what the largest units earn. For investors weighing acquisition cost against income, the 2-bedroom tier at $27,526 annually may offer an attractive middle ground, particularly given the lower supply competition in that segment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Summerville

Parking is nearly universal at 99% of listings, followed by kitchens (90%) and washer/dryer access (74%/72%), pointing to a guest base that expects home-like functionality over resort-style luxuries. Differentiators like pools (11%) and hot tubs (2%) remain rare, which means adding these features could help a listing stand out in a market where the basics have already become table stakes.

Understanding Summerville's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Summerville's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue fundamentals and occupancy stability provide a credible foundation for returns. The above-average occupancy stability is the standout factor, while the below-average supply/demand balance signals that growing competition may compress margins for undifferentiated listings. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and property-level due diligence to build a realistic investment case.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Summerville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Summerville, South Carolina may be required to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Town of Summerville and Dorchester County, as local rules can change and may differ from state-level guidance.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in South Carolina municipalities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants in Summerville's many planned communities can add additional layers — some neighborhoods restrict or prohibit short-term rentals entirely, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina imposes a state accommodations tax on short-term rentals, and Dorchester County may levy additional local hospitality or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm with a local tax advisor that all obligations are fully covered.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Summerville's STR market is likely to see moderate but steady demand, particularly during the warmer months when revenue peaks well above the winter lows. ADR growth in the range of 1–3% is a reasonable estimate given average market growth trends, while occupancy should remain in the 38–42% band. Active listing counts have grown by 110% year over year, which means the supply/demand balance deserves close monitoring — investors who differentiate on amenities and guest experience will be best positioned to capture share. Seasonality will continue to favor the April-through-August window, so budgeting for softer winter months remains prudent."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Summerville, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Summerville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Summerville is currently 40%, which edges above the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 44%, while studios trail at 25%. Properties with 2 and 3 bedrooms both hover around 41%, and 4-bedroom listings see about 33% occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Summerville?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Summerville earn approximately $2,153 per month and $25,836 per year based on trailing 12-month booking performance. Earnings scale with property size: studios average around $858/month, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $2,835/month. Peak-season months like July can push monthly revenue above $3,177, whereas January tends to be the softest month at around $958.

Is Summerville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Summerville scores a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a workable revenue-to-price ratio given average home values near $495,096. That said, supply has grown significantly (110% year over year), so success increasingly depends on property quality, pricing strategy, and amenity mix. Investors focused on larger properties in the 3–4 bedroom range tend to see the strongest revenue potential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Summerville is $149, which is well below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales with property size: studios average $105, 1-bedrooms $108, 2-bedrooms $150, 3-bedrooms $161, and 4-bedroom properties command an average of $221 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Summerville?

Short-term rentals do operate in Summerville, SC, but hosts may need to obtain a business license or short-term rental permit from local authorities. Regulations can vary between the Town of Summerville and the broader Dorchester County jurisdiction, and HOA restrictions in many planned communities may add further limitations. We recommend consulting directly with local government offices and reviewing any applicable HOA rules before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Summerville?

Peak season in Summerville runs from roughly April through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,177. The spring-to-summer window (May and June both average around $2,660) consistently outperforms, while January is the slowest month at approximately $958. October provides a secondary bump at $2,189 before revenue tapers through the winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Summerville?

As of April 2026, there are 124 active Airbnb listings in Summerville. The supply is heavily weighted toward 1-bedroom properties (55 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (22), 4-bedrooms (21), 2-bedrooms (16), and studios (6). Active listing counts have grown 110% year over year, signaling increasing investor interest in this market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Summerville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Summerville 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 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 Summerville, 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 Summerville market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active short-term rental 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 12-month averages and current snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.