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

Sumter Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sumter, SC presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity with an ROI score of 68 out of 100, driven by above-average occupancy stability and a growing market. With just 47 active Airbnb listings and average annual revenue of $22,441 against average home values of $311,882, the revenue-to-price ratio offers a reasonable entry point for investors looking beyond saturated coastal markets. The market's 91% year-over-year listing growth signals rising investor interest, though the small supply base still leaves room for well-positioned properties to capture demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sumter 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 Sumter

Investors are drawn to Sumter for its affordable entry price relative to South Carolina averages, stable occupancy, and a still-small supply base that hasn't reached saturation.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sumter represents a moderate-to-strong opportunity for STR investors willing to operate in a smaller, less established market. Revenue peaks in March ($2,316) and October ($2,210) with softer months in February ($1,464) and May ($1,404), creating a manageable seasonal spread of roughly $850 between highs and lows. The combination of above-average occupancy stability and meaningful market growth — reflected in 91% year-over-year listing increases — suggests that demand fundamentals are healthy and still developing. Investors who target larger properties, particularly 4-bedroom homes, stand to capture the strongest returns given their superior occupancy and RevPAN performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sumter

Average revenue by month in Sumter

Sumter's revenue peaks in March at $2,316 and hits a secondary high in October at $2,210, while February ($1,464) and May ($1,404) mark the softest months. The roughly $900 spread between peak and trough months reflects moderate seasonality, giving investors relatively predictable cash flow across the year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sumter

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 23 of the 47 active listings, while 4-bedroom homes represent just 5 listings despite generating the highest revenue and occupancy. This supply gap in larger properties could present a differentiation opportunity for investors willing to acquire or convert 4-bedroom homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sumter

ADR scales steadily from $69 for 1-bedroom units to $218 for 4-bedroom properties, with each bedroom increment adding roughly $40–$65 per night. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($153) to 4-bedrooms ($218) is the most pronounced, suggesting strong guest willingness to pay a premium for larger spaces in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sumter

RevPAN climbs sharply with property size — 4-bedroom listings lead at $123 per available night, nearly double the $68 for 3-bedrooms and over seven times the $16 for 1-bedroom units. This makes larger properties the clear efficiency winners when factoring in both pricing power and occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sumter

Occupancy rates increase consistently with property size, from just 24% for 1-bedroom listings to 57% for 4-bedroom homes. The strong occupancy for larger units suggests they serve a demand segment — possibly military families or groups — that books more reliably, offering better cash-flow stability for investors.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sumter

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,089, significantly outpacing 3-bedrooms ($1,976) and 2-bedrooms ($1,957), which earn nearly identical amounts. One-bedroom units trail at $858 per month, making them the weakest performers and potentially difficult to justify as standalone STR investments in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sumter

Annual revenue ranges from $10,300 for 1-bedroom properties to $37,072 for 4-bedroom homes, with 2- and 3-bedroom units clustered closely at $23,484 and $23,718 respectively. For investors weighing return potential against acquisition cost, 4-bedroom properties offer the strongest top-line revenue, while the similar performance of 2- and 3-bedroom units suggests diminishing returns in that middle tier.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sumter

Kitchens (98%), parking (96%), and laundry facilities (92%) are near-universal among Sumter listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience — likely driven by extended-stay and family travelers. A workspace is offered by 68% of hosts and nearly half allow pets (49%), signaling that remote workers and pet owners represent meaningful guest segments worth targeting.

Understanding Sumter's ROI Score: 68/100

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

Sumter's ROI score of 68 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where healthy occupancy stability and positive growth trends offset an average revenue-to-price ratio. The above-average marks for occupancy stability and market growth are particularly encouraging, as they suggest demand is both reliable and expanding — two qualities that reduce downside risk. Investors should pair these metrics with local regulatory research and property-level analysis to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sumter

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Sumter, South Carolina may need to obtain local business licenses or STR permits before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Sumter and Sumter County planning departments, as rules can evolve quickly in growing markets.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants can also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain subdivisions, so reviewing any applicable community rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in South Carolina are generally subject to state sales tax and local accommodations tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sumter's STR market is expected to continue its upward trajectory given the above-average market growth trend and occupancy stability identified in the data. Monthly revenue patterns suggest moderate seasonality with peaks in March and October, so investors can anticipate steadier cash flow than more tourism-dependent markets — occupancy rates could hover around 38–42% market-wide. ADR may see incremental gains of 2–4% as supply matures and hosts refine pricing strategies, though the rapid growth in new listings could temper per-property revenue if demand doesn't keep pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sumter, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sumter?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sumter is currently 40%, which slightly exceeds the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average 24%, while 4-bedroom properties lead with 57%. This suggests that larger homes in Sumter are better positioned to maintain consistent bookings throughout the year.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sumter?

Based on trailing 12-month data, Airbnb hosts in Sumter earn an average of $1,870 per month or approximately $22,441 per year. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $10,300 annually, while 4-bedroom properties generate roughly $37,072 per year. Individual results depend on factors like property quality, amenities, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Sumter a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sumter scores 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a positive growth trend, while the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance are at average levels. With average home values around $311,882 and annual revenue potential of $22,441, it offers a reasonable entry point — particularly for larger properties that command significantly higher occupancy and revenue. As with any investment, pairing this data with local regulatory research and property-level due diligence is recommended.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Sumter is $172, which is notably below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $69, 2-bedrooms average $117, 3-bedrooms average $153, and 4-bedroom properties command $218 per night. The lower ADR compared to state averages reflects Sumter's inland location and more affordable overall cost structure.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sumter?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Sumter, though operators may need to obtain local business licenses or permits and comply with applicable zoning requirements. Regulations can vary and may change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Sumter and Sumter County for the most current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sumter?

Peak season in Sumter based on historical revenue data falls in March, when average monthly revenue reaches $2,316. A secondary peak occurs in October at $2,210, while summer months (June through August) also perform well, averaging roughly $1,974–$2,032. The slowest months are February ($1,464) and May ($1,404), though the overall seasonal variation is relatively moderate compared to heavily tourism-dependent markets.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sumter?

As of April 2026, there are 47 active Airbnb listings in Sumter. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 91% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 23 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (9), 1-bedrooms (7), and 4-bedrooms (5).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sumter?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Sumter 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 aggregate the results to 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• Popular amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.