Sunset Beach, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Sunset Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sunset Beach, NC is a coastal market with 110 active Airbnb listings and sharp summer seasonality that drives the bulk of annual revenue. With an average daily rate of $150 — well below the $262 North Carolina state average — and average annual revenue of $28,261, the market rewards investors who can capture peak-season demand from June through August. Home values averaging $745,405 mean deal sourcing matters: the revenue-to-price ratio is moderate, and a 147% year-over-year increase in active listings signals growing investor interest alongside rising competition.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach

Investors are drawn to Sunset Beach for its coastal vacation appeal and the premium that larger properties command, though the market's pronounced seasonality and growing supply require disciplined underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sunset Beach presents a competitive opportunity that hinges on property selection and pricing strategy. The market's extreme seasonality — July revenue is nearly 10× January's — means investors need to plan cash reserves for the quieter winter months when monthly income can drop below $700. Larger properties significantly outperform: 4-bedroom units earn roughly triple the annual revenue of 1-bedroom listings, suggesting that investors targeting family-sized vacation homes are best positioned. With occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rated below average, success here depends on standing out during peak weeks and capturing as many shoulder-season bookings as possible."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sunset Beach

Average revenue by month in Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach exhibits dramatic seasonality, with July peaking at $5,792 and January bottoming out at just $610 — a nearly 10× spread that underscores the importance of maximizing summer bookings. The shoulder months of March through May and September through October offer moderate supplemental income in the $1,700–$2,500 range.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sunset Beach

Two-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 42 listings (38% of the market), followed by 28 one-bedroom units. Four-bedroom homes are the scarcest at just 14 listings, which — combined with their substantially higher revenue — may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties in a less crowded segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sunset Beach

ADR scales sharply with size: 4-bedroom properties command $280 per night, nearly 2.7× the $104 rate for 1-bedroom units. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($168) to 4-bedrooms ($280) is especially pronounced, suggesting guests place a significant premium on the extra space and capacity that larger beach homes provide.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sunset Beach

Revenue per available night increases steadily with bedroom count, from $26 for 1-bedroom listings to $65 for 4-bedroom properties. This progression shows that the higher ADR of larger homes more than compensates for their slightly lower occupancy, making them the most efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sunset Beach

Occupancy rates are relatively uniform across property sizes, ranging from 23% for 4-bedroom homes to 29% for 2- and 3-bedroom listings. The narrow spread suggests that demand patterns are driven more by overall market seasonality than by property configuration, though larger homes may benefit from longer average stays during peak weeks.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sunset Beach

Four-bedroom properties lead by a wide margin at $5,078 per month, more than double the $2,188 monthly average for 2-bedroom units. One-bedroom listings bring in the least at $1,648 per month, highlighting how challenging it can be for smaller units to cover carrying costs in a seasonal beach market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sunset Beach

Annual revenue potential ranges from $19,781 for 1-bedroom units to $60,947 for 4-bedroom properties, with each additional bedroom adding meaningful incremental income. The 4-bedroom tier stands out as the strongest return configuration, earning more than 3× the 1-bedroom figure — a gap that investors should weigh against the higher acquisition and maintenance costs of larger homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sunset Beach

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, and kitchens (95%), washers (87%), and dryers (86%) are near-standard — reflecting the self-catering, family-vacation profile of Sunset Beach guests. Pools (67%), patios or balconies (72%), and hot tubs (31%) represent key differentiators, while only 23% of listings highlight beach access, suggesting that proximity to the shore could be a powerful competitive advantage for new entrants.

Understanding Sunset Beach's ROI Score: 44/100

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

Sunset Beach's ROI score of 44 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, reflecting average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics alongside below-average ratings for market growth trend and supply/demand balance. The 147% surge in active listings is a key factor — while it demonstrates investor confidence, it also tightens competition and may compress returns for undifferentiated properties. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and careful property selection will be essential for investors looking to outperform in this market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sunset Beach

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Sunset Beach, North Carolina should expect to register or obtain a short-term rental permit before listing their property; the town and Brunswick County may each have their own requirements. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current permitting rules directly with the Town of Sunset Beach and the state of North Carolina before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements (especially during peak season), noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit rentals. Some municipalities also impose caps on the number of active permits, so confirming availability early in the acquisition process is prudent.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales tax on rental income. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and local tax offices.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Sunset Beach is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest remains elevated, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy rates that already sit at 26% — below the 34% state average. Peak-season revenue should hold steady or edge up slightly given the area's enduring beach-vacation appeal, with July revenue estimates in the $5,500–$6,000 range and shoulder months like May and September contributing meaningful supplemental income. ADR increases of 1–3% are plausible for well-positioned properties, though new supply may limit gains in the off-season months when occupancy dips below break-even for many hosts."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sunset Beach, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sunset Beach?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sunset Beach is currently 26%, which falls below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2- and 3-bedroom units performing best at around 29%, while 4-bedroom properties sit at approximately 23%. The lower overall rate reflects the market's pronounced seasonality, with the bulk of bookings concentrated in the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sunset Beach?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Sunset Beach earn approximately $2,355 per month or $28,261 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average about $19,781 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $60,947 per year. Peak months like July can generate nearly $5,800 in a single month, while winter months may yield under $700.

Is Sunset Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sunset Beach carries an ROI score of 44 out of 100, categorized as a "Competitive Opportunity." This means investor interest and guest demand are present, but higher property prices (averaging $745,405) and growing competition require selective deal sourcing. The market rewards larger properties and operators who maximize peak-season revenue. Investors should carefully model cash flow across the full calendar year, including the slower winter months, before committing.

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

The current average daily rate in Sunset Beach is $150, which is notably lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. Rates scale with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $104 per night, 2-bedrooms come in at $129, 3-bedrooms at $168, and 4-bedroom properties command around $280 per night. This pricing structure makes larger homes particularly compelling from a revenue standpoint.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sunset Beach?

Short-term rentals do operate in Sunset Beach, NC, with 110 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local permitting, registration requirements, and zoning rules can change, so prospective investors should verify current regulations directly with the Town of Sunset Beach and Brunswick County before purchasing a property for STR use. HOA restrictions may also apply in certain communities.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sunset Beach?

Peak season in Sunset Beach runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at an average of $5,792 per listing. June ($4,283) and August ($4,473) also deliver strong returns. The shoulder months of April, May, and September generate between $2,000 and $2,500, while the winter months from November through February represent the slowest period, with monthly revenues ranging from roughly $610 to $990.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sunset Beach?

As of April 2026, there are 110 active Airbnb listings in Sunset Beach. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 147% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 42 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (28), 3-bedrooms (22), and 4-bedrooms (14).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sunset Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sunset Beach 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 into 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 how actively the listing is managed.

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 Sunset Beach, NC
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence 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 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 as of the dates noted; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.