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

Swansboro Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Swansboro is a small coastal community in North Carolina where short-term rental activity is growing rapidly — active listings surged 138% year over year, bringing the current count to 49. With an average annual revenue of $28,758 and an ADR of $177 (well below the $262 state average), the market offers an affordable entry point for investors willing to navigate increasing competition and pronounced seasonality. The ROI score of 53 out of 100 signals a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing will be essential.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Swansboro 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 Swansboro

Swansboro appeals to investors looking for a lower-cost coastal entry with strong seasonal upside, though the recent surge in supply and moderate occupancy demand careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Swansboro represents a moderate-opportunity coastal market where strong summer demand can drive attractive monthly returns, but the overall picture requires realistic expectations. Revenue is heavily front-loaded into the May-through-August window, with July alone accounting for more revenue than January through March combined. The 30% average occupancy rate — slightly below North Carolina's 34% state average — and a below-average supply/demand balance score suggest the recent influx of new listings is outpacing demand growth. Investors who target three-bedroom properties and optimize for summer peak performance are best positioned to capture the market's upside."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Swansboro

Average revenue by month in Swansboro

Swansboro exhibits sharp seasonality — July leads at $4,619 in average revenue, nearly 4.6 times the January low of $997, making summer the critical earning window. The May-through-August stretch accounts for the bulk of annual income, so investors should budget for significantly leaner winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Swansboro

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 17 of the market's 49 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (14) and 1-bedrooms (9). The concentration toward larger units reflects the family-vacation and group-travel profile typical of coastal markets, though the relatively thin 1-bedroom segment could present a niche opportunity for solo or couple travelers.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Swansboro

ADR rises meaningfully with size: 1-bedrooms average $130, 2-bedrooms $138, and 3-bedrooms jump to $202 — a 55% premium over 1-bedroom units. The step up from 2 to 3 bedrooms is where the pricing power becomes most pronounced, suggesting the added bedroom commands a disproportionate rate increase.

Average RevPAN by property size in Swansboro

Revenue per available night follows a clear upward trajectory, from $32 for 1-bedroom units to $43 for 2-bedrooms and $63 for 3-bedrooms. Three-bedroom properties generate nearly double the RevPAN of 1-bedrooms, making them the most efficient revenue producers on a per-night basis after factoring in occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Swansboro

Occupancy rates are fairly compressed across property sizes — 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units both hit 31%, while 1-bedrooms trail at 25%. The lower occupancy for smaller units suggests that guests visiting Swansboro generally prefer more space, which aligns with the coastal vacation profile of this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Swansboro

Three-bedroom listings lead monthly revenue at $2,747, outpacing 2-bedrooms ($1,945) by 41% and 1-bedrooms ($1,688) by 63%. For investors weighing acquisition costs against cash flow, the jump in monthly income from 2 to 3 bedrooms is substantial and worth evaluating against the incremental property cost.

Average annual revenue by property size in Swansboro

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom properties generate $32,968 — roughly $10,000 more than 2-bedrooms ($23,345) and $12,700 more than 1-bedrooms ($20,258). Given average home values around $470,697, investors targeting larger configurations will capture the best gross revenue, though net returns will depend heavily on purchase price and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Swansboro

Parking and kitchens top the list at 94% prevalence, effectively making them baseline expectations for any Swansboro listing. Outdoor-oriented amenities — backyards (69%), BBQ grills (67%), outdoor furniture (65%), and patios (61%) — dominate the mid-tier, signaling that guests prioritize outdoor living space, while pet-friendliness at 57% suggests a meaningful demand segment that investors can target for differentiation.

Understanding Swansboro's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Swansboro's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning the market has genuine appeal but requires disciplined property selection to generate strong returns. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the supply/demand balance scores below average — a reflection of the 138% year-over-year surge in new listings outpacing demand growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 3-bedrooms) that have demonstrated the strongest per-night revenue performance.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Swansboro

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Swansboro, North Carolina may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property before listing; investors should verify current requirements with the Town of Swansboro and Onslow County offices before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and any HOA covenants that could limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods. Investors should also watch for potential permit caps as the market's rapid listing growth could prompt new local oversight.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit state sales tax and applicable county occupancy taxes; platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of this collection, but hosts should confirm their individual obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Swansboro's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as more investors recognize the coastal appeal, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy — currently at 30% — unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest ADR may tick up 1–3% during peak summer months while off-season rates stay relatively flat. Investors should plan for monthly revenue swings ranging from roughly $1,000 in January to over $4,600 in July, and budget conservatively for the quieter winter stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Swansboro, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Swansboro?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Swansboro is currently 30%, which sits slightly below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units both averaging around 31% while 1-bedroom properties come in lower at 25%. Seasonal demand plays a large role — summer months drive significantly higher booking rates than winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Swansboro?

Airbnb hosts in Swansboro earn an average of $2,396 per month, which translates to approximately $28,758 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead at $2,747 per month ($32,968 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $1,688 per month ($20,258 annually). Summer months like July can push monthly earnings above $4,600, whereas winter months may dip below $1,100.

Is Swansboro a good market for Airbnb investment?

Swansboro earns an ROI score of 53 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from coastal vacation demand and an ADR well below the state average, keeping entry costs reasonable. However, the 138% year-over-year growth in active listings means competition is intensifying, and occupancy runs below the state benchmark. Investors who focus on larger properties and optimize for peak-season performance can still find viable opportunities, though selective deal sourcing is important.

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

The average daily rate in Swansboro is $177, which is notably lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $130, 2-bedrooms come in at $138, and 3-bedroom properties command $202 per night. This pricing structure keeps the market accessible for guests while offering investors room to compete on value rather than premium nightly rates.

Are short-term rentals legal in Swansboro?

Short-term rentals do operate in Swansboro, with 49 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits or registrations from the Town of Swansboro or Onslow County. Investors should consult local authorities and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Swansboro?

Peak season in Swansboro runs from June through August, with July being the highest-earning month at $4,619 in average revenue. June ($3,648) and August ($3,570) are also strong performers. The shoulder months of May ($2,863) and October ($2,618) offer decent returns as well. Winter months from December through February represent the slowest period, with January bottoming out near $997.

How many Airbnbs are there in Swansboro?

There are currently 49 active Airbnb listings in Swansboro as of April 2026. The supply has grown dramatically, with 138% year-over-year growth in active listings. The market is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (17 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (14 listings) and 1-bedrooms (9 listings).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Swansboro?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Swansboro 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 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 a host manages their listing.

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 Swansboro and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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 as of the reporting date and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and county authorities before purchasing.