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

Sylva Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Sylva, NC sits in the heart of the Western North Carolina mountains and draws visitors year-round with its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains, and a growing arts-and-outdoor-recreation scene. With 134 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $168, and trailing-twelve-month annual revenue of $28,522, the market offers a modest but accessible entry point — especially given average home values of $477,145. Occupancy currently runs at 31%, slightly below the 34% North Carolina state average, signaling that selective deal sourcing and strong listing optimization will be key to outperforming the field.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Sylva 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 Sylva

Sylva appeals to investors seeking an affordable mountain-market entry with meaningful seasonal revenue spikes and room to differentiate through property quality and amenities.

Expert Market Assessment

"Sylva presents a competitive opportunity where deal selection matters more than average. Revenue peaks sharply in July at $4,338 per listing, roughly triple the February trough of $1,273, so investors need to plan cash flow around pronounced seasonality. The ROI score of 53 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and occupancy stability, paired with a below-average supply/demand balance driven by rapid listing growth. That said, larger properties — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes — punch well above their weight on RevPAN and annual revenue, making them the clearest path to solid returns in this small-town mountain market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Sylva

Average revenue by month in Sylva

Sylva's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal: July leads at $4,338, more than three times the February low of $1,273. A secondary autumn peak in October ($2,991) reflects strong fall-foliage demand, while the winter months from December through March hover between $1,273 and $2,274 — investors should budget for lean cash flow from roughly November through April.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Sylva

Two-bedroom listings dominate supply with 51 of the market's 134 active properties, followed by 1-bedrooms at 35. Larger 4-bedroom homes are the scarcest at just 15 listings, which — combined with their higher RevPAN — could signal a supply gap worth targeting for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Sylva

ADR nearly triples from $110 for 1-bedroom listings to $303 for 4-bedrooms, with a meaningful step-up at the 3-bedroom level ($198). The jump from 2 to 3 bedrooms offers an attractive price premium relative to the incremental acquisition cost, making mid-size properties a compelling sweet spot for rate optimization.

Average RevPAN by property size in Sylva

RevPAN strongly favors larger properties: 4-bedroom listings deliver $85 per available night versus just $37 for 2-bedrooms, despite similar supply levels for 3- and 4-bedroom homes. Three-bedroom units at $77 RevPAN also outperform their smaller counterparts significantly, confirming that bigger configurations capture more revenue even after accounting for occupancy differences.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Sylva

Three-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 39%, closely followed by 1-bedrooms at 38%, while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units trail at 25% and 28% respectively. The lower occupancy for 2-bedrooms — the most common listing size — suggests saturation at that tier, reinforcing the case for differentiation through size or amenities.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Sylva

Monthly revenue scales predictably with size: 4-bedroom properties average $3,757 per month compared to $1,465 for 1-bedrooms. Three-bedroom listings at $3,190 per month offer a strong middle ground, delivering more than twice the revenue of 1-bedroom units while requiring a smaller investment than a 4-bedroom home.

Average annual revenue by property size in Sylva

Annual revenue ranges from $17,581 for 1-bedroom listings to $45,095 for 4-bedrooms — a 2.6× spread. Given Sylva's average home value of $477,145, investors focused on revenue-to-price efficiency should model specific purchase prices carefully, but 3-bedroom properties at $38,290 annually represent a notable step up from the 2-bedroom tier's $25,435.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Sylva

Parking (99%) and kitchens (96%) are essentially table stakes in Sylva, and laundry facilities, self check-in, and outdoor living spaces round out the baseline guest expectation. Only 27% of listings offer a hot tub — a standout amenity in a mountain-getaway market — suggesting that adding one could meaningfully boost booking rates and ADR for new entrants.

Understanding Sylva'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

Sylva's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning investor interest is healthy but returns aren't automatic. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the supply/demand balance scores below average — a reflection of the 105% year-over-year listing growth that's tightening competition. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-performing property sizes (3–4 bedrooms) will help investors identify deals that outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sylva

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

Permit Requirements

The Town of Sylva and Jackson County in North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before hosting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the local planning or zoning office, as regulations in smaller Western NC municipalities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise and nuisance ordinances, designated parking requirements, and potential HOA covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions in North Carolina also impose minimum-stay thresholds or cap the number of STR permits issued in a given area, so reviewing any applicable local or county-level rules before purchasing is strongly advised.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally required to collect and remit state sales tax and local occupancy taxes, which can vary by county. Platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of this collection automatically, but investors should confirm with Jackson County and the NC Department of Revenue to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Seasonal patterns suggest that summer and fall will continue to anchor Sylva's STR calendar, with July and October historically delivering the strongest revenue. Over the next 12–18 months, we estimate ADR could edge up 1–3% as visitor interest in mountain getaways remains resilient, while occupancy rates may hover around 30–33% market-wide. Active listings grew 105% year-over-year, however, so new supply could temper per-listing performance unless demand keeps pace. Investors who focus on higher-bedroom-count properties — where RevPAN is markedly stronger — are best positioned to capture above-average returns in this competitive environment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Sylva, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sylva?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sylva is currently 31%, which trails the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 3-bedroom listings lead at 39%, while 2-bedroom units see just 25%. Seasonal demand swings also play a large role, with summer and fall months pulling occupancy well above the annual average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sylva?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Sylva earns approximately $2,376 per month or $28,522 per year. Larger properties command significantly more: 4-bedroom listings average $45,095 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in around $17,581. Actual earnings depend on property quality, pricing strategy, amenities, and how well hosts capture peak-season demand.

Is Sylva a good market for Airbnb investment?

Sylva carries an ROI score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band. The market offers real upside — especially for well-appointed 3- and 4-bedroom properties — but rising supply (listings grew 105% year-over-year) means investors need to be selective about purchase price and property positioning. Mountain tourism provides a dependable demand base, and strategic amenity choices like hot tubs and outdoor living spaces can help a listing stand out.

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

The current average daily rate in Sylva is $168, which is below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $110 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $303 per night. This pricing structure reflects the family-and-group-friendly nature of mountain vacation demand.

Are short-term rentals legal in Sylva?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Sylva, NC, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with the relevant authorities in the Town of Sylva or Jackson County. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with local planning and zoning departments before purchasing a property. State and local tax obligations also apply.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Sylva?

Peak season in Sylva runs from June through October, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,338 per listing. October also stands out at $2,991, driven by fall foliage tourism in the Western North Carolina mountains. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue dips to $1,428 and $1,273 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Sylva?

As of April 2026, there are 134 active Airbnb listings in Sylva. The supply has grown sharply, with a 105% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 51 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (35), 3-bedrooms (30), and 4-bedrooms (15).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Sylva?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Sylva 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. 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 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 for the Sylva, NC market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12 months of booking data
• Property-size breakdowns for supply, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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