Travelers Rest, SC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Travelers Rest Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Travelers Rest, SC is a small but growing short-term rental market nestled near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with 64 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $22,144 per property. At an average daily rate of $159—well below the $358 South Carolina state average—the market offers an accessible price point for guests, though occupancy sits at 26% compared to the 38% state average. With a 213% year-over-year increase in active listings, investor interest is clearly surging, making selective deal sourcing essential in a market where competition is tightening.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Travelers Rest 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 Travelers Rest

Investors are drawn to Travelers Rest for its proximity to outdoor recreation and the Swamp Rabbit Trail, though the rapid supply growth and below-average occupancy require careful property selection and pricing strategy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Travelers Rest presents a competitive opportunity rather than a slam-dunk investment. The market's 26% occupancy and below-average revenue-to-price ratio mean that not every property will pencil out—investors need to be deliberate about size, location, and amenity package. Seasonality is moderate: October leads at $2,202 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $1,122, a nearly 2x spread that demands cash reserves for leaner months. Three-bedroom properties stand out as the strongest performers, capturing the highest RevPAN ($52) and annual revenue ($27,909), suggesting that family- and group-sized units best match what guests are looking for in this mountain-adjacent getaway market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Travelers Rest

Average revenue by month in Travelers Rest

Revenue peaks in October at $2,202 and bottoms out in January at $1,122, creating a roughly 2:1 spread between the best and worst months. The May-through-November stretch delivers consistently strong performance above $1,900, while January and February represent the clearest off-season—important context for cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Travelers Rest

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 23 listings, followed closely by 3-bedrooms (19) and 2-bedrooms (18), creating a fairly even distribution across sizes. The lack of a clear underserved segment means differentiation through amenities and guest experience may matter more than simply choosing an uncommon property size.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Travelers Rest

ADR climbs steadily from $133 for 1-bedroom units to $186 for 3-bedroom properties—a 40% premium that scales in a predictable, linear fashion. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($154) to 3-bedrooms ($186) represents the steepest dollar increase and may offer the best ADR-to-incremental-cost trade-off for investors.

Average RevPAN by property size in Travelers Rest

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $52, a meaningful step above the nearly identical $36–$37 range for 1- and 2-bedroom listings. This gap suggests that larger units not only command higher nightly rates but also convert that pricing power into meaningfully better revenue efficiency after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Travelers Rest

Occupancy is relatively flat across property sizes, ranging from 24% for 2-bedroom units to 28% for 3-bedrooms, with 1-bedrooms in between at 27%. The narrow spread indicates that demand challenges are market-wide rather than size-specific, though 3-bedroom properties hold a slight edge in filling their calendars.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Travelers Rest

Three-bedroom properties generate $2,325 per month on average, outpacing 2-bedrooms ($2,064) by about 13% and dwarfing 1-bedroom revenue of just $895. The stark underperformance of 1-bedroom units—earning less than half of what 2-bedrooms bring in—makes them a challenging configuration for investors seeking meaningful cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Travelers Rest

At $27,909 annually, 3-bedroom listings deliver the strongest gross revenue, followed by 2-bedrooms at $24,768 and 1-bedrooms at $10,747. Given average home values of $605,202, even the top-performing 3-bedroom tier produces a modest revenue-to-price ratio, reinforcing the need for strategic acquisition pricing to make the numbers work.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Travelers Rest

Parking (98%) and self check-in (91%) are virtually table stakes in Travelers Rest, while outdoor amenities like backyards (69%), patios (61%), and BBQ grills (59%) reflect the market's nature-oriented guest profile. Hot tubs appear in only 13% of listings, representing a potential differentiator for hosts looking to stand out and command premium nightly rates.

Understanding Travelers Rest's ROI Score: 42/100

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

Travelers Rest's ROI score of 42 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, signaling that while the market has real demand drivers, the economics require careful deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance reflect the combination of elevated home values and rapid listing growth, while average occupancy stability offers some baseline consistency. Investors should pair these data points with thorough local regulatory research and focus on 3-bedroom properties to maximize their chances of achieving positive cash flow.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Travelers Rest

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

Permit Requirements

Travelers Rest and the state of South Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their properties before listing them. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Travelers Rest and Greenville County authorities before acquiring a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in South Carolina STR markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules may further restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions and community covenants is a critical due-diligence step.

Tax Obligations

South Carolina imposes state and local accommodations taxes on short-term rentals, and operators in Travelers Rest may also owe municipal hospitality or tourism-related taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full tax obligations with a local accountant or the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, expect the rapid supply growth in Travelers Rest to moderate as the market absorbs recent entrants, which could stabilize occupancy rates in the 25–30% range. Revenue is likely to remain seasonal, with October and the summer months continuing to outperform the winter lull by roughly 50–80%. ADR may see modest upward pressure of 2–5% as newer properties compete on amenities and quality, though investors should plan for cash-flow variability given the pronounced off-season dip in January and February. Properties that differentiate through outdoor amenities and larger configurations stand the best chance of capturing above-average returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Travelers Rest, SC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Travelers Rest?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Travelers Rest is currently 26%, which falls below the South Carolina state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom units performing slightly better at 28%, while 2-bedroom properties average 24%. These figures reflect the market's seasonal nature and the recent influx of new listings competing for bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Travelers Rest?

Airbnb hosts in Travelers Rest earn an average of $1,845 per month, which translates to approximately $22,144 per year based on the trailing 12-month historical average. Earnings vary significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $10,747 annually, 2-bedroom properties bring in around $24,768, and 3-bedroom units lead at roughly $27,909 per year. Individual results depend on pricing strategy, guest experience, and property quality.

Is Travelers Rest a good market for Airbnb investment?

Travelers Rest earns an ROI score of 42 out of 100—classified as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' Investor interest is strong and the area benefits from proximity to outdoor recreation and Greenville, but higher home values (averaging $605,202) and below-average occupancy mean returns aren't automatic. Success in this market favors investors who target larger properties, especially 3-bedroom units, and who can differentiate their listing with outdoor amenities and strategic pricing during peak months like October and the summer season.

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

The average daily rate in Travelers Rest is $159, significantly below the South Carolina state average of $358. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $133, 2-bedrooms come in at $154, and 3-bedroom properties command $186 per night. The relatively modest pricing reflects the market's positioning as an accessible mountain-adjacent getaway rather than a premium resort destination.

Are short-term rentals legal in Travelers Rest?

Short-term rentals currently operate in Travelers Rest, with 64 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, STR regulations can change, and operators may need permits, registrations, or business licenses at the city or county level. Investors should contact the City of Travelers Rest and Greenville County directly, and also review any applicable HOA or neighborhood covenants, before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Travelers Rest?

Peak season in Travelers Rest centers on October, when average monthly revenue reaches $2,202—likely driven by fall foliage tourism and pleasant mountain weather. The broader high season runs from May through November, with monthly revenues consistently above $1,900 during summer and early fall. January is the softest month at $1,122, so investors should budget for a significant seasonal dip during the winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Travelers Rest?

There are currently 64 active Airbnb listings in Travelers Rest as of April 2026. The market has seen dramatic growth, with a 213% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is distributed across 23 one-bedroom properties, 18 two-bedroom listings, and 19 three-bedroom units, making it a relatively small but rapidly expanding market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Travelers Rest?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Travelers Rest are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls 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 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 for Travelers Rest and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value benchmarks 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 and current market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may vary based on property-specific factors, pricing strategy, and guest experience. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change; investors should verify all compliance obligations with the relevant city and county authorities before purchasing.