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

Vilas Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Vilas, NC is a small mountain market in the High Country with 73 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $34,645 per property. With an ADR of $256 — just slightly below the $262 state average — and occupancy sitting at 35%, the market rewards investors who can capitalize on strong summer and winter demand cycles. The 175% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, though average home values of $704,042 mean deal sourcing requires discipline to maintain healthy returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Vilas 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 Vilas

Vilas attracts investors because of its mountain tourism appeal combined with pronounced seasonal peaks that can deliver meaningful revenue during summer and winter months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Vilas presents a competitive opportunity where returns are achievable but not guaranteed without careful property selection. The market's pronounced seasonality — revenue nearly triples from April's low of $1,544 to July's peak of $4,555 — means cash flow planning around shoulder months is critical. A below-average revenue-to-price ratio reflects the area's elevated home values relative to rental income, so investors who can acquire properties below the $704,042 average or who optimize pricing during peak windows will be best positioned. Overall, this is a market that favors experienced operators or those willing to invest in amenities and marketing to stand out in a growing field of 73 active listings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Vilas

Average revenue by month in Vilas

Revenue in Vilas follows a sharp seasonal curve, peaking in July at $4,555 and bottoming in April at $1,544 — a nearly 3x spread that underscores how critical summer and holiday pricing strategy is. A secondary revenue bump in October ($3,332) and December ($3,403) provides meaningful income outside the core summer window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Vilas

The 73 active listings in Vilas skew toward 2- and 3-bedroom properties, which together account for 51 of 66 tracked units. With only 6 one-bedroom and 9 four-bedroom listings, investors may find less competition — and potentially stronger occupancy — at the extremes of the size spectrum.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Vilas

ADR jumps dramatically for 4-bedroom properties at $419 per night, roughly double the $202 rate for 2-bedroom units. The 3-bedroom tier at $253 offers a solid rate without the higher acquisition cost of larger homes, making it a strong middle-ground option for investors focused on rate-to-cost efficiency.

Average RevPAN by property size in Vilas

Four-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $111, followed closely by 1-bedrooms at $99 — despite their lower nightly rates, smaller units benefit from markedly higher occupancy. Two-bedroom properties trail the pack at $68 RevPAN, suggesting that size alone doesn't drive the best yield when occupancy is factored in.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Vilas

One-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 44%, well above the market average of 35%, while 4-bedroom listings sit lowest at 27%. This inverse relationship between size and occupancy means smaller units offer more consistent booking flow, which can be appealing for investors prioritizing steady cash flow over peak-night revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Vilas

Three-bedroom listings generate the highest average monthly revenue at $3,585, outpacing even 4-bedrooms ($3,227), thanks to a favorable combination of rate and occupancy. One-bedroom units earn the least at $1,946 per month, though their higher occupancy helps keep revenue more stable across seasons.

Average annual revenue by property size in Vilas

At $43,027 per year, 3-bedroom properties offer the strongest annual revenue in Vilas, followed by 4-bedrooms at $38,734 and 2-bedrooms at $30,993. Investors targeting the best return potential relative to property availability should note that 3-bedrooms combine top revenue with a competitive but not oversaturated supply of 27 listings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Vilas

Kitchens (100%) and parking (99%) are essentially mandatory in Vilas, reflecting a market where guests expect self-contained mountain getaway experiences. Hot tubs appear in 56% of listings and BBQ grills in 75%, signaling that outdoor and comfort amenities are key differentiators — while EV chargers (7%) and lake access (4%) remain rare and could serve as unique selling points.

Understanding Vilas's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Vilas earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 51 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band where demand exists but returns require more intentional deal sourcing. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values averaging $704,042 against $34,645 in annual revenue — is the primary drag, while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register as average. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and target properties priced below market to improve their yield profile.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Vilas

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Vilas and surrounding Watauga County, North Carolina may need to obtain local permits or register their property before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Watauga County planning department and the Town of Vilas, as regulations in this area can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain periods, noise and parking regulations, and HOA covenants that could prohibit or limit short-term rentals in specific developments. Because many properties in the High Country are part of planned communities or homeowner associations, reviewing governing documents before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina levies state sales tax and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Watauga County may impose an additional room occupancy tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm they are meeting all state and county obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Vilas is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest in North Carolina's mountain corridor remains elevated. Occupancy may settle in the 33–37% range as new listings absorb into the market, and ADR could edge up modestly by 1–3% given the area's appeal during peak summer and holiday seasons. Investors should anticipate that the revenue-to-price ratio will remain under pressure unless acquisition costs are negotiated below market averages. Selective deal sourcing — particularly targeting 3-bedroom properties with strong amenity packages — will be key to outperforming the broader market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Vilas, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Vilas?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Vilas is currently 35%, which is right in line with the 34% North Carolina state average. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 44%, while 4-bedroom properties average 27%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a major role, with summer and winter holidays driving the highest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Vilas?

Airbnb hosts in Vilas earn an average of $2,887 per month and approximately $34,645 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 3-bedroom listings top the market at roughly $43,027 annually, while 1-bedroom units average around $23,354. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $4,500, while slower months like April may dip below $1,600.

Is Vilas a good market for Airbnb investment?

Vilas carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 51 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. Investor interest and tourism demand are solid, but elevated home prices (averaging $704,042) compress the revenue-to-price ratio. Investors who source deals below market value or target the best-performing property sizes — particularly 3-bedroom homes — can still find attractive returns. Pairing market data with thorough local regulatory research is strongly recommended.

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

The average daily rate in Vilas is $256, just slightly below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $225, 2-bedrooms come in at $202, 3-bedrooms at $253, and 4-bedroom properties command the highest rates at $419 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Vilas?

Short-term rentals operate in Vilas and the surrounding Watauga County area, but specific permit, zoning, and registration requirements may apply. Regulations can vary and change over time, so prospective investors should consult directly with local authorities and review any HOA covenants before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Vilas?

Peak season in Vilas centers on the summer months, with July ($4,555 average revenue) and August ($4,284) delivering the strongest performance. A secondary peak occurs in the fall and winter holiday corridor — October averages $3,332 and December reaches $3,403. The slowest months are March through May, with April bottoming out at $1,544 in average monthly revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Vilas?

As of April 2026, there are 73 active Airbnb listings in Vilas. The supply is concentrated in mid-size properties: 3-bedroom listings make up the largest share with 27 units, followed by 2-bedrooms at 24. There are only 6 one-bedroom and 9 four-bedroom listings, suggesting potential niches at the smaller and larger ends of the spectrum.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Vilas?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Vilas 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors 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 the Vilas, NC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to guide investment decisions
• Home value data from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for acquisition cost context

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 may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.