Wake Forest, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Wake Forest Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wake Forest, NC is a growing suburban market just north of Raleigh where short-term rental supply has expanded significantly—active listings grew 155% year over year to 60 properties. With an average daily rate of $164 (well below the $262 state average) and occupancy of 38% (slightly above the 34% state average), the market offers accessible entry pricing but requires careful deal selection given the competitive landscape and an average annual revenue of $25,839 against home values averaging $742,667.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest

Wake Forest appeals to investors seeking exposure to the fast-growing Raleigh-Durham metro corridor at a lower entry point than downtown Raleigh, though tighter competition and elevated home prices demand disciplined underwriting.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wake Forest presents a competitive opportunity where above-average occupancy stability is offset by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and rapid supply growth. Revenue follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in July and August at around $2,470–$2,476 per month and dipping to roughly $1,541 in January—a spread of about $935 between the best and weakest months. Investors targeting larger properties can unlock stronger returns, but the $742,667 average home value means annual revenues of $25,839 produce thin gross yields without strategic pricing and cost management. This is a market where operational excellence and property selection will separate profitable hosts from the rest."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wake Forest

Average revenue by month in Wake Forest

Revenue peaks in July and August at roughly $2,476 and $2,470 respectively, while January is the softest month at $1,541—a seasonal swing of about 60%. The relatively moderate spread suggests Wake Forest benefits from year-round demand drivers rather than relying solely on one season, though summer clearly outperforms.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wake Forest

Two- and 3-bedroom listings each account for 18 of the 60 active properties, making them the most common configurations, while 4-bedroom homes represent just 7 listings. The limited supply of larger properties, combined with their stronger revenue performance, could signal an opportunity for investors willing to target the 4-bedroom segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wake Forest

ADR ranges from $110 for 1-bedroom units up to $196 for 4-bedroom properties, though 3-bedroom listings ($164) actually price slightly below 2-bedrooms ($176). The premium for stepping up to a 4-bedroom unit is meaningful at $196, and when paired with strong occupancy, these properties capture the best nightly rate in the market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wake Forest

Four-bedroom properties stand out with a RevPAN of $86—roughly 56% higher than the $54–$55 range where 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units cluster. This gap makes the 4-bedroom segment the clear efficiency leader in Wake Forest on a per-available-night basis, despite having fewer listings in the market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wake Forest

One-bedroom units lead occupancy at 49%, followed by 4-bedrooms at 44%, while 2- and 3-bedroom listings trail at 31% and 34% respectively. The higher fill rates at both ends of the size spectrum suggest that compact stays and family-sized getaways drive the most consistent demand in this market.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wake Forest

Monthly revenue climbs from $1,501 for 1-bedroom units to $2,653 for 4-bedroom homes, with a notable jump between 2-bedrooms ($2,090) and 3-bedrooms ($2,601). Investors seeking the highest monthly cash flow should note that the revenue gap between 3- and 4-bedroom properties narrows to just $52, making 3-bedrooms potentially more efficient on a cost basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wake Forest

Annual revenue ranges from $18,018 for 1-bedroom properties to $31,844 for 4-bedroom homes, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $31,212. Given the substantial home values in Wake Forest averaging $742,667, investors targeting gross yield should carefully model acquisition costs against these revenue figures by bedroom count.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wake Forest

Parking (100%) and kitchen access (98%) are virtually universal, while self check-in and in-unit laundry (90% each) signal that guest expectations lean toward convenience and independence. Outdoor spaces—including patios (65%), backyards (63%), and outdoor furniture (72%)—are also prevalent, reflecting Wake Forest's suburban character and family-oriented guest base.

Understanding Wake Forest's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Wake Forest's ROI score of 49 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity tier, reflecting a market where strong investor interest meets real pricing pressure. Occupancy stability scores above average, which is encouraging for cash-flow consistency, but both the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance fall below average—meaning returns require sharper property selection and operational discipline. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting will help investors identify deals that still pencil in this competitive environment.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wake Forest

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

Permit Requirements

Wake Forest, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their property with the town before hosting guests. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Town of Wake Forest planning department and review any applicable Wake County regulations.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in North Carolina municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and signage rules. HOA covenants in Wake Forest's many planned communities may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing CC&Rs before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as state sales tax on rental income. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and Wake County tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wake Forest's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest in the Raleigh metro remains strong. Occupancy rates may stabilize in the 35–40% range as the market absorbs new listings, while ADR could see modest increases of 2–4% driven by the region's ongoing population growth. Seasonal revenue patterns suggest hosts should expect peak earnings from May through August, with January remaining the softest month. Investors who focus on larger properties—particularly 4-bedroom units—may capture a revenue premium that helps offset the market's below-average revenue-to-price ratio."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wake Forest, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wake Forest?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wake Forest is currently 38%, which edges above the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies notably by property size—1-bedroom units lead at 49%, while 2-bedroom properties sit lower at 31%. Four-bedroom homes also perform well at 44% occupancy, suggesting that both compact units and larger family-sized properties attract consistent bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wake Forest?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Wake Forest earn approximately $2,153 per month, translating to about $25,839 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $18,018 annually, while 4-bedroom properties top the market at roughly $31,844 per year. Individual results depend heavily on pricing strategy, property quality, amenity offerings, and seasonal management.

Is Wake Forest a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wake Forest carries an ROI score of 49 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and proximity to the thriving Raleigh metro area, but a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and rapid supply growth mean investors need to be selective about the properties they acquire. Focusing on larger units (3–4 bedrooms) and maintaining competitive amenity packages can help maximize returns in this environment.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Wake Forest is $164, which is considerably lower than the $262 North Carolina state average. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $110 for 1-bedroom units to $196 for 4-bedroom homes. The relatively affordable nightly rates reflect Wake Forest's suburban positioning compared to tourist-heavy coastal or mountain markets in the state.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wake Forest?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Wake Forest, NC, though specific regulations, permit requirements, and zoning restrictions may apply. Investors should consult the Town of Wake Forest planning department and review any applicable HOA covenants before purchasing a property for STR use. Local regulations can evolve, so staying current with municipal ordinances is important for maintaining compliance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wake Forest?

Peak season in Wake Forest runs from May through August, with July and August representing the highest-earning months at approximately $2,476 and $2,470 in average revenue, respectively. October and November also show solid performance around $2,258–$2,321. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to roughly $1,541–$1,635, creating a seasonal spread of nearly $935 between the peak and trough.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wake Forest?

As of April 2026, there are 60 active Airbnb listings in Wake Forest. The market has seen significant supply growth, with listings increasing 155% year over year. The inventory is fairly evenly distributed between 1-bedroom (14 listings), 2-bedroom (18), and 3-bedroom (18) properties, with 4-bedroom homes making up a smaller segment at 7 listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wake Forest?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Wake Forest 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. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary significantly 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 Wake Forest and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates 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 and current snapshots as of the dates noted; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.