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

Waynesville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waynesville, NC sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and draws visitors year-round with its small-town charm, proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, and a vibrant fall foliage season. With 250 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $28,056, the market offers moderate income potential — though an ADR of $207 (below the $262 state average) and 27% occupancy signal that selective deal sourcing is essential. Listing growth of 127% year-over-year shows strong investor interest, making it increasingly important to target the right property size and positioning to stand out.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waynesville 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 Waynesville

Waynesville attracts investor attention thanks to its mountain-tourism appeal, a growing visitor base, and the potential for premium returns on larger properties despite market-wide competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Waynesville represents a competitive opportunity where the right property can perform well, but broad market averages mask meaningful variation by property size. Revenue swings from a low of $1,338 in February to a peak of $3,752 in July — a nearly 3× spread that underscores the seasonal nature of mountain-leisure demand. The 27% average occupancy rate trails the 34% state benchmark, so investors should plan cash reserves for slower winter and early-spring months. That said, 4- and 5-bedroom properties deliver RevPAN figures of $85 and $92 respectively, well above the market average of $55, suggesting that targeting group-friendly homes with strong outdoor amenities is the clearest path to above-average returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waynesville

Average revenue by month in Waynesville

Waynesville's revenue peaks sharply in July at $3,752 and again in October at $3,125, while February marks the low point at just $1,338 — a nearly 3× seasonal spread that investors should plan around. The summer-to-fall corridor (June–October) consistently delivers above-average income, making it the engine of annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waynesville

Three-bedroom homes dominate Waynesville's supply with 81 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (62) and 1-bedrooms (52). Larger 4- and 5-bedroom properties are comparatively scarce at 38 and 10 listings respectively, which may present an opportunity given their outsized revenue performance.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waynesville

ADR scales meaningfully with size, jumping from $134 for 1-bedroom units to $316 for 4-bedroom homes — the highest tier in the market. Interestingly, 5-bedroom properties average $284, slightly below 4-bedrooms, suggesting the premium-to-cost sweet spot may sit at the 4-bedroom level.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waynesville

Five-bedroom listings lead RevPAN at $92, closely followed by 4-bedrooms at $85 — both well above the market-wide average of $55. Smaller configurations like 1-bedrooms trail significantly at $32, highlighting how larger properties convert their higher nightly rates into meaningfully better revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waynesville

Occupancy is relatively compressed across sizes, ranging from 24% for 1-bedroom listings to 33% for 5-bedroom homes. The modest spread suggests that while larger properties fill slightly more nights, the real revenue differentiation comes from their higher ADR rather than dramatically better occupancy.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waynesville

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $1,242 for studios to $3,854 for 5-bedroom homes — roughly a 3× difference. The jump from 3-bedroom ($2,383) to 4-bedroom ($3,735) is especially notable and represents the most significant revenue step-up in the market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waynesville

At $46,253 annually, 5-bedroom properties top the revenue chart, with 4-bedrooms close behind at $44,824. By contrast, studios and 1-bedrooms earn $14,911 and $16,732 respectively, making larger homes the clear frontrunners for investors focused on maximizing gross income potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waynesville

Kitchens (95%) and parking (95%) are essentially table stakes in Waynesville, while outdoor-focused amenities like patios (75%), BBQ grills (71%), and backyards (59%) reflect the mountain-getaway expectations of guests. Hot tubs appear in 40% of listings, suggesting they're a meaningful differentiator rather than a baseline requirement — adding one could help a property stand out in a competitive field.

Understanding Waynesville's ROI Score: 54/100

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

Waynesville's ROI Score of 54 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band — a market where demand and investor interest are real, but rising supply and moderate revenue-to-price ratios mean not every deal will pencil out. All four calculation factors (Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance) rate as Average, reflecting a market that doesn't flash any red flags but also won't deliver outsized returns without disciplined property selection. Pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and focus on higher-bedroom-count properties to tilt the odds in your favor.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waynesville

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

Permit Requirements

Waynesville, North Carolina may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the town or Haywood County before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices, as regulations in western North Carolina communities can evolve quickly.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in mountain-town STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, parking mandates (especially relevant on steeper lots), and potential HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals in specific communities. Some jurisdictions also cap the total number of active STR permits in residential zones.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina imposes state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Waynesville hosts should expect to remit both state sales tax and any applicable county or municipal room taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm compliance with the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Waynesville's STR market is expected to remain seasonal but steady, with summer and October leaf-peeping demand continuing to anchor the revenue calendar. ADR may edge up 1–3% as the market matures, but occupancy could face modest downward pressure given the rapid supply growth. Investors who focus on larger properties — particularly 4- and 5-bedroom homes — are best positioned to capture above-average RevPAN and weather softer months. We estimate annual revenues for well-managed listings in that range could hold near $44,000–$46,000, though individual results will depend on amenities, pricing strategy, and guest experience."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waynesville, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waynesville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Waynesville is currently 27%, compared to a 34% state average. Occupancy varies by property size, with 5-bedroom homes leading at 33% and 1-bedroom units coming in at 24%. Seasonal demand — peaking in summer and October — means month-to-month occupancy can fluctuate significantly.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waynesville?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Waynesville earn approximately $2,338 per month and $28,056 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. However, revenue varies considerably by property size: 5-bedroom listings average $46,253 annually, while studios bring in closer to $14,911. Peak months like July can push monthly income above $3,700.

Is Waynesville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waynesville scores a 54 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, reflecting a competitive opportunity where investor interest and demand are strong but higher property prices and rising competition call for selective deal sourcing. Larger properties (4–5 bedrooms) significantly outperform smaller ones in revenue and RevPAN. Investors who target the right property size, offer sought-after amenities like hot tubs and outdoor spaces, and price strategically through slower months can find worthwhile returns in this mountain market.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Waynesville is $207, which falls below the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR ranges widely by property size — from $134 for 1-bedroom listings to $316 for 4-bedroom homes. Studios command a surprisingly high ADR of $237, likely reflecting unique or premium cabin-style offerings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waynesville?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Waynesville, NC, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with the town or county. Regulations can vary depending on zoning districts and community associations. Investors should consult the Town of Waynesville and Haywood County planning offices, as well as any applicable HOA rules, before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waynesville?

Peak season in Waynesville runs from June through October, with July leading at $3,752 in average monthly revenue and October close behind at $3,125 — driven by fall foliage tourism. Summer months benefit from mountain-getaway demand, while the shoulder months of November and December still hold moderate earnings around $2,300. February is the softest month, averaging just $1,338.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waynesville?

There are currently 250 active Airbnb listings in Waynesville as of April 2026. The market has experienced 127% year-over-year growth in listing count, indicating strong and rising investor interest. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 81 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (62) and 1-bedrooms (52).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waynesville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Waynesville are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical performance. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and revenue per available night based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Monthly and annual revenue breakdowns by property size for investment sizing
• Amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value benchmarks sourced from 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, zoning rules, and tax obligations can change; always verify current requirements with municipal authorities before purchasing. Individual property results will vary based on location within the market, amenities, guest reviews, pricing strategy, and management quality.