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

Wilson Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wilson, NC is a compact short-term rental market with just 19 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition environment in eastern North Carolina. The market's average daily rate of $146 sits well below the $262 state average, and occupancy runs at 27% compared to 34% statewide — resulting in modest annual revenues averaging $16,393 per listing. While the numbers are humble, the small supply base and affordable entry point may appeal to investors seeking an under-the-radar opportunity where even incremental demand gains could meaningfully improve returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wilson short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Wilson

Wilson's extremely small supply of STR listings and low barrier to entry make it an attractive consideration for investors who want to establish early positioning in an emerging micro-market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wilson presents a limited but potentially undervalued STR opportunity for the right investor profile. Revenue is modest — averaging $1,366 per month — and occupancy trails the state average, which means cash flow alone may not justify a dedicated investment property unless acquisition costs are particularly low. That said, the market shows clear seasonality with a roughly 2x revenue spread between the January low of $832 and the June peak of $1,702, giving pricing-savvy operators room to optimize. Investors with existing property in the area or those seeking a low-risk entry point into the North Carolina STR landscape will find Wilson worth a closer look."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wilson

Average revenue by month in Wilson

Wilson's revenue cycle shows clear seasonality, with June ($1,702) and November ($1,670) standing as the two highest-earning months, while January bottoms out at $832 — creating a roughly 2:1 spread between peak and trough. The summer months from May through August form the primary revenue season, with a secondary uptick in the October–November window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wilson

The market's supply is heavily concentrated in 1-bedroom units (8 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (5 listings), with no data reported for 2-bedroom or 4+ bedroom configurations. This gap suggests potential opportunity for investors to differentiate with mid-size or larger properties that aren't well-represented in Wilson's current inventory.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wilson

ADR increases modestly from $114 for 1-bedroom listings to $135 for 3-bedrooms — a roughly 18% premium. Given that 3-bedroom properties also significantly outperform on occupancy, the premium-to-cost trade-off clearly favors the larger configuration in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wilson

Three-bedroom listings generate $55 in revenue per available night compared to just $33 for 1-bedrooms, a 67% advantage driven by both higher ADR and substantially better occupancy. This makes 3-bedroom properties the clear efficiency leader in Wilson's STR market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wilson

Occupancy rates diverge sharply by size: 3-bedroom properties average 41% — well above the market-wide 27% — while 1-bedroom units manage just 29%. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, the larger format delivers meaningfully more booked nights throughout the year.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wilson

Three-bedroom listings earn roughly double the monthly revenue of 1-bedrooms, averaging $1,759 versus $880. This gap underscores how property size is the single biggest lever for revenue optimization in a small market like Wilson.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wilson

On an annual basis, 3-bedroom properties bring in approximately $21,119 compared to $10,564 for 1-bedroom units. Investors targeting Wilson should weigh acquisition costs carefully, as the 3-bedroom configuration delivers nearly twice the top-line revenue and likely a significantly better return on investment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wilson

Parking (95%), kitchen (90%), and self check-in (90%) are nearly universal among Wilson's listings, signaling that these are baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Amenities like a pool (5%) and BBQ grill (16%) remain rare and could serve as competitive advantages for hosts looking to stand out in this small market.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wilson

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Wilson, NC may need to obtain permits or register their property with local authorities. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Wilson and Wilson County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in North Carolina municipalities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay provisions. HOA rules may also apply and can be more restrictive than city-level regulations, so investors should review any applicable covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

North Carolina requires collection of state and local occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Wilson County may impose additional lodging or tourism taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with a local tax professional.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wilson's STR market is likely to remain a niche play with limited but steady demand. Seasonal data shows revenue climbing through late spring and peaking in June at $1,702, suggesting summer travel and regional events drive the bulk of bookings. Investors can reasonably expect occupancy to hover in the 25–30% range market-wide, though well-positioned 3-bedroom properties could outperform that average. Any growth in local tourism infrastructure or regional corporate activity would be a meaningful catalyst in a market this small."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wilson, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wilson?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Wilson, NC is currently 27%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Three-bedroom properties tend to perform better, averaging 41% occupancy compared to 29% for 1-bedroom listings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wilson?

Airbnb hosts in Wilson earn an average of $1,366 per month, which translates to approximately $16,393 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings average $1,759 per month ($21,119 annually), while 1-bedroom units bring in roughly $880 per month ($10,564 annually).

Is Wilson a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wilson is a small, low-competition market with only 19 active Airbnb listings, which can be appealing for investors looking to establish early positioning. However, occupancy and revenue trail state averages, so the opportunity is best suited for investors with low acquisition costs or those who already own property in the area. Three-bedroom properties show the strongest performance metrics and may offer the best return potential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Wilson is $146, which is considerably lower than the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR ranges from $114 for 1-bedroom properties to $135 for 3-bedroom listings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wilson?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Wilson, NC, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, zoning, and tax requirements. Regulations can change, so it's important to check directly with the City of Wilson and Wilson County for the most current rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wilson?

Peak season for Airbnb in Wilson runs from late spring through early summer, with June delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $1,702. October and November also show strong performance at $1,538 and $1,670 respectively. January is the slowest month, averaging just $832 in revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wilson?

As of April 2026, there are 19 active Airbnb listings in Wilson, NC. The supply is concentrated in two property sizes: 8 one-bedroom listings and 5 three-bedroom listings, with the remainder falling in other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wilson?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Wilson 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 performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like the $1,702 June average) and slower months (like the $832 January average). Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, and how effectively the listing is managed.

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 Wilson, NC market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Supply distribution and performance breakdowns by property size
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 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 seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change — always verify with local authorities before investing.