Wrightsville Beach, NC Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Wrightsville Beach Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wrightsville Beach is a classic coastal vacation market where summer demand drives outsized revenue — July listings average $9,601 per month — but the overall investment picture requires careful deal selection. With an average home value of $3,225,682 and annual revenue averaging $59,436, the revenue-to-price ratio is tight, and a 23% average occupancy rate trails the North Carolina state average of 34%. That said, above-average occupancy stability and a growing market trend suggest that well-positioned properties with the right pricing strategy can still perform for investors who secure favorable entry points.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wrightsville Beach 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 Wrightsville Beach

Investors are drawn to Wrightsville Beach for its strong summer beach tourism, premium nightly rates well above the state average, and the cache of a barrier-island destination near Wilmington.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wrightsville Beach presents a competitive opportunity where strong summer demand and premium nightly rates are offset by high property prices and a growing supply of listings. Seasonality is pronounced — July revenue of $9,601 is nearly six times the January figure of $1,697 — so investors need to plan cash flow around a concentrated earning window from May through October. The ROI score of 39 out of 100 reflects the challenge of achieving attractive returns at current entry costs, though above-average occupancy stability and a positive market growth trend point to durable underlying demand. Selective deal sourcing, particularly in the 4-bedroom-and-above segment where RevPAN and total revenue are strongest, is key to making the numbers work here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wrightsville Beach

Average revenue by month in Wrightsville Beach

Revenue seasonality in Wrightsville Beach is dramatic: July peaks at $9,601 while January bottoms at $1,697, a nearly 5.7× spread. The core earning window runs May through August, with October providing a notable secondary bump to $5,010 — likely tied to fall travel and local events.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wrightsville Beach

Three-bedroom units dominate supply with 80 listings (34% of the market), followed by 1-bedroom (47) and 2-bedroom (44) properties. Larger configurations — 4-bedroom (27), 5-bedroom (20), and 6+ bedroom (12) — are notably less represented, which may signal reduced competition and potential opportunity in that segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wrightsville Beach

ADR scales steeply with size, from $162 for 1-bedroom listings up to $762 for 6+ bedroom properties. The jump from 4 bedrooms ($402) to 6+ ($762) is especially pronounced, suggesting that large group-friendly properties command a substantial premium in this beach market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wrightsville Beach

RevPAN tells a compelling story for larger properties: 6+ bedroom listings lead at $187 per available night, far ahead of 4-bedroom units at $90 and 3-bedroom units at $64. Studios lag at $34 despite a high ADR, reflecting their very low 9% occupancy rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wrightsville Beach

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 32%, followed by 6+ bedrooms at 25% and 4 bedrooms at 23%. Studios are the clear underperformer at 9%, suggesting limited demand or an oversupply of that format relative to what travelers seek at a beach destination.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wrightsville Beach

Monthly revenue increases consistently with property size, from $2,795 for 1-bedroom listings to $10,004 for 6+ bedroom properties. The 4-bedroom tier ($6,638) and above is where monthly income starts to meaningfully exceed the market-wide average of $4,953, making mid-to-large properties the primary revenue drivers.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wrightsville Beach

On an annual basis, 6+ bedroom properties generate approximately $120,053, more than 3.5× the $33,540 that 1-bedroom units produce. Five-bedroom listings at $92,013 and 4-bedroom units at $79,656 also outperform the market average of $59,436 by a wide margin, reinforcing that larger properties offer the strongest gross revenue potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wrightsville Beach

Kitchen (98%), parking (95%), and washer/dryer (94%) are near-universal, reflecting baseline guest expectations at a beach rental. Beach access (51%), waterfront location (43%), and pool (34%) serve as meaningful differentiators — listings that combine these premium amenities are better positioned to command higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy.

Understanding Wrightsville Beach's ROI Score: 39/100

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

Wrightsville Beach's ROI Score of 39 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, indicating that while investor interest and tourism demand are strong, the economics require careful deal selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values averaging over $3.2 million — is the primary drag, and a below-average supply/demand balance reflects the 89% surge in active listings. On the positive side, above-average occupancy stability and market growth trend suggest durable demand; pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on larger, higher-RevPAN properties can help investors identify deals that pencil.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wrightsville Beach

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

Permit Requirements

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina may require short-term rental permits or registration before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the Town of Wrightsville Beach and any applicable New Hanover County or state-level regulations before operating.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal North Carolina communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements (especially during peak season), noise and parking regulations, and HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Some barrier-island towns also impose caps on the total number of rental permits, so prospective operators should confirm availability early in the acquisition process.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in North Carolina are generally subject to state and local occupancy taxes, sales tax, and potentially a tourism development authority tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the North Carolina Department of Revenue and the local tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wrightsville Beach should continue to benefit from strong seasonal beach tourism, with summer months (June–August) likely generating the bulk of annual income. The 89% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if supply outpaces demand. Expect peak-season revenue to remain resilient — estimates suggest ADR holding in the $300–$320 range market-wide — but off-season months like January and February will likely stay soft at under $2,000 per month. Investors entering this market should budget conservatively for a four- to five-month revenue trough from November through March."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wrightsville Beach, NC

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wrightsville Beach?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Wrightsville Beach is currently 23%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 32%, while studios sit at just 9%. The lower market-wide figure reflects the highly seasonal nature of a beach destination where most bookings concentrate in the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wrightsville Beach?

Based on trailing 12-month booking data, Airbnb hosts in Wrightsville Beach earn an average of $4,953 per month and approximately $59,436 per year. Revenue scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $33,540 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties average around $120,053. Peak summer months (June–August) contribute disproportionately to annual totals, so individual results depend heavily on pricing strategy and seasonal optimization.

Is Wrightsville Beach a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wrightsville Beach carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 39 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. The market benefits from strong summer tourism demand, above-average occupancy stability, and premium daily rates ($308 vs. $262 state average). However, elevated home values averaging $3,225,682 create a challenging revenue-to-price ratio, and an 89% year-over-year increase in listings means growing competition. Investors who source deals selectively — particularly larger properties with strong RevPAN — and manage costs through the off-season can still find viable returns.

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

The average daily rate in Wrightsville Beach is $308, which is about 18% above the North Carolina state average of $262. ADR increases substantially with property size, ranging from $162 for 1-bedroom listings up to $762 for 6+ bedroom properties. Studios are an outlier at $374, though they represent only 6 listings in the market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wrightsville Beach?

Short-term rentals do operate in Wrightsville Beach, with 236 active Airbnb listings currently tracked. However, local permitting, registration, or zoning requirements may apply, and regulations can change. Prospective investors should contact the Town of Wrightsville Beach directly and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wrightsville Beach?

Peak season in Wrightsville Beach runs from June through August, with July being the single strongest month at an average revenue of $9,601 per listing. June ($7,944) and August ($8,025) are close behind. Shoulder months like May ($6,105) and October ($5,010) also perform reasonably well, while the winter trough from December through February sees monthly revenue drop to the $1,697–$2,584 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wrightsville Beach?

As of April 2026, there are 236 active Airbnb listings in Wrightsville Beach. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 80 listings, followed by 1-bedroom (47) and 2-bedroom (44) units. The market has seen significant supply growth, with an 89% year-over-year increase in active listings, so competition is intensifying.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wrightsville Beach?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Wrightsville Beach 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. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Wrightsville Beach market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12 months of historical booking data
• Property size breakdowns for supply, rates, occupancy, and revenue performance
• Home value estimates 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots; market conditions can shift due to regulatory changes, economic factors, or seasonal variation. Individual property results will vary based on location, property quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.