Carolina Beach, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Carolina Beach, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $38,123 per year — at a $349 nightly rate, 42.4% occupancy, and a $156 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With 1,650 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform, Carolina Beach is an established vacation rental market. Supply grew 69.4% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
Table of Contents [hide] [show]
What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Carolina Beach?
In Carolina Beach, the headline Airbnb metrics are $38,123 in average annual revenue,42.4% occupancy, $349 ADR, and $156 in RevPAR, and guests book about 51 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Carolina Beach?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Carolina Beach is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Carolina Beach is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Carolina Beach across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $8,098+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,510 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,467 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,971, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Carolina Beach
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Carolina Beach?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Carolina Beach STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Carolina Beach:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 73%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 56% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 38%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 21% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Carolina Beach
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Carolina Beach?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Carolina Beach involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Carolina Beach typically peaks in July and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $552+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $412 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $298 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $220 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Carolina Beach
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
RevPAR in Carolina Beach is currently $156. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $94 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $138 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $193 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $259 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Carolina Beach
RevPAR Insights for Carolina Beach
- The average RevPAR in Carolina Beach is $156. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($259) and bottom 25% ($94) is $165, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Carolina Beach benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $138, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $193+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
Get Live Carolina Beach Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
Carolina Beach's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, December. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $7,918 per month
- Occupancy rates average 62.4%
- Daily rates average $394
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,433 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 36.2%
- Daily rates hold near $330
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $2,345 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 25.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $325
Seasonality Insights for Carolina Beach
- Airbnb seasonality in Carolina Beach is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Carolina Beach's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $9,122, occupancy reaching 68.4%, and ADRs peaking at $404.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,146, occupancy could drop to 22.3%, and ADRs may adjust to $311.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Carolina Beach.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Carolina Beach, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
Carolina Beach, North Carolina, United States currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 1,650 active listings. Larger markets with light regulation can attract new supply quickly, but that also means regulatory frameworks may evolve as local governments respond to growth — staying informed protects your investment. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Carolina Beach to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
Carolina Beach is a large short-term rental market, and performance varies significantly by location within the city. The neighborhoods below are among the most active areas for Airbnb hosts — each with distinct guest demographics, demand drivers, and local attractions. Use this as a starting point for neighborhood-level investment analysis in Carolina Beach, North Carolina.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| South Beach | Beautiful beachfront area known for its lively atmosphere and family-friendly attractions. Ideal for visitors looking for proximity to the ocean and local activities. | Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach State Park, Freeman Park, Ocean Trails Park, Carolina Beach Fishing Pier, Historic Carolina Beach |
| Kure Beach | Quieter and more serene than Carolina Beach, Kure Beach is perfect for families and couples seeking a relaxing escape. Close to the historic Fort Fisher and nature trails. | Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Kure Beach Pier, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Cameron Art Museum, Zeke's Island Reserve |
| Wilmington | Just a short drive from Carolina Beach, Wilmington boasts a historic downtown with a rich history, riverfront parks, and vibrant nightlife. Popular for those seeking culture and dining. | Riverwalk, Historic District, Battleship North Carolina, Bellamy Mansion Museum, Cameron Art Museum |
| Fort Fisher | A peaceful area known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Perfect for nature lovers and those interested in history and marine life. | Fort Fisher Historic Site, Carolina Beach State Park, Kure Beach, North Carolina Aquarium |
| Brunswick County | Offers a range of rural and coastal properties, ideal for those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle and proximity to beautiful beaches. | Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Calabash, Holden Beach, Brunswick Islands Museum |
| Lockwood Folly | A lesser-known gem with waterfront properties and a close-knit community feel. Great for those looking for a retreat away from the busier tourist spots. | Lockwood Folly Country Club, River Hills Golf and Country Club, Lockwood Folly River |
| Shell Island | A secluded island paradise with stunning beaches and wildlife. Perfect for eco-tourism and outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking. | Shell Island Banks, Wildlife at Shell Island, Camping on the Beach, Fort Fisher |
| Oak Island | A family-friendly beach community known for its warm atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Suitable for families and groups looking for a fun beach getaway. | Oak Island Lighthouse, Long Beach, Oak Island Nature Center, Fishing from the pier, Kayaking |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Carolina Beach offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Carolina Beach
- The Carolina Beach Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 97.3% of the 1,650 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Carolina Beach, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (50%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 46.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, outdoor/unique (combined 3.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Carolina Beach Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Carolina Beach
- The dominant room capacity in Carolina Beach is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 29.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 54.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Carolina Beach, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 44.3% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Carolina Beach.
Carolina Beach Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Carolina Beach
- The most common guest capacity trend in Carolina Beach vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (34.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Carolina Beach STR market, accounting for 59.0% of listings.
- 64.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Carolina Beach.
- On average, properties in Carolina Beach are equipped to host 5.9 guests.
How Do Listings in Carolina Beach Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Carolina Beach can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Carolina Beach
- At 38.5 photos per listing on average, Carolina Beach hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 36.9% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Carolina Beach averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Carolina Beach?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Carolina Beach
- Essential amenities in Carolina Beach that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Free parking on premises, TV, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Coffee maker, Refrigerator, Microwave are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Carolina Beach: Air conditioning, Wifi, Free parking on premises, TV, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, Heating.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Free parking on premises, TV, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, Heating.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Coffee maker or Refrigerator to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Carolina Beach to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Carolina Beach?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Carolina Beach, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pool tableHigh opportunity | 0.7% | $81,666 | $37,804 | 116.0% |
Children's playroomHigh opportunity | 1.4% | $76,953 | $37,574 | 104.8% |
Outdoor kitchen | 1.3% | $74,899 | $37,626 | 99.1% |
Movie theater | 0.3% | $74,940 | $38,011 | 97.2% |
Window guards | 0.4% | $71,137 | $38,003 | 87.2% |
Hot tub | 5.4% | $67,966 | $36,422 | 86.6% |
Heating | 96.6% | $38,724 | $21,030 | 84.1% |
Life size games | 0.9% | $69,642 | $37,834 | 84.1% |
Washer | 86.3% | $40,635 | $22,300 | 82.2% |
Dryer | 84.5% | $40,915 | $22,920 | 78.5% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Carolina Beach
- Pool table tops the revenue impact list with a 116.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $81,666 vs. $37,804 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Pool table, Children's playroom — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Heating, Washer, Dryer — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Pool table — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Carolina Beach.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Carolina Beach STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Carolina Beach. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCarolina Beach Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Carolina Beach
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Carolina Beach consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), often arriving from nearby Raleigh, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.4% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.4%) and DC (0.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (77.6%) followed by Spanish (12.1%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Raleigh and Charlotte.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Carolina Beach?
Listings in Carolina Beach average 4.77 out of 5 overall, with about 56.8 reviews per active listing and 36.2% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Carolina Beach
- An average rating of 4.77 places Carolina Beach in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.91), while Value (4.69) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 36.2% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Carolina Beach Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Carolina Beach
- The most common availability pattern in Carolina Beach falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 47.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 86.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Carolina Beach (39.5%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 15.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Carolina Beach
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Carolina Beach is 51 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 70 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 24 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (64 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (30 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (51 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Carolina Beach.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 70 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 64 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Carolina Beach averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
Guests in Carolina Beach stay about 4.5 nights on average, generating roughly 39,298 reservations and 23.8 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Carolina Beach
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Carolina Beach
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 23.8 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Jan (5.3 nights) and shorten in Oct (3.7 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Carolina Beach Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
133 listings
8.1% of total
2 Nights
254 listings
15.4% of total
3 Nights
156 listings
9.5% of total
4-6 Nights
90 listings
5.5% of total
7-29 Nights
26 listings
1.6% of total
30+ Nights
991 listings
60.1% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Carolina Beach is 30+ Nights, adopted by 60.1% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (60.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Carolina Beach, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 60.1% of Carolina Beach hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 8.1% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 60.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Carolina Beach.
Carolina Beach Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
76 listings
4.6% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
178 listings
10.8% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
50 listings
3% of total
Flexible
71 listings
4.3% of total
Moderate
276 listings
16.7% of total
Firm
775 listings
47% of total
Strict
223 listings
13.5% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Carolina Beach
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Carolina Beach is Firm, used by 47% of listings.
- A majority (60.5%) of hosts in Carolina Beach utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 47% market standard in Carolina Beach.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 13.5% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Carolina Beach.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Carolina Beach?
Cleaning fees in Carolina Beach are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Carolina Beach
- 94.8% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Carolina Beach. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($280) and median ($215) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 15.0% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Carolina Beach median of $215. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Consider whether bundling the cleaning fee into a slightly higher nightly rate might improve conversion, since many guests filter by total price and separate fees can feel punitive.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Carolina Beach Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Carolina Beachbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
A View to Sea - Pool - Hot Tub - Dogs Welcome
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
One Step Away - Sleeps 28
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms
Oceanfront, private pool, 10 bedrooms
Entire Place • 10 bedrooms
Sage Seahorse - oceanfront/pool/hot tub
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
A Shore Thing 2-LARGE 6 bd PET Friendly Oceanfront
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Carolina's Perfection: Heated Pool w/ Rooftop Spa
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Carolina Beach?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Carolina Beach based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant Real | 84 | $3,102,482 | 757 | 4.49/5.0 |
| Carolina Beach Realty | 96 | $2,882,425 | 615 | 4.40/5.0 |
| Carolina Retreats Vacation Ren | 59 | $2,458,423 | 498 | 4.62/5.0 |
| Palm Air Realty | 47 | $2,240,314 | 1088 | 4.61/5.0 |
| Jim | 16 | $2,075,477 | 301 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Going Coastal | 51 | $2,019,218 | 1742 | 4.77/5.0 |
| Justin | 47 | $1,543,409 | 208 | 4.59/5.0 |
| Dale | 41 | $1,403,672 | 1686 | 4.66/5.0 |
| A1 Property Management | 18 | $1,125,440 | 47 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Evolve | 24 | $1,100,285 | 689 | 4.85/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Carolina Beach.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Carolina Beach?
Carolina Beach leans more toward professional operations than casual hosting, which usually raises the competitive bar for new entrants.
Host Profile Insights for Carolina Beach
- A 45.6% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 37.8% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 7.8% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 70.8% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 31.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Carolina Beach averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Carolina Beach
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Carolina Beach, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant Real | 84 | $3,102,482 | $452 | 39.2% | 4.49/5 |
| Carolina Beach Realty | 96 | $2,882,425 | $405 | 34.7% | 4.40/5 |
| Carolina Retreats Vacation Ren | 59 | $2,458,423 | $379 | 45.3% | 4.62/5 |
| Jim | 16 | $2,075,477 | $880 | 45.9% | 4.97/5 |
| Going Coastal | 51 | $2,019,218 | $346 | 46.6% | 4.77/5 |
| Justin | 47 | $1,543,409 | $484 | 30.2% | 4.59/5 |
| Dale | 41 | $1,403,672 | $342 | 42.1% | 4.66/5 |
| A1 Property Management | 18 | $1,125,440 | $514 | 37.4% | 4.75/5 |
| Evolve | 24 | $1,100,285 | $306 | 50.8% | 4.85/5 |
| MK Short For Mary-Katherine | 24 | $778,371 | $253 | 47.9% | 4.73/5 |
Management Company Insights for Carolina Beach
- The leading management company, Bryant Real, operates 84 listings with $3,102,482 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Carolina Beach.
- Top managers average 46 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.68/5 in guest ratings — suggesting room for quality improvement even among larger operators.
Recommendations
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Carolina Beach's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Carolina Beach Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Cedar Point, Carolina Beach has 4 percentage points lower occupancy and about $13 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Isle Beach | 504 | $4,963 | $614.58 | 37% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 497 | $4,671 | $547.10 | 39% |
| Bald Head Island | 207 | $4,317 | $642.03 | 32% |
| Kure Beach | 498 | $3,894 | $452.28 | 41% |
| Cedar Point | 30 | $3,818 | $336.18 | 46% |
| Surfside Beach | 470 | $3,671 | $411.64 | 41% |
| Emerald Isle | 508 | $3,652 | $410.13 | 42% |
| North Topsail Beach | 944 | $3,645 | $452.61 | 38% |
| Surf City | 738 | $3,486 | $403.75 | 39% |
| Caswell Beach | 51 | $3,486 | $439.39 | 40% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Carolina Beach
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Carolina Beach.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Carolina Beach?
Carolina Beach hosts earn about $38,123 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $349 and RevPAR of $156. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Carolina Beach market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carolina Beach?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Carolina Beach is 42.4%. July is the strongest month and February is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Carolina Beach?
Listings in Carolina Beach average $349 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Carolina Beach?
Carolina Beach currently has about 1,650 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Carolina Beach?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Carolina Beach as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
RevPAR in Carolina Beach is about $156. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Carolina Beach?
At 42.4% occupancy, Carolina Beach can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $38,123, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
The average booking lead time in Carolina Beach is about 51 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Carolina Beach include South Beach, Kure Beach, Wilmington. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Carolina Beach?
entire_home listings make up 97.3% of the active supply in Carolina Beach. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Carolina Beach compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Ocean Isle Beach posts $59,560 in average annual revenue with 37.0% occupancy, compared to Carolina Beach's $38,123 and 42.4%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Carolina Beach?
The average Airbnb stay length in Carolina Beach is about 4.5 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Carolina Beach?
Airbnb listings in Carolina Beach average 4.77 out of 5 overall. About 36.2% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Carolina Beach?
Pool table and Children's playroom are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Carolina Beach. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Carolina Beach?
Yes. About 94.8% of active Airbnb listings in Carolina Beach charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $280. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Carolina Beach?
A 45.6% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.