Durham, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Durham, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $21,218 per year — at a $183 nightly rate, 43.0% occupancy, and a $77 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With 1,022 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform, Durham is an established vacation rental market. Supply grew 73.5% 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.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Durham?
In Durham, the headline Airbnb metrics are $21,218 in average annual revenue,43.0% occupancy, $183 ADR, and $77 in RevPAR, and guests book about 35 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Durham?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Durham 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 Durham is typically October, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Durham across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,993+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,415 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,154 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,087, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Durham
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Durham?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Durham STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March 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 Durham:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 82%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 67% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 46%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 24% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Durham
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Durham?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Durham involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Durham typically peaks in November 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 $300+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $207 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $146 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $99 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Durham
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Durham?
RevPAR in Durham is currently $77. 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 $38 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $70 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $96 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $141 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Durham
RevPAR Insights for Durham
- The average RevPAR in Durham is $77. 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% ($141) and bottom 25% ($38) is $103, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Oct 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 Durham benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $70, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $96+ 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.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Durham?
Durham's peak Airbnb season falls in October, July, June, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (October, July, June)
- Revenue averages $2,946 per month
- Occupancy rates average 51.1%
- Daily rates average $177
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,556 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 46.4%
- Daily rates hold near $179
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,220 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 40.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $183
Seasonality Insights for Durham
- The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Durham shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Durham's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,072, occupancy reaching 52.1%, and ADRs peaking at $190.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,149, occupancy could drop to 39.9%, and ADRs may adjust to $168.
- 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 Durham.
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.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Durham seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Durham?
Durham, North Carolina, United States currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 1,022 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 Durham to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Durham?
Durham 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 Durham, North Carolina.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Durham | Vibrant area with a mix of historic buildings and modern amenities. It's the cultural and social hub of the city, popular among tourists for its nightlife, dining, and live music. | Durham Performing Arts Center, American Tobacco Campus, Museum of Life and Science, Brightleaf Square, Durham Farmers' Market |
| Trinity Park | Charming residential neighborhood known for its historic homes and green spaces. Great for families and visitors looking for a quieter stay close to downtown. | Duke University, Duke Gardens, Trinity Park, Lyon Park, Golden Belt |
| Hope Valley | Affluent suburban area known for its golf courses and spacious homes. Attractive for families and group travelers. | Hope Valley Country Club, Eno River State Park, Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke Forest |
| Woodcroft | Family-friendly neighborhood offering a suburban feel with quick access to shopping and dining. Ideal for longer stays and family trips. | Woodcroft Shopping Center, Southpoint Mall, Jordan Lake, Cary Town Center |
| East Durham | Emerging area with affordable housing and a growing community of artists and entrepreneurs. Good for budget travelers looking for unique Airbnb experiences. | Durham Art Walk, Arts & Culture District, Durham Central Park, Eno River |
| Old West Durham | Historic neighborhood with a mix of charm and modern updates. It's close to several universities and attracts students as well as visiting families. | Duke University, West Village, Ninth Street District, Venable Center |
| Gorman Street | A growing area near the East Campus of Duke University. Popular among students and young professionals. Offers a mix of local coffee shops and eateries. | East Campus, Coco Cinnamon, Peele's BBQ, Duke's East Campus Gardens |
| Northgate Park | Family-oriented neighborhood with plenty of green space and access to parks. Great for guests looking to enjoy nature and community activities. | Northgate Park, Durham Water Garden, Eno River State Park, Durham Art Walk |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Durham 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 Durham?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Durham
- The Durham Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 85.1% of the 1,022 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Durham, House properties are the most common (69.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 69.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 6.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Durham Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Durham
- The dominant room capacity in Durham is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 26.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 51.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Durham, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 36.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Durham.
Durham Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Durham
- The most common guest capacity trend in Durham vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (19.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 4 guests dominate the Durham STR market, accounting for 38.2% of listings.
- 40.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Durham.
- On average, properties in Durham are equipped to host 4.3 guests.
How Do Listings in Durham Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Durham 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 Durham
- At 28.7 photos per listing on average, Durham hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 22.9% 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 Durham averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Durham?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Durham
- Essential amenities in Durham that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Free parking on premises, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Durham: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Heating.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Heating.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Free parking on premises 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 Durham to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Durham?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Durham, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating | 95.9% | $21,864 | $6,136 | 256.3% |
Ping pong tableHigh opportunity | 1.8% | $47,079 | $20,754 | 126.8% |
Kitchen | 93.1% | $22,065 | $9,871 | 123.5% |
Movie theaterHigh opportunity | 0.6% | $45,837 | $21,073 | 117.5% |
Baby monitorHigh opportunity | 0.7% | $45,192 | $21,053 | 114.7% |
Life size gamesHigh opportunity | 0.6% | $43,106 | $21,089 | 104.4% |
Cooking basics | 84.7% | $22,996 | $11,348 | 102.7% |
Table corner guards | 0.7% | $42,063 | $21,074 | 99.6% |
TV | 94.5% | $21,812 | $10,973 | 98.8% |
Pack ’n play/Travel crib | 23.2% | $34,211 | $17,295 | 97.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Durham
- Heating tops the revenue impact list with a 256.3% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $21,864 vs. $6,136 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Ping pong table, Movie theater, Baby monitor — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Heating, Kitchen, Cooking basics, TV — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Ping pong table — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Durham.
- 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 Durham STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Durham. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsDurham Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Durham
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Durham consists of primarily domestic travelers (94%), often arriving from nearby Durham, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 93.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (93.6%) and DC (2.1%).
- Top languages spoken are English (67.5%) followed by Spanish (15.2%).
- 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 Durham and New York.
- 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 Durham?
Listings in Durham average 4.82 out of 5 overall, with about 70 reviews per active listing and 43.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Durham
- With an overall rating of 4.82, Durham listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.9), while Value (4.77) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 43.9% 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 Location — 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.
Durham Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Durham
- The most common availability pattern in Durham falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 43.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 76.2% 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 Durham (33.5%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 24.8% 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 Durham?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Durham
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Durham is 35 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 74 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 22 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (48 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (24 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (35 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Durham.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 74 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 48 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Durham averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Durham?
Guests in Durham stay about 6.5 nights on average, generating roughly 22,709 reservations and 22.3 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Durham
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Durham
- 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 22.3 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 Jun (7 nights) and shorten in Feb (4.4 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 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.
Durham Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
217 listings
21.2% of total
2 Nights
263 listings
25.7% of total
3 Nights
80 listings
7.8% of total
4-6 Nights
65 listings
6.4% of total
7-29 Nights
112 listings
11% of total
30+ Nights
285 listings
27.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Durham is 30+ Nights, adopted by 27.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (27.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Durham, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 27.9% of Durham hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 21.2% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 27.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Durham.
Durham Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
20 listings
2% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
16 listings
1.6% of total
Limited
26 listings
2.5% of total
Flexible
209 listings
20.5% of total
Moderate
256 listings
25.1% of total
Firm
396 listings
38.8% of total
Strict
98 listings
9.6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Durham
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Durham is Firm, used by 38.8% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (45.6%) and stricter (48.4%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (9.6%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 38.8% market standard in Durham.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 9.6% 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 Durham.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Durham?
Cleaning fees in Durham 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 Durham
- 87.6% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Durham. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($210) and median ($119) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 12.0% 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 Durham median of $119. 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 Durham Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Durhambased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Luxury Home Downtown
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Modern Bungalow - Walk to Duke & Downtown!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Spacious Durham Home w/ Fire Pit & Hot Tub!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Luxury Conjoined Downtown Home- 5 min walk to DT
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Lg Pool House w/ Hot Tub Central to RTP*Pool OPEN*
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Modern Farmhouse Retreat
Entire Place • 4 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 Durham?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Durham 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor & Dylan | 10 | $633,087 | 1873 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Evolve | 19 | $566,721 | 356 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Andrea | 14 | $443,815 | 1060 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Elizabeth And Amy | 9 | $384,402 | 395 | 5.00/5.0 |
| The Pratt Villas | 7 | $373,765 | 230 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Emily | 17 | $371,483 | 939 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Brad | 14 | $325,088 | 643 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Bull City | 8 | $299,575 | 511 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Chris And Shannon | 7 | $267,641 | 926 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Kristi | 9 | $263,590 | 323 | 4.92/5.0 |
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 Durham.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Durham?
Durham is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Durham
- With 60.5% Superhosts, Durham has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 14.5% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 4.6% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 70.1% 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
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 44.9% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Durham averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Durham
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Durham, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor & Dylan | 10 | $633,087 | $278 | 63.2% | 4.82/5 |
| Evolve | 19 | $566,721 | $289 | 35.0% | 4.71/5 |
| Andrea | 14 | $443,815 | $208 | 42.8% | 4.88/5 |
| The Pratt Villas | 7 | $373,765 | $463 | 35.2% | 4.96/5 |
| Emily | 17 | $371,483 | $175 | 42.4% | 4.89/5 |
| Bull City | 8 | $299,575 | $159 | 64.5% | 4.85/5 |
| Trifecta Corporate Housing | 8 | $213,170 | $157 | 51.2% | 4.71/5 |
| Bryan | 8 | $190,071 | $106 | 63.9% | 4.83/5 |
| Annie | 8 | $148,813 | $89 | 63.8% | 4.73/5 |
| Nichole | 5 | $139,753 | $329 | 28.9% | 4.88/5 |
Management Company Insights for Durham
- The leading management company, Taylor & Dylan, operates 10 listings with $633,087 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Durham.
- Top managers average 10 properties each, suggesting professional management in Durham still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.83/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 14.5% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- 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 Durham's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Durham 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, Durham has 3 percentage points lower occupancy and about $154 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrightsville Beach | 497 | $4,671 | $547.10 | 39% |
| Littleton | 133 | $4,183 | $505.75 | 37% |
| Macon | 44 | $4,010 | $532.40 | 35% |
| Cedar Point | 30 | $3,818 | $336.18 | 46% |
| Bracey | 51 | $3,799 | $488.65 | 35% |
| Henrico | 77 | $3,654 | $493.55 | 38% |
| 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% |
| Boydton | 26 | $3,346 | $376.89 | 36% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Durham
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Durham.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Durham?
Durham hosts earn about $21,218 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $183 and RevPAR of $77. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Durham, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Durham market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Durham?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Durham is 43.0%. October 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 Durham?
Listings in Durham average $183 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 Durham?
Durham currently has about 1,022 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 Durham?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Durham as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.3% 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 Durham?
RevPAR in Durham is about $77. 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 Durham?
At 43.0% occupancy, Durham 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 $21,218, 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 Durham?
The average booking lead time in Durham is about 35 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Durham?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Durham include Downtown Durham, Trinity Park, Hope Valley. 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 Durham?
entire_home listings make up 85.1% of the active supply in Durham. 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 Durham compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Wrightsville Beach posts $56,046 in average annual revenue with 38.9% occupancy, compared to Durham's $21,218 and 43.0%. 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 Durham?
The average Airbnb stay length in Durham is about 6.5 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 Durham?
Airbnb listings in Durham average 4.82 out of 5 overall. About 43.9% 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 Durham?
Heating and Ping pong table are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Durham. 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 Durham?
Yes. About 87.6% of active Airbnb listings in Durham charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $210. 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 Durham?
A 60.5% 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.