Morehead City, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Morehead City, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $24,025 per year — at a $248 nightly rate, 38.9% occupancy, and a $101 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 162 active listings, Morehead City is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 100.0% 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. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Morehead City?
In Morehead City, the headline Airbnb metrics are $24,025 in average annual revenue,38.9% occupancy, $248 ADR, and $101 in RevPAR, and guests book about 42 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Morehead City?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Morehead City 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 Morehead City 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 Morehead City across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,681+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,906 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,293 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,171, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Morehead City
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Morehead City?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Morehead City STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while February 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 Morehead City:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 75%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 55% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 34%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 18% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Morehead City
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Morehead City?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Morehead City involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Morehead City typically peaks in June 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 $378+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $289 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $214 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $152 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Morehead City
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Morehead City?
RevPAR in Morehead City is currently $101. 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 $57 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $89 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $118 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $165 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Morehead City
RevPAR Insights for Morehead City
- The average RevPAR in Morehead City is $101. 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% ($165) and bottom 25% ($57) is $108, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Feb, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Morehead City benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $89, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $118+ 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 Morehead City?
Morehead City's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. 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 $4,776 per month
- Occupancy rates average 53.1%
- Daily rates average $263
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,420 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 36.4%
- Daily rates hold near $231
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,840 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 27.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $236
Seasonality Insights for Morehead City
- Airbnb seasonality in Morehead City 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 Morehead City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $5,392, occupancy reaching 57.0%, and ADRs peaking at $271.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,617, occupancy could drop to 26.6%, and ADRs may adjust to $216.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Morehead City need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
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 Morehead City, 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 Morehead City?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Morehead City, North Carolina, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Morehead City 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 Morehead City?
Morehead City is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Bogue Banks | A barrier island renowned for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. Attracts beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts looking for a relaxing getaway. | Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, Water sports activities, Coastal Carolina Aquarium |
| Historic Downtown Morehead City | Charming downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, and waterfront views. Popular among tourists for its historic character and local dining options. | Morehead City Waterfront, Local restaurants, Marinas, Historic buildings, Arts and crafts shops |
| Beaufort | A nearby historic town known for its preserved 18th-century architecture and vibrant waterfront. It's a hit with history buffs and those looking for a quaint coastal experience. | Beaufort Historic Site, North Carolina Maritime Museum, Taylor's Creek, Shackleford Banks, Lovely shops and galleries |
| Carteret County | Diverse attractions ranging from parks to beaches make this county a great investment for various types of visitors, including nature lovers and adventure seekers. | Fort Macon State Park, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks, Scuba diving and snorkeling spots, Hiking trails |
| Shackleford Banks | Uninhabited island known for its wild horses and pristine natural beauty. Attracts nature lovers and those seeking solitude and adventure. | Wild horses, Unspoiled beaches, Nature trails, Birdwatching, Camping opportunities |
| Emerald Isle | A popular beach destination known for its family-friendly atmosphere and recreational activities. Ideal for vacation rentals catering to families and groups. | Emerald Isle Beach, Water sports, Fishing spots, Parks and playgrounds, Nature reserves |
| Pine Knoll Shores | A smaller, quieter beach community perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Great for visitors wanting a peaceful beach experience. | Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium, Beaches, Nature trails, Kayaking spots, Nearby golf courses |
| Atlantic Beach | Offers a more lively beach atmosphere with various events and activities throughout the year. Ideal for vacationers looking for leisure and recreation. | Atlantic Beach Boardwalk, Beachfront restaurants, Annual events and festivals, Water activities, Nearby nightlife options |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Morehead City 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 Morehead City?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Morehead City
- The Morehead City Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 93.8% of the 162 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Morehead City, House properties are the most common (75.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 75.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, others, hotel/boutique, unique stays (combined 8.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Morehead City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Morehead City
- The dominant room capacity in Morehead City is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 37% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 64.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Morehead City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 50.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Morehead City.
Morehead City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Morehead City
- The most common guest capacity trend in Morehead City vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (28.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Morehead City STR market, accounting for 50.0% of listings.
- 54.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Morehead City.
- On average, properties in Morehead City are equipped to host 5.3 guests.
How Do Listings in Morehead City Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Morehead City 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 Morehead City
- At 32.3 photos per listing on average, Morehead City hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 31.5% 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 Morehead City averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Morehead City?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Morehead City
- Essential amenities in Morehead City that guests expect include: TV, Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Coffee maker, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Morehead City: TV, Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: TV, Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Coffee maker 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 Morehead City to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Morehead City?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Morehead City, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating | 93.8% | $25,256 | $5,311 | 375.6% |
Dishes and silverware | 92.0% | $25,354 | $8,790 | 188.5% |
Coffee maker | 93.8% | $25,019 | $8,918 | 180.5% |
Refrigerator | 91.4% | $25,422 | $9,252 | 174.8% |
Life size gamesHigh opportunity | 4.3% | $58,591 | $22,464 | 160.8% |
Oven | 82.1% | $26,927 | $10,718 | 151.2% |
Bed linens | 87.0% | $26,009 | $10,707 | 142.9% |
Exercise equipmentHigh opportunity | 7.4% | $50,945 | $21,871 | 132.9% |
Fireplace guardsHigh opportunity | 4.3% | $50,606 | $22,825 | 121.7% |
Cable TVHigh opportunity | 7.4% | $47,519 | $22,145 | 114.6% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Morehead City
- Heating tops the revenue impact list with a 375.6% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $25,256 vs. $5,311 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Life size games, Exercise equipment, Fireplace guards — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Heating, Dishes and silverware, Coffee maker, Refrigerator, Oven, Bed linens — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Life size games — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Morehead City.
- 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 Morehead City STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Morehead City. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsMorehead City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Morehead City
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Morehead City 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 98.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.1%) and United Kingdom (0.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (79.2%) followed by Spanish (13%).
- 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 Morehead City?
Listings in Morehead City average 4.88 out of 5 overall, with about 56.4 reviews per active listing and 51.2% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Morehead City
- With an overall rating of 4.88, Morehead City listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.95), while Value (4.82) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 51.2% 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.
Morehead City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Morehead City
- The most common availability pattern in Morehead City falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 56.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 86.4% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Morehead City (37.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 14.9% 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 Morehead City?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Morehead City
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Morehead City is 42 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 71 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 15 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (51 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 (42 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Morehead City.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 71 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 51 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Morehead City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Morehead City?
Guests in Morehead City stay about 4.7 nights on average, generating roughly 3,423 reservations and 21.3 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 Morehead City
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Morehead City
- 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 21.3 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 Dec (5 nights) and shorten in Feb (3.5 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.
Morehead City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
33 listings
20.4% of total
2 Nights
40 listings
24.7% of total
3 Nights
16 listings
9.9% of total
4-6 Nights
10 listings
6.2% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
0.6% of total
30+ Nights
62 listings
38.3% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Morehead City is 30+ Nights, adopted by 38.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (38.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Morehead City, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 38.3% of Morehead City hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 20.4% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 38.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Morehead City.
Morehead City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
4 listings
2.5% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
0.6% of total
Flexible
21 listings
13% of total
Moderate
47 listings
29% of total
Firm
75 listings
46.3% of total
Strict
14 listings
8.6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Morehead City
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Morehead City is Firm, used by 46.3% of listings.
- A majority (54.9%) of hosts in Morehead City utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (8.6%), 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 46.3% market standard in Morehead City.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 8.6% 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 Morehead City.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Morehead City?
Cleaning fees in Morehead City 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 Morehead City
- 90.1% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Morehead City. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($170) and median ($150) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 13.4% 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 Morehead City median of $150. 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 Morehead City Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Morehead Citybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Waterfront w/ Heated Pool, Private Pier & Kayaks
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Villa Trevino - Luxury Accommodations With Deep Wa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Beautiful 5 Bedroom Home-Cardinal Seas
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Lovely Morehead City Home w/ Fire Pit & Gas Grill
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Son of A Sailor|Game Room·Soccer Pool·Fenced Yard
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Seaside Serenity
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 Morehead City?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Morehead City 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garet | 2 | $205,620 | 117 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Daniel | 6 | $200,107 | 268 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Nola | 6 | $149,236 | 514 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Haylee | 3 | $144,482 | 100 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Tracy | 1 | $131,920 | 2 | Not Rated |
| Evolve | 3 | $124,554 | 86 | 4.68/5.0 |
| Claudia | 3 | $116,648 | 19 | 4.21/5.0 |
| Crystal | 3 | $107,695 | 233 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Stacie | 3 | $98,243 | 296 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Mindy | 4 | $87,508 | 113 | 4.97/5.0 |
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 Morehead City.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Morehead City?
Morehead City is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Morehead City
- With 59.9% Superhosts, Morehead City has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 16.7% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 6.2% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 74.1% 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 37.7% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Morehead City averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Morehead City
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Morehead City, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garet | 2 | $205,620 | $430 | 62.2% | 4.95/5 |
| Haylee | 3 | $144,482 | $251 | 57.3% | 4.94/5 |
| Tracy | 1 | $131,920 | $1,766 | 48.9% | N/A |
| Evolve | 3 | $124,554 | $319 | 40.0% | 4.68/5 |
| Claudia | 3 | $116,648 | $378 | 40.2% | 4.21/5 |
| Crystal | 3 | $107,695 | $205 | 47.0% | 4.88/5 |
| Tammy And Chris | 2 | $83,342 | $355 | 39.3% | 4.80/5 |
| At Waves Edge Vacation Rentals | 4 | $46,479 | $476 | 25.2% | N/A |
| Melissa | 1 | $37,977 | $390 | 29.4% | 4.88/5 |
| Vacasa North Carolina | 2 | $16,705 | $331 | 15.9% | 4.93/5 |
Management Company Insights for Morehead City
- The leading management company, Garet, operates 2 listings with $205,620 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Morehead City.
- Top managers average 2 properties each, suggesting professional management in Morehead City still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.78/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 16.7% 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 Morehead City's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Morehead City 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, Morehead City has 7 percentage points lower occupancy and about $88 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% |
| Salvo | 85 | $4,480 | $530.17 | 41% |
| Bald Head Island | 207 | $4,317 | $642.03 | 32% |
| Nags Head | 825 | $4,202 | $453.56 | 41% |
| Rodanthe | 148 | $4,150 | $443.78 | 40% |
| Kure Beach | 498 | $3,894 | $452.28 | 41% |
| Cedar Point | 30 | $3,818 | $336.18 | 46% |
| 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% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Morehead City
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Morehead City.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Morehead City?
Morehead City hosts earn about $24,025 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $248 and RevPAR of $101. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Morehead City, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Morehead City market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Morehead City?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Morehead City is 38.9%. 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 Morehead City?
Listings in Morehead City average $248 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 Morehead City?
Morehead City currently has about 162 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 Morehead City?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Morehead City 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 Morehead City?
RevPAR in Morehead City is about $101. 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 Morehead City?
Occupancy of 38.9% means Morehead City is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $24,025, 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 Morehead City?
The average booking lead time in Morehead City is about 42 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 Morehead City?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Morehead City include Bogue Banks, Historic Downtown Morehead City, Beaufort. 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 Morehead City?
entire_home listings make up 93.8% of the active supply in Morehead City. 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 Morehead City compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Wrightsville Beach posts $56,046 in average annual revenue with 38.9% occupancy, compared to Morehead City's $24,025 and 38.9%. 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 Morehead City?
The average Airbnb stay length in Morehead City is about 4.7 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 Morehead City?
Airbnb listings in Morehead City average 4.88 out of 5 overall. About 51.2% 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 Morehead City?
Heating and Dishes and silverware are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Morehead City. 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 Morehead City?
Yes. About 90.1% of active Airbnb listings in Morehead City charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $170. 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 Morehead City?
A 59.9% 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.