Oak Island, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Oak Island, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $41,757 per year — at a $467 nightly rate, 38.4% occupancy, and a $183 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With 1,398 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform, Oak Island is an established vacation rental market. Supply grew 97.7% 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 Oak Island?
In Oak Island, the headline Airbnb metrics are $41,757 in average annual revenue,38.4% occupancy, $467 ADR, and $183 in RevPAR, and guests book about 69 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Oak Island?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Oak Island 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 Oak Island is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Oak Island across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $10,756+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $6,504 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,781 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,028, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Oak Island
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Oak Island?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Oak Island 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 Oak Island:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 70%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 53% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 35%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Oak Island
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Oak Island?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Oak Island involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Oak Island 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 $827+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $547 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $355 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $247 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Oak Island
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Oak Island?
RevPAR in Oak Island is currently $183. 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 $96 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $145 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $224 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $345 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Oak Island
RevPAR Insights for Oak Island
- The average RevPAR in Oak Island is $183. 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% ($345) and bottom 25% ($96) is $249, 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 Oak Island benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $145, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $224+ 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 Oak Island Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Oak Island?
Oak Island'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 $9,194 per month
- Occupancy rates average 58.7%
- Daily rates average $517
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,442 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 34.6%
- Daily rates hold near $436
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,741 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 23.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $429
Seasonality Insights for Oak Island
- Airbnb seasonality in Oak Island 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 Oak Island's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $10,734, occupancy reaching 65.7%, and ADRs peaking at $525.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,471, occupancy could drop to 20.2%, and ADRs may adjust to $414.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Oak Island 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 Oak Island, 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 Oak Island?
Oak Island, North Carolina, United States currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 1,398 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 Oak Island to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Oak Island?
Oak Island 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 Oak Island, North Carolina.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | This quiet and beautiful beach area is perfect for families and those looking for a relaxing getaway. Close to restaurants and shops, it attracts tourists seeking peace and tranquility. | Long Beach, Ocean Crest Fishing Pier, Oak Island Golf Club, Historic Oak Island Lighthouse, Beach access and nature trails |
| East Beach | Famed for its pristine sandy shores and natural beauty, East Beach is ideal for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. It offers a more serene setting while still being close to amenities. | East Beach, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Oak Island Nature Center, Fishing spots, Beautiful sunsets |
| Southport | Just a short drive from Oak Island, Southport is a charming coastal town with historic sites and a vibrant community. It's popular for tourists interested in local history and culture. | Southport Historic District, Fort Johnson, Southport Marina, North Carolina Maritime Museum, Local shops and eateries |
| Middleton Park | This family-friendly area features playgrounds and picnic spots, making it ideal for families with children. It's close to the beach and provides various recreational options. | Middleton Park, Local events and festivals, Picnic areas, Playgrounds, Nearby beach access |
| Harbor Island | A scenic area with beautiful views of the water and natural surroundings. Great for visitors looking for waterfront accommodations and activities. | Harbor Island, Waterfront dining, Bird watching, Kayaking, Scenic views |
| Ocean Crest | Known for its relaxing beach atmosphere, this area offers a unique beachfront experience with easy access to local dining and entertainment options. | Ocean Crest Beach, Local seafood restaurants, Fishing opportunities, Beachfront properties, Coastal trails |
| Gulf Stream Way | This beautiful residential area offers scenic views and is a short walk from the beach, making it a popular choice for vacation rentals. | Gulf Stream Beach, Residential neighborhoods, Nature trails, Proximity to Oak Island attractions |
| Oak Island Pier | A central hub for fishing and beach activities, the pier area draws visitors who are interested in fishing and enjoying beachside amenities. | Oak Island Pier, Fishing charters, Beach access, Nearby restaurants, Local shops |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Oak Island 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 Oak Island?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Oak Island
- The Oak Island Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 99% of the 1,398 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Oak Island, House properties are the most common (87.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 87.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique (combined 2.1%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Oak Island Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Oak Island
- The dominant room capacity in Oak Island is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 40.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms properties represent 61.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Oak Island, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 80.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Oak Island.
Oak Island Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Oak Island
- The most common guest capacity trend in Oak Island vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (62%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Oak Island STR market, accounting for 82.7% of listings.
- 89.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Oak Island.
- On average, properties in Oak Island are equipped to host 7.0 guests.
How Do Listings in Oak Island Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Oak Island 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 Oak Island
- At 52.3 photos per listing on average, Oak Island hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 30.8% 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 Oak Island averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Oak Island?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Oak Island
- Essential amenities in Oak Island that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Free parking on premises, Kitchen, Heating, Coffee maker, Smoke alarm, Washer, Microwave, Refrigerator. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Oak Island: Air conditioning, Wifi, Free parking on premises, Kitchen, Heating, Coffee maker, Smoke alarm, Washer, Microwave, Refrigerator.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Free parking on premises, Kitchen, Heating, Coffee maker, Smoke alarm, Washer, Microwave, Refrigerator.
- 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 Oak Island to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Oak Island?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Oak Island, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dryer | 94.8% | $43,052 | $18,268 | 135.7% |
Washer | 95.9% | $42,728 | $18,928 | 125.7% |
Heating | 96.9% | $42,451 | $19,912 | 113.2% |
Kitchen | 97.6% | $42,284 | $19,965 | 111.8% |
Smoke alarm | 96.6% | $42,504 | $20,760 | 104.7% |
EV chargerHigh opportunity | 6.4% | $79,322 | $39,203 | 102.3% |
Cooking basics | 88.6% | $44,230 | $22,489 | 96.7% |
Elevator | 18.2% | $64,047 | $36,785 | 74.1% |
Sun loungers | 8.2% | $67,719 | $39,452 | 71.6% |
Baby monitor | 0.5% | $70,818 | $41,611 | 70.2% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Oak Island
- Dryer tops the revenue impact list with a 135.7% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $43,052 vs. $18,268 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — EV charger — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Dryer, Washer, Heating, Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Cooking basics — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding EV charger — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Oak Island.
- 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 Oak Island STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Oak Island. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsOak Island Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Oak Island
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Oak Island consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), often arriving from nearby Charlotte, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.8% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.8%) and DC (0.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (80.9%) followed by Spanish (9.8%).
- 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 Charlotte and Raleigh.
- 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 Oak Island?
Listings in Oak Island average 4.77 out of 5 overall, with about 32.7 reviews per active listing and 32.5% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Oak Island
- An average rating of 4.77 places Oak Island 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 (4.71) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 32.5% 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.
Oak Island Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Oak Island
- The most common availability pattern in Oak Island falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 57.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 89.0% 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 Oak Island (37.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 12.1% 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 Oak Island?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Oak Island
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Oak Island is 69 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 86 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 36 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (80 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (51 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (69 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Oak Island.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 86 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 80 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Oak Island averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Oak Island?
Guests in Oak Island stay about 5.5 nights on average, generating roughly 24,908 reservations and 17.8 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 Oak Island
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Oak Island
- 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.
- 17.8 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jul (7 nights) and shorten in Feb (4.3 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 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.
Oak Island Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
47 listings
3.4% of total
2 Nights
161 listings
11.5% of total
3 Nights
303 listings
21.7% of total
4-6 Nights
89 listings
6.4% of total
7-29 Nights
14 listings
1% of total
30+ Nights
783 listings
56% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Oak Island is 30+ Nights, adopted by 56% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- Very short stays (1-2 nights) are less common (14.9%), suggesting hosts prefer slightly longer bookings to optimize turnover.
- A significant segment (56%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Oak Island, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 56% of Oak Island hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 3.4% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 56% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Oak Island.
Oak Island Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
399 listings
28.6% of total
Limited
14 listings
1% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
155 listings
11.1% of total
Flexible
61 listings
4.4% of total
Moderate
142 listings
10.2% of total
Firm
473 listings
33.9% of total
Strict
151 listings
10.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Oak Island
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Oak Island is Firm, used by 33.9% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (14.6%) and stricter (44.7%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 33.9% market standard in Oak Island.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 10.8% 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 Oak Island.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Oak Island?
Cleaning fees in Oak Island 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 Oak Island
- 91.9% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Oak Island. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($442) and median ($345) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 16.3% 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 Oak Island median of $345. 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 Oak Island Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Oak Islandbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Black Pearl: Oceanfront 11BR Sanctuary
Entire Place • 11 bedrooms
NEW! Oceanfront, Pool, Pickleball, Tiki Bar & More
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Aquila West: Luxury 12BR Oceanfront with Pool
Entire Place • 12 bedrooms
Custom Luxury home 8 bedroom, 6 baths, Heated Pool
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Oceanfront Admirals Lodge - Oak Island
Entire Place • 13 bedrooms
Suite Emotion: 14 BR Oceanfront Oasis!
Entire Place • 14 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 Oak Island?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Oak Island 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julie | 322 | $13,100,385 | 1500 | 4.45/5.0 |
| Oak Island Accommodations | 161 | $6,080,594 | 415 | 4.60/5.0 |
| ITrip Oak Island | 78 | $3,934,991 | 1146 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Salt And Sand Realty | 76 | $3,286,286 | 742 | 4.74/5.0 |
| Brunswick Vacation Rentals | 9 | $1,599,952 | 53 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Evolve | 37 | $1,509,720 | 893 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Amy | 14 | $980,182 | 260 | 4.97/5.0 |
| James | 11 | $719,232 | 244 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Sabine | 11 | $624,043 | 916 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Salty Carolina Vibes | 17 | $528,838 | 349 | 4.66/5.0 |
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 Oak Island.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Oak Island?
Oak Island leans more toward professional operations than casual hosting, which usually raises the competitive bar for new entrants.
Host Profile Insights for Oak Island
- A 38.1% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 54.9% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 10.4% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 63.2% 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 22.3% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Oak Island averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Oak Island
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Oak Island, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julie | 322 | $13,100,385 | $659 | 28.2% | 4.45/5 |
| Oak Island Accommodations | 161 | $6,080,594 | $554 | 35.7% | 4.60/5 |
| ITrip Oak Island | 78 | $3,934,991 | $459 | 38.0% | 4.80/5 |
| Salt And Sand Realty | 76 | $3,286,286 | $694 | 32.9% | 4.74/5 |
| Brunswick Vacation Rentals | 9 | $1,599,952 | $1,661 | 38.1% | 4.88/5 |
| Evolve | 37 | $1,509,720 | $358 | 48.6% | 4.81/5 |
| James | 11 | $719,232 | $493 | 47.3% | 4.88/5 |
| Rebecca | 7 | $369,815 | $327 | 48.3% | 4.81/5 |
| Priyanka | 4 | $293,387 | $1,407 | 36.5% | 4.43/5 |
| Romil | 1 | $213,480 | $847 | 38.3% | 5.00/5 |
Management Company Insights for Oak Island
- The leading management company, Julie, operates 322 listings with $13,100,385 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Oak Island.
- Top managers average 71 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.74/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
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 Oak Island's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Oak Island 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 Mount Pleasant, Oak Island has 15 percentage points lower occupancy and about $154 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isle of Palms | 1,012 | $7,321 | $764.81 | 42% |
| Folly Beach | 901 | $7,179 | $604.47 | 46% |
| Sullivan's Island | 22 | $6,805 | $899.23 | 39% |
| Charleston | 1,839 | $5,628 | $408.29 | 52% |
| Ocean Isle Beach | 504 | $4,963 | $614.58 | 37% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 497 | $4,671 | $547.10 | 39% |
| Mount Pleasant | 452 | $4,456 | $312.67 | 53% |
| 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% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Oak Island
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Oak Island.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Oak Island?
Oak Island hosts earn about $41,757 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $467 and RevPAR of $183. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Oak Island, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Oak Island market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Oak Island?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Oak Island is 38.4%. July is the strongest month and January 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 Oak Island?
Listings in Oak Island average $467 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 Oak Island?
Oak Island currently has about 1,398 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 Oak Island?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Oak Island as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.1% 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 Oak Island?
RevPAR in Oak Island is about $183. 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 Oak Island?
Occupancy of 38.4% means Oak Island 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 $41,757, 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 Oak Island?
The average booking lead time in Oak Island is about 69 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 Oak Island?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Oak Island include Long Beach, East Beach, Southport. 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 Oak Island?
entire_home listings make up 99.0% of the active supply in Oak Island. 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 Oak Island compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Isle of Palms posts $87,848 in average annual revenue with 42.1% occupancy, compared to Oak Island's $41,757 and 38.4%. 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 Oak Island?
The average Airbnb stay length in Oak Island is about 5.5 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 Oak Island?
Airbnb listings in Oak Island average 4.77 out of 5 overall. About 32.5% 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 Oak Island?
Dryer and Washer are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Oak Island. 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 Oak Island?
Yes. About 91.9% of active Airbnb listings in Oak Island charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $442. 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 Oak Island?
At 38.1%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.
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.