Southern Shores, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Southern Shores, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $50,029 per year — at a $466 nightly rate, 43.6% occupancy, and a $222 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.

At 172 active listings, Southern Shores is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 32.3% 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.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Southern Shores?

In Southern Shores, the headline Airbnb metrics are $50,029 in average annual revenue,43.6% occupancy, $466 ADR, and $222 in RevPAR, and guests book about 82 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$466
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Southern Shores.
Occupancy Rate(?)
43.6%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$50,029
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Southern Shores. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$222
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
12.3%
Strong growth (12.3%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
172
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
82 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Southern Shores. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Southern Shores.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
March
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Southern Shores.
Airbnb Data API
Access this data programmatically. 22 endpoints, 20M+ properties, 190+ countries.
API Access

How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Southern Shores?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Southern Shores 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 Southern Shores is typically July, while March often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Southern Shores across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $12,186+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $7,763 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $4,465 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,381, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Southern Shores

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Southern Shores?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Southern Shores 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 Southern Shores:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 71%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 56% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 37%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 22% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Southern Shores

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Southern Shores?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Southern Shores involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Southern Shores 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 $780+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $560 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $392 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $250 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Southern Shores

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Southern Shores?

RevPAR in Southern Shores is currently $222. 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 $120 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $187 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $298 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $407 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Southern Shores

RevPAR Insights for Southern Shores

  • The average RevPAR in Southern Shores is $222. 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% ($407) and bottom 25% ($120) is $288, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
  • RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Mar, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Southern Shores benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $187, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $298+ 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 Southern Shores Market Intelligence 👇

Discover Southern Shores Airbnb Analytics
🏠
🏠
🏠

Explore Real-time Analytics

When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Southern Shores?

Southern Shores's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is February, March, December. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (July, June, August)
  • Revenue averages $11,554 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 64.3%
  • Daily rates average $539
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $4,411 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 36.1%
  • Daily rates hold near $427
Low Season (February, March, December)
  • Revenue drops to average $2,716 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 23.0%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $429

Seasonality Insights for Southern Shores

  • Airbnb seasonality in Southern Shores 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 Southern Shores's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $13,488, occupancy reaching 69.2%, and ADRs peaking at $556.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,544, occupancy could drop to 20.2%, and ADRs may adjust to $397.
  • 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 Southern Shores.

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 Southern Shores, 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 Southern Shores?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Southern Shores, 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 Southern Shores 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 Southern Shores?

Southern Shores 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.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Southern Shores
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Southern Shores Beach
Beautiful beach area known for its peaceful surroundings, ideal for families and vacationers. Offers direct beach access and numerous water activities.
Southern Shores Beach, Duck Woods Country Club, Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals, Wildlife Conservation, Scenic Walking Trails
The Hill
A quiet neighborhood that offers beautiful views and easy access to both the beach and the scenic canals.
The Hill Beach Access, Soundside Beach Access, Southern Shores Marine, Community Tennis Courts
Cedar Island
A great location for nature lovers, offering lush landscapes and access to serene nature trails and the waterways.
Cedar Island Beach, Nature Trails, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing
Ocean Blvd
A prime location for those wanting to be close to the ocean while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere.
Ocean Blvd Beach Access, Family-friendly activities, Restaurants and Cafes, Parks
Duck
Just north of Southern Shores, Duck features upscale shopping and dining experiences while maintaining a quaint beach town vibe.
Duck Town Park, Duck Boardwalk, Beach Access, Shopping and Dining, Art Galleries
Corolla
Further north, Corolla is known for its beautiful beaches, wild horses, and family-friendly activities—perfect for vacationers.
Corolla Beach, Wild Horse Tours, Whalehead Club, Historic Corolla Village, Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Kitty Hawk
Famous for its history and proximity to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kitty Hawk attracts tourists interested in aviation and history.
Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kitty Hawk Woods, Beach Access, Shopping and Dining, Water Sports
Nags Head
A well-known beach destination offering a variety of attractions including parks, beaches, and local restaurants.
Nags Head Beach, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head Fishing Pier, Shopping and Dining, Lighthouse Tours

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Southern Shores 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 Southern Shores?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Southern Shores

  • The Southern Shores Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 97.7% of the 172 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Southern Shores, House properties are the most common (83.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 83.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • Smaller segments like apartment/condo, hotel/boutique (combined 7.6%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Southern Shores Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Southern Shores

  • The dominant room capacity in Southern Shores is 4 bedrooms listings, making up 33.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 4 bedrooms and 5+ bedrooms properties represent 56.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Southern Shores, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 74.3% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Southern Shores.

Southern Shores Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Southern Shores

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Southern Shores vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (61.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 8+ guests and 2 guests dominate the Southern Shores STR market, accounting for 74.4% of listings.
  • 75.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Southern Shores.
  • On average, properties in Southern Shores are equipped to host 6.4 guests.

How Do Listings in Southern Shores Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Southern Shores 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.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
49.9
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
5.1
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
39.5%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Southern Shores

  • At 49.9 photos per listing on average, Southern Shores hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 39.5% 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 Southern Shores averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Southern Shores?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Southern Shores

  • Essential amenities in Southern Shores that guests expect include: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, Coffee maker, Dishes and silverware, Refrigerator, Hot water. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Southern Shores: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, Coffee maker, Dishes and silverware, Refrigerator, Hot water.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, TV, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, Coffee maker, Dishes and silverware, Refrigerator, Hot water.
  • 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 Southern Shores to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Southern Shores?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Southern Shores, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
GymHigh opportunity
3.5%$121,460$47,447156.0%
EV chargerHigh opportunity
3.5%$120,589$47,479154.0%
Cooking basics
77.3%$57,477$24,628133.4%
Washer
81.4%$55,660$25,393119.2%
Dishwasher
80.2%$56,013$25,743117.6%
Dryer
81.4%$55,442$26,347110.4%
Kitchen
91.9%$52,243$25,044108.6%
Pool
54.1%$65,046$32,351101.1%
Oven
80.8%$54,936$29,36087.1%
Rice maker
4.1%$88,858$48,38283.7%

Revenue Impact Insights for Southern Shores

  • Gym tops the revenue impact list with a 156.0% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $121,460 vs. $47,447 without it.
  • High-opportunity amenities — Gym, EV charger — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
  • Washer, Dishwasher, Dryer, Kitchen, Oven — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Prioritize adding Gym — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Southern Shores.
  • 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 Southern Shores STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Southern Shores. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Southern Shores Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Southern Shores

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Southern Shores consists of primarily domestic travelers (95%), often arriving from nearby Richmond, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 94.7% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (94.7%) and DC (3.1%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (75.9%) followed by Spanish (9.3%).
  • 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 Richmond and Washington.
  • 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 Southern Shores?

Listings in Southern Shores average 4.83 out of 5 overall, with about 71.3 reviews per active listing and 50.6% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Southern Shores

  • With an overall rating of 4.83, Southern Shores listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
  • The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.94), while Cleanliness (4.72) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 50.6% 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 Cleanliness — 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.

Southern Shores Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Southern Shores

  • The most common availability pattern in Southern Shores falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 44.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 87.2% 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 Southern Shores (45.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 12.8% 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 Southern Shores?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Southern Shores

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Southern Shores is 82 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 117 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 39 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (106 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (45 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (82 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Southern Shores.
  • For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 117 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 106 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Southern Shores averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Southern Shores?

Guests in Southern Shores stay about 5.7 nights on average, generating roughly 3,480 reservations and 20.2 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 Southern Shores

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Southern Shores

  • 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 20.2 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 Mar (6.7 nights) and shorten in Nov (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 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.

Southern Shores Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (6.4%)

1 Night

11 listings

6.4% of total

2 Nights (8.7%)

2 Nights

15 listings

8.7% of total

3 Nights (13.4%)

3 Nights

23 listings

13.4% of total

4-6 Nights (14.5%)

4-6 Nights

25 listings

14.5% of total

7-29 Nights (1.2%)

7-29 Nights

2 listings

1.2% of total

30+ Nights (55.8%)

30+ Nights

96 listings

55.8% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Southern Shores is 30+ Nights, adopted by 55.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
  • Very short stays (1-2 nights) are less common (15.1%), suggesting hosts prefer slightly longer bookings to optimize turnover.
  • A significant segment (55.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Southern Shores, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 55.8% of Southern Shores hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 6.4% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 55.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Southern Shores.

Southern Shores Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Limited

3 listings

1.7% of total

Super Strict 30 Days (8.7%)

Super Strict 30 Days

15 listings

8.7% of total

Super Strict 60 Days (16.3%)

Super Strict 60 Days

28 listings

16.3% of total

Flexible (6.4%)

Flexible

11 listings

6.4% of total

Moderate (8.1%)

Moderate

14 listings

8.1% of total

Firm (38.4%)

Firm

66 listings

38.4% of total

Strict (20.3%)

Strict

35 listings

20.3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Southern Shores

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Southern Shores is Firm, used by 38.4% of listings.
  • A majority (58.7%) of hosts in Southern Shores utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 38.4% market standard in Southern Shores.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Southern Shores.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Southern Shores?

Cleaning fees in Southern Shores 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.

Average Cleaning Fee
$326
Median Cleaning Fee
$239
Listings Charging a Fee
96.5%
Fee as Revenue Share
10.7%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Southern Shores

  • 96.5% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Southern Shores. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
  • The gap between the average ($326) and median ($239) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 10.7% 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 Southern Shores median of $239. 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 Southern Shores Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Southern Shoresbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

The Osprey | New Construction, Ocean Views & Pool!

The Osprey | New Construction, Ocean Views & Pool!

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$170,324
Revenue
36.0%
Occupancy
$1307.40
Daily Rate
Sun Salutations

Sun Salutations

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$160,872
Revenue
35.9%
Occupancy
$1297.58
Daily Rate
Hello Mellow | 3BR New Construction, Private Pool!

Hello Mellow | 3BR New Construction, Private Pool!

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$153,856
Revenue
53.3%
Occupancy
$630.28
Daily Rate
7BR, Beach, Gym, Golf, Pirate Ship-DolphinInnOBX

7BR, Beach, Gym, Golf, Pirate Ship-DolphinInnOBX

Entire Place • 7 bedrooms

$153,386
Revenue
32.4%
Occupancy
$703.18
Daily Rate
Luxury Spa Beach Home-Sauna, Hot Tub, Spa Baths

Luxury Spa Beach Home-Sauna, Hot Tub, Spa Baths

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$151,824
Revenue
67.8%
Occupancy
$517.04
Daily Rate
Southern Seaclusion-  OBX Oceanside Home

Southern Seaclusion- OBX Oceanside Home

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$151,675
Revenue
47.6%
Occupancy
$614.24
Daily Rate

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 Southern Shores?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Southern Shores based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Southern Shores by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Michael15$1,282,37223464.96/5.0
Village Realty11$522,354834.56/5.0
Seaside Vacations14$408,3401374.42/5.0
James5$356,138744.74/5.0
CoastRealty3$200,4485Not Rated
Sojourn3$171,132284.68/5.0
Zachary Blaine1$160,872184.94/5.0
Jorge1$153,386924.97/5.0
Meredith1$151,8241014.99/5.0
Nicole1$151,675635.00/5.0

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 Southern Shores.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Southern Shores?

Southern Shores is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.

Superhosts
59.9%
Professional Management
28.5%
Cohosted Listings
31.4%
Instant Book Enabled
7.6%
Simplified Pricing
66.3%

Host Profile Insights for Southern Shores

  • With 59.9% Superhosts, Southern Shores has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
  • 28.5% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
  • 7.6% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 66.3% 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 31.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Southern Shores averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Southern Shores

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Southern Shores, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Southern Shores
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Village Realty11$522,354$46541.9%4.56/5
Seaside Vacations14$408,340$68428.6%4.42/5
James5$356,138$51342.6%4.74/5
CoastRealty3$200,448$77229.8%N/A
Sojourn3$171,132$62138.0%4.68/5
Krista1$111,575$72771.5%4.96/5
Evolve2$100,282$33253.3%4.78/5
Vivian1$93,230$65950.1%5.00/5
Atlantic2$74,161$45541.3%4.83/5
Annette2$61,787$61736.8%4.99/5

Management Company Insights for Southern Shores

  • The leading management company, Village Realty, operates 11 listings with $522,354 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Southern Shores.
  • Top managers average 4 properties each, suggesting professional management in Southern Shores still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.77/5 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 Southern Shores's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Southern Shores 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 Gloucester Point, Southern Shores has 11 percentage points lower occupancy and about $246 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Southern Shores — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Weems11$4,948$435.6947%
Corolla820$4,560$545.8340%
Salvo85$4,480$530.1741%
Duck262$4,468$469.6543%
Nags Head825$4,202$453.5641%
Rodanthe148$4,150$443.7840%
White Stone41$4,131$489.3038%
Cobbs Creek12$4,061$326.0044%
Lanexa15$3,943$290.2748%
Gloucester Point13$3,531$220.2355%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Southern Shores

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Southern Shores.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Southern Shores?

Southern Shores hosts earn about $50,029 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $466 and RevPAR of $222. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Southern Shores, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Southern Shores market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Southern Shores?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Southern Shores is 43.6%. July is the strongest month and March 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 Southern Shores?

Listings in Southern Shores average $466 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 Southern Shores?

Southern Shores currently has about 172 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 Southern Shores?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Southern Shores 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 Southern Shores?

RevPAR in Southern Shores is about $222. 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 Southern Shores?

At 43.6% occupancy, Southern Shores 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 $50,029, 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 Southern Shores?

The average booking lead time in Southern Shores is about 82 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 Southern Shores?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Southern Shores include Southern Shores Beach, The Hill, Cedar Island. 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 Southern Shores?

entire_home listings make up 97.7% of the active supply in Southern Shores. 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 Southern Shores compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Weems posts $59,376 in average annual revenue with 47.2% occupancy, compared to Southern Shores's $50,029 and 43.6%. 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 Southern Shores?

The average Airbnb stay length in Southern Shores is about 5.7 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 Southern Shores?

Airbnb listings in Southern Shores average 4.83 out of 5 overall. About 50.6% 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 Southern Shores?

Gym and EV charger are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Southern Shores. 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 Southern Shores?

Yes. About 96.5% of active Airbnb listings in Southern Shores charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $326. 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 Southern Shores?

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.

Access Real-Time Airbnb API

This report is powered by our industry-leading Airbnb Data API, providing direct access to live short-term rental data from global markets like Southern Shores. Use this data to build powerful analytics tools, discover investment opportunities, and inform your vacation rental strategy.

Get API Access