Airbnb market data · 202612 months to May 2026
Swain County, NC Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Swain County brought in $40,085 over the 12 months through May 2026, across just 21 active listings, so a single property can move that figure.
AirROI's latest figures for Swain County run through May 2026.
The short answer
Swain County Airbnb Market at a Glance
Listings averaged $356 a night and were booked on 38% of available nights.
Timing matters: in June, the best month, the average listing earned about 2.1 times as much as in February, the slowest. With only 21 active listings, a few bookings can reorder the months.
With 21 active listings, Swain County is the 282nd-largest of 298 North Carolina markets AirROI tracks.
Browse the live Swain County Airbnb market See Every Swain County ListingRevenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Swain County?
Gross bookings per Swain County listing averaged $40,085 over the 12 months to May 2026 (North Carolina average: $32,258), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
The average Swain County listing brought in $5,380 in June, its best month, and $2,550 in February, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 34% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
Across Swain County's 21 active listings, monthly revenue by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $7,210+ a month, about 2.4 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $4,740 or more, roughly $1,800 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $2,990 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $1,760 or less, about 59% of the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
June earned about 2.1 times what February did
Average revenue per active listing, by month
Swain County Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the May 2026 data.
June led on revenue and bookings; nightly rates peaked in December.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | RevPAR | Booking Lead Time | Avg. Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2025 | $5,380 | 52.2% | $351 | $179 | 53 days | 4.2 nights |
| Jul 2025 | $4,447 | 49.2% | $349 | $143 | 44 days | 3.6 nights |
| Aug 2025 | $3,887 | 41.3% | $317 | $125 | 44 days | 4.3 nights |
| Sep 2025 | $2,855 | 33.0% | $313 | $95 | 63 days | 3.2 nights |
| Oct 2025 | $5,221 | 49.2% | $374 | $168 | 79 days | 2.8 nights |
| Nov 2025 | $4,254 | 43.2% | $365 | $142 | 67 days | 3.2 nights |
| Dec 2025 | $5,264 | 48.2% | $394 | $170 | 86 days | 3.5 nights |
| Jan 2026 | $2,873 | 30.9% | $388 | $93 | 55 days | 2.8 nights |
| Feb 2026 | $2,553 | 31.9% | $346 | $91 | 40 days | 2.9 nights |
| Mar 2026 | $3,544 | 43.0% | $331 | $114 | 41 days | 3.7 nights |
| Apr 2026 | $3,309 | 36.9% | $324 | $110 | 44 days | 2.5 nights |
| May 2026 | $3,687 | 35.9% | $348 | $119 | 56 days | 4.2 nights |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month. RevPAR is the month's revenue spread over its nights, booked or not. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in, and length of stay the nights per booking, for stays in that month.
For a figure on one home rather than the whole Swain County market, enter its address and size in the Airbnb estimator, which compares it with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Swain County Profitable?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Swain County Airbnb took in $40,085 in the 12 months to May 2026, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about $2,020 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money. A listing in the top quarter leaves about $3,240 a month.
Cleaning it yourself keeps the $5,460 a year guests pay in cleaning fees, for about $2,480 a month. Handing the listing to a co-host at about 10% of nightly bookings still leaves about $1,740 a month.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any HOA or condo fees.
Swain County Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Nightly bookings | $34,625 | $54,890 |
| Cleaning fees guests pay14% of Swain County bookings | $5,460 | $8,650 |
| Gross bookings | $40,085 | $63,540 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's feeAbout 14%: 15.5% for the 90% of Swain County listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest | −$5,740 | −$9,090 |
| Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; $0 if you clean yourself | −$5,460 | −$8,650 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −$2,000 | −$3,180 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −$800 | −$1,270 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −$1,200 | −$1,910 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −$400 | −$400 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −$200 | −$200 |
| Management$0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | $0 | $0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | $0 | $0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | $0 | $0 |
| Total running costsAbout 26% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee | −$15,800 | −$24,700 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | $24,285about $2,020 a month | $38,840about $3,240 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, HOA or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Swain County Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Swain County's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one Swain County home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How Swain County's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Swain County listings are booked on 56% or more of their nights, against 38% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of $310 adds about $3,110 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge $450 a night or more, against a median of $310. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about $3,460 a year.
- Open for the busy months. June brought the average listing about $5,380, against $2,550 in February, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
- Reviews that stand out. Swain County listings average 4.91 stars, and 52% carry Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge, which guests can filter for.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about $5,300 a month, against $3,340 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Swain County?
Swain County listings were booked on 38% of the nights they were open over the past year, in line with the North Carolina average and 3 percentage points below the U.S. average (41%). Occupancy climbs to 52% in June and falls to 31% in January.
Across Swain County's 21 active listings, the share of open nights booked by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 76%+ of open nights, 38 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 56% or more, roughly four nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 38% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 22% or less, under two nights a week.
June was the busiest month in Swain County, January the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month
The 12-month rate of 38% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in Swain County?
The average nightly rate in Swain County, known as ADR (average daily rate), was $356 over the past year, about 17% above the North Carolina average of $305 and about 11% above the U.S. average of $320. Rates peak in January and December at about $395 and bottom out in August and September at about $315.
Across Swain County's 21 active listings, nightly rates by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge $540+ a night, about 1.7 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge $450 or more, about $140 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about $310 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge $190 or less, about 62% of the median.
December rates ran 26% above September's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Swain County?
RevPAR, or revenue per available night, divides a listing's income by every night it was open to book, so it rises with both price and bookings. In Swain County it averaged $123 over the past year, from about $91 in February to about $179 in June.
Across Swain County's 21 active listings, RevPAR by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn $182+ per open night, about 1.7 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn $131 or more, about $25 a night above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about $108 per open night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn $87 or less, about 19% below the median.
June RevPAR was about twice February's
Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month
The 12-month RevPAR of $123 averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Swain County
With only 21 active listings, the monthly pattern in Swain County is noisy, since a few long or pricey stays can lift a month; revenue peaked in June and bottomed out in February.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Swain County?
Guests book Swain County stays 60 days ahead on average (about nine weeks). December stays are booked furthest out, about 86 days ahead, and February stays closest to arrival, about 40 days. A typical December booking is made in mid-September.
December stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay
The 12-month figure of 60 days averages each listing's year as a whole; each month here averages only the listings with stays in it.
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in Swain County
None of the 21 active listings in Swain County display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
Registration, permit, zoning and occupancy-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the city or county before buying or listing in Swain County.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Swain County
AirROI's area guide picks five Swain County neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Cherokee, Lake Fontana and Alarka. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Cherokee | Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and rich in Native American culture. Attracts visitors interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. | Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Harrah's Cherokee Casino, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, River Rafting |
| Lake Fontana | Beautiful lake surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Great for water activities and relaxation, attracting families and nature lovers. | Fontana Dam, Lake Fontana, Nantahala National Forest, Hiking trails, Boating and fishing opportunities |
| Alarka | Secluded area known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Good for those looking for a peaceful retreat in nature, attracting visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle. | Alarka Creek, Hiking trails, Wildlife viewing, Camping spots |
| Dillsboro | Quaint town with artsy vibe and access to the Tuckasegee River. Attracts visitors interested in local shops, art galleries, and outdoor fun. | Dillsboro Chocolate Factory, Tuckasegee River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Local artisan shops |
| Nantahala | Known for its rugged terrain and white-water rafting. Popular destination for adventure seekers and families looking for a thrill in the great outdoors. | Nantahala River, Nantahala National Forest, White-water rafting, Hiking trails, Scenic viewpoints |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Nearby markets
Swain County vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Swain County out-earns every one of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 35 km; the best of them, Almond, averaged about 10% less per listing. Sylva was the busiest, booked on 43% of nights against 38% in Swain County.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson City 2 km | 976 | $31,462 | $268 | 39% |
| Almond 13 km | 46 | $36,158 | $294 | 40% |
| Whittier 14 km | 269 | $31,165 | $247 | 38% |
| Sylva 24 km | 222 | $27,114 | $212 | 43% |
| Franklin 25 km | 369 | $22,108 | $214 | 37% |
| Topton 28 km | 135 | $33,116 | $298 | 36% |
| Robbinsville 30 km | 244 | $22,527 | $206 | 37% |
| Cullowhee 35 km | 132 | $26,529 | $311 | 34% |
Other Airbnb Markets in North Carolina
- Charlotte Airbnb data 3,535 listings
- Asheville Airbnb data 1,833 listings
- Raleigh Airbnb data 1,708 listings
- Carolina Beach Airbnb data 1,698 listings
- Oak Island Airbnb data 1,643 listings
- Wilmington Airbnb data 1,606 listings
- Kill Devil Hills Airbnb data 1,262 listings
- Durham Airbnb data 1,178 listings
See all 298 North Carolina Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to Swain County
Markets elsewhere in the United States with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Swain County:
- Mexico Beach Airbnb data FL · $358/night · 38.6%
- Flagler Beach Airbnb data FL · $355/night · 38.8%
- Pacific City Airbnb data OR · $359/night · 38.8%
- Rowlett Airbnb data TX · $351/night · 38.6%
- Port Saint Joe Airbnb data FL · $362/night · 37.9%
- Orderville Airbnb data UT · $351/night · 37.9%
FAQ
Swain County Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Swain County?
An active Swain County Airbnb grossed $40,085 on average in the 12 months to May 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 21 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in $4,740 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Swain County?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Swain County listings earn between $1,760 and $4,740 in a typical month, and the top tenth $7,210 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb income calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Swain County?
Listings in Swain County were booked on 38% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 39% for the North Carolina average. June was the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Swain County?
The average booked night in Swain County cost $356 before fees. Half of listings charge between $190 and $450, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Swain County?
None of the active Swain County listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and occupancy-tax rules with the city or county before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in Swain County?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Swain County Airbnb grossed $40,085 in the 12 months to May 2026, 24% above the North Carolina average of $32,258, though with only 21 active listings a single property can move that figure. Run by its owner, with the cleaning fee covering the cleaner and everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, $24,285 a year (about $2,020 a month) is left before the mortgage or rent. A home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit, and a listing at the top-quarter mark leaves about $3,240 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb calculator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Swain County?
June paid best over the past year, at $5,380 per active listing, and February paid least. The month-by-month table above shows how rates and bookings each move.
What is the Airbnb RevPAR in Swain County?
Each night a Swain County listing was open to book earned $123 on average over the past year, booked or not. That figure, revenue per available night (RevPAR), folds price and occupancy into one number; the top 10% of listings made $182 or more.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Swain County?
Swain County stays were booked 60 days (about nine weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so most of a month is booked well before it starts.
How long do guests stay at Airbnbs in Swain County?
The average Swain County Airbnb stay lasted 3.4 nights over the past year. A listing took 35 reservations over the year on average.
How are Airbnbs in Swain County rated?
Guests rate Swain County Airbnbs 4.91 out of 5 on average. Guests score check-in highest and value lowest.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Swain County?
Cherokee, Lake Fontana and Alarka draw the most short-term rental interest in Swain County. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Swain County?
AirROI counted 21 active Airbnb listings in Swain County as of May 2026. The closest tracked market is Bryson City, 2 km away.
How much are Airbnb cleaning fees in Swain County?
In Swain County, nearly all listings add a cleaning fee. The median fee is $118, and some higher fees lift the average to $177.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 21 active Airbnb listings in Swain County from June 2025 to May 2026 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. Money figures are in U.S. dollars. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.