Wilmington, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Wilmington, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $28,463 per year — at a $222 nightly rate, 44.1% occupancy, and a $99 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
With 1,515 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform, Wilmington is an established vacation rental market. Supply grew 82.8% 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 Wilmington?
In Wilmington, the headline Airbnb metrics are $28,463 in average annual revenue,44.1% occupancy, $222 ADR, and $99 in RevPAR, and guests book about 40 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Wilmington?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Wilmington 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 Wilmington is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Wilmington across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,861+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,064 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,583 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,448, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Wilmington
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Wilmington?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Wilmington 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 Wilmington:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 79%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 64% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 44%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 26% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Wilmington
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Wilmington?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Wilmington involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Wilmington typically peaks in June and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $347+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $254 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $190 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $142 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Wilmington
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Wilmington?
RevPAR in Wilmington is currently $99. 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 $58 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $86 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $124 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $169 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Wilmington
RevPAR Insights for Wilmington
- The average RevPAR in Wilmington is $99. 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% ($169) and bottom 25% ($58) is $111, 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 Wilmington benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $86, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $124+ 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 Wilmington Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Wilmington?
Wilmington's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $4,344 per month
- Occupancy rates average 56.9%
- Daily rates average $231
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,854 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 43.8%
- Daily rates hold near $210
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,268 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 36.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $211
Seasonality Insights for Wilmington
- Airbnb seasonality in Wilmington 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 Wilmington's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $4,679, occupancy reaching 59.0%, and ADRs peaking at $236.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,112, occupancy could drop to 33.8%, and ADRs may adjust to $194.
- 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 Wilmington.
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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 1,515 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 Wilmington to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Wilmington?
Wilmington 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 Wilmington, North Carolina.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Downtown | Charming area filled with history, restaurants, and shops. Great for tourists wanting to explore local culture and historical sites. | Battleship North Carolina, Bellamy Mansion, Cape Fear Museum, Riverwalk, Thalian Hall |
| Wrightsville Beach | Popular beach destination known for its stunning shores and water activities. Ideal for families and beachgoers looking for a sunny getaway. | Wrightsville Beach, Johnnie Mercer's Pier, Wrightsville Beach Museum, Water sports rentals, Local seafood restaurants |
| Carolina Beach | Vibrant beach community with a fun boardwalk atmosphere. Popular with tourists looking for classic beach experiences and amusement activities. | Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Freeman Park, Carolina Beach State Park, Local eateries, Fishing and boating opportunities |
| Masonboro Island | Natural preserve known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife. Appeals to eco-tourists and visitors looking for a serene experience. | Masonboro Island State Park, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Wildlife watching, Secluded beaches |
| Ogden | Growing suburban area close to Wilmington, perfect for families and long-term rentals. Offers a quieter lifestyle while still near the city's amenities. | Ogden Park, Close proximity to shopping centers, Family-friendly atmosphere, Local parks and trails |
| Landfall | Affluent residential community with luxury homes and a golf community. Attractive for visitors looking for upscale accommodations and privacy. | Landfall Country Club, Private beaches, Upscale shopping and dining nearby, Nature trails |
| Kure Beach | Quieter beach community ideal for those looking to relax and unwind away from busier tourist spots. Perfect for couples and families. | Kure Beach Pier, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Historic Kure Beach, Beachfront activities, Local seafood shacks |
| Porters Neck | Exclusive neighborhood known for its luxury homes and golf courses. Attracts wealthier clients looking for premium vacation experiences. | Porters Neck Country Club, Luxury shopping, Nature preserves, Upscale dining options |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Wilmington 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 Wilmington?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Wilmington
- The Wilmington Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 90.8% of the 1,515 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Wilmington, House properties are the most common (61.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 61.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 7.5% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 7.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Wilmington Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Wilmington
- The dominant room capacity in Wilmington is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 28.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 56.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Wilmington, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 38.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Wilmington.
Wilmington Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Wilmington
- The most common guest capacity trend in Wilmington vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (22.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the Wilmington STR market, accounting for 45.3% of listings.
- 44.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Wilmington.
- On average, properties in Wilmington are equipped to host 4.6 guests.
How Do Listings in Wilmington Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Wilmington 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 Wilmington
- At 32.5 photos per listing on average, Wilmington hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 28.7% 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 Wilmington averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Wilmington?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Wilmington
- Essential amenities in Wilmington that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, TV, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hot water, Coffee maker, Kitchen are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Wilmington: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, TV, Heating.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, TV, Heating.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or Coffee maker to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Wilmington to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Wilmington?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Wilmington, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating | 96.1% | $29,534 | $2,036 | 1350.8% |
TV | 98.3% | $28,910 | $2,857 | 911.8% |
Smoke alarm | 99.1% | $28,629 | $10,631 | 169.3% |
Kitchen | 89.8% | $30,152 | $13,645 | 121.0% |
Children’s bikesHigh opportunity | 0.5% | $62,141 | $28,307 | 119.5% |
Coffee maker | 91.0% | $29,868 | $14,335 | 108.4% |
Cooking basics | 82.5% | $31,197 | $15,568 | 100.4% |
Hot tub | 4.9% | $53,459 | $27,179 | 96.7% |
Dishes and silverware | 89.2% | $30,046 | $15,418 | 94.9% |
Waterfront | 8.4% | $48,407 | $26,622 | 81.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Wilmington
- Heating tops the revenue impact list with a 1350.8% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $29,534 vs. $2,036 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Children’s bikes — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Heating, TV, Smoke alarm, Kitchen, Coffee maker, Cooking basics, Dishes and silverware — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Children’s bikes — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Wilmington.
- 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 Wilmington STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Wilmington. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsWilmington Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Wilmington
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Wilmington consists of primarily domestic travelers (97%), often arriving from nearby Raleigh, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 97.2% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.2%) and DC (0.8%).
- Top languages spoken are English (75.4%) followed by Spanish (13.4%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Raleigh and Charlotte.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Wilmington?
Listings in Wilmington average 4.88 out of 5 overall, with about 92.4 reviews per active listing and 53.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Wilmington
- With an overall rating of 4.88, Wilmington listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.94), while Value (4.82) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 53.9% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on 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.
Wilmington Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Wilmington
- The most common availability pattern in Wilmington falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 37.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 74.9% 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 Wilmington (38.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 25.8% 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 Wilmington?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Wilmington
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Wilmington is 40 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during October (average 51 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 24 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (43 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (30 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (40 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Wilmington.
- For October stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 51 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 43 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Wilmington averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Wilmington?
Guests in Wilmington stay about 4.8 nights on average, generating roughly 46,912 reservations and 31 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 Wilmington
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Wilmington
- 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 31 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 Jan (5.2 nights) and shorten in Oct (3.4 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Wilmington Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
460 listings
30.4% of total
2 Nights
456 listings
30.1% of total
3 Nights
90 listings
5.9% of total
4-6 Nights
25 listings
1.7% of total
7-29 Nights
48 listings
3.2% of total
30+ Nights
436 listings
28.8% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Wilmington is 1 Night, adopted by 30.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (60.5%) of the Wilmington Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (28.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Wilmington, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 30.4% of Wilmington hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 28.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Wilmington.
Wilmington Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
42 listings
2.8% of total
Limited
17 listings
1.1% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
26 listings
1.7% of total
Flexible
238 listings
15.7% of total
Moderate
478 listings
31.6% of total
Firm
590 listings
39% of total
Strict
122 listings
8.1% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Wilmington
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Wilmington is Firm, used by 39% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (47.3%) and stricter (47.1%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (8.1%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 39% market standard in Wilmington.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 8.1% 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 Wilmington.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Wilmington?
Cleaning fees in Wilmington 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 Wilmington
- 89.4% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Wilmington. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($204) and median ($125) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 13.4% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Wilmington median of $125. 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 Wilmington Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Wilmingtonbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Maggie's Oasis
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Hot Tub, Awesome Arcade, Pool, &-No Cleaning fee!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Captain’s Watch Home
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Beach Dunes Luxury Retreat + Guest House & Pool!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Relaxing 5BR Escape w/ King Suite, Game Room, Fun
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
River Road Retreat - Heated Private Pool, Pond, Fi
Entire Place • 3 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 Wilmington?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Wilmington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cove Riverwalk Villas | 33 | $2,741,478 | 1612 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Wilmington Vacation Homes | 29 | $924,689 | 3463 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Evolve | 28 | $715,194 | 549 | 4.68/5.0 |
| Steven | 9 | $670,804 | 1558 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Jody | 18 | $512,687 | 2478 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Jody | 14 | $486,593 | 1194 | 4.92/5.0 |
| BlueStar Real Estate | 23 | $447,084 | 161 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Mary | 14 | $437,700 | 823 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Kimberly | 13 | $387,319 | 192 | 4.80/5.0 |
| Ultimate Property Management | 15 | $367,120 | 1013 | 4.77/5.0 |
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 Wilmington.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Wilmington?
Wilmington is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Wilmington
- With 70.4% Superhosts, Wilmington has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 14.2% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 5.1% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 75.8% 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 39.5% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Wilmington averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Wilmington
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Wilmington, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cove Riverwalk Villas | 33 | $2,741,478 | $384 | 57.0% | 4.95/5 |
| Wilmington Vacation Homes | 29 | $924,689 | $253 | 40.5% | 4.89/5 |
| Evolve | 28 | $715,194 | $235 | 41.3% | 4.68/5 |
| Jody | 18 | $512,687 | $219 | 40.4% | 4.85/5 |
| Jody | 14 | $486,593 | $206 | 48.7% | 4.92/5 |
| BlueStar Real Estate | 23 | $447,084 | $381 | 20.3% | 4.87/5 |
| Mary | 14 | $437,700 | $244 | 40.9% | 4.92/5 |
| Kimberly | 13 | $387,319 | $402 | 36.7% | 4.80/5 |
| Ultimate Property Management | 15 | $367,120 | $200 | 41.8% | 4.77/5 |
| Dena | 10 | $301,812 | $287 | 38.9% | 4.97/5 |
Management Company Insights for Wilmington
- The leading management company, The Cove Riverwalk Villas, operates 33 listings with $2,741,478 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Wilmington.
- Top managers average 20 properties each, suggesting professional management in Wilmington still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.86/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 14.2% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Wilmington's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Wilmington Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Cedar Point, Wilmington has 2 percentage points lower occupancy and about $114 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Isle Beach | 504 | $4,963 | $614.58 | 37% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 497 | $4,671 | $547.10 | 39% |
| 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% |
| Surfside Beach | 470 | $3,671 | $411.64 | 41% |
| Emerald Isle | 508 | $3,652 | $410.13 | 42% |
| North Topsail Beach | 944 | $3,645 | $452.61 | 38% |
| Surf City | 738 | $3,486 | $403.75 | 39% |
| Caswell Beach | 51 | $3,486 | $439.39 | 40% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Wilmington
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Wilmington.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wilmington?
Wilmington hosts earn about $28,463 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $222 and RevPAR of $99. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Wilmington, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Wilmington market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wilmington?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wilmington is 44.1%. July is the strongest month and February is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Wilmington?
Listings in Wilmington average $222 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 Wilmington?
Wilmington currently has about 1,515 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 Wilmington?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Wilmington 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 Wilmington?
RevPAR in Wilmington is about $99. 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 Wilmington?
At 44.1% occupancy, Wilmington 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 $28,463, 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 Wilmington?
The average booking lead time in Wilmington is about 40 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Wilmington?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Wilmington include Historic Downtown, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach. 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 Wilmington?
entire_home listings make up 90.8% of the active supply in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Ocean Isle Beach posts $59,560 in average annual revenue with 37.0% occupancy, compared to Wilmington's $28,463 and 44.1%. 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 Wilmington?
The average Airbnb stay length in Wilmington is about 4.8 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 Wilmington?
Airbnb listings in Wilmington average 4.88 out of 5 overall. About 53.9% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Wilmington?
Heating and TV are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Wilmington. 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 Wilmington?
Yes. About 89.4% of active Airbnb listings in Wilmington charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $204. 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 Wilmington?
A 70.4% 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.