James Island, South Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in James Island, South Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $42,080 per year — at a $244 nightly rate, 54.1% occupancy, and a $132 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 60 active listings, James Island is a boutique market where solid booking activity throughout the year. Supply grew 20.0% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in James Island?
In James Island, the headline Airbnb metrics are $42,080 in average annual revenue,54.1% occupancy, $244 ADR, and $132 in RevPAR, and guests book about 48 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in James Island?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in James Island is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in James Island is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in James Island across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $7,180+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,978 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,508 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,223, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in James Island
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in James Island?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the James Island STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in James Island:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 85%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 73% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 56%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 36% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in James Island
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in James Island?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in James Island involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in James Island typically peaks in March and dips lowest during January. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $378+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $283 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $206 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $145 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in James Island
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in James Island?
RevPAR in James Island is currently $132. 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 $82 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $125 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $170 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $202 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in James Island
RevPAR Insights for James Island
- The average RevPAR in James Island is $132. 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% ($202) and bottom 25% ($82) is $120, 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 James Island benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $125, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $170+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in James Island?
James Island's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, May, while the softest stretch is January, February, 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, May)
- Revenue averages $5,342 per month
- Occupancy rates average 66.4%
- Daily rates average $242
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,958 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 55.0%
- Daily rates hold near $230
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $2,774 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 40.7%
- Daily rates adjust to average $224
Seasonality Insights for James Island
- Airbnb seasonality in James Island is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases James Island's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $5,785, occupancy reaching 69.4%, and ADRs peaking at $251.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,506, occupancy could drop to 37.6%, and ADRs may adjust to $219.
- 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 James Island.
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 James Island, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in James Island?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in James Island, South 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 James Island 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 James Island?
James Island is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Downtown | Charming area with historic homes and proximity to local attractions. Guests appreciate the walkability and access to downtown amenities, making it ideal for tourists. | Fort Sumter National Monument, Charleston City Market, Waterfront Park, The Battery, Rainbow Row |
| Folly Beach | A popular beach town known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful coastline. Ideal for those looking to enjoy the beach and outdoor activities, drawing many families and tourists. | Folly Beach Pier, Folly Beach County Park, Carolina Salt Seafood, Folly Island, Morris Island Lighthouse |
| James Island County Park | A large park offering a variety of recreational activities and close proximity to the city. Great for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for spacious settings. | James Island County Park, Fishing / Rowing/Canoeing, Biking Trails, Picnic Areas, Dog Park |
| Bohicket Marina | Charming marina area that's great for boaters and seafood lovers. Provides easy access to the water and offers a relaxed lifestyle, attracting vacationers. | Bohicket Marina, Bohicket Grill, Kayaking, Fishing, Boat Rentals |
| Riverland Terrace | Quaint neighborhood known for its local eateries and community vibe. Its proximity to downtown Charleston makes it appealing to visitors seeking local experiences. | Terraza, The Terrace Theatre, St. Andrews Parish |
These neighborhoods provide a starting framework for evaluating Airbnb investment locations in James Island, but on-the-ground research — including local pricing, property availability, and HOA or condo restrictions — should complement the data before making an acquisition decision.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in James Island?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for James Island
- The James Island Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 95% of the 60 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in James Island, House properties are the most common (63.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 63.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 15% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 1.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
James Island Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for James Island
- The dominant room capacity in James Island is 1 bedroom listings, making up 26.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 51.7% of the active Airbnb listings in James Island, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 40.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in James Island.
James Island Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for James Island
- The most common guest capacity trend in James Island vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (26.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 4 guests dominate the James Island STR market, accounting for 50.0% of listings.
- 40.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in James Island.
- On average, properties in James Island are equipped to host 4.8 guests.
How Do Listings in James Island Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in James Island can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for James Island
- At 27.1 photos per listing on average, James Island hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 13.3% 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 James Island averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in James Island?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for James Island
- Essential amenities in James Island that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Hot water, TV, Wifi, Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Coffee maker, Heating, Dishes and silverware, Bed linens. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for James Island: Air conditioning, Hot water, TV, Wifi, Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Coffee maker, Heating, Dishes and silverware, Bed linens.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, Coffee maker, Heating, Dishes and silverware, Bed linens.
- 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 James Island to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in James Island?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in James Island, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kitchen | 86.7% | $45,690 | $18,613 | 145.5% |
Dishwasher | 70.0% | $50,030 | $23,529 | 112.6% |
Oven | 78.3% | $47,246 | $23,402 | 101.9% |
Microwave | 91.7% | $43,820 | $22,936 | 91.1% |
Dryer | 66.7% | $49,237 | $27,765 | 77.3% |
Washer | 68.3% | $48,746 | $27,695 | 76.0% |
Refrigerator | 91.7% | $43,627 | $25,061 | 74.1% |
Essentials | 88.3% | $44,269 | $25,509 | 73.5% |
Private entrance | 75.0% | $46,813 | $27,882 | 67.9% |
Ethernet connection | 15.0% | $63,784 | $38,250 | 66.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for James Island
- Kitchen tops the revenue impact list with a 145.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $45,690 vs. $18,613 without it.
- Kitchen, Microwave, Refrigerator, Essentials — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- 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 James Island STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for James Island. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsJames Island Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for James Island
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in James Island consists of primarily domestic travelers (96%), often arriving from nearby Charlotte, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 95.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (95.9%) and United Kingdom (0.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (76%) followed by Spanish (12.5%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Charlotte and New York.
- 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 James Island?
Listings in James Island average 4.87 out of 5 overall, with about 178.9 reviews per active listing and 55.0% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for James Island
- With an overall rating of 4.87, James Island listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.96), while Value (4.82) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 55.0% 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.
James Island Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for James Island
- The most common availability pattern in James Island falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 43.3% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 46.7% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in James Island (45%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 56.7% 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 James Island?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for James Island
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in James Island is 48 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 62 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 21 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (58 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (38 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (48 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in James Island.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 62 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 58 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these James Island averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in James Island?
Guests in James Island stay about 4.3 nights on average, generating roughly 2,527 reservations and 42.1 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in James Island
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for James Island
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 42.1 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 (4.4 nights) and shorten in Apr (3.2 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 3:00 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.
James Island Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
9 listings
15% of total
2 Nights
10 listings
16.7% of total
3 Nights
3 listings
5% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
1.7% of total
7-29 Nights
2 listings
3.3% of total
30+ Nights
35 listings
58.3% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in James Island is 30+ Nights, adopted by 58.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (58.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in James Island, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 58.3% of James Island hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 15% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 58.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in James Island.
James Island Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
1 listings
1.7% of total
Limited
1 listings
1.7% of total
Flexible
6 listings
10% of total
Moderate
16 listings
26.7% of total
Firm
29 listings
48.3% of total
Strict
7 listings
11.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for James Island
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in James Island is Firm, used by 48.3% of listings.
- A majority (60.0%) of hosts in James Island 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 48.3% market standard in James Island.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 11.7% 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 James Island.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in James Island?
Cleaning fees in James Island are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for James Island
- 86.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in James Island. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($576) and median ($125) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 11.3% of gross revenue on average — a significant line item that impacts total guest cost and competitiveness.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the James Island 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 James Island Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in James Islandbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Luxe Pool Retreat | Between Folly + Downtown CHS
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Waterfront Home 5 minutes From Downtown Charleston
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Renovated - 3 Bed Home - 10 Minutes to Downtown!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Charleston House with Private Pickleball Court!
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Lovely Home w/ Ideal City + Beach Location!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
The Perfect Charleston Oasis
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 James Island?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in James Island based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebekah | 1 | $173,223 | 65 | 4.91/5.0 |
| The Boroughs | 2 | $139,289 | 276 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Tom | 2 | $138,045 | 166 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Nicholas | 2 | $127,305 | 215 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Jaime | 2 | $115,920 | 468 | 4.96/5.0 |
| David | 1 | $115,791 | 382 | 4.82/5.0 |
| John | 2 | $86,243 | 44 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Ced | 1 | $75,475 | 314 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Debbie | 1 | $73,610 | 222 | 4.98/5.0 |
| John | 2 | $69,370 | 310 | 4.98/5.0 |
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 James Island.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in James Island?
James Island is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for James Island
- With 86.7% Superhosts, James Island has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 5.0% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 3.3% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 80.0% 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 38.3% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these James Island averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in James Island
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in James Island, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebekah | 1 | $173,223 | $722 | 61.4% | 4.91/5 |
| John | 2 | $86,243 | $292 | 59.0% | 4.86/5 |
| Kennan With Sea Island Homes | 1 | $15,529 | $285 | 23.9% | 4.73/5 |
Management Company Insights for James Island
- The leading management company, Rebekah, operates 1 listings with $173,223 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in James Island.
- Top managers average 1 properties each, suggesting professional management in James Island still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.83/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 5.0% 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 James Island's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the James Island Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Mount Pleasant, James Island has 1 percentage points higher occupancy and about $69 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isle of Palms | 1,012 | $7,321 | $764.81 | 42% |
| Folly Beach | 901 | $7,179 | $604.47 | 46% |
| Sullivan's Island | 22 | $6,805 | $899.23 | 39% |
| Talahi Island | 41 | $6,021 | $368.19 | 50% |
| Charleston | 1,839 | $5,628 | $408.29 | 52% |
| Okatie | 10 | $5,565 | $527.26 | 42% |
| Ocean Isle Beach | 504 | $4,963 | $614.58 | 37% |
| Kiawah Island | 625 | $4,596 | $647.38 | 33% |
| Mount Pleasant | 452 | $4,456 | $312.67 | 53% |
| Tybee Island | 1,354 | $4,357 | $437.68 | 41% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in James Island
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for James Island.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in James Island?
James Island hosts earn about $42,080 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $244 and RevPAR of $132. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in James Island, South Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, James Island market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in James Island?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in James Island is 54.1%. July is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in James Island?
Listings in James Island average $244 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 James Island?
James Island currently has about 60 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 James Island?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in James Island 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 James Island?
RevPAR in James Island is about $132. 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 James Island?
At 54.1% occupancy, James Island 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 $42,080, 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 James Island?
The average booking lead time in James Island is about 48 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 James Island?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in James Island include Historic Downtown, Folly Beach, James Island County Park. 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 James Island?
entire_home listings make up 95.0% of the active supply in James Island. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does James Island compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Isle of Palms posts $87,848 in average annual revenue with 42.1% occupancy, compared to James Island's $42,080 and 54.1%. 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 James Island?
The average Airbnb stay length in James Island is about 4.3 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 James Island?
Airbnb listings in James Island average 4.87 out of 5 overall. About 55.0% 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 James Island?
Kitchen and Dishwasher are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in James Island. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in James Island?
Yes. About 86.7% of active Airbnb listings in James Island charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $576. 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 James Island?
A 86.7% 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.