Pawleys Island, South Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Pawleys Island, South Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $29,146 per year — at a $371 nightly rate, 36.3% occupancy, and a $124 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
Pawleys Island's 377 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 153.0% 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. 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 Pawleys Island?
In Pawleys Island, the headline Airbnb metrics are $29,146 in average annual revenue,36.3% occupancy, $371 ADR, and $124 in RevPAR, and guests book about 85 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Pawleys Island?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Pawleys 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 Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,977+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,384 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,576 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,441, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Pawleys Island
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Pawleys Island?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 72%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 54% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 34%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 18% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Pawleys Island
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Pawleys Island?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Pawleys Island involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Pawleys Island typically peaks in March 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 $678+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $412 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $267 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $182 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Pawleys Island
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Pawleys Island?
RevPAR in Pawleys Island is currently $124. 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 $64 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $95 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $141 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $236 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Pawleys Island
RevPAR Insights for Pawleys Island
- The average RevPAR in Pawleys Island is $124. 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% ($236) and bottom 25% ($64) is $171, 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 Pawleys Island benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $95, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $141+ 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 Pawleys Island Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Pawleys Island?
Pawleys Island's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, 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, August)
- Revenue averages $4,871 per month
- Occupancy rates average 50.0%
- Daily rates average $375
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,391 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 36.0%
- Daily rates hold near $362
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $2,488 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 27.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $391
Seasonality Insights for Pawleys Island
- Airbnb seasonality in Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $5,763, occupancy reaching 57.7%, and ADRs peaking at $422.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,110, occupancy could drop to 24.5%, and ADRs may adjust to $335.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Pawleys Island need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Pawleys 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 Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island?
Location within Pawleys Island matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Pawleys Island Beach | Beautiful beach area with picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere. Attracts families and couples seeking a quiet getaway by the ocean. | Pawleys Island Beach, Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, Historic Georgetown, The Hammock Shops, Pawleys Island Nature Trail |
| Litchfield Beach | Upscale beach community known for its luxury rentals and serene environment. Perfect for travelers looking for spacious accommodations and proximity to the beach. | Litchfield Beach, Watersports at Litchfield, Litchfield Country Club, Local dining options, Nature trails, Golf courses |
| Debordieu Colony | Exclusive, gated community offering a private beach experience. Ideal for high-end travelers seeking tranquility and luxury accommodations. | Debordieu Beach, Golf course, Fishing opportunities, Nature preserve, Local dining, Kayaking spots |
| Myrtle Beach | Nearby tourist hotspot with numerous attractions, entertainment, and nightlife. Popular choice for short-term rentals due to high tourist volume. | Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park, SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Golf courses |
| Garden City Beach | Family-friendly beach area with a relaxed vibe. Offers a mix of beach houses and condos, appealing to families on vacation. | Garden City Pier, Atalaya Castle, Live music and events, Local seafood restaurants, Fishing spots, Beach activities |
| Conway | Charming town with historic sites and a close-knit community feel. Works well for those looking for a quieter base with access to nearby beaches. | Historic Conway Riverwalk, Hobby shops, Local art galleries, River activities, Dining options, Conway Community Theatre |
| Surfside Beach | Known as the 'Family Beach', this area has a friendly atmosphere and is perfect for families. It features a variety of beachfront rentals and amenities. | Surfside Beach Pier, Local parks, Beach activities, Surfside Bakery, Dining options, Fishing opportunities |
| Little River | Offers a more laid-back coastal experience with fishing and dining on the waterfront. Great for travelers looking for a local and authentic experience. | Little River Waterfront, Fishing charters, Local seafood restaurants, Golf courses, Historical sites, Closest access to North Carolina |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Pawleys Island offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Pawleys Island?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Pawleys Island
- The Pawleys Island Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 98.7% of the 377 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Pawleys Island, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (53.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 43.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique, outdoor/unique (combined 2.9%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Pawleys Island Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Pawleys Island
- The dominant room capacity in Pawleys Island is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 33.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 64.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Pawleys Island, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 57.3% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Pawleys Island.
Pawleys Island Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Pawleys Island
- The most common guest capacity trend in Pawleys Island vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (36.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Pawleys Island STR market, accounting for 68.7% of listings.
- 69.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Pawleys Island.
- On average, properties in Pawleys Island are equipped to host 6.1 guests.
How Do Listings in Pawleys Island Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island
- At 32.3 photos per listing on average, Pawleys Island hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 40.6% 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 Pawleys Island averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Pawleys Island?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Pawleys Island
- Essential amenities in Pawleys Island that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, TV, Microwave, Coffee maker, Kitchen, Heating, Refrigerator, Wifi, Free parking on premises. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Pawleys Island: Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, TV, Microwave, Coffee maker, Kitchen, Heating, Refrigerator, Wifi, Free parking on premises.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, TV, Microwave, Coffee maker, Kitchen, Heating, Refrigerator, Wifi, Free parking on premises.
- 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 Pawleys Island to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Pawleys Island?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Pawleys Island, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TV | 98.1% | $29,658 | $2,122 | 1297.8% |
Heating | 97.1% | $29,895 | $4,245 | 604.3% |
Coffee maker | 97.6% | $29,546 | $12,785 | 131.1% |
Rice makerHigh opportunity | 1.6% | $59,768 | $28,651 | 108.6% |
High chairHigh opportunity | 4.0% | $56,504 | $28,013 | 101.7% |
Children's playroom | 1.6% | $57,075 | $28,695 | 98.9% |
Sound system | 5.0% | $54,338 | $27,809 | 95.4% |
Waterfront | 12.5% | $50,479 | $26,108 | 93.3% |
Record player | 1.3% | $53,104 | $28,824 | 84.2% |
Refrigerator | 97.1% | $29,499 | $17,421 | 69.3% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Pawleys Island
- TV tops the revenue impact list with a 1297.8% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $29,658 vs. $2,122 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Rice maker, High chair — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- TV, Heating, Coffee maker, Refrigerator — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Rice maker — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Pawleys Island.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Pawleys Island STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Pawleys Island. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsPawleys Island Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Pawleys Island
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Pawleys Island consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), 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 97.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.5%) and Canada (0.9%).
- Top languages spoken are English (82.6%) followed by Spanish (7.1%).
- 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 Columbia.
- 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 Pawleys Island?
Listings in Pawleys Island average 4.83 out of 5 overall, with about 32.6 reviews per active listing and 33.2% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Pawleys Island
- With an overall rating of 4.83, Pawleys Island listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.9), while Value (4.8) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 33.2% 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.
Pawleys Island Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Pawleys Island
- The most common availability pattern in Pawleys Island falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 61.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 85.6% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Pawleys Island (44.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 15.4% 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 Pawleys Island?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Pawleys Island
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Pawleys Island is 85 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during November (average 104 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 58 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (90 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (68 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (85 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Pawleys Island.
- For November stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 104 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 90 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Pawleys Island averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Pawleys Island?
Guests in Pawleys Island stay about 5 nights on average, generating roughly 7,486 reservations and 19.9 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 Pawleys Island
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Pawleys 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.
- 19.9 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jan (5.7 nights) and shorten in Oct (3.8 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.
Pawleys Island Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
42 listings
11.1% of total
2 Nights
51 listings
13.5% of total
3 Nights
58 listings
15.4% of total
4-6 Nights
25 listings
6.6% of total
7-29 Nights
11 listings
2.9% of total
30+ Nights
190 listings
50.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Pawleys Island is 30+ Nights, adopted by 50.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (50.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Pawleys Island, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 50.4% of Pawleys Island hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 11.1% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 50.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Pawleys Island.
Pawleys Island Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
10 listings
2.7% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
161 listings
42.8% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
26 listings
6.9% of total
Flexible
19 listings
5.1% of total
Moderate
41 listings
10.9% of total
Firm
89 listings
23.7% of total
Strict
30 listings
8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Pawleys Island
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Pawleys Island is Super Strict 30 Days, used by 42.8% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (16.0%) and stricter (31.7%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (8%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Super Strict 30 Days policy to align with the 42.8% market standard in Pawleys Island.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 8% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Pawleys Island.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Pawleys Island?
Cleaning fees in Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island
- 94.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Pawleys Island. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($356) and median ($219) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 18.5% 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 Pawleys Island median of $219. 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 Pawleys Island Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Pawleys Islandbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Lucky Bag Beachfront 5BR Pawleys Island Home
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Book April Luxury Pool 5BR Gameroom near GolfBeach
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Low Country Lux
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Pawleys Island Beach House | Golf & Sleeps 10
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Beach House with indoor pool!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
*Decks, Docks & Flip Flops* Great house with creek
Entire Place • 5 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 Pawleys Island?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Pawleys 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tidelife Vacation Rentals | 68 | $2,296,607 | 128 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Brittain Resorts | 66 | $1,625,900 | 140 | 4.45/5.0 |
| Peace | 31 | $754,495 | 288 | 4.64/5.0 |
| Susan | 21 | $428,510 | 31 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Evolve | 10 | $373,729 | 365 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Audrey | 8 | $333,815 | 495 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Away & Stay | 2 | $186,675 | 38 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Jacqui | 1 | $177,004 | 83 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Litchfield Real | 4 | $153,745 | 7 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Gage | 1 | $114,296 | 75 | 4.99/5.0 |
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 Pawleys Island.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Pawleys Island?
Pawleys Island is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Pawleys Island
- With 52.8% Superhosts, Pawleys Island has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 58.6% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 8.2% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 71.9% 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 14.9% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Pawleys Island averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Pawleys Island
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Pawleys 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tidelife Vacation Rentals | 68 | $2,296,607 | $514 | 29.8% | 4.79/5 |
| Brittain Resorts | 66 | $1,625,900 | $525 | 28.0% | 4.45/5 |
| Peace | 31 | $754,495 | $375 | 28.8% | 4.64/5 |
| Susan | 21 | $428,510 | $596 | 22.7% | 4.67/5 |
| Evolve | 10 | $373,729 | $219 | 51.2% | 4.78/5 |
| Away & Stay | 2 | $186,675 | $614 | 57.1% | 5.00/5 |
| Jacqui | 1 | $177,004 | $740 | 59.5% | 4.89/5 |
| Litchfield Real | 4 | $153,745 | $476 | 34.0% | 5.00/5 |
| Gage | 1 | $114,296 | $480 | 61.1% | 4.99/5 |
| Alex | 1 | $84,048 | $451 | 42.5% | 4.99/5 |
Management Company Insights for Pawleys Island
- The leading management company, Tidelife Vacation Rentals, operates 68 listings with $2,296,607 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Pawleys Island.
- Top managers average 21 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.82/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Pawleys Island's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Pawleys 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, Pawleys Island has 17 percentage points lower occupancy and about $59 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isle of Palms | 1,012 | $7,321 | $764.81 | 42% |
| Folly Beach | 901 | $7,179 | $604.47 | 46% |
| Sullivan's Island | 22 | $6,805 | $899.23 | 39% |
| 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 Pawleys Island
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Pawleys Island.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Pawleys Island?
Pawleys Island hosts earn about $29,146 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $371 and RevPAR of $124. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Pawleys Island market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pawleys Island?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Pawleys Island is 36.3%. 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 Pawleys Island?
Listings in Pawleys Island average $371 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 Pawleys Island?
Pawleys Island currently has about 377 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 Pawleys Island?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island?
RevPAR in Pawleys Island is about $124. 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 Pawleys Island?
Occupancy of 36.3% means Pawleys Island is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $29,146, 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 Pawleys Island?
The average booking lead time in Pawleys Island is about 85 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 Pawleys Island?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Pawleys Island include Pawleys Island Beach, Litchfield Beach, Debordieu Colony. 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 Pawleys Island?
entire_home listings make up 98.7% of the active supply in Pawleys 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 Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island's $29,146 and 36.3%. 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 Pawleys Island?
The average Airbnb stay length in Pawleys Island is about 5 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Pawleys Island?
Airbnb listings in Pawleys Island average 4.83 out of 5 overall. About 33.2% 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 Pawleys Island?
TV and Heating are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Pawleys 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 Pawleys Island?
Yes. About 94.7% of active Airbnb listings in Pawleys Island charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $356. 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 Pawleys Island?
A 52.8% 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.