Columbia Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Carolina, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Columbia in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Columbia, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Columbia, based on AirROI data from May 2024 to April 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 19 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Columbia, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Columbia Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Columbia Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Columbia (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Columbia 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 Columbia is typically June, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Columbia across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,511+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,658 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,299 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,532, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Columbia
Columbia Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Columbia STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while February 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 Columbia:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 79%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 68% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 52%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 33% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Columbia
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Columbia (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Columbia involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Columbia typically peaks in August and dips lowest during February. 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 $247+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $183 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $129 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $107 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Columbia
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Columbia (2025)
Peak Season (June, July, May)
- Revenue averages $3,944 per month
- Occupancy rates average 60.6%
- Daily rates average $162
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,904 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 49.2%
- Daily rates hold near $153
Low Season (February, March, April)
- Revenue drops to average $1,605 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 40.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $143
Seasonality Insights for Columbia
- The Airbnb seasonality in Columbia shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Columbia's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,109, occupancy reaching a high of 65.1%, and ADRs peaking at $164.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,129, occupancy could drop to 30.4%, and ADRs may adjust down to $141.
- 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 Columbia.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Columbia seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Columbia (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Columbia? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Columbia | The heart of the city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, cultural institutions, and bustling nightlife. It's a prime location for those looking to explore local attractions and enjoy the urban lifestyle. | South Carolina State House, Columbia Museum of Art, Main Street, Edward W. Hendrix Park, The Colonial Life Arena |
| Five Points | A historic district with a lively atmosphere, popular among students and young professionals. This area is known for its eclectic mix of shops, bars, and restaurants, making it a hotspot for renters and visitors alike. | Five Points Fountain, The Whig, Publick House, The Flying Saucer, The Lost Cajun |
| West Columbia | Located just across the Congaree River from downtown, this area offers a quieter suburban feel while still being close to the city's amenities. Perfect for families and longer stays. | Riverwalk Park, West Columbia Riverfront Park, Saluda River, New Brookland Tavern, Carolina Adventure World |
| North Columbia | This area is growing in popularity with affordable housing and close proximity to outdoor activities. It's appealing to those who want to enjoy nature while remaining near the urban center. | Sesquicentennial State Park, Congaree National Park, Piney Grove Baptist Church, Columbia College |
| Blythewood | A suburban area just north of Columbia, known for its friendly community and proximity to nature. Great for families and travelers looking for a peaceful retreat with outdoor access. | Blythewood Park, Lake Carolina, The Golf Club at Cateechee, Blythewood History Center |
| Forest Acres | A residential area known for its parks and family-friendly environment. It offers local shops and a mix of small businesses, making it a pleasant stay for visitors who prefer a neighborhood feel. | Forest Acres Park, East Richland Public Library, Dentsville Shopping Center |
| Irmo | Located to the northwest of Columbia, Irmo offers great recreational opportunities and an array of shopping and dining options. It's appealing to families and visitors who enjoy a suburban lifestyle. | Lake Murray, Irmo Community Park, Harbison State Forest, Irmo Town Park |
| Southeast Columbia | A diverse area with a rich culture and close-knit communities. Offers easy access to various local attractions and is known for its affordability and accessibility. | The South Carolina State Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Columbia (2025)
While Columbia, North Carolina, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Columbia to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Columbia (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Columbiabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Rainbow's End Retreat (IBX, NC)
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Bay House
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Da Rivah House
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Columbia Cottage
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Page Cottage
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
The Cottage on Bulls Bay
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Columbia (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Columbia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laura | 1 | $63,905 | 28 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Janna | 1 | $47,891 | 32 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Justin | 1 | $42,043 | 57 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Marlene | 1 | $32,933 | 122 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Karen | 1 | $30,210 | 132 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Megan | 1 | $28,546 | 29 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Rachel | 1 | $25,929 | 136 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Nathan | 1 | $24,042 | 80 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Host #442530090 | 3 | $23,612 | 0 | 0.00/5.0 |
| Nancy | 1 | $19,579 | 11 | 5.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Columbia.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Columbia STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Columbia. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsColumbia Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Columbia
- The Columbia Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 100% of the 19 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Columbia, House properties are the most common (68.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 68.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
Columbia Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Columbia
- The dominant room capacity in Columbia is 1 bedroom listings, making up 42.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 73.7% of the active Airbnb listings in Columbia, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 26.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Columbia.
Columbia Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Columbia
- The most common guest capacity trend in Columbia vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (21.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 5 guests dominate the Columbia STR market, accounting for 42.2% of listings.
- 47.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Columbia.
- On average, properties in Columbia are equipped to host 5.3 guests.
Columbia Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Columbia
- The most common availability pattern in Columbia falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 42.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 57.9% 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 Columbia (47.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 47.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Columbia Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
8 listings
44.4% of total
2 Nights
5 listings
27.8% of total
3 Nights
4 listings
22.2% of total
30+ Nights
1 listings
5.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Columbia is 1 Night, adopted by 44.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (72.2%) of the Columbia Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 44.4% of Columbia hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 5.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Columbia.
Columbia Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
7 listings
50% of total
Moderate
1 listings
7.1% of total
Firm
4 listings
28.6% of total
Strict
2 listings
14.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Columbia
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Columbia is Flexible, used by 50% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (57.1%) and stricter (42.9%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 50% market standard in Columbia.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 14.3% 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 Columbia.
Columbia STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Columbia
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Columbia is 52 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during November (average 64 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 18 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (48 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (35 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (52 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Columbia.
- For November stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 64 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 48 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Columbia averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Columbia (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Columbia
- Essential amenities in Columbia that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Essentials, Hot water, Heating, TV, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Wifi are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Columbia: Air conditioning, Essentials, Hot water, Heating, TV, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or Smoke alarm 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 Columbia to stay competitive.
Columbia Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Columbia
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Columbia consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), 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 97.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.6%) and Canada (1.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (76.3%) 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 Philadelphia.
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Columbia 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 10 | $5,572 | $595.75 | 27% |
| Littleton | 100 | $5,004 | $441.14 | 44% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 437 | $4,834 | $478.35 | 40% |
| Salvo | 87 | $4,443 | $436.29 | 40% |
| Henrico | 70 | $4,290 | $423.29 | 40% |
| Corolla | 830 | $4,245 | $437.95 | 38% |
| Indian Beach | 16 | $4,186 | $326.68 | 41% |
| Cedar Point | 25 | $3,988 | $264.57 | 49% |
| Emerald Isle | 452 | $3,935 | $349.14 | 42% |
| Duck | 301 | $3,865 | $382.91 | 38% |