Swain County Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Carolina, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Swain County in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Swain County, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Swain County, based on AirROI data from September 2024 to August 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 18 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Swain County, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Swain County 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 Swain County Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Swain County (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Swain County 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 Swain County is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Swain County across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,652+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,025 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,520 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,649, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Swain County
Swain County Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Swain County STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Septembersees 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 Swain County:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 75%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 61% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 40%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 25% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Swain County
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Swain County (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Swain County involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Swain County typically peaks in June 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 $405+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $330 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $244 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $147 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Swain County
Get Live Swain County Market Intelligence 👇

Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Swain County (2025)
Peak Season (July, October, June)
- Revenue averages $3,780 per month
- Occupancy rates average 50.8%
- Daily rates average $307
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,078 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 45.0%
- Daily rates hold near $255
Low Season (January, February, April)
- Revenue drops to average $2,108 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 35.7%
- Daily rates adjust to average $221
Seasonality Insights for Swain County
- The Airbnb seasonality in Swain County 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 Swain County's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,015, occupancy reaching a high of 55.7%, and ADRs peaking at $348.
- 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 $1,805, occupancy could drop to 32.3%, and ADRs may adjust down to $208.
- 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 Swain County.
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 Swain County seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Swain County (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Swain County? 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 |
---|---|---|
Bryson City | Charming town known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. Ideal for tourists seeking outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the mountains. | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City Railroad, Deep Creek Tubing, Tuckasegee River |
Cherokee | Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and rich in Native American culture. Attracts visitors interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. | Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Harrah's Cherokee Casino, Oconaluftee Indian Village, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, River Rafting |
Lake Fontana | Beautiful lake surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Great for water activities and relaxation, attracting families and nature lovers. | Fontana Dam, Lake Fontana, Nantahala National Forest, Hiking trails, Boating and fishing opportunities |
Alarka | Secluded area known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Good for those looking for a peaceful retreat in nature, attracting visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle. | Alarka Creek, Hiking trails, Wildlife viewing, Camping spots |
Whittier | Small community located near tourist attractions and the Great Smoky Mountains. Offers a local experience close to nature and outdoor activities. | Mingo Falls, Smoky Mountain Country Club, Fishing and hiking opportunities, Local arts and crafts shops |
Dillsboro | Quaint town with artsy vibe and access to the Tuckasegee River. Attracts visitors interested in local shops, art galleries, and outdoor fun. | Dillsboro Chocolate Factory, Tuckasegee River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Local artisan shops |
Sylva | Historic town with a vibrant downtown area. Good for visitors looking for a mix of rural charm and urban amenities, attracting tourists for shopping and dining. | Jackson County Historical Museum, Poteet Park, Downtown shops and restaurants |
Nantahala | Known for its rugged terrain and white-water rafting. Popular destination for adventure seekers and families looking for a thrill in the great outdoors. | Nantahala River, Nantahala National Forest, White-water rafting, Hiking trails, Scenic viewpoints |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Swain County (2025)
While Swain County, 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 Swain County to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Swain County (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Swain Countybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Luxury Mountain Home w/ Hot Tub and Stunning Views
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

Log Cabin, Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Roaring Creek
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

Incredible Views & Location/Private/Hot Tub/Wi-Fi
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

Firefly, Elevated Safari Tent w/deck, Deep Creek
Entire Place • 1 bedroom

Safari, Romantic Safari Tent for 2 with Hot Tub
Entire Place • 1 bedroom

Romantic Jungle Safari Tent Deep Creek, Secluded
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Swain County (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Swain County 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jeanetta | 4 | $139,288 | 29 | 5.00/5.0 |
Kelsey | 1 | $62,617 | 50 | 4.96/5.0 |
Judy | 1 | $60,306 | 16 | 5.00/5.0 |
Kathleen | 1 | $46,619 | 83 | 4.94/5.0 |
Meredith | 2 | $45,480 | 257 | 4.88/5.0 |
Stonewood | 1 | $33,607 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
Daniel R Jr | 1 | $31,612 | 58 | 4.88/5.0 |
Ron | 1 | $30,454 | 89 | 4.89/5.0 |
Evolve | 1 | $26,684 | 7 | 4.29/5.0 |
OG Cabins | 1 | $13,609 | 64 | 4.88/5.0 |
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 Swain County.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Swain County STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Swain County. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSwain County Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Swain County
- The Swain County Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 100% of the 18 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Swain County, Outdoor/Unique properties are the most common (77.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 22.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
Swain County Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Swain County
- The dominant room capacity in Swain County is 1 bedroom listings, making up 44.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms properties represent 66.6% of the active Airbnb listings in Swain County, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 33.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Swain County.
Swain County Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Swain County
- The most common guest capacity trend in Swain County vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (44.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Swain County STR market, accounting for 66.6% of listings.
- A significant 44.4% of listings cater specifically to 1-2 guests, highlighting strong demand from couples and solo travelers in Swain County.
- 44.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Swain County.
- On average, properties in Swain County are equipped to host 4.5 guests.
Swain County Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Swain County
- The most common availability pattern in Swain County falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 33.3% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 66.6% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Swain County (33.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 33.3% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Swain County Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
2 Nights
7 listings
38.9% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
11.1% of total
30+ Nights
9 listings
50% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Swain County is 30+ Nights, adopted by 50% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (50%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Swain County, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 50% of Swain County hosts use this setting.
- A 2-night minimum appears standard (38.9%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 50% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Swain County.
Swain County Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
3 listings
17.6% of total
Moderate
2 listings
11.8% of total
Firm
5 listings
29.4% of total
Strict
7 listings
41.2% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Swain County
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Swain County is Strict, used by 41.2% of listings.
- A majority (70.6%) of hosts in Swain County utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 41.2% market standard in Swain County.
- With 41.2% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Swain County, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Swain County.
Swain County STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Swain County
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Swain County is 49 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 63 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 32 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (55 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 (49 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Swain County.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 63 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 55 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Swain County averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Swain County (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Swain County
- Essential amenities in Swain County that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Heating, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Coffee maker, Oven, Air conditioning are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Swain County: Free parking on premises, Heating, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Coffee maker or Oven 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 Swain County to stay competitive.
Swain County Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Swain County
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Swain County 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 98.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.1%) and Brazil (0.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (82%) followed by Spanish (9%).
- 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 Atlanta.
- 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 Swain County 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sevier County | 66 | $6,904 | $591.13 | 43% |
Union Mills | 15 | $5,057 | $446.57 | 43% |
Gilmer County | 22 | $4,661 | $369.45 | 40% |
Sevierville | 5,776 | $4,538 | $346.05 | 47% |
Six Mile | 57 | $4,445 | $423.95 | 43% |
Fannin County | 38 | $4,325 | $393.44 | 39% |
Gatlinburg | 3,417 | $4,075 | $332.84 | 45% |
Waleska | 45 | $4,042 | $356.44 | 42% |
Epworth | 72 | $4,018 | $376.47 | 39% |
Pigeon Forge | 2,798 | $3,910 | $317.12 | 44% |