Wilmington Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Carolina, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Wilmington in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Wilmington, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Wilmington, based on AirROI data from August 2024 to July 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 1,554 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Wilmington, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Wilmington 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 Wilmington Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Wilmington (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Wilmington is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Wilmington is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Wilmington across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,212+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,577 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,354 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,332, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Wilmington
Wilmington Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Wilmington STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Wilmington:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 82%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 67% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 46%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 27% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Wilmington
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Wilmington (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Wilmington involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Wilmington typically peaks in June and dips lowest during 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 $309+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $219 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $166 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $124 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Wilmington
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Wilmington (2025)
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $4,012 per month
- Occupancy rates average 56.4%
- Daily rates average $222
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,639 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 46.9%
- Daily rates hold near $185
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $1,744 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 38.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $164
Seasonality Insights for Wilmington
- The Airbnb seasonality in Wilmington 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 Wilmington's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,320, occupancy reaching a high of 56.8%, and ADRs peaking at $238.
- 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 $1,586, occupancy could drop to 34.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $161.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Wilmington.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- 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 Wilmington seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Wilmington (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Wilmington? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Downtown | Charming area filled with history, restaurants, and shops. Great for tourists wanting to explore local culture and historical sites. | Battleship North Carolina, Bellamy Mansion, Cape Fear Museum, Riverwalk, Thalian Hall |
| Wrightsville Beach | Popular beach destination known for its stunning shores and water activities. Ideal for families and beachgoers looking for a sunny getaway. | Wrightsville Beach, Johnnie Mercer's Pier, Wrightsville Beach Museum, Water sports rentals, Local seafood restaurants |
| Carolina Beach | Vibrant beach community with a fun boardwalk atmosphere. Popular with tourists looking for classic beach experiences and amusement activities. | Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Freeman Park, Carolina Beach State Park, Local eateries, Fishing and boating opportunities |
| Masonboro Island | Natural preserve known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife. Appeals to eco-tourists and visitors looking for a serene experience. | Masonboro Island State Park, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Wildlife watching, Secluded beaches |
| Ogden | Growing suburban area close to Wilmington, perfect for families and long-term rentals. Offers a quieter lifestyle while still near the city's amenities. | Ogden Park, Close proximity to shopping centers, Family-friendly atmosphere, Local parks and trails |
| Landfall | Affluent residential community with luxury homes and a golf community. Attractive for visitors looking for upscale accommodations and privacy. | Landfall Country Club, Private beaches, Upscale shopping and dining nearby, Nature trails |
| Kure Beach | Quieter beach community ideal for those looking to relax and unwind away from busier tourist spots. Perfect for couples and families. | Kure Beach Pier, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Historic Kure Beach, Beachfront activities, Local seafood shacks |
| Porters Neck | Exclusive neighborhood known for its luxury homes and golf courses. Attracts wealthier clients looking for premium vacation experiences. | Porters Neck Country Club, Luxury shopping, Nature preserves, Upscale dining options |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Wilmington (2025)
While Wilmington, 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 Wilmington to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 1% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Wilmington (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Wilmingtonbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Beach Dunes Luxury Retreat + Guest House & Pool!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Maggie’s Oasis
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Spacious 5-BR Retreat w/ King Suite, Game Room +
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
River Road Retreat - Heated Private Pool, Pond, Fi
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Chore-Free House w/ Air Hockey, Pool & Ping Pong
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
DT 3BR Gem -Hot Tub -Covered Parking -Fenced Yard
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 Wilmington (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Wilmington based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cove Riverwalk Villas | 32 | $2,367,968 | 864 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Evolve | 33 | $701,186 | 483 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Steven | 9 | $560,636 | 1218 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Wilmington Vacation Homes | 21 | $547,823 | 3237 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Jody | 17 | $519,976 | 2422 | 4.84/5.0 |
| BlueStar Real Estate | 20 | $469,588 | 25 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Mary | 16 | $447,407 | 791 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Jody | 12 | $373,459 | 842 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Timothy Thomas | 16 | $355,850 | 7567 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Marshall | 6 | $344,303 | 992 | 4.82/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Wilmington.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Wilmington STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Wilmington. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsWilmington Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Wilmington
- The Wilmington Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 90.9% of the 1,554 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Wilmington, House properties are the most common (61.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 61.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 7.2% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 8.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Wilmington Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Wilmington
- The dominant room capacity in Wilmington is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 29% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 56.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Wilmington, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 37.9% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Wilmington.
Wilmington Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Wilmington
- The most common guest capacity trend in Wilmington vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (23.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the Wilmington STR market, accounting for 45.8% of listings.
- 44.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Wilmington.
- On average, properties in Wilmington are equipped to host 4.6 guests.
Wilmington Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Wilmington
- The most common availability pattern in Wilmington falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 36.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 71.6% 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 Wilmington (37%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 30.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Wilmington Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
460 listings
30% of total
2 Nights
503 listings
32.8% of total
3 Nights
107 listings
7% of total
4-6 Nights
34 listings
2.2% of total
7-29 Nights
41 listings
2.7% of total
30+ Nights
389 listings
25.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Wilmington is 2 Nights, adopted by 32.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (62.8%) of the Wilmington Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (25.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Wilmington, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 32.8% of Wilmington hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 25.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Wilmington.
Wilmington Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
40 listings
2.7% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
14 listings
0.9% of total
Flexible
238 listings
15.8% of total
Moderate
467 listings
30.9% of total
Firm
434 listings
28.8% of total
Strict
316 listings
20.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Wilmington
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Wilmington is Moderate, used by 30.9% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (46.7%) and stricter (49.7%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 30.9% market standard in Wilmington.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Wilmington.
Wilmington STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Wilmington
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Wilmington is 36 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 49 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 23 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (41 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (28 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (36 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Wilmington.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 49 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 41 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Wilmington averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Wilmington (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Wilmington
- Essential amenities in Wilmington that guests expect include: Wifi, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Hot water, Coffee maker are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Wilmington: Wifi, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Air conditioning, Smoke alarm, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Hot water to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Wilmington to stay competitive.
Wilmington Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Wilmington
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Wilmington consists of primarily domestic travelers (97%), often arriving from nearby Raleigh, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 97.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.1%) and DC (0.8%).
- Top languages spoken are English (77.9%) followed by Spanish (11.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Raleigh and Charlotte.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Wilmington Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Isle Beach | 461 | $4,761 | $620.04 | 37% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 477 | $4,213 | $513.67 | 37% |
| Bald Head Island | 197 | $3,746 | $556.93 | 34% |
| Cedar Point | 26 | $3,656 | $278.70 | 51% |
| Emerald Isle | 463 | $3,389 | $356.40 | 41% |
| Kure Beach | 484 | $3,246 | $390.60 | 39% |
| Surf City | 678 | $3,171 | $342.96 | 39% |
| Salter Path | 19 | $3,141 | $283.60 | 48% |
| Caswell Beach | 46 | $3,140 | $407.84 | 36% |
| North Topsail Beach | 859 | $3,127 | $379.18 | 38% |