Calabash, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Calabash, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $13,108 per year — at a $195 nightly rate, 31.0% occupancy, and a $58 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
At 126 active listings, Calabash is a boutique market where selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy. Supply grew 57.5% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
Table of Contents [hide] [show]
What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Calabash?
In Calabash, the headline Airbnb metrics are $13,108 in average annual revenue,31.0% occupancy, $195 ADR, and $58 in RevPAR, and guests book about 67 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Calabash?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Calabash 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 Calabash 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 Calabash across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,230+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,279 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,473 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $747, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Calabash
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Calabash?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Calabash 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 Calabash:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 60%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 42% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 26%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 13% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Calabash
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Calabash?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Calabash involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Calabash typically peaks in July 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 $295+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $236 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $180 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $140 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Calabash
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Calabash?
RevPAR in Calabash is currently $58. 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 $37 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $54 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $76 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $91 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Calabash
RevPAR Insights for Calabash
- The average RevPAR in Calabash is $58. 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% ($91) and bottom 25% ($37) is $55, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- 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 Calabash benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $54, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $76+ 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 Calabash Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Calabash?
Calabash's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, November. 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 $2,624 per month
- Occupancy rates average 43.7%
- Daily rates average $201
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,528 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 28.3%
- Daily rates hold near $187
Low Season (January, February, November)
- Revenue drops to average $1,068 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 19.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $194
Seasonality Insights for Calabash
- Airbnb seasonality in Calabash 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 Calabash's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $2,929, occupancy reaching 48.3%, and ADRs peaking at $204.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $894, occupancy could drop to 15.3%, and ADRs may adjust to $172.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Calabash 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 Calabash, 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 Calabash?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Calabash, North 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 Calabash 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 Calabash?
Calabash is a smaller vacation rental market where a handful of neighborhoods drive most of the booking activity. Choosing the right area is especially important in boutique markets — there is less room for a mediocre location to succeed on volume alone. The areas below highlight where short-term rental demand is strongest and why.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Isle Beach | A charming beach community known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful beaches. It is perfect for families seeking a relaxing vacation and offers various water activities. | Ocean Isle Beach, Museum of Coastal Carolina, Ocean Isle Fishing Center, Ingram Planetarium, Shallotte River Swamp Park |
| Sunset Beach | A serene beach town with stunning sunsets, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. It attracts visitors looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle. | Sunset Beach, Bird Island Preserve, Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, Kindred Spirit Mailbox |
| Calabash | Known as the seafood capital of the world, Calabash offers a unique coastal experience with a rich culinary heritage. It attracts food lovers and those looking to explore local dining. | Calabash Waterfront, Calabash Fishing Fleet, Local seafood restaurants, Sunset River Marketplace, Goin' Coastal |
| Holden Beach | A quiet beach community known for its uncommercialized beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. It's perfect for peaceful getaways and beach activities. | Holden Beach, Holden Beach Fishing Pier, Shallotte River Park, Great Blue Heron Nature Trail |
| Brunswick Islands | An area comprising several islands known for their natural beauty and outdoor activities. It's a great spot for visitors looking for adventure and relaxation. | Brunswick Islands, Caswell Beach, Oak Island Lighthouse, Nature trails and parks |
| North Myrtle Beach | A lively beach town with a vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and shopping options. It is popular among tourists seeking entertainment and various activities. | Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station, Live entertainment venues |
| Myrtle Beach | A famous tourist destination known for its long sandy beaches, amusement parks, and a wide range of entertainment options. A prime location for attracting holidaymakers. | Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park, Game Zone |
| Little River | A quaint fishing town known for its scenic waterfront and golf courses. It's appealing to travelers looking for relaxation and scenic views. | Little River Swing Bridge, The Big M Casino Boat, Local seafood markets, Golf courses |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Calabash 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 Calabash?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Calabash
- The Calabash Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 98.4% of the 126 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Calabash, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (61.1%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 34.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique, unique stays, outdoor/unique (combined 4.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Calabash Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Calabash
- The dominant room capacity in Calabash is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 46% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 72.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Calabash, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 27.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Calabash.
Calabash Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Calabash
- The most common guest capacity trend in Calabash vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (31.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 4 guests dominate the Calabash STR market, accounting for 61.1% of listings.
- 61.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Calabash.
- On average, properties in Calabash are equipped to host 5.8 guests.
How Do Listings in Calabash Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Calabash 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 Calabash
- At 31.4 photos per listing on average, Calabash hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 23.8% 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 Calabash averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Calabash?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Calabash
- Essential amenities in Calabash that guests expect include: Smoke alarm, Wifi, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Bed linens, Coffee maker, Microwave are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Calabash: Smoke alarm, Wifi, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm, Wifi, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Bed linens or Coffee maker 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 Calabash to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Calabash?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Calabash, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Air conditioning | 78.6% | $14,699 | $7,272 | 102.1% |
Cooking basics | 74.6% | $14,944 | $7,715 | 93.7% |
Heating | 65.9% | $15,340 | $8,798 | 74.4% |
Washer | 84.1% | $14,056 | $8,083 | 73.9% |
Dining table | 46.0% | $16,938 | $9,841 | 72.1% |
Baking sheet | 33.3% | $17,212 | $11,055 | 55.7% |
Bed linens | 93.7% | $13,408 | $8,673 | 54.6% |
Hangers | 58.7% | $15,290 | $10,002 | 52.9% |
Dryer | 82.5% | $13,949 | $9,132 | 52.7% |
Dishwasher | 78.6% | $14,136 | $9,337 | 51.4% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Calabash
- Air conditioning tops the revenue impact list with a 102.1% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $14,699 vs. $7,272 without it.
- Washer, Bed linens, Dryer — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Calabash STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Calabash. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCalabash Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Calabash
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Calabash 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 98.2% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.2%) and Canada (0.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (83.7%) followed by Spanish (9.3%).
- 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.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Calabash?
Listings in Calabash average 4.81 out of 5 overall, with about 21.8 reviews per active listing and 25.4% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Calabash
- With an overall rating of 4.81, Calabash listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Accuracy (4.87), while Value (4.78) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 25.4% 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.
- With only 25.4% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Calabash Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Calabash
- The most common availability pattern in Calabash falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 69% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 96.8% 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 Calabash (42.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 3.2% 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 Calabash?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Calabash
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Calabash is 67 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 122 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 25 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (100 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (34 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (67 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Calabash.
- For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 122 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 100 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Calabash averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Calabash?
Guests in Calabash stay about 4.9 nights on average, generating roughly 1,760 reservations and 14.1 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 Calabash
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Calabash
- 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.
- 14.1 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jul (5.4 nights) and shorten in Jan (3.9 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.
Calabash Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
3 listings
2.4% of total
2 Nights
29 listings
23% of total
3 Nights
19 listings
15.1% of total
4-6 Nights
6 listings
4.8% of total
7-29 Nights
2 listings
1.6% of total
30+ Nights
67 listings
53.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Calabash is 30+ Nights, adopted by 53.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (53.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Calabash, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 53.2% of Calabash hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 2.4% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 53.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Calabash.
Calabash Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
0.8% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
6 listings
4.8% of total
Limited
32 listings
25.6% of total
Flexible
6 listings
4.8% of total
Moderate
17 listings
13.6% of total
Firm
53 listings
42.4% of total
Strict
10 listings
8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Calabash
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Calabash is Firm, used by 42.4% of listings.
- A majority (50.4%) of hosts in Calabash utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
- 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 Firm policy to align with the 42.4% market standard in Calabash.
- 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 Calabash.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Calabash?
Cleaning fees in Calabash 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 Calabash
- 81.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Calabash. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $175 is close to the median ($161), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 16.9% 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 Calabash median of $161. 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 Calabash Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Calabashbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Coastal Golf Retreat: Course-Ready, Comfort
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Relaxin’ Calabash
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Relaxing Golf/Beach Getaway-Ground Floor Condo!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
A Golfers Dream Stay, Sleeps 8, Overlooking the 18
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
"Gone Coastal" -Close to fishing, golf, beach.
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Calabash Condo w/ Patio + Golf Course Views!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Calabash?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Calabash 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RedAwning | 28 | $231,047 | 36 | Not Rated |
| Evolve | 12 | $222,057 | 188 | 4.65/5.0 |
| Starheel Properties | 10 | $123,932 | 220 | 4.58/5.0 |
| Affordable Large Properties | 1 | $65,568 | 5 | 5.00/5.0 |
| RedAwning | 3 | $48,738 | 5 | 4.33/5.0 |
| Vacasa North Carolina | 9 | $42,056 | 82 | 4.51/5.0 |
| Karen | 2 | $40,897 | 40 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Joell | 1 | $37,539 | 27 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Kellie | 1 | $33,465 | 21 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Adrienne | 1 | $32,394 | 99 | 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 Calabash.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Calabash?
Calabash leans more toward professional operations than casual hosting, which usually raises the competitive bar for new entrants.
Host Profile Insights for Calabash
- A 30.2% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 49.2% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 13.5% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 42.9% 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. Lower adoption suggests a market with more independent hosts managing listings directly through Airbnb.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 33.3% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Calabash averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Calabash
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Calabash, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RedAwning | 28 | $231,047 | $245 | 17.2% | N/A |
| Evolve | 12 | $222,057 | $189 | 41.0% | 4.65/5 |
| Starheel Properties | 10 | $123,932 | $209 | 29.9% | 4.58/5 |
| Affordable Large Properties | 1 | $65,568 | $443 | 47.3% | 5.00/5 |
| RedAwning | 3 | $48,738 | $289 | 22.9% | 4.33/5 |
| Vacasa North Carolina | 9 | $42,056 | $165 | 29.2% | 4.51/5 |
| Karen | 2 | $40,897 | $168 | 38.3% | 4.92/5 |
| Adrienne | 1 | $32,394 | $186 | 46.4% | 4.88/5 |
| RedAwning Vacation Rentals | 1 | $14,584 | $228 | 35.9% | 5.00/5 |
| Ian | 1 | $14,129 | $144 | 32.3% | 4.93/5 |
Management Company Insights for Calabash
- The leading management company, RedAwning, operates 28 listings with $231,047 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Calabash.
- Top managers average 7 properties each, suggesting professional management in Calabash still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.76/5 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 Calabash's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Calabash 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, Calabash has 22 percentage points lower occupancy and about $117 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isle of Palms | 1,012 | $7,321 | $764.81 | 42% |
| Folly Beach | 901 | $7,179 | $604.47 | 46% |
| Sullivan's Island | 22 | $6,805 | $899.23 | 39% |
| Charleston | 1,839 | $5,628 | $408.29 | 52% |
| Ocean Isle Beach | 504 | $4,963 | $614.58 | 37% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 497 | $4,671 | $547.10 | 39% |
| Mount Pleasant | 452 | $4,456 | $312.67 | 53% |
| Bald Head Island | 207 | $4,317 | $642.03 | 32% |
| Kure Beach | 498 | $3,894 | $452.28 | 41% |
| Cedar Point | 30 | $3,818 | $336.18 | 46% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Calabash
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Calabash.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Calabash?
Calabash hosts earn about $13,108 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $195 and RevPAR of $58. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Calabash, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Calabash market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Calabash?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Calabash is 31.0%. 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 Calabash?
Listings in Calabash average $195 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 Calabash?
Calabash currently has about 126 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 Calabash?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Calabash 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 Calabash?
RevPAR in Calabash is about $58. 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 Calabash?
Occupancy of 31.0% means Calabash 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 $13,108, 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 Calabash?
The average booking lead time in Calabash is about 67 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 Calabash?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Calabash include Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Calabash. 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 Calabash?
entire_home listings make up 98.4% of the active supply in Calabash. 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 Calabash compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Isle of Palms posts $87,848 in average annual revenue with 42.1% occupancy, compared to Calabash's $13,108 and 31.0%. 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 Calabash?
The average Airbnb stay length in Calabash is about 4.9 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 Calabash?
Airbnb listings in Calabash average 4.81 out of 5 overall. About 25.4% 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 Calabash?
Air conditioning and Cooking basics are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Calabash. 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 Calabash?
Yes. About 81.7% of active Airbnb listings in Calabash charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $175. 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 Calabash?
At 30.2%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.
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.