Southport, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Southport, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $26,068 per year — at a $242 nightly rate, 38.7% occupancy, and a $97 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
At 109 active listings, Southport is a boutique market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply grew 58.0% and nightly rates have risen, creating an environment where the most bookable listings stand to capture outsized share. Hosts who pair competitive pricing with strong guest experience are well-positioned to convert the growing traveler base into consistent bookings.
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.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Southport?
In Southport, the headline Airbnb metrics are $26,068 in average annual revenue,38.7% occupancy, $242 ADR, and $97 in RevPAR, and guests book about 46 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Southport?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Southport 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 Southport 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 Southport across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,355+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $4,081 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,409 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,260, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Southport
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Southport?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Southport STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while December 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 Southport:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 76%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 57% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 37%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Southport
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Southport?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Southport involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Southport typically peaks in June 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 $356+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $297 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $227 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $156 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Southport
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Southport?
RevPAR in Southport is currently $97. 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 $52 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $85 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $125 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $199 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Southport
RevPAR Insights for Southport
- The average RevPAR in Southport is $97. 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% ($199) and bottom 25% ($52) is $147, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jun 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 Southport benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $85, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $125+ 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.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Southport?
Southport's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, December. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $4,256 per month
- Occupancy rates average 50.8%
- Daily rates average $255
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,797 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 39.0%
- Daily rates hold near $228
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $2,134 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 31.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $228
Seasonality Insights for Southport
- Airbnb seasonality in Southport 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 Southport's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $4,611, occupancy reaching 53.3%, and ADRs peaking at $261.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,083, occupancy could drop to 29.1%, and ADRs may adjust to $217.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Southport 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 Southport, 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 Southport?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Southport, 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 Southport 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 Southport?
Southport 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Southport | The charming heart of Southport with historic homes and riverfront views. It's a picturesque area that attracts visitors for its quaint shops and dining options. | Southport Maritime Museum, Old Smithville Burying Ground, Franklin Square Park, Southport Pier and Riverwalk, Various local shops and restaurants |
| Oak Island | Close proximity to beautiful beaches and family-friendly activities. Oak Island is popular with vacationers looking for beach experiences and water sports. | Oak Island Beach, Beachfront Park, Ocean Crest Pier, Golf courses, Water sports rentals |
| Fort Johnston | A historical area with scenic views and proximity to nature. This area appeals to history buffs and nature lovers alike. | Fort Johnston, Southport Waterfront Park, Historic tours, Nature trails, Scenic overlooks |
| Long Beach | Known for its wide beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for families seeking a quieter vacation spot by the sea. | Long Beach, Surfing and fishing spots, Local seafood restaurants, Beachfront cottages, Nature preserves |
| Cape Fear Riverfront | A beautiful location along the river, offering outdoor activities and scenic views. Great for those interested in fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying nature. | Cape Fear River, Fishing charters, Kayaking tours, Riverwalk, Picnic areas |
| Bald Head Island | Accessible by ferry, this secluded island offers pristine beaches and a distinct community feel. Ideal for those looking for a unique getaway. | Bald Head Island Beaches, Old Baldy Lighthouse, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Nature trails, Eco-tours |
| Historic District | A beautifully preserved area with antebellum architecture and rich history. Attracts visitors interested in history and visual arts. | Historic homes, Art galleries, Local museums, Walking tours, Cultural events |
| Sunset Beach | A peaceful beach town known for its relaxed vibe and stunning sunsets. Perfect for those wanting a tranquil beach vacation. | Sunset Beach, Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, Bird Island, Local shops, Beachfront cafes |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Southport 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 Southport?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Southport
- The Southport Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 89.9% of the 109 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Southport, 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 10.1% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique (combined 5.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Southport Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Southport
- The dominant room capacity in Southport is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 35.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 62.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Southport, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 39.5% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Southport.
Southport Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Southport
- The most common guest capacity trend in Southport vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (32.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 6 guests dominate the Southport STR market, accounting for 58.7% of listings.
- 43.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Southport.
- On average, properties in Southport are equipped to host 4.5 guests.
How Do Listings in Southport Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Southport 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 Southport
- At 31.9 photos per listing on average, Southport hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 17.4% 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 Southport averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Southport?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Southport
- Essential amenities in Southport that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, TV are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Southport: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating.
- 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 Southport to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Southport?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Southport, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hair dryer | 78.0% | $28,725 | $16,657 | 72.5% |
Pack ’n play/Travel crib | 13.8% | $39,081 | $23,991 | 62.9% |
Dishwasher | 65.1% | $29,676 | $19,326 | 53.6% |
Fire extinguisher | 72.5% | $28,638 | $19,300 | 48.4% |
Dryer | 67.9% | $29,103 | $19,651 | 48.1% |
Free parking on premises | 91.7% | $26,782 | $18,130 | 47.7% |
Washer | 74.3% | $28,354 | $19,454 | 45.7% |
Children’s dinnerware | 11.0% | $36,047 | $24,833 | 45.2% |
Essentials | 69.7% | $28,732 | $19,932 | 44.1% |
Iron | 69.7% | $28,714 | $19,974 | 43.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Southport
- Hair dryer tops the revenue impact list with a 72.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $28,725 vs. $16,657 without it.
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 Southport STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Southport. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSouthport Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Southport
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Southport consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), often arriving from nearby Charlotte, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 97.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.7%) and DC (0.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (83.5%) followed by Spanish (9.4%).
- 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 Charlotte and Raleigh.
- 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 Southport?
Listings in Southport average 4.86 out of 5 overall, with about 62.3 reviews per active listing and 48.6% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Southport
- With an overall rating of 4.86, Southport listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Check-in (4.92), while Value (4.78) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 48.6% 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.
Southport Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Southport
- The most common availability pattern in Southport falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 46.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 81.7% 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 Southport (35.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 20.2% 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 Southport?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Southport
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Southport is 46 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 67 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 35 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (53 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 (46 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Southport.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 67 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 53 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Southport averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Southport?
Guests in Southport stay about 4.5 nights on average, generating roughly 2,629 reservations and 24.3 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Southport
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Southport
- 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.
- At 24.3 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Jan (6.3 nights) and shorten in Apr (3.3 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.
Southport Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
20 listings
18.3% of total
2 Nights
39 listings
35.8% of total
3 Nights
13 listings
11.9% of total
7-29 Nights
2 listings
1.8% of total
30+ Nights
35 listings
32.1% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Southport is 2 Nights, adopted by 35.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (32.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Southport, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 35.8% of Southport hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 18.3% currently do.
- A 2-night minimum appears standard (35.8%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 32.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Southport.
Southport Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
4 listings
3.7% of total
Limited
1 listings
0.9% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
0.9% of total
Flexible
22 listings
20.2% of total
Moderate
27 listings
24.8% of total
Firm
32 listings
29.4% of total
Strict
22 listings
20.2% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Southport
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Southport is Firm, used by 29.4% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (45.0%) and stricter (49.6%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 29.4% market standard in Southport.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Southport.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Southport?
Cleaning fees in Southport 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 Southport
- 84.4% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Southport. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($179) and median ($149) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 11.4% 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 Southport median of $149. 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 Southport Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Southportbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Cape Fear Landing 2
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Cape Fear Landing 1
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Captain's Cottage: The heart of downtown Southport
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Southport Salty Patriot-Walk to DT/Pets/Fenced!
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Coastal Eve Retreat-spacious, pets & fully loaded!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Downtown Southport Cottage
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 Southport?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Southport 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southport Realty | 19 | $482,052 | 346 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Pamela | 2 | $165,524 | 197 | 4.95/5.0 |
| April And Tony | 2 | $121,051 | 271 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Amy, John & Whiskey | 4 | $108,408 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Elisabeth | 2 | $85,421 | 189 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Evolve | 3 | $76,468 | 122 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Stephanie | 1 | $76,124 | 134 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Jared | 1 | $74,973 | 40 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Amy | 3 | $73,803 | 490 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Alysia | 1 | $72,514 | 67 | 4.97/5.0 |
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 Southport.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Southport?
Southport is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Southport
- With 74.3% Superhosts, Southport has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 27.5% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 7.3% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 70.6% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 30.3% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Southport averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Southport
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Southport, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southport Realty | 19 | $482,052 | $290 | 29.9% | 4.81/5 |
| Evolve | 3 | $76,468 | $214 | 49.3% | 4.76/5 |
| Jennifer | 2 | $57,448 | $266 | 43.0% | 4.95/5 |
| ITrip Oak Island | 2 | $53,171 | $353 | 29.1% | 4.93/5 |
| Ginga | 1 | $36,677 | $179 | 52.8% | 5.00/5 |
| Julie | 3 | $26,840 | $246 | 23.4% | 4.20/5 |
| Oak Island Accommodations | 1 | $23,929 | $316 | 35.7% | 4.50/5 |
| Bald Head Island Services | 1 | $18,333 | $388 | 22.2% | N/A |
| Tanya | 1 | $15,261 | $269 | 33.2% | 5.00/5 |
Management Company Insights for Southport
- The leading management company, Southport Realty, operates 19 listings with $482,052 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Southport.
- Top managers average 4 properties each, suggesting professional management in Southport still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.77/5 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 Southport's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Southport 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, Southport has 14 percentage points lower occupancy and about $71 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 Southport
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Southport.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Southport?
Southport hosts earn about $26,068 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $242 and RevPAR of $97. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Southport, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Southport market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Southport?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Southport is 38.7%. 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 Southport?
Listings in Southport average $242 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 Southport?
Southport currently has about 109 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 Southport?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Southport 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 Southport?
RevPAR in Southport is about $97. 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 Southport?
Occupancy of 38.7% means Southport 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 $26,068, 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 Southport?
The average booking lead time in Southport is about 46 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 Southport?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Southport include Downtown Southport, Oak Island, Fort Johnston. 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 Southport?
entire_home listings make up 89.9% of the active supply in Southport. 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 Southport compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Isle of Palms posts $87,848 in average annual revenue with 42.1% occupancy, compared to Southport's $26,068 and 38.7%. 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 Southport?
The average Airbnb stay length in Southport is about 4.5 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Southport?
Airbnb listings in Southport average 4.86 out of 5 overall. About 48.6% 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 Southport?
Hair dryer and Pack ’n play/Travel crib are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Southport. 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 Southport?
Yes. About 84.4% of active Airbnb listings in Southport charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $179. 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 Southport?
A 74.3% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.