Sunset Beach, North Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Sunset Beach, North Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $22,879 per year — at a $269 nightly rate, 36.1% occupancy, and a $96 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Sunset Beach's 326 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 68.0% 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. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Sunset Beach?
In Sunset Beach, the headline Airbnb metrics are $22,879 in average annual revenue,36.1% occupancy, $269 ADR, and $96 in RevPAR, and guests book about 71 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Sunset Beach?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,781+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,567 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,074 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,138, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Sunset Beach
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Sunset Beach?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 71%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 52% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 32%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 16% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Sunset Beach
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Sunset Beach?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Sunset Beach involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Sunset Beach 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 $461+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $302 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $212 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $153 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Sunset Beach
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Sunset Beach?
RevPAR in Sunset Beach is currently $96. 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 $51 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $78 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $122 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $175 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Sunset Beach
RevPAR Insights for Sunset Beach
- The average RevPAR in Sunset Beach is $96. 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% ($175) and bottom 25% ($51) is $124, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- 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 Sunset Beach benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $78, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $122+ 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 Sunset Beach?
Sunset Beach'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 $4,478 per month
- Occupancy rates average 52.2%
- Daily rates average $283
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,466 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 33.1%
- Daily rates hold near $255
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $1,620 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 25.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $255
Seasonality Insights for Sunset Beach
- Airbnb seasonality in Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $5,050, occupancy reaching 56.5%, and ADRs peaking at $285.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,367, occupancy could drop to 21.2%, and ADRs may adjust to $244.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach, 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 Sunset Beach?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Sunset Beach, 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 Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach?
Location within Sunset Beach matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| East Sunset Beach | This area offers stunning oceanfront properties with easy access to the beach, making it popular among tourists looking for a relaxing beach getaway. | Sunset Beach, Bird Island Coastal Reserve, Myrtle Beach nearby, Fishing and water sports, Golf courses |
| Sunset Beach Village | A charming village feel with local shops and restaurants, this area attracts families and couples looking for a quaint coastal experience. | Local shops and restaurants, Community events, Cultural attractions, Biking and walking paths, Sunset Beach Pier |
| Calabash Coast | Located just north of Sunset Beach, this area has a unique blend of coastal charm and local seafood restaurants, perfect for vacationers. | Calabash River, Seafood dining options, Local history, Golfing, Arts and crafts shops |
| Holden Beach | A family-friendly beach community with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for vacations seeking calm waters and family activities. | Holden Beach, Fishing pier, Family-friendly recreational activities, Local parks, Water sports |
| Ocean Isle Beach | Known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe, it's a great spot for families and beachfront rentals. | Ocean Isle Beach, Water slides and amusements, Kayaking opportunities, Golf courses nearby, Dining options |
| Sunset Beach Golf Club | A golf-centric destination appealing to visitors interested in both golfing and beach activities, this location is a hit among golf lovers. | Golf courses, Clubhouse dining, Scenic vistas, Community events, Nearby beaches |
| Little River | Just a short drive from Sunset Beach, this area offers access to waterfront dining and nearby attractions, appealing to tourists searching for diverse experiences. | Waterfront dining, Nearby casinos, Fishing and boating, Historic sites, Golfing |
| Myrtle Beach (nearby) | Although slightly further away, Myrtle Beach is a major tourist destination that attracts visitors looking for entertainment, dining, and beach activities, making it a potentially lucrative option for Airbnb hosting. | Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Amusement parks, Fishing piers, Nightlife |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Sunset Beach
- The Sunset Beach Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 98.8% of the 326 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Sunset Beach, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (58.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 37.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique (combined 4.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Sunset Beach Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Sunset Beach
- The dominant room capacity in Sunset Beach is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 40.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 64.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Sunset Beach, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 38.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Sunset Beach
- The most common guest capacity trend in Sunset Beach vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (44.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Sunset Beach STR market, accounting for 66.9% of listings.
- 70.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Sunset Beach.
- On average, properties in Sunset Beach are equipped to host 6.2 guests.
How Do Listings in Sunset Beach Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach
- At 27.5 photos per listing on average, Sunset Beach hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 12.9% 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 Sunset Beach averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Sunset Beach?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Sunset Beach
- Essential amenities in Sunset Beach that guests expect include: Air conditioning, TV, Free parking on premises, Wifi, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Refrigerator, Dishes and silverware, Heating are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Sunset Beach: Air conditioning, TV, Free parking on premises, Wifi, Smoke alarm.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, TV, Free parking on premises, Wifi, Smoke alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Refrigerator or Dishes and silverware 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 Sunset Beach to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Sunset Beach?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Sunset Beach, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating | 92.0% | $24,378 | $5,587 | 336.4% |
Sound systemHigh opportunity | 2.5% | $53,508 | $22,109 | 142.0% |
Cooking basics | 67.8% | $28,022 | $12,055 | 132.5% |
HammockHigh opportunity | 4.9% | $49,311 | $21,515 | 129.2% |
Record playerHigh opportunity | 1.5% | $46,222 | $22,516 | 105.3% |
Outdoor shower | 15.3% | $39,001 | $19,959 | 95.4% |
Barbecue utensils | 19.0% | $37,163 | $19,525 | 90.3% |
Baking sheet | 45.1% | $30,607 | $16,533 | 85.1% |
Beach essentials | 18.1% | $36,360 | $19,901 | 82.7% |
Baby safety gates | 2.1% | $40,444 | $22,494 | 79.8% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Sunset Beach
- Heating tops the revenue impact list with a 336.4% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $24,378 vs. $5,587 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Sound system, Hammock, Record player — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Heating — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making it table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Sound system — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Sunset Beach.
- 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 Sunset Beach STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Sunset Beach. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSunset Beach Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Sunset Beach
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Sunset Beach consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), often arriving from nearby Charlotte, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 98.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.5%) and Canada (0.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (81.7%) followed by Spanish (8.5%).
- 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 Sunset Beach?
Listings in Sunset Beach average 4.81 out of 5 overall, with about 41.7 reviews per active listing and 39.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Sunset Beach
- With an overall rating of 4.81, Sunset Beach listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.91), while Value (4.78) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 39.9% 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.
Sunset Beach Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Sunset Beach
- The most common availability pattern in Sunset Beach falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 59.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 91.1% 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 Sunset Beach (38.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 10.1% 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 Sunset Beach?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Sunset Beach
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Sunset Beach is 71 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 97 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 37 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (93 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (43 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (71 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Sunset Beach.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 97 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 93 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Sunset Beach averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Sunset Beach?
Guests in Sunset Beach stay about 4.8 nights on average, generating roughly 5,931 reservations and 18.2 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 Sunset Beach
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Sunset Beach
- 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.
- 18.2 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jan (5.8 nights) and shorten in Oct (3.7 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.
Sunset Beach Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
32 listings
9.8% of total
2 Nights
88 listings
27% of total
3 Nights
48 listings
14.7% of total
4-6 Nights
28 listings
8.6% of total
7-29 Nights
4 listings
1.2% of total
30+ Nights
126 listings
38.7% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Sunset Beach is 30+ Nights, adopted by 38.7% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (38.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Sunset Beach, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 38.7% of Sunset Beach hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 9.8% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 38.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
21 listings
6.4% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
0.6% of total
Limited
2 listings
0.6% of total
Flexible
27 listings
8.3% of total
Moderate
59 listings
18.1% of total
Firm
173 listings
53.1% of total
Strict
42 listings
12.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Sunset Beach
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Sunset Beach is Firm, used by 53.1% of listings.
- A majority (66.0%) of hosts in Sunset Beach utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 53.1% market standard in Sunset Beach.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 12.9% 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 Sunset Beach.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Sunset Beach?
Cleaning fees in Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach
- 90.2% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Sunset Beach. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($234) and median ($169) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 17.1% 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 Sunset Beach median of $169. 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 Sunset Beach Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Sunset Beachbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Renovated Beachfront Home
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Great Home, Close beach access, Sunset Beach
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Beachfront Bungalow : First row on East Main
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Your Dream Seaside Getaway in Sunset Beach!
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Ocean Drive ~ 36th St & W. Main!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
A Salubrious View - Overlooking Bird Island
Entire Place • 6 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 Sunset Beach?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Sunset Beach 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable Large Properties | 56 | $1,487,432 | 173 | 4.41/5.0 |
| Janet & Mark | 26 | $1,138,568 | 1622 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Evolve | 17 | $444,150 | 354 | 4.72/5.0 |
| Shane | 14 | $194,070 | 610 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Michelle | 7 | $192,090 | 848 | 4.92/5.0 |
| James | 6 | $182,487 | 1294 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Co-Hosting Of The Carolinas | 4 | $152,198 | 95 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Lisa | 1 | $124,344 | 65 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Brunswick Vacation Rentals | 1 | $112,612 | 5 | 4.00/5.0 |
| Lynne | 1 | $78,276 | 1 | Not Rated |
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 Sunset Beach.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Sunset Beach?
Sunset Beach leans more toward professional operations than casual hosting, which usually raises the competitive bar for new entrants.
Host Profile Insights for Sunset Beach
- A 45.1% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 35.6% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 15.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 58.0% 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
- 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 29.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Sunset Beach averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Sunset Beach
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Sunset Beach, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable Large Properties | 56 | $1,487,432 | $427 | 23.3% | 4.41/5 |
| Evolve | 17 | $444,150 | $262 | 40.3% | 4.72/5 |
| James | 6 | $182,487 | $137 | 60.1% | 4.94/5 |
| Brunswick Vacation Rentals | 1 | $112,612 | $1,464 | 44.5% | 4.00/5 |
| Vacasa North Carolina | 17 | $72,524 | $262 | 17.9% | 4.67/5 |
| Anthony | 4 | $64,371 | $164 | 35.0% | 4.74/5 |
| Evolve | 1 | $63,551 | $329 | 56.5% | 4.89/5 |
| Vacasa North Carolina | 13 | $54,484 | $203 | 21.1% | 4.70/5 |
| Vacasa North Carolina | 8 | $43,133 | $289 | 18.7% | 4.57/5 |
| Patti | 2 | $21,971 | $153 | 34.0% | 4.79/5 |
Management Company Insights for Sunset Beach
- The leading management company, Affordable Large Properties, operates 56 listings with $1,487,432 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Sunset Beach.
- Top managers average 13 properties each, suggesting professional management in Sunset Beach still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.64/5 in guest ratings — suggesting room for quality improvement even among larger operators.
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 Sunset Beach's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Sunset Beach 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, Sunset Beach has 17 percentage points lower occupancy and about $43 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 Sunset Beach
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Sunset Beach.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Sunset Beach?
Sunset Beach hosts earn about $22,879 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $269 and RevPAR of $96. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Sunset Beach market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sunset Beach?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Sunset Beach is 36.1%. 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 Sunset Beach?
Listings in Sunset Beach average $269 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 Sunset Beach?
Sunset Beach currently has about 326 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 Sunset Beach?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach?
RevPAR in Sunset Beach is about $96. 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 Sunset Beach?
Occupancy of 36.1% means Sunset Beach 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 $22,879, 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 Sunset Beach?
The average booking lead time in Sunset Beach is about 71 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 Sunset Beach?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Sunset Beach include East Sunset Beach, Sunset Beach Village, Calabash Coast. 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 Sunset Beach?
entire_home listings make up 98.8% of the active supply in Sunset Beach. 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 Sunset Beach compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Isle of Palms posts $87,848 in average annual revenue with 42.1% occupancy, compared to Sunset Beach's $22,879 and 36.1%. 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 Sunset Beach?
The average Airbnb stay length in Sunset Beach is about 4.8 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 Sunset Beach?
Airbnb listings in Sunset Beach average 4.81 out of 5 overall. About 39.9% 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 Sunset Beach?
Heating and Sound system are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Sunset Beach. 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 Sunset Beach?
Yes. About 90.2% of active Airbnb listings in Sunset Beach charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $234. 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 Sunset Beach?
A 45.1% 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.