Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $38,157 per year — at a $418 nightly rate, 38.1% occupancy, and a $162 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Hilton Head Island's 4,481 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform make it a major short-term rental market. Supply grew 65.6% 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 Hilton Head Island?
In Hilton Head Island, the headline Airbnb metrics are $38,157 in average annual revenue,38.1% occupancy, $418 ADR, and $162 in RevPAR, and guests book about 77 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Hilton Head Island?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $10,130+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,894 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,437 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,796, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Hilton Head Island
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Hilton Head Island?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 75%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 56% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 35%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 18% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Hilton Head Island
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Hilton Head Island?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Hilton Head Island involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Hilton Head Island typically peaks in June and dips lowest during October. 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 $769+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $468 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $304 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $224 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Hilton Head Island
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Hilton Head Island?
RevPAR in Hilton Head Island is currently $162. 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 $80 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $119 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $188 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $312 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Hilton Head Island
RevPAR Insights for Hilton Head Island
- The average RevPAR in Hilton Head Island is $162. 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% ($312) and bottom 25% ($80) is $232, 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 Hilton Head Island benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $119, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $188+ 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 Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island'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 $7,361 per month
- Occupancy rates average 52.4%
- Daily rates average $451
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,481 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 37.5%
- Daily rates hold near $397
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $3,105 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 27.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $401
Seasonality Insights for Hilton Head Island
- Airbnb seasonality in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $8,572, occupancy reaching 58.4%, and ADRs peaking at $469.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,624, occupancy could drop to 23.8%, and ADRs may adjust to $371.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States currently shows a low regulation profile despite having 4,481 active listings. Larger markets with light regulation can attract new supply quickly, but that also means regulatory frameworks may evolve as local governments respond to growth — staying informed protects your investment. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Hilton Head Island to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island is a large short-term rental market, and performance varies significantly by location within the city. The neighborhoods below are among the most active areas for Airbnb hosts — each with distinct guest demographics, demand drivers, and local attractions. Use this as a starting point for neighborhood-level investment analysis in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Coligny Beach | Coligny Beach is one of Hilton Head's most popular beaches, known for its lively atmosphere, beach access, and nearby shops and restaurants. It attracts families and tourists looking for a fun beach experience with various amenities. | Coligny Plaza, Coligny Beach Park, The Beach House, Oceanfront dining, Kayaking and water sports |
| Palmetto Dunes | Palmetto Dunes is a prestigious resort community that offers beach access, golf courses, and tennis facilities. It attracts vacationers looking for luxury accommodations and a tranquil environment. | Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, Shelter Cove Marina, Tennis Center, Biking trails |
| Sea Pines | Sea Pines is a renowned gated community that is home to beautiful beaches and natural preserves. It is perfect for those looking for upscale rentals, nature trails, and recreational activities. | Harbour Town Lighthouse, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, South Beach Marina, Beach Club, Golf courses |
| Forest Beach | A family-friendly beach area that offers a variety of accommodation options, Forest Beach is ideal for guests looking for a laid-back beach experience with access to many activities and dining options. | Forest Beach, Shopping and dining on Pope Avenue, Coligny Beach Park, Bike rentals, Nearby golf courses |
| Shipyard Plantation | This plantation-style community is well-known for its stunning landscapes and beach access. It appeals to guests looking for leisurely golf and beach experiences in a serene environment. | Shipyard Golf Club, Beach access, Van Der Meer Tennis Center, Bike paths, Nature trails |
| Old Town Bluffton | Just a short drive from Hilton Head, Old Town Bluffton offers a historic charm with quaint shops and restaurants. It attracts those looking for a unique cultural experience away from the tourist crowds. | May River, Calhoun Street, Bluffton Farmers Market, Galleries and art studios, Historic churches |
| North Forest Beach | This area is known for its expansive beaches and family-friendly accommodations. North Forest Beach provides a delightful blend of relaxation and activities for tourists. | North Forest Beach, Private beach access, Dining options, Bike trails, Water sports |
| Dunes House | An oceanfront restaurant and beach access point that draws visitors for casual dining and relaxing day on the beach. It is popular among tourists looking for easy beach access. | Dunes House Restaurant, Beach access, Kids play area, Sunset views, Relaxation spots |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Hilton Head Island
- The Hilton Head Island Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 99.4% of the 4,481 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Hilton Head Island, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (51.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 47.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, unique stays (combined 0.6%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Hilton Head Island Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Hilton Head Island
- The dominant room capacity in Hilton Head Island is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 46.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 65.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Hilton Head Island, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 35.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Island Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Hilton Head Island
- The most common guest capacity trend in Hilton Head Island vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (35.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Hilton Head Island STR market, accounting for 71.4% of listings.
- 76.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Hilton Head Island.
- On average, properties in Hilton Head Island are equipped to host 6.3 guests.
How Do Listings in Hilton Head Island Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
- At 40.5 photos per listing on average, Hilton Head Island hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 30.1% 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 Hilton Head Island averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Hilton Head Island?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Hilton Head Island
- Essential amenities in Hilton Head Island that guests expect include: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Refrigerator, Microwave, Coffee maker. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Pool are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- A pool is a highly desired but not standard amenity, making it a key feature for attracting guests seeking leisure in Hilton Head Island.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Hilton Head Island: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Refrigerator, Microwave, Coffee maker.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Refrigerator, Microwave, Coffee maker.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Pool 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 Hilton Head Island to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Hilton Head Island?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Hilton Head Island, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating | 93.3% | $40,130 | $10,857 | 269.6% |
Life size gamesHigh opportunity | 0.4% | $135,791 | $37,720 | 260.0% |
Children's playroomHigh opportunity | 1.2% | $125,709 | $37,049 | 239.3% |
Record playerHigh opportunity | 0.1% | $119,052 | $38,067 | 212.7% |
Theme roomHigh opportunity | 0.5% | $110,586 | $37,800 | 192.6% |
Ping pong tableHigh opportunity | 5.2% | $87,865 | $35,455 | 147.8% |
High chairHigh opportunity | 7.6% | $81,584 | $34,603 | 135.8% |
Arcade gamesHigh opportunity | 2.0% | $82,831 | $37,231 | 122.5% |
Mini fridgeHigh opportunity | 3.1% | $81,789 | $36,781 | 122.4% |
Game consoleHigh opportunity | 1.4% | $81,833 | $37,534 | 118.0% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Hilton Head Island
- Heating tops the revenue impact list with a 269.6% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $40,130 vs. $10,857 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Life size games, Children's playroom, 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 Life size games — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Hilton Head Island.
- 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 Hilton Head Island STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Hilton Head Island. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsHilton Head Island Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Hilton Head Island
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Hilton Head Island 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 Canada (0.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (79.8%) followed by Spanish (9.8%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Charlotte and Atlanta.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Hilton Head Island?
Listings in Hilton Head Island average 4.76 out of 5 overall, with about 34.3 reviews per active listing and 24.2% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Hilton Head Island
- An average rating of 4.76 places Hilton Head Island in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Location (4.89), while Value (4.69) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 24.2% 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 24.2% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Hilton Head Island Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Hilton Head Island
- The most common availability pattern in Hilton Head Island falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 58% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 88.5% 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 Hilton Head Island (37.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 12.4% 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 Hilton Head Island?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Hilton Head Island
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Hilton Head Island is 77 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 92 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 59 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (87 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (63 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (77 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Hilton Head Island.
- For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 92 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 87 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Hilton Head Island averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Hilton Head Island?
Guests in Hilton Head Island stay about 5.5 nights on average, generating roughly 78,663 reservations and 17.6 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 Hilton Head Island
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Hilton Head Island
- 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.
- 17.6 bookings per listing is a manageable pace that balances revenue with operational overhead.
- Stay lengths peak in Jan (6.5 nights) and shorten in Oct (4.7 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
- 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.
Hilton Head Island Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
207 listings
4.6% of total
2 Nights
602 listings
13.4% of total
3 Nights
593 listings
13.2% of total
4-6 Nights
473 listings
10.6% of total
7-29 Nights
166 listings
3.7% of total
30+ Nights
2440 listings
54.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Hilton Head Island is 30+ Nights, adopted by 54.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- Very short stays (1-2 nights) are less common (18.0%), suggesting hosts prefer slightly longer bookings to optimize turnover.
- A significant segment (54.5%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Hilton Head Island, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 54.5% of Hilton Head Island hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 4.6% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 54.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Island Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
501 listings
11.2% of total
Limited
244 listings
5.5% of total
Refundable
1 listings
0% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
740 listings
16.5% of total
Non-refundable
1 listings
0% of total
Flexible
135 listings
3% of total
Moderate
930 listings
20.8% of total
Firm
1486 listings
33.2% of total
Strict
435 listings
9.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Hilton Head Island
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Hilton Head Island is Firm, used by 33.2% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (23.8%) and stricter (42.9%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (9.7%), 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 33.2% market standard in Hilton Head Island.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 9.7% 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 Hilton Head Island.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Hilton Head Island?
Cleaning fees in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
- 92.3% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Hilton Head Island. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($358) and median ($283) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 16.2% 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 Hilton Head Island median of $283. 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 Hilton Head Island Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Hilton Head Islandbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Sleeps 24 Infinity Pool, Beach Boardwalk, Elevator
Entire Place • 10 bedrooms
Golf Sim~Pickleball~Theater~Sauna~Games~Sleeps 24
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Architectural Masterpiece - Esthetic Stays
Entire Place • 10 bedrooms
Dory by AvantStay | Walk to the Beach, Luxe Home
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms
30 Dune Lane- 2nd Row Home on North Forest Beach,
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
The Beachfront Estate at 5 Alder Lane
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 Hilton Head Island?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Hilton Head Island 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host2coast | 194 | $7,804,473 | 1429 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Beach Properties Of Hilton Hea | 233 | $6,259,779 | 669 | 4.67/5.0 |
| Sunset Rentals | 226 | $6,035,568 | 1317 | 4.62/5.0 |
| Beachside | 108 | $5,915,146 | 887 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Host And Home | 87 | $5,743,498 | 529 | 4.82/5.0 |
| AvantStay Hilton Head | 25 | $4,908,072 | 640 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Evolve | 144 | $4,903,422 | 5865 | 4.65/5.0 |
| Island Time | 103 | $4,645,358 | 250 | 4.72/5.0 |
| Island Rentals Of Hilton Head | 138 | $4,462,678 | 875 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Coastal | 73 | $4,162,208 | 659 | 4.82/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Hilton Head Island.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island leans more toward professional operations than casual hosting, which usually raises the competitive bar for new entrants.
Host Profile Insights for Hilton Head Island
- A 44.9% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 61.6% of listings are professionally managed, indicating a mature, competitive market with institutional players.
- 10.3% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 65.6% 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
- 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 11.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Hilton Head Island averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Hilton Head Island
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Hilton Head Island, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host2coast | 194 | $7,804,473 | $483 | 35.9% | 4.83/5 |
| Beach Properties Of Hilton Hea | 233 | $6,259,779 | $707 | 24.3% | 4.67/5 |
| Sunset Rentals | 226 | $6,035,568 | $408 | 30.4% | 4.62/5 |
| Beachside | 108 | $5,915,146 | $650 | 34.5% | 4.85/5 |
| Host And Home | 87 | $5,743,498 | $716 | 38.9% | 4.82/5 |
| AvantStay Hilton Head | 25 | $4,908,072 | $1,319 | 56.7% | 4.75/5 |
| Evolve | 144 | $4,903,422 | $252 | 45.4% | 4.65/5 |
| Island Time | 103 | $4,645,358 | $923 | 24.4% | 4.72/5 |
| Island Rentals Of Hilton Head | 138 | $4,462,678 | $416 | 33.3% | 4.70/5 |
| Coastal | 73 | $4,162,208 | $532 | 39.4% | 4.82/5 |
Management Company Insights for Hilton Head Island
- The leading management company, Host2coast, operates 194 listings with $7,804,473 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Hilton Head Island.
- Top managers average 133 properties each, pointing to a market where portfolio scale is a meaningful competitive factor.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.74/5 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 Hilton Head Island's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island has 15 percentage points lower occupancy and about $105 higher 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% |
| Talahi Island | 41 | $6,021 | $368.19 | 50% |
| Charleston | 1,839 | $5,628 | $408.29 | 52% |
| Okatie | 10 | $5,565 | $527.26 | 42% |
| Kiawah Island | 625 | $4,596 | $647.38 | 33% |
| Mount Pleasant | 452 | $4,456 | $312.67 | 53% |
| Whitemarsh Island | 81 | $4,438 | $321.10 | 48% |
| Tybee Island | 1,354 | $4,357 | $437.68 | 41% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Hilton Head Island
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Hilton Head Island.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island hosts earn about $38,157 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $418 and RevPAR of $162. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Hilton Head Island market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hilton Head Island?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hilton Head Island is 38.1%. 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 Hilton Head Island?
Listings in Hilton Head Island average $418 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 Hilton Head Island?
Hilton Head Island currently has about 4,481 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 Hilton Head Island?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Hilton Head Island as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.1% 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 Hilton Head Island?
RevPAR in Hilton Head Island is about $162. 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 Hilton Head Island?
Occupancy of 38.1% means Hilton Head Island 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 $38,157, 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 Hilton Head Island?
The average booking lead time in Hilton Head Island is about 77 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 Hilton Head Island?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Hilton Head Island include Coligny Beach, Palmetto Dunes, Sea Pines. 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 Hilton Head Island?
entire_home listings make up 99.4% of the active supply in Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Isle of Palms posts $87,848 in average annual revenue with 42.1% occupancy, compared to Hilton Head Island's $38,157 and 38.1%. 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 Hilton Head Island?
The average Airbnb stay length in Hilton Head Island is about 5.5 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 Hilton Head Island?
Airbnb listings in Hilton Head Island average 4.76 out of 5 overall. About 24.2% 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 Hilton Head Island?
Heating and Life size games are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island?
Yes. About 92.3% of active Airbnb listings in Hilton Head Island charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $358. 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 Hilton Head Island?
A 44.9% 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.