Hickory Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Carolina, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Hickory in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Hickory, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Hickory, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 130 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Hickory, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Hickory Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Hickory Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Hickory (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Hickory 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 Hickory is typically May, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Hickory across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,104+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,194 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,146 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,123, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Hickory
Hickory Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Hickory STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Octobersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May 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 Hickory:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 89%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 74% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 54%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 28% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Hickory
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Hickory (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Hickory involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Hickory typically peaks in July and dips lowest during February. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $267+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $169 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $121 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $95 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Hickory
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Hickory (2025)
Peak Season (May, June, April)
- Revenue averages $3,133 per month
- Occupancy rates average 44.8%
- Daily rates average $164
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,567 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 56.4%
- Daily rates hold near $161
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,955 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 49.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $150
Seasonality Insights for Hickory
- The Airbnb seasonality in Hickory shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Hickory's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,186, occupancy reaching a high of 62.3%, and ADRs peaking at $167.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,775, occupancy could drop to 42.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $148.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Hickory.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Hickory seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Hickory (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Hickory? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Hickory | A scenic area known for its recreational activities including boating, fishing, and hiking. Attractive to families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for vacation rentals. | Lake Hickory, Hickory Point Marina, Lake Hickory Park, Fishing docks, Hiking trails, Picnic areas |
| Downtown Hickory | The vibrant heart of Hickory featuring local shops, dining, and cultural attractions. Perfect for visitors wanting to explore the city on foot and enjoy its local flavor. | Hickory Museum of Art, The Cascades, Local restaurants and cafes, Hickory Community Theatre, City Walk |
| Hickory Ridge | A suburban neighborhood offering a quiet atmosphere with easy access to local amenities. Ideal for families or longer stays. | Local parks, Schools nearby, Shopping centers, Recreational facilities |
| Exploration Park | A family-friendly area with parks and recreational facilities, popular for weekends and holidays. Great option for families visiting for short stays. | Exploration Park, Hickory Crawdads baseball games, Nature trails |
| Catawba Science Center | A unique area near educational institutions, perfect for families with kids. Offers science-related attractions and activities. | Catawba Science Center, Planetarium, Hands-on exhibits, Historical displays |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University Area | Home to the university, this area attracts students and academic visitors. Good for hosting short-term rentals for university events or during the academic year. | Lenoir-Rhyne University, Nearby coffee shops, Local events and activities |
| Oakwood Historic District | A charming area known for its historic architecture and community feel. Attracts visitors interested in history and charm. | Historic homes, Local boutiques and shops, Nearby parks |
| Taylorsville Highway Area | Conveniently located near main roads, this area provides access to both Hickory and surrounding attractions. Ideal for business travelers and tourists alike. | Local dining options, Shopping outlets, Easy highway access |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Hickory (2025)
While Hickory, North Carolina, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Hickory to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Hickory (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Hickorybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Modern Lake Hickory Home w/Dock, Firepit, Gameroom
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Ollie's Hideaway: 4BR, 3.5 Ba Lakefront Exec Home
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Lake Hickory Trio w/Boat Slip
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Private cozy lake home with indoor pool!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Camp Run-a-Muk by the Lake
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Newly Renovated 4Bedroom near LR
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Hickory (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Hickory 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah | 4 | $235,333 | 100 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Jeff | 14 | $188,365 | 901 | 4.49/5.0 |
| Fred & Erin | 5 | $122,890 | 870 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Whitney | 3 | $111,208 | 209 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Diane | 1 | $97,302 | 58 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Michael | 1 | $87,854 | 26 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Susanne | 2 | $80,178 | 129 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Emily | 1 | $80,085 | 82 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Karen | 1 | $69,240 | 47 | 4.57/5.0 |
| Megan | 1 | $69,164 | 75 | 4.99/5.0 |
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 Hickory.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Hickory STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Hickory. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsHickory Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Hickory
- The Hickory Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 95.4% of the 130 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Hickory, House properties are the most common (51.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 51.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 6.2% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Hickory Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Hickory
- The dominant room capacity in Hickory is 1 bedroom listings, making up 33.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 63.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Hickory, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 30.8% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Hickory.
Hickory Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Hickory
- The most common guest capacity trend in Hickory vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (29.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Hickory STR market, accounting for 46.9% of listings.
- 33.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Hickory.
- On average, properties in Hickory are equipped to host 4.3 guests.
Hickory Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Hickory
- The most common availability pattern in Hickory falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 31.5% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 58.4% 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 Hickory (32.3%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 42.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Hickory Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
56 listings
44.4% of total
2 Nights
31 listings
24.6% of total
3 Nights
13 listings
10.3% of total
4-6 Nights
1 listings
0.8% of total
7-29 Nights
8 listings
6.3% of total
30+ Nights
17 listings
13.5% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Hickory is 1 Night, adopted by 44.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (69.0%) of the Hickory Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (13.5%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Hickory, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 44.4% of Hickory hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 13.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Hickory.
Hickory Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
2 listings
1.7% of total
Flexible
25 listings
21.6% of total
Moderate
23 listings
19.8% of total
Firm
22 listings
19% of total
Strict
44 listings
37.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Hickory
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Hickory is Strict, used by 37.9% of listings.
- A majority (56.9%) of hosts in Hickory utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 37.9% market standard in Hickory.
- With 37.9% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Hickory, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Hickory.
Hickory STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Hickory
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Hickory is 35 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during April (average 59 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 28 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (46 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (32 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (35 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Hickory.
- For April stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 59 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 46 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Hickory averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Hickory (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Hickory
- Essential amenities in Hickory that guests expect include: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, Hot water. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Coffee maker, Essentials, Dishes and silverware are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Hickory: Air conditioning, TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, Hot water.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: TV, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, Hot water.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Coffee maker or Essentials 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 Hickory to stay competitive.
Hickory Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Hickory
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Hickory 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 97.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (97.6%) and DC (0.6%).
- Top languages spoken are English (78.8%) followed by Spanish (12.6%).
- 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.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Hickory Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catawba | 10 | $8,207 | $620.29 | 46% |
| Lake Norman of Catawba | 25 | $6,235 | $467.96 | 46% |
| Union Mills | 14 | $5,934 | $458.57 | 43% |
| Denver | 84 | $5,893 | $495.69 | 46% |
| Mooresville | 322 | $5,133 | $466.36 | 44% |
| Sherrills Ford | 117 | $5,032 | $515.48 | 39% |
| Troutman | 36 | $4,849 | $350.00 | 50% |
| State Road | 14 | $4,430 | $252.14 | 47% |
| Six Mile | 57 | $4,391 | $411.67 | 43% |
| West Union | 31 | $4,282 | $513.72 | 38% |