Oak Island Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Carolina, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Oak Island in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Oak Island, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Oak Island, based on AirROI data from June 2024 to May 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 1,134 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Oak Island, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Oak Island 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 Oak Island Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Oak Island (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Oak 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 Oak 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 Oak Island across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $9,276+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,597 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,178 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,717, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Oak Island
Oak Island Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Oak 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 Oak Island:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 73%+ 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 36%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Oak Island
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Oak Island (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Oak Island involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Oak Island typically peaks in May and dips lowest during December. 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 $738+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $476 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $298 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $194 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Oak Island
Get Live Oak Island Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Oak Island (2025)
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $7,344 per month
- Occupancy rates average 57.2%
- Daily rates average $420
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $4,129 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 36.3%
- Daily rates hold near $394
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $2,330 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 25.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $361
Seasonality Insights for Oak Island
- The Airbnb seasonality in Oak Island shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. 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 Oak Island's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $8,185, occupancy reaching a high of 65.0%, and ADRs peaking at $471.
- 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 $2,173, occupancy could drop to 22.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $331.
- 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 Oak Island.
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 Oak Island seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Oak Island (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Oak Island? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Long Beach | This quiet and beautiful beach area is perfect for families and those looking for a relaxing getaway. Close to restaurants and shops, it attracts tourists seeking peace and tranquility. | Long Beach, Ocean Crest Fishing Pier, Oak Island Golf Club, Historic Oak Island Lighthouse, Beach access and nature trails |
| East Beach | Famed for its pristine sandy shores and natural beauty, East Beach is ideal for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. It offers a more serene setting while still being close to amenities. | East Beach, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Oak Island Nature Center, Fishing spots, Beautiful sunsets |
| Southport | Just a short drive from Oak Island, Southport is a charming coastal town with historic sites and a vibrant community. It's popular for tourists interested in local history and culture. | Southport Historic District, Fort Johnson, Southport Marina, North Carolina Maritime Museum, Local shops and eateries |
| Middleton Park | This family-friendly area features playgrounds and picnic spots, making it ideal for families with children. It's close to the beach and provides various recreational options. | Middleton Park, Local events and festivals, Picnic areas, Playgrounds, Nearby beach access |
| Harbor Island | A scenic area with beautiful views of the water and natural surroundings. Great for visitors looking for waterfront accommodations and activities. | Harbor Island, Waterfront dining, Bird watching, Kayaking, Scenic views |
| Ocean Crest | Known for its relaxing beach atmosphere, this area offers a unique beachfront experience with easy access to local dining and entertainment options. | Ocean Crest Beach, Local seafood restaurants, Fishing opportunities, Beachfront properties, Coastal trails |
| Gulf Stream Way | This beautiful residential area offers scenic views and is a short walk from the beach, making it a popular choice for vacation rentals. | Gulf Stream Beach, Residential neighborhoods, Nature trails, Proximity to Oak Island attractions |
| Oak Island Pier | A central hub for fishing and beach activities, the pier area draws visitors who are interested in fishing and enjoying beachside amenities. | Oak Island Pier, Fishing charters, Beach access, Nearby restaurants, Local shops |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Oak Island (2025)
While Oak Island, 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 Oak Island to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 2% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Oak Island (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Oak Islandbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Suite Caroline
Entire Place • 14 bedrooms
Luxury Custom 6bd 6ba heated pool, walk to beach!
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Suite Emotion
Entire Place • 14 bedrooms
NEW! Oceanfront, Pool, Pickleball, Tiki Bar & More
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
La Vita Bella
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms
Aquila West
Entire Place • 12 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Oak Island (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Oak 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julie | 217 | $8,352,620 | 943 | 4.43/5.0 |
| Salt And Sand | 82 | $4,022,268 | 702 | 4.77/5.0 |
| ITrip Oak Island | 65 | $2,689,126 | 777 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Oak Island Accommodations | 42 | $1,321,901 | 191 | 4.62/5.0 |
| Brunswick Vacation Rentals | 8 | $1,141,108 | 28 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Evolve | 37 | $914,406 | 678 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Salty Carolina Vibes | 18 | $635,264 | 282 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Rachel | 7 | $484,700 | 308 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Amy | 9 | $461,602 | 127 | 4.98/5.0 |
| James | 9 | $400,778 | 114 | 4.87/5.0 |
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 Oak Island.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Oak Island STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Oak Island. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsOak Island Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Oak Island
- The Oak Island Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 98.8% of the 1,134 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Oak Island, House properties are the most common (88.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 88.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique, unique stays (combined 2.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Oak Island Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Oak Island
- The dominant room capacity in Oak Island is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 42.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms properties represent 62.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Oak Island, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 80.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Oak Island.
Oak Island Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Oak Island
- The most common guest capacity trend in Oak Island vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (60.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Oak Island STR market, accounting for 82.5% of listings.
- 88.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Oak Island.
- On average, properties in Oak Island are equipped to host 7.0 guests.
Oak Island Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Oak Island
- The most common availability pattern in Oak Island falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 53.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 87.9% 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 Oak Island (37.4%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 13.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Oak Island Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
68 listings
6.2% of total
2 Nights
226 listings
20.5% of total
3 Nights
343 listings
31.2% of total
4-6 Nights
67 listings
6.1% of total
7-29 Nights
8 listings
0.7% of total
30+ Nights
388 listings
35.3% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Oak Island is 30+ Nights, adopted by 35.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (35.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Oak Island, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 35.3% of Oak Island hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 6.2% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 35.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Oak Island.
Oak Island Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 60 Days
305 listings
30.4% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
28 listings
2.8% of total
Flexible
59 listings
5.9% of total
Moderate
126 listings
12.5% of total
Firm
241 listings
24% of total
Strict
245 listings
24.4% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Oak Island
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Oak Island is Super Strict 60 Days, used by 30.4% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (18.4%) and stricter (48.4%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Super Strict 60 Days policy to align with the 30.4% market standard in Oak Island.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Oak Island.
Oak Island STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Oak Island
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Oak Island is 61 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 120 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 35 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (82 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (44 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (61 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Oak Island.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 120 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 82 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Oak Island averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Oak Island (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Oak Island
- Essential amenities in Oak Island that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises, Kitchen, Coffee maker, Heating, Smoke alarm, Washer, Microwave. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Oak Island: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises, Kitchen, Coffee maker, Heating, Smoke alarm, Washer, Microwave.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Free parking on premises, Kitchen, Coffee maker, Heating, Smoke alarm, Washer, Microwave.
- 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 Oak Island to stay competitive.
Oak Island Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Oak Island
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Oak Island 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 98.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.7%) and DC (0.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (83.8%) followed by Spanish (8.1%).
- 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 Oak 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sullivan's Island | 24 | $6,554 | $873.28 | 40% |
| Folly Beach | 900 | $6,334 | $511.58 | 47% |
| Isle of Palms | 904 | $6,086 | $659.89 | 41% |
| Charleston | 1,883 | $5,063 | $372.44 | 53% |
| Ocean Isle Beach | 449 | $4,655 | $638.55 | 37% |
| Mount Pleasant | 454 | $4,136 | $289.96 | 54% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 453 | $4,019 | $487.73 | 38% |
| Bald Head Island | 185 | $3,658 | $521.00 | 34% |
| Caswell Beach | 45 | $3,213 | $409.11 | 37% |
| Cedar Point | 25 | $3,197 | $270.75 | 48% |