Southport Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Carolina, United States

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Southport in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Southport, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Southport, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 104 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Southport, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Southport 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 Southport Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$219
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Southport.
Occupancy Rate(?)
39.5%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$26,980
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Southport. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-4.7%
Slight decrease (-4.7%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Southport.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Southport.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
104
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Southport (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Southport is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Southport is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Southport across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,391+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,890 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,485 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,243, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Southport

Southport Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Southport STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while 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 Southport:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 75%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 57% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 37%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Southport

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Southport (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Southport involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Southport typically peaks in 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 $351+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $268 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $184 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $142 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Southport

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Southport (2025)

Peak Season (July, June, May)
  • Revenue averages $4,115 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 48.8%
  • Daily rates average $242
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $2,727 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 39.8%
  • Daily rates hold near $218
Low Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,675 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 30.1%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $200

Seasonality Insights for Southport

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Southport 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 Southport's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,389, occupancy reaching a high of 56.0%, and ADRs peaking at $247.
  • 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 $1,473, occupancy could drop to 27.2%, and ADRs may adjust down to $197.
  • 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 Southport.

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 Southport seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Southport (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Southport? 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 / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Downtown Southport
The charming heart of Southport with historic homes and riverfront views. It's a picturesque area that attracts visitors for its quaint shops and dining options.
Southport Maritime Museum, Old Smithville Burying Ground, Franklin Square Park, Southport Pier and Riverwalk, Various local shops and restaurants
Oak Island
Close proximity to beautiful beaches and family-friendly activities. Oak Island is popular with vacationers looking for beach experiences and water sports.
Oak Island Beach, Beachfront Park, Ocean Crest Pier, Golf courses, Water sports rentals
Fort Johnston
A historical area with scenic views and proximity to nature. This area appeals to history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Fort Johnston, Southport Waterfront Park, Historic tours, Nature trails, Scenic overlooks
Long Beach
Known for its wide beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for families seeking a quieter vacation spot by the sea.
Long Beach, Surfing and fishing spots, Local seafood restaurants, Beachfront cottages, Nature preserves
Cape Fear Riverfront
A beautiful location along the river, offering outdoor activities and scenic views. Great for those interested in fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying nature.
Cape Fear River, Fishing charters, Kayaking tours, Riverwalk, Picnic areas
Bald Head Island
Accessible by ferry, this secluded island offers pristine beaches and a distinct community feel. Ideal for those looking for a unique getaway.
Bald Head Island Beaches, Old Baldy Lighthouse, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Nature trails, Eco-tours
Historic District
A beautifully preserved area with antebellum architecture and rich history. Attracts visitors interested in history and visual arts.
Historic homes, Art galleries, Local museums, Walking tours, Cultural events
Sunset Beach
A peaceful beach town known for its relaxed vibe and stunning sunsets. Perfect for those wanting a tranquil beach vacation.
Sunset Beach, Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, Bird Island, Local shops, Beachfront cafes

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Southport (2025)

While Southport, 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 Southport to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Southport (2025)

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Southportbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Cape Fear Landing 2

Cape Fear Landing 2

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$93,986
Revenue
49.2%
Occupancy
$518.24
Daily Rate
Cape Fear Landing 1

Cape Fear Landing 1

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$87,612
Revenue
46.4%
Occupancy
$518.42
Daily Rate
Walk to Restaurants, Bars, Waterfront & Shops

Walk to Restaurants, Bars, Waterfront & Shops

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$76,210
Revenue
66.9%
Occupancy
$290.38
Daily Rate
Captain's Cottage: The heart of downtown Southport

Captain's Cottage: The heart of downtown Southport

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$64,508
Revenue
52.4%
Occupancy
$328.93
Daily Rate
Coastal, Walkable Home in Historic Southport!

Coastal, Walkable Home in Historic Southport!

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$59,574
Revenue
58.2%
Occupancy
$289.96
Daily Rate
Walk Everywhere*Pet friendly*Near River*Sleeps 10

Walk Everywhere*Pet friendly*Near River*Sleeps 10

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$56,566
Revenue
63.2%
Occupancy
$230.17
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Southport (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Southport based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Southport Realty15$436,3122264.52/5.0
Pamela2$181,5981704.95/5.0
Evolve3$115,024854.75/5.0
Amy3$88,6464074.96/5.0
Christina1$76,210664.98/5.0
April And Tony2$70,4151504.97/5.0
Stephanie1$64,508995.00/5.0
Host #1961937269$62,9093524.86/5.0
Evolve1$59,574774.68/5.0
Missy2$57,4941554.86/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Southport.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Southport STR Market Data (2025)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Southport. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Southport Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Southport

  • The Southport Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 85.6% of the 104 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Southport, House properties are the most common (61.5%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 61.5% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 13.5% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like others (combined 3.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Southport Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Southport

  • The dominant room capacity in Southport is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 33.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 65.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Southport, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 41.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Southport.

Southport Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Southport

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Southport vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (26.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 6 guests and 4 guests dominate the Southport STR market, accounting for 52.9% of listings.
  • 46.1% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Southport.
  • On average, properties in Southport are equipped to host 4.7 guests.

Southport Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Southport

  • The most common availability pattern in Southport falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 40.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 76.9% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Southport (37.5%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 25.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Southport Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (12.1%)

1 Night

12 listings

12.1% of total

2 Nights (46.5%)

2 Nights

46 listings

46.5% of total

3 Nights (24.2%)

3 Nights

24 listings

24.2% of total

4-6 Nights (2%)

4-6 Nights

2 listings

2% of total

7-29 Nights (2%)

7-29 Nights

2 listings

2% of total

30+ Nights (13.1%)

30+ Nights

13 listings

13.1% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Southport is 2 Nights, adopted by 46.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (13.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Southport, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 46.5% of Southport hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 12.1% currently do.
  • A 2-night minimum appears standard (46.5%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 13.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Southport.

Southport Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Super Strict 60 Days (5.4%)

Super Strict 60 Days

5 listings

5.4% of total

Flexible (15.1%)

Flexible

14 listings

15.1% of total

Moderate (25.8%)

Moderate

24 listings

25.8% of total

Firm (17.2%)

Firm

16 listings

17.2% of total

Strict (36.6%)

Strict

34 listings

36.6% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Southport

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Southport is Strict, used by 36.6% of listings.
  • A majority (53.8%) of hosts in Southport 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 36.6% market standard in Southport.
  • With 36.6% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Southport, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Southport.

Southport STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Southport

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Southport is 47 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 76 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 36 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (66 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 (47 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Southport.
  • For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 76 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 66 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Southport averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Southport (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Southport

  • Essential amenities in Southport that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like TV, Coffee maker, Free parking on premises are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Southport: Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Heating, Smoke alarm.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Coffee maker to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Southport to stay competitive.

Southport Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Southport

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Southport consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), often arriving from nearby Raleigh, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
  • Domestic travelers account for 98.1% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (98.1%) and DC (0.5%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (80.9%) followed by Spanish (11.4%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Raleigh and Charlotte.
  • 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 Southport Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Folly Beach885$6,398$497.6747%
Sullivan's Island24$6,341$798.5743%
Isle of Palms873$6,018$636.2840%
Ocean Isle Beach414$5,769$604.0739%
Charleston1,841$5,054$354.6053%
Wrightsville Beach438$4,415$480.2740%
Mount Pleasant445$4,059$277.9854%
Bald Head Island174$3,933$508.2535%
Cedar Point24$3,702$272.4248%
Emerald Isle449$3,694$347.4942%

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