Sunset Beach Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Carolina, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Sunset Beach in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Sunset Beach, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Sunset Beach, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 314 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Sunset Beach, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Sunset Beach (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Sunset Beach is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Sunset Beach is typically July, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Sunset Beach across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,300+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,238 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,897 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $931, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Sunset Beach STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while December experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Sunset Beach:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 74%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 54% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 33%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 16% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Sunset Beach
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Sunset Beach (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Sunset Beach involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Sunset Beach typically peaks in July and dips lowest during 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 $371+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $244 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $167 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $125 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Sunset Beach
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Sunset Beach (2025)
Peak Season (July, June, May)
- Revenue averages $4,004 per month
- Occupancy rates average 47.7%
- Daily rates average $220
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,366 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 36.6%
- Daily rates hold near $210
Low Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue drops to average $1,393 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 27.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $208
Seasonality Insights for Sunset Beach
- The Airbnb seasonality in Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,364, occupancy reaching a high of 56.3%, and ADRs peaking at $226.
- 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 $1,246, occupancy could drop to 26.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $198.
- 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 Sunset Beach.
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 Sunset Beach seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Sunset Beach (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Sunset Beach? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| East Sunset Beach | This area offers stunning oceanfront properties with easy access to the beach, making it popular among tourists looking for a relaxing beach getaway. | Sunset Beach, Bird Island Coastal Reserve, Myrtle Beach nearby, Fishing and water sports, Golf courses |
| Sunset Beach Village | A charming village feel with local shops and restaurants, this area attracts families and couples looking for a quaint coastal experience. | Local shops and restaurants, Community events, Cultural attractions, Biking and walking paths, Sunset Beach Pier |
| Calabash Coast | Located just north of Sunset Beach, this area has a unique blend of coastal charm and local seafood restaurants, perfect for vacationers. | Calabash River, Seafood dining options, Local history, Golfing, Arts and crafts shops |
| Holden Beach | A family-friendly beach community with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for vacations seeking calm waters and family activities. | Holden Beach, Fishing pier, Family-friendly recreational activities, Local parks, Water sports |
| Ocean Isle Beach | Known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe, it's a great spot for families and beachfront rentals. | Ocean Isle Beach, Water slides and amusements, Kayaking opportunities, Golf courses nearby, Dining options |
| Sunset Beach Golf Club | A golf-centric destination appealing to visitors interested in both golfing and beach activities, this location is a hit among golf lovers. | Golf courses, Clubhouse dining, Scenic vistas, Community events, Nearby beaches |
| Little River | Just a short drive from Sunset Beach, this area offers access to waterfront dining and nearby attractions, appealing to tourists searching for diverse experiences. | Waterfront dining, Nearby casinos, Fishing and boating, Historic sites, Golfing |
| Myrtle Beach (nearby) | Although slightly further away, Myrtle Beach is a major tourist destination that attracts visitors looking for entertainment, dining, and beach activities, making it a potentially lucrative option for Airbnb hosting. | Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Amusement parks, Fishing piers, Nightlife |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Sunset Beach (2025)
While Sunset Beach, 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 Sunset Beach to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Sunset Beach (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Sunset Beachbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Rip Tide Beautiful Home on Sunset Beach
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Family-Friendly Vacation Home: Steps to Beach!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Knot on Call Sunset-renovated on the waterfront!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Ocean Drive ~ 36th St & W. Main!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Renovated Beachfront Home-Bikes & Linens Included!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
No Worries Sunset Beach-updated kitchen
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 Sunset Beach (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Sunset Beach based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Janet & Mark | 23 | $940,172 | 1043 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Affordable Large Properties | 47 | $836,475 | 107 | 1.64/5.0 |
| Evolve | 16 | $356,018 | 253 | 3.83/5.0 |
| Vacasa North Carolina | 19 | $293,436 | 79 | 3.28/5.0 |
| Brunswick Vacation Rentals | 1 | $217,196 | 4 | 4.50/5.0 |
| Vacasa North Carolina | 21 | $215,951 | 191 | 4.18/5.0 |
| James | 6 | $139,773 | 980 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Shane | 10 | $138,598 | 363 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Evolve | 1 | $111,872 | 34 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Co-Hosting Of The Carolinas | 3 | $105,247 | 54 | 4.96/5.0 |
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 Sunset Beach.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Sunset Beach STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Sunset Beach. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSunset Beach Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Sunset Beach
- The Sunset Beach Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 98.4% of the 314 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Sunset Beach, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (54.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 40.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, hotel/boutique (combined 4.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Sunset Beach Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Sunset Beach
- The dominant room capacity in Sunset Beach is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 36.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 64.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Sunset Beach, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 44.3% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Sunset Beach
- The most common guest capacity trend in Sunset Beach vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (45.2%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Sunset Beach STR market, accounting for 67.2% of listings.
- 70.4% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Sunset Beach.
- On average, properties in Sunset Beach are equipped to host 6.2 guests.
Sunset Beach Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Sunset Beach
- The most common availability pattern in Sunset Beach falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 48.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 87.3% 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 Sunset Beach (39.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 14.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Sunset Beach Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
33 listings
10.9% of total
2 Nights
112 listings
37% of total
3 Nights
71 listings
23.4% of total
4-6 Nights
16 listings
5.3% of total
7-29 Nights
7 listings
2.3% of total
30+ Nights
64 listings
21.1% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Sunset Beach is 2 Nights, adopted by 37% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A significant segment (21.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Sunset Beach, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 37% of Sunset Beach hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 10.9% currently do.
- A 2-night minimum appears standard (37%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 21.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
27 listings
10.5% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
24 listings
9.3% of total
Flexible
20 listings
7.8% of total
Moderate
56 listings
21.8% of total
Firm
57 listings
22.2% of total
Strict
73 listings
28.4% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Sunset Beach
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Sunset Beach is Strict, used by 28.4% of listings.
- A majority (50.6%) of hosts in Sunset Beach 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 28.4% market standard in Sunset Beach.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Sunset Beach.
Sunset Beach STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Sunset Beach
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Sunset Beach is 64 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during June (average 101 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 49 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (89 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (52 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (64 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Sunset Beach.
- For June stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 101 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 89 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Sunset Beach averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Sunset Beach (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Sunset Beach
- Essential amenities in Sunset Beach that guests expect include: Wifi, TV, Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Coffee maker, Refrigerator, Heating are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Sunset Beach: Wifi, TV, Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV, Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Coffee maker or Refrigerator to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Sunset Beach to stay competitive.
Sunset Beach Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Sunset Beach
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Sunset Beach 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 98.4% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.4%) and Canada (0.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (82.8%) followed by Spanish (9.9%).
- 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 Sunset Beach Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folly Beach | 885 | $6,398 | $497.67 | 47% |
| Sullivan's Island | 24 | $6,341 | $798.57 | 43% |
| Isle of Palms | 873 | $6,018 | $636.28 | 40% |
| Ocean Isle Beach | 414 | $5,769 | $604.07 | 39% |
| Charleston | 1,841 | $5,054 | $354.60 | 53% |
| Wrightsville Beach | 438 | $4,415 | $480.27 | 40% |
| Mount Pleasant | 445 | $4,059 | $277.98 | 54% |
| Bald Head Island | 174 | $3,933 | $508.25 | 35% |
| Cedar Point | 24 | $3,702 | $272.42 | 48% |
| Emerald Isle | 449 | $3,694 | $347.49 | 42% |