Surf City Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in North Carolina, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Surf City in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Surf City, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Surf City, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 632 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Surf City, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Surf City 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 Surf City Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Surf City (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Surf City 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 Surf City 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 Surf City across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $9,233+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,874 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,433 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,793, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Surf City
Surf City Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Surf City 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 Surf City:
- 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 37%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 19% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Surf City
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Surf City (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Surf City involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Surf City 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 $552+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $378 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $269 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $189 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Surf City
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Surf City (2025)
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $7,811 per month
- Occupancy rates average 58.7%
- Daily rates average $371
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,997 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 36.1%
- Daily rates hold near $308
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,190 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 26.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $286
Seasonality Insights for Surf City
- The Airbnb seasonality in Surf City 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 Surf City's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $8,603, occupancy reaching a high of 64.8%, and ADRs peaking at $375.
- 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 $1,969, occupancy could drop to 23.9%, and ADRs may adjust down to $280.
- 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 Surf City.
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 Surf City seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Surf City (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Surf City? 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 |
---|---|---|
Surf City Beach | The main beach area of Surf City, popular for its beautiful sandy shores and direct access to water activities. Ideal for tourists looking for sun and surf, making it a prime spot for Airbnb hosting. | Surf City Pier, Topsail Island, Jungle Rapids Waterpark, The Surf City Swing Bridge, Local seafood restaurants |
Topsail Island | The scenic and serene Topsail Island offers a more peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere, attracting vacationers looking for a relaxing getaway. It provides a range of outdoor activities and beach access. | Topsail Beach, Missiles and More Museum, Soundside Park, Surf City Shark, Fishing and kayaking opportunities |
Harbor Island | A charming and quiet area with private beach access, perfect for couples and families seeking a serene vacation experience. Offers beautiful views and close proximity to local amenities. | Harbor Island Marina, Keenans Beach, Local shops and cafes, Nature trails, Water sports rental |
Central Surf City | The hub of activities in Surf City, hosting several local events and festivals. Close to shops, dining, and entertainment, making it a vibrant choice for guests. | Surf City Community Center, Local markets, Restaurants and diners, Waterfront parks, Nearby fishing spots |
North Topsail Beach | This area offers a more secluded beach experience, catering to those seeking tranquility and nature, away from the more crowded tourist spots. | North Topsail Beach, Beachfront access, Shelling and wildlife viewing, Local beach access spots, Fishing opportunities |
Soundside Drive | Known for its picturesque sunsets and sound views, this area attracts visitors interested in water sports, fishing, and family-friendly activities. | Soundside Park, Community boat ramp, Kayaking and paddleboarding, Fishing access, Nature scenic views |
Piney Woods | A wooded area providing a unique experience away from the beach, appealing to guests interested in hiking, nature trails, and local wildlife. | Piney Woods Park, Nature trails, Bird watching, Cycling routes, Picnic areas |
Topsail Beach Town Center | The center of Topsail Beach offers shopping, dining, and local community events, making it ideal for guests wanting access to both beach and local culture. | Topsail Beach shops, Local cafes, Beaches, Beach rentals, Community events |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Surf City (2025)
While Surf City, 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 Surf City to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 0% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Surf City (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Surf Citybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

2 Oceanfront Decks, Hot tub, Walk to Everything
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

The Turtle's Palace- Oceanfront - Pool - Hot Tub -
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms

2 Connecting Beach Front Houses! 8 Bdrms/Sleeps 18
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms

Hot tub, Beach Front, Private, Walk to Restaurants
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

Surf City Oceanfront~2 Kings~Private Beach Access
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

Ocean Front 5Bed/3 Bath Dog Friendly Amazing View!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Surf City (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Surf City 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Carolina Retreats | 55 | $1,579,789 | 141 | 1.85/5.0 |
Jeffrey | 25 | $1,311,826 | 1818 | 4.86/5.0 |
Host #452126266 | 27 | $894,282 | 129 | 3.73/5.0 |
Kate | 9 | $859,386 | 874 | 4.98/5.0 |
Krisha | 5 | $734,246 | 238 | 4.97/5.0 |
Evolve | 12 | $620,258 | 256 | 4.84/5.0 |
Vacasa North Carolina | 15 | $472,324 | 101 | 3.74/5.0 |
Landmark Vacation Rentals | 8 | $467,886 | 16 | 1.82/5.0 |
Vacasa North Carolina | 31 | $463,406 | 285 | 4.18/5.0 |
Denise | 38 | $408,740 | 52 | 0.81/5.0 |
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 Surf City.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Surf City STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Surf City. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSurf City Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Surf City
- The Surf City Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 94.9% of the 632 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Surf City, House properties are the most common (72.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 72.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, unique stays (combined 6.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Surf City Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Surf City
- The dominant room capacity in Surf City is 4 bedrooms listings, making up 27.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 4 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 52.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Surf City, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 67.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Surf City.
Surf City Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Surf City
- The most common guest capacity trend in Surf City vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (59%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Surf City STR market, accounting for 77.2% of listings.
- 81.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Surf City.
- On average, properties in Surf City are equipped to host 6.7 guests.
Surf City Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Surf City
- The most common availability pattern in Surf City falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 42.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 81.5% 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 Surf City (39.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 19.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Surf City Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
56 listings
9.3% of total
2 Nights
163 listings
27.2% of total
3 Nights
205 listings
34.2% of total
4-6 Nights
49 listings
8.2% of total
7-29 Nights
31 listings
5.2% of total
30+ Nights
95 listings
15.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Surf City is 3 Nights, adopted by 34.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (15.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Surf City, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 3 Nights minimum stay, as 34.2% of Surf City hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 9.3% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 15.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Surf City.
Surf City Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 60 Days
49 listings
10.7% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
42 listings
9.2% of total
Flexible
19 listings
4.2% of total
Moderate
61 listings
13.3% of total
Firm
152 listings
33.3% of total
Strict
134 listings
29.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Surf City
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Surf City is Firm, used by 33.3% of listings.
- A majority (62.6%) of hosts in Surf City utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 33.3% market standard in Surf City.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Surf City.
Surf City STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Surf City
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Surf City is 50 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 120 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 32 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (98 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (39 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (50 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Surf City.
- For July 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 98 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Surf City averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Surf City (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Surf City
- Essential amenities in Surf City that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, Coffee maker, Kitchen, Hot water, Microwave. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Surf City: Air conditioning, Wifi, TV, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, Coffee maker, Kitchen, Hot water, Microwave.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, TV, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Heating, Coffee maker, Kitchen, Hot water, 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 Surf City to stay competitive.
Surf City Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Surf City
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Surf City consists of primarily domestic travelers (99%), 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 98.6% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (98.6%) and DC (0.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (82.2%) followed by Spanish (9.5%).
- 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 Surf City 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ocean Isle Beach | 414 | $5,769 | $604.07 | 39% |
Wrightsville Beach | 438 | $4,415 | $480.27 | 40% |
Indian Beach | 15 | $3,989 | $334.51 | 41% |
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% |
Kure Beach | 453 | $3,526 | $371.29 | 41% |
Oak Island | 1,083 | $3,495 | $380.69 | 40% |
Caswell Beach | 46 | $3,300 | $400.38 | 38% |
Pine Knoll Shores | 81 | $3,260 | $369.84 | 38% |