Sylva 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 Sylva in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Sylva, North Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Sylva, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 182 active listings.

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

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$176
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Sylva.
Occupancy Rate(?)
43.6%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$26,687
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Sylva. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
0.4%
Positive growth (0.4%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
July
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Sylva.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Sylva.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
182
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

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

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Sylva 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 Sylva 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 Sylva across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,387+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,677 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,317 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,208, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Sylva

Sylva Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Sylva 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 Sylva:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 80%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 66% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 45%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 24% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Sylva

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

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Sylva involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Sylva typically peaks in July and dips lowest during March. 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 $279+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $206 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $152 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $118 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Sylva

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Sylva (2025)

Peak Season (July, June, May)
  • Revenue averages $3,496 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 52.1%
  • Daily rates average $186
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $2,805 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 47.2%
  • Daily rates hold near $182
Low Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,693 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 35.2%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $162

Seasonality Insights for Sylva

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Sylva 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 Sylva's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,738, occupancy reaching a high of 59.2%, and ADRs peaking at $192.
  • 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 $1,460, occupancy could drop to 33.9%, and ADRs may adjust down to $160.
  • 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 Sylva.

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

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Sylva (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Sylva? 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 Sylva
The historic heart of Sylva with quaint shops, restaurants, and access to festivals. Ideal for visitors looking to experience local culture and small-town charm.
Jackson County Courthouse, Main Street shops, Local restaurants, Annual Sylva Firefly Festival
Balsam Mountain Preserve
An exclusive community offering luxury homes and stunning natural landscapes. Attracts nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Balsam Mountain Preserve Golf Club, Hiking trails, Wildlife viewing, Scenic overlooks
Western Carolina University
A vibrant college town atmosphere with plenty of activities and amenities. Great for hosting students and visiting families during the academic year.
Western Carolina University campus, Football games, Student cultural events, Local eateries
Tuckasegee River
A scenic river area perfect for outdoor activities like fishing, rafting, and tubing. Popular with adventure seekers and families.
Tuckasegee River activities, Outdoor adventure companies, Picnic spots, Riverfront parks
Greenville
Nearby Greenville offers a charming downtown area and is a hub for arts and culture. Visitors also frequent for its events and festivals.
Greenville Civic Center, Annual festivals, Local dining, Art galleries
Sylva Walmart area
Convenient for visitors who prioritize accessibility and nearby amenities. Ideal for families and budget travelers.
Walmart shopping, Restaurants and fast food, Close to major roads, Local parks
Whittier
A quaint town close to major attractions and the Smoky Mountains, appealing to tourists who want a quieter base for exploring the region.
Whittier riverside attractions, Access to Great Smoky Mountains, Historic sites, Local shops
Dillsboro
Charming small town with artsy vibe and scenic river views. Hosts events and is close to outdoor fun, perfect for cozy getaways.
Dillsboro Arts District, Great Smoky Mountains Railway, Local craft shops, Scenic river views

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

While Sylva, 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 Sylva to ensure full compliance before hosting.

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

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Sylva (2025)

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

Creekside Hideaway | Private Hot Tub & Sauna

Creekside Hideaway | Private Hot Tub & Sauna

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$92,698
Revenue
86.6%
Occupancy
$295.93
Daily Rate
Slps 24;12m town;7acre; huge yard; theatre+gmroom!

Slps 24;12m town;7acre; huge yard; theatre+gmroom!

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$91,185
Revenue
44.4%
Occupancy
$524.41
Daily Rate
Amazing Smokey Mountain View Getaway Sylva, NC

Amazing Smokey Mountain View Getaway Sylva, NC

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$90,777
Revenue
48.6%
Occupancy
$507.48
Daily Rate
Amazing Log Cabin with Views, Hot Tub, Fire Pit!

Amazing Log Cabin with Views, Hot Tub, Fire Pit!

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$80,307
Revenue
76.5%
Occupancy
$287.03
Daily Rate
Views | Game room | Hot-Tub | Fire Pit | 10 Beds

Views | Game room | Hot-Tub | Fire Pit | 10 Beds

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$77,362
Revenue
49.4%
Occupancy
$387.17
Daily Rate
Mountain Retreat: Hot Tub, BBQ, Pool Table & Views

Mountain Retreat: Hot Tub, BBQ, Pool Table & Views

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$76,951
Revenue
48.5%
Occupancy
$328.63
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 Sylva (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Sylva 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
Sundog16$513,5744064.51/5.0
Laurel Bush Riverfront Cabins8$284,75615614.82/5.0
Evolve5$158,2101644.73/5.0
Ethan4$138,5254074.88/5.0
Marianne5$132,2005464.97/5.0
Alexus3$96,768884.86/5.0
Jack & Samantha1$92,6981474.95/5.0
Dan And Veronica1$91,185844.87/5.0
Frank1$90,7771374.93/5.0
Nate2$89,5633354.93/5.0

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 Sylva.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Sylva STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

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

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Sylva

  • The Sylva Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 94.5% of the 182 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Sylva, House properties are the most common (47.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 47.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • Smaller segments like apartment/condo, hotel/boutique, others, unique stays (combined 8.2%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Sylva Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Sylva

  • The dominant room capacity in Sylva is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 35.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 59.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Sylva, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 36.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Sylva.

Sylva Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Sylva

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Sylva vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (26.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 8+ guests and 4 guests dominate the Sylva STR market, accounting for 51.7% of listings.
  • 50.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Sylva.
  • On average, properties in Sylva are equipped to host 5.2 guests.

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

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Sylva

  • The most common availability pattern in Sylva falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 37.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 64.8% 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 Sylva (35.2%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 38.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Sylva Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (24.4%)

1 Night

43 listings

24.4% of total

2 Nights (48.9%)

2 Nights

86 listings

48.9% of total

3 Nights (6.3%)

3 Nights

11 listings

6.3% of total

4-6 Nights (2.8%)

4-6 Nights

5 listings

2.8% of total

30+ Nights (17.6%)

30+ Nights

31 listings

17.6% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Sylva is 2 Nights, adopted by 48.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (73.3%) of the Sylva Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (17.6%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Sylva, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 48.9% of Sylva hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 24.4% currently do.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 17.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Sylva.

Sylva Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Super Strict 30 Days (11.6%)

Super Strict 30 Days

20 listings

11.6% of total

Super Strict 60 Days

2 listings

1.2% of total

Flexible (14.5%)

Flexible

25 listings

14.5% of total

Moderate (35.3%)

Moderate

61 listings

35.3% of total

Firm (24.3%)

Firm

42 listings

24.3% of total

Strict (13.3%)

Strict

23 listings

13.3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Sylva

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Sylva is Moderate, used by 35.3% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (49.8%) and stricter (37.6%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 35.3% market standard in Sylva.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 13.3% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Sylva.

Sylva STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Sylva

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Sylva is 42 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 67 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 21 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (52 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (36 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (42 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Sylva.
  • For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 67 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 52 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Sylva averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Sylva (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Sylva

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

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Sylva: Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Air conditioning, Wifi, Heating.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water 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 Sylva to stay competitive.

Sylva 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 Sylva

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Sylva 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 98.2% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (98.2%) and Canada (0.3%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (78.3%) followed by Spanish (8.6%).
  • 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 Atlanta.
  • 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 Sylva 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
Union Mills14$5,934$458.5743%
Sevier County54$5,803$490.3244%
Gilmer County22$4,696$342.1343%
Sevierville5,187$4,592$318.7748%
Six Mile57$4,391$411.6743%
Fannin County37$4,285$339.5241%
West Union31$4,282$513.7238%
Gatlinburg2,866$4,172$307.4447%
Waleska41$4,156$346.7242%
Wears Valley192$4,135$299.0844%

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