Saluda County Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in South Carolina, United States

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Saluda County in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Saluda County, South Carolina, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Saluda County, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 24 active listings.

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

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$197
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Saluda County.
Occupancy Rate(?)
40.0%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$29,527
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Saluda County. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
6.6%
Positive growth (6.6%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
May
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Saluda County.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Saluda County.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
24
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Saluda County (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Saluda County 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 Saluda County is typically May, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Saluda County across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,815+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,838 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,573 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,490, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Saluda County

Saluda County Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

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

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 74%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 58% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 43%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 26% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Saluda County

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Saluda County (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Saluda County involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Saluda County 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 $320+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $264 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $176 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $133 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Saluda County

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Saluda County (2025)

Peak Season (May, June, April)
  • Revenue averages $4,431 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 50.2%
  • Daily rates average $207
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $2,891 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 45.5%
  • Daily rates hold near $202
Low Season (January, February, December)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,880 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 33.1%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $188

Seasonality Insights for Saluda County

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Saluda County 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 Saluda County's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,724, occupancy reaching a high of 55.1%, and ADRs peaking at $219.
  • 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 $1,605, occupancy could drop to 31.9%, and ADRs may adjust down to $187.
  • 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 Saluda County.

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 Saluda County seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Saluda County (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Saluda County? 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
Lake Hartwell
Beautiful lake area ideal for outdoor activities and family retreats. Popular among tourists for fishing, boating, and relaxing by the water.
Lake Hartwell State Park, Hart State Park, Fishing and boating, Camping areas, Nature trails
Saluda River
Scenic area along the Saluda River providing charm and nature. Ideal for visitors looking for outdoor adventures and peaceful getaways.
Saluda River Walk, Kayaking and canoeing, Fishing spots, Picnic areas, Nature trails
Downtown Saluda
Historic downtown with quaint shops and local eateries. Offers a taste of small-town charm with community events and local culture.
Saluda Historic District, Saluda County Museum, Local craft shops, Restaurants and cafes, Annual events
Ninety Six National Historic Site
A significant historical site with reenactments and educational opportunities. Great for history buffs and families exploring heritage.
Battle of Ninety Six Site, Walking trails, Visitor center, Historical reenactments, Picnic areas
Pacolet River
Offers recreational activities for families and groups such as tubing and fishing. A quiet area for nature lovers.
Pacolet River activities, Fishing spots, Hiking trails, Scenic views, Picnic areas
Greenwood Lake
A serene lake experience with opportunities for water activities and exploring nature. Family-friendly location for relaxing getaways.
Greenwood State Park, Fishing and boating, Camping facilities, Nature trails, Picnic areas
Chinquapin
A quiet and quaint community ideal for those looking to escape the busy city life. Features beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
Nature trails, Local parks, Quiet community charm, Outdoor activities, Nearby rivers
Jocassee Gorges
Stunning natural area known for its waterfalls and hiking trails. Attracts nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure.
Lake Jocassee, Waterfalls, Hiking trails, Camping areas, Wildlife watching

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Saluda County (2025)

While Saluda County, South 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 Saluda County to ensure full compliance before hosting.

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

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Saluda County (2025)

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

Murray Shores Getaway w/ Kayaks | Boat for Rent

Murray Shores Getaway w/ Kayaks | Boat for Rent

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$103,727
Revenue
46.4%
Occupancy
$455.12
Daily Rate
Lake Murray~ Sunsets & Solitude

Lake Murray~ Sunsets & Solitude

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$67,954
Revenue
55.9%
Occupancy
$289.39
Daily Rate
Lake Murray A-Frame House | 4BR | Rent Jet Skis!

Lake Murray A-Frame House | 4BR | Rent Jet Skis!

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$55,063
Revenue
63.0%
Occupancy
$267.95
Daily Rate
Lakefront: New 3BR | Dock | View

Lakefront: New 3BR | Dock | View

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$41,220
Revenue
55.8%
Occupancy
$197.50
Daily Rate
Make Fun Memories on Lake Murray

Make Fun Memories on Lake Murray

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$39,746
Revenue
50.4%
Occupancy
$254.65
Daily Rate
Lake Murray Paradise/Lakefront/Dock/Wifi/Sunrise

Lake Murray Paradise/Lakefront/Dock/Wifi/Sunrise

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$36,529
Revenue
65.4%
Occupancy
$130.23
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 Saluda County (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Saluda County 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
Wendy (Heartwood Homes)3$187,5201434.74/5.0
Leslie1$67,954514.94/5.0
Evolve2$66,864764.76/5.0
Geri5$57,9733074.93/5.0
Travis1$41,220144.86/5.0
Christina1$39,746114.91/5.0
Maighan1$36,529435.00/5.0
Matt2$35,433162.47/5.0
Whitten1$32,987194.95/5.0
John1$32,1741154.89/5.0

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 Saluda County.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Saluda County STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

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

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Saluda County

  • The Saluda County Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 100% of the 24 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Saluda County, House properties are the most common (91.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 91.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • Smaller segments like unique stays, outdoor/unique (combined 8.4%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Saluda County Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Saluda County

  • The dominant room capacity in Saluda County is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 41.7% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 70.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Saluda County, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 58.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Saluda County.

Saluda County Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Saluda County

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Saluda County vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (37.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 8+ guests and 4 guests dominate the Saluda County STR market, accounting for 66.7% of listings.
  • 66.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Saluda County.
  • On average, properties in Saluda County are equipped to host 6.1 guests.

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

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Saluda County

  • The most common availability pattern in Saluda County falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 45.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 50.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Saluda County (45.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 50.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Saluda County Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (18.2%)

1 Night

4 listings

18.2% of total

2 Nights (36.4%)

2 Nights

8 listings

36.4% of total

3 Nights (18.2%)

3 Nights

4 listings

18.2% of total

4-6 Nights (4.5%)

4-6 Nights

1 listings

4.5% of total

30+ Nights (22.7%)

30+ Nights

5 listings

22.7% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Saluda County is 2 Nights, adopted by 36.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (22.7%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Saluda County, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 36.4% of Saluda County hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 18.2% currently do.
  • A 2-night minimum appears standard (36.4%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 22.7% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Saluda County.

Saluda County Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Super Strict 30 Days

1 listings

4.5% of total

Flexible (13.6%)

Flexible

3 listings

13.6% of total

Moderate (27.3%)

Moderate

6 listings

27.3% of total

Firm (27.3%)

Firm

6 listings

27.3% of total

Strict (27.3%)

Strict

6 listings

27.3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Saluda County

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Saluda County is Moderate, used by 27.3% of listings.
  • A majority (54.6%) of hosts in Saluda County utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 27.3% market standard in Saluda County.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Saluda County.

Saluda County STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Saluda County

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Saluda County is 28 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 53 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 (44 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (25 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (28 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Saluda County.
  • For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 53 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 44 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Saluda County averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Saluda County (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Saluda County

  • Essential amenities in Saluda County that guests expect include: Free parking on premises. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Air conditioning, Hot water, Dishes and silverware are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
  • Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Saluda County: Free parking on premises.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Air conditioning or Hot water 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 Saluda County to stay competitive.

Saluda County 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 Saluda County

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Saluda County consists of primarily domestic travelers (98%), often arriving from nearby Lexington, 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 United Kingdom (0.5%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (75.9%) followed by Spanish (9.8%).
  • 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 Lexington and Columbia.
  • 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 Saluda County 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
Catawba10$8,207$620.2946%
Lake Norman of Catawba25$6,235$467.9646%
Union Mills14$5,934$458.5743%
Denver84$5,893$495.6946%
Mooresville322$5,133$466.3644%
Sherrills Ford117$5,032$515.4839%
Troutman36$4,849$350.0050%
Six Mile57$4,391$411.6743%
West Union31$4,282$513.7238%
Chapin85$3,804$346.8146%

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