Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Emerald Isle market averaged 3,488 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 19% from a year earlier and up 75% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

An average Emerald Isle listing earns $38K/year. High-performing listings earn $103K, while low-performing listings earn $21K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

Median Emerald Isle home prices by size are 1-bedroom $219K, 2-bedroom $297K, 3-bedroom $367K, and 4+ bedroom $649K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Emerald Isle is 29%, producing RevPAR of $88 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Emerald Isle. Emerald Isle: Moderate. Town permit required ($100), inspection, occupancy tax registration. Zoning restrictions in some areas. Moderate enforcement with complaint-based inspections.
Atlantic Beach: Lenient. Business license and occupancy tax registration required. No density limits or owner-occupancy rules. Light enforcement, mainly tax compliance focused.
Morehead City: Lenient. Business license and tax registration needed. No specific STR restrictions beyond general zoning. Minimal enforcement, primarily complaint-driven. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Emerald Isle Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Emerald Isle Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 19% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 23%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and June; it is lowest in February and January.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (99%), Air Conditioning (99%), TV (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+53%), Bbq (+29%), Heating (+28%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Emerald Isle is $312, up 16% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Emerald Isle book an average of 55 days in advance, up 25% from last year. Booking windows range from 36 days for 1-bedroom listings to 69 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Emerald Isle?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 36% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Swansboro–Cape Carteret Mainland	$48.0K 50 listings	12.4% 50 listings
2.Harkers Island	$45.1K 27 listings	11.1% 27 listings
3.Newport & Bogue Sound Mainland	$35.2K 25 listings	10.6% 25 listings
4.Morehead City & Surroundings	$39.4K 72 listings	8.6% 72 listings
5.Down East Mainland & Cedar Island	$34.4K 26 listings	8.5% 26 listings
6.Beaufort & Northern Countryside	$35.5K 112 listings	8.5% 112 listings
7.Atlantic Beach & Fort Macon Surroundings	$41.9K 291 listings	7.6% 291 listings
8.Pine Knoll Shores	$59.3K 55 listings	7.4% 55 listings
9.Emerald Isle	$51.9K 427 listings	7.0% 427 listings