Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Hickory?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Hickory market averaged 18,582 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 5% from a year earlier and up 12% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Hickory?

Accepted Answer

An average Hickory listing earns $40K/year. High-performing listings earn $90K, while low-performing listings earn $16K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Hickory home prices by size are 1-bedroom $219K, 2-bedroom $270K, 3-bedroom $331K, and 4+ bedroom $476K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Hickory?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Hickory is 33%, producing RevPAR of $87 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Hickory?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Hickory. Asheville: Strict. Permit required, owner-occupancy mandate for whole-house rentals, caps in residential zones. Active enforcement with violations prosecuted.
Hickory: Lenient. Business license and tax registration required. Minimal restrictions, light enforcement.
Boone: Strict. Permit required, owner-occupancy required, density limits in neighborhoods. Active enforcement though some operate illegally.
Blowing Rock: Strict. Permit mandatory, owner-occupancy rule, strict zoning limits. Active enforcement in small town with neighbor complaints common. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Hickory Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Hickory Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 20%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Hickory?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and December; it is lowest in March and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Hickory?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (99%), Heating (98%), Kitchen (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Sauna (+58%), Washing Machine (+47%), Ev Charger (+44%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Hickory is $295, up 21% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in March.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Hickory book an average of 39 days in advance, up 18% from last year. Booking windows range from 32 days for 1-bedroom listings to 50 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 72% 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.Lenoir & Granite Falls	$41.3K 123 listings	18.6% 123 listings
2.Elk Park & Roan Mountain	$44.3K 36 listings	16.0% 36 listings
3.Marion & Old Fort	$40.1K 109 listings	15.5% 109 listings
4.Morganton & Valdese	$27.4K 55 listings	13.1% 55 listings
5.Spruce Pine & Bakersville	$31.2K 65 listings	12.9% 65 listings
6.Hickory, Newton & Conover	$27.5K 134 listings	12.3% 134 listings
7.Rutherfordton & Forest City	$26.9K 97 listings	11.7% 97 listings
8.Lincolnton & Maiden	$23.2K 40 listings	11.6% 40 listings
9.Purlear & Ferguson	$38.0K 41 listings	11.6% 41 listings
10.Wilkesboro & Moravian Falls	$31.5K 29 listings	11.6% 29 listings
11.Canton & Clyde	$32.9K 92 listings	11.3% 92 listings
12.Sylva & Dillsboro	$30.1K 188 listings	10.9% 188 listings
13.Shelby & Kings Mountain	$23.8K 27 listings	10.4% 27 listings
14.Downtown Asheville & Montford	$46.8K 381 listings	10.4% 381 listings
15.East Asheville — Haw Creek & Riceville	$39.3K 170 listings	10.4% 170 listings
16.Candler	$32.2K 224 listings	10.3% 224 listings
17.Burnsville & Green Mountain	$29.5K 168 listings	10.0% 168 listings
18.Fletcher & Hoopers Creek	$43.8K 76 listings	10.0% 76 listings
19.Newland & Linville	$27.4K 127 listings	9.8% 127 listings
20.West Asheville	$35.3K 341 listings	9.7% 341 listings
21.Vilas & Sugar Grove	$42.5K 169 listings	9.6% 169 listings
22.Watauga Lake & Butler	$37.3K 56 listings	9.6% 56 listings
23.South Asheville & Arden	$36.6K 336 listings	9.6% 336 listings
24.Marshall	$33.6K 42 listings	9.5% 42 listings
25.Black Mountain & Swannanoa	$37.8K 453 listings	9.3% 453 listings
26.Fairview & Gerton	$44.6K 155 listings	9.2% 155 listings
27.Leicester & Alexander	$35.9K 84 listings	9.1% 84 listings
28.Hendersonville	$32.3K 171 listings	9.0% 171 listings
29.Waynesville & Lake Junaluska	$33.0K 266 listings	8.9% 266 listings
30.North Asheville & Woodfin	$34.6K 235 listings	8.8% 235 listings
31.Weaverville & Barnardsville	$31.9K 211 listings	8.6% 211 listings
32.Lake Lure & Chimney Rock	$33.8K 329 listings	8.5% 329 listings
33.Mars Hill	$46.0K 66 listings	8.3% 66 listings
34.Banner Elk & Valleys	$41.1K 592 listings	8.2% 592 listings
35.Boone & Deep Gap	$37.2K 566 listings	8.1% 566 listings
36.Mill Spring	$33.8K 32 listings	8.0% 32 listings
37.Nebo & Lake James	$46.4K 54 listings	7.9% 54 listings
38.Maggie Valley	$30.7K 381 listings	7.8% 381 listings
39.Sugar Mountain	$29.0K 196 listings	7.2% 196 listings
40.Beech Mountain	$37.2K 321 listings	7.1% 321 listings
41.Todd & Fleetwood	$32.2K 80 listings	7.1% 80 listings
42.Mills River & Horse Shoe	$33.3K 36 listings	7.0% 36 listings
43.West Jefferson & Jefferson	$25.6K 117 listings	6.9% 117 listings
44.Blowing Rock	$44.1K 445 listings	6.3% 445 listings