Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Hilton Head Island market averaged 11,023 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 15% from a year earlier and up 39% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

An average Hilton Head Island listing earns $55K/year. High-performing listings earn $138K, while low-performing listings earn $24K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

Median Hilton Head Island home prices by size are 1-bedroom $382K, 2-bedroom $325K, 3-bedroom $414K, and 4+ bedroom $658K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Hilton Head Island is 35%, producing RevPAR of $120 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island: Moderate. Business license and accommodations tax registration required. No owner-occupancy rules. Active enforcement of tax collection and zoning violations.
Beaufort: Lenient. Business license required, accommodations tax collection. Minimal enforcement, many operate informally.
Bluffton: Lenient. Business license needed, tax registration. Light enforcement, regulations rarely actively pursued.
Savannah: Moderate. Short-term rental license required, zoning restrictions in historic districts. Moderate enforcement with occasional crackdowns on unlicensed operators. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Hilton Head Island Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Hilton Head Island Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 15% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 10%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Internet (99%), Air Conditioning (99%), TV (99%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+60%), Air Conditioning (+57%), Bbq (+41%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Hilton Head Island is $389, up 9% 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 Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Hilton Head Island book an average of 53 days in advance, up 11% from last year. Booking windows range from 41 days for 1-bedroom listings to 66 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Hilton Head Island?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Friday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 20% 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.Burton & Western Port Royal Island	$40.5K 40 listings	12.2% 40 listings
2.Bluffton & May River	$51.4K 211 listings	11.1% 211 listings
3.Fripp Island	$59.1K 255 listings	9.5% 255 listings
4.Port Royal	$30.5K 59 listings	9.2% 59 listings
5.Harbor Island	$36.7K 154 listings	8.8% 154 listings
6.Palmetto Dunes	$64.5K 1,172 listings	8.6% 1,172 listings
7.Beaufort	$33.7K 266 listings	8.6% 266 listings
8.Port Royal & North-End Beaches	$31.4K 128 listings	8.5% 128 listings
9.St. Helena & Hunting Island	$44.0K 60 listings	8.4% 60 listings
10.Lady’s Island	$38.7K 35 listings	8.3% 35 listings
11.Forest Beach	$44.2K 1,780 listings	7.4% 1,780 listings
12.Edisto Beach & State Park	$41.2K 318 listings	7.0% 318 listings
13.Sea Pines & Calibogue Approaches	$62.5K 1,140 listings	7.0% 1,140 listings
14.Folly Field & Mid-Island Beaches	$36.9K 962 listings	6.7% 962 listings
15.Shelter Cove	$38.9K 103 listings	6.5% 103 listings
16.Shipyard Area	$42.3K 244 listings	5.9% 244 listings