Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Outer Banks?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Outer Banks market averaged 8,666 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 10% from a year earlier and up 57% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Outer Banks?

Accepted Answer

An average Outer Banks listing earns $52K/year. High-performing listings earn $118K, while low-performing listings earn $26K.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Median Outer Banks home prices by size are 1-bedroom $318K, 2-bedroom $300K, 3-bedroom $394K, and 4+ bedroom $1.0M.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Outer Banks?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Outer Banks is 33%, producing RevPAR of $113 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Outer Banks?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Outer Banks. Outer Banks (unincorporated Dare County): Lenient. Zoning permit and occupancy tax registration required. No owner-occupancy rules or rental caps. Light enforcement.
Nags Head: Lenient. Business license and zoning compliance required. No owner-occupancy mandates or density limits. Minimal enforcement, widespread rentals.
Kill Devil Hills: Lenient. Business license and tax registration needed. No occupancy requirements or caps. Light enforcement.
Kitty Hawk: Lenient. Business license required, zoning compliance. No owner-occupancy rules or rental restrictions. Minimal enforcement activity. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Outer Banks Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Outer Banks Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 10% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 17%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Outer Banks?

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 Outer Banks?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), TV (99%), Internet (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+62%), Pool (+41%), Hot Tub (+39%).

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Outer Banks is $362, up 3% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in December.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Guests in Outer Banks book an average of 52 days in advance, up 8% from last year. Booking windows range from 37 days for 1-bedroom listings to 60 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Friday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Monday. 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.Edenton Area	$26.8K 37 listings	13.3% 37 listings
2.Elizabeth City Area	$34.3K 38 listings	13.0% 38 listings
3.Rodanthe, Waves & Salvo	$61.9K 94 listings	10.2% 94 listings
4.Currituck Mainland	$40.9K 30 listings	9.9% 30 listings
5.Hatteras	$28.4K 71 listings	9.9% 71 listings
6.Kill Devil Hills	$48.3K 846 listings	9.8% 846 listings
7.Carova & Four-Wheel-Drive Beaches	$56.9K 55 listings	9.8% 55 listings
8.Roanoke Island	$45.6K 111 listings	9.3% 111 listings
9.Colington	$45.6K 81 listings	9.2% 81 listings
10.Southern Shores	$57.8K 116 listings	9.1% 116 listings
11.Avon	$48.9K 154 listings	9.1% 154 listings
12.Frisco	$36.1K 57 listings	8.4% 57 listings
13.Kitty Hawk	$48.6K 243 listings	8.2% 243 listings
14.Duck	$55.0K 212 listings	8.1% 212 listings
15.Corolla	$58.7K 390 listings	7.9% 390 listings
16.South Nags Head & Whalebone	$50.8K 269 listings	7.8% 269 listings
17.Nags Head	$49.6K 386 listings	7.4% 386 listings