Pine Knoll Shores

As of June 2026, Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City have 3,256 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 12% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Emerald Isle generates $32K per year. High-performing properties earn $69K/year, while low-performing properties earn $20K/year. This significant performance spread suggests that revenue potential is heavily bifurcated, with top-tier assets capturing a disproportionate share of total market demand despite a 28% occupancy average.

Average home prices in Emerald Isle vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $219K, 2-bedroom homes average $292K, 3-bedroom properties are around $376K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $640K. These prices reflect median home values across the Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Emerald Isle, with an average gross yield of 9% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 19%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. Such variance highlights how top-quartile assets effectively insulate themselves against broader market revenue declines of 34%.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Emerald Isle is 28%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $287, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $66 per day.

1-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Emerald Isle, with an average gross yield of 8% and annual revenue of $20K. These properties balance purchase price ($219K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Emerald Isle market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Emerald Isle area. Emerald Isle: Moderate. Town permit required, occupancy tax registration, zoning compliance. Standard enforcement with complaint-based inspections. Atlantic Beach: Moderate. Business license and occupancy tax registration required. Zoning restrictions in some areas. Enforcement through complaints and periodic checks. Morehead City: Lenient. Occupancy tax registration required, basic zoning compliance. Light enforcement, primarily tax-focused rather than operational restrictions. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Emerald Isle Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing increasingly competitive conditions. Supply has grown 12% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 34%. This indicates growing competition requiring strong operations. The data reflects a market where rising inventory is outpacing demand, placing downward pressure on total revenue per unit.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 35% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Emerald Isle listings include: Air Conditioning (90%), Washing Machine (88%), Kitchen (86%), Tv (67%), Balcony (61%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Hot Tub, Pool, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 32% more ($63K/year vs $48K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Emerald Isle over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $4K, July: $4K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $987, December: $689, January: $440, February: $379, March: $1K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Emerald Isle is $287, up 9% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $161/night, 2-bedroom properties average $204/night, 3-bedroom properties average $267/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $505/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in February.

Guests in Emerald Isle book an average of 45 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 33 days, 2-bedroom: 47 days, 3-bedroom: 45 days, 4+ bedroom: 54 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Emerald Isle Airbnb and VRBO market has seen: supply grew 12%, revenue per listing decreased 34%, occupancy fell 18%, average nightly rates increased 9%, and lead time decreased 18%. These metrics reveal a challenging environment where higher pricing attempts are failing to compensate for reduced occupancy and accelerated inventory growth.

In Emerald Isle, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 34% higher occupancy than weekdays.