Waycross

As of June 2026, Waycross, Brunswick, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island have 414 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 2% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Waycross generates $22K per year. High-performing properties earn $40K/year, while low-performing properties earn $7K/year. With supply declining slightly while overall revenue contracted sharply and occupancy remains under 30%, the market is experiencing demand weakness that outpaces supply reduction. The wide performance gap—with top properties earning nearly double the average—suggests significant differentiation among listings in a constrained demand environment.

Average home prices in Waycross vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $156K, 2-bedroom homes average $143K, 3-bedroom properties are around $233K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $316K. These prices reflect median home values across the Waycross, Brunswick, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Waycross, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 20%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The market faces headwinds, with supply declining while revenue dropped significantly year-over-year despite flat supply over two years, suggesting demand softness. The wide performance gap between high and average yields indicates highly differentiated property performance in a competitive landscape with low occupancy.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Waycross is 29%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $193, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $42 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Waycross, with an average gross yield of 15% and annual revenue of $20K. These properties balance purchase price ($143K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Waycross market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Waycross area. Waycross: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permits required. Minimal oversight or enforcement activity. Brunswick: Lenient. Business license required, zoning compliance expected. Light enforcement, many operate informally. Jekyll Island: Strict. State-controlled island with approved rental programs only. Active enforcement through Jekyll Island Authority. St. Simons Island: Moderate. Glynn County business license and occupational tax required. Moderate enforcement through complaints. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Waycross Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 27%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. However, the significant revenue decline outpacing supply reduction suggests weakening demand, while the substantial gap between average revenue ($21,875) and top performers ($40,006) reveals considerable performance stratification within the market.

Launch around August, 2-3 months before peak fall season (November peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 66% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Waycross listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (93%), Tv (91%), Washing Machine (86%), Heating (75%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Lake Access, Washing Machine, Bbq, with Lake Access properties earning approximately 32% more ($43K/year vs $33K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Waycross over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $1K, July: $1K, August: $2K, September: $1K, October: $1K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $690, February: $904, March: $1K, April: $1K. 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 Waycross is $193, up 33% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $135/night, 2-bedroom properties average $170/night, 3-bedroom properties average $201/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $295/night. Rates peak in October and are lowest in May.

Guests in Waycross book an average of 23 days in advance, down 13% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 24 days, 2-bedroom: 22 days, 3-bedroom: 23 days, 4+ bedroom: 26 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Waycross Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 2%, revenue per listing decreased 27%, occupancy fell 30%, average nightly rates increased 33%, and lead time decreased 13%. The sharp gap between average revenue ($21,875) and top performers ($40,006) suggests highly uneven market conditions where rate increases haven't offset occupancy losses, indicating intense competition concentrated among premium listings.

In Waycross, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 37% higher occupancy than weekdays.