Wilmington (nc)

As of May 2026, Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach have 8,919 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 4% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Wilmington (NC) generates $48K per year. High-performing properties earn $92K/year, while low-performing properties earn $23K/year. The wide revenue gap suggests that market success is heavily skewed toward top-tier listings, even as total market revenue faces downward pressure from recent shifts in demand.

Average home prices in Wilmington (NC) vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $291K, 2-bedroom homes average $274K, 3-bedroom properties are around $360K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $597K. These prices reflect median home values across the Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Wilmington (NC), with an average gross yield of 12% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 23%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield spread highlights how high-earning units effectively insulate themselves against broader market revenue contractions.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Wilmington (NC) is 36%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $339, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $90 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Wilmington (NC), with an average gross yield of 12% and annual revenue of $40K. These properties balance purchase price ($274K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Wilmington (NC) market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Wilmington (NC) area. Wilmington: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, some neighborhoods prohibit STRs. Enforcement complaint-driven but increasing. Wrightsville Beach: Strict. Town permit required, occupancy tax registration, parking requirements, noise ordinances strictly enforced. Active code enforcement with fines. Carolina Beach: Moderate. Business license and occupancy tax registration required, zoning compliance needed. Enforcement generally complaint-based, moderate activity. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Wilmington (NC) Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 33%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both supply and revenue reflects a market recalibrating toward current traveler volume rather than an oversupplied environment.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 40% 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 Wilmington (NC) listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (95%), Washing Machine (87%), Tv (73%), Balcony (62%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Pool, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 31% more ($87K/year vs $67K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Wilmington (NC) over the last 12 months: May: $4K, June: $5K, July: $5K, August: $5K, September: $3K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $705, February: $772, March: $2K, April: $4K. 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 Wilmington (NC) is $339, up 10% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $190/night, 2-bedroom properties average $243/night, 3-bedroom properties average $309/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $581/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in Wilmington (NC) book an average of 40 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 30 days, 2-bedroom: 37 days, 3-bedroom: 39 days, 4+ bedroom: 47 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Wilmington (NC) Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 4%, revenue per listing decreased 33%, occupancy fell 13%, average nightly rates increased 10%, and lead time decreased 21%. These metrics point to a market where hosts are testing higher price points despite weaker demand velocity.

In Wilmington (NC), Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 40% higher occupancy than weekdays.