Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Wilmington (NC)?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Wilmington (NC) market averaged 9,295 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 7% from a year earlier and up 40% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Wilmington (NC)?

Accepted Answer

An average Wilmington (NC) listing earns $52K/year. High-performing listings earn $100K, while low-performing listings earn $24K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Wilmington (NC)?

Accepted Answer

Median Wilmington (NC) home prices by size are 1-bedroom $293K, 2-bedroom $273K, 3-bedroom $360K, and 4+ bedroom $601K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Wilmington (NC)?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Wilmington (NC) is 35%, producing RevPAR of $112 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Wilmington (NC)?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Wilmington (NC). Wilmington: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance, occupancy tax registration. Standard enforcement in residential areas.
Wrightsville Beach: Strict. Town permit required, annual inspections, parking requirements, occupancy limits. Active enforcement with inspections and fines for violations.
Carolina Beach: Moderate. Business license and occupancy tax registration required, zoning compliance, parking rules. Moderate enforcement, complaints-driven but consistent with inspections. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Wilmington (NC) Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Wilmington (NC) Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 7% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 16%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Wilmington (NC)?

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 Wilmington (NC)?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (99%), Heating (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+40%), Hot Tub (+28%), Internet (+25%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Wilmington (NC)?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Wilmington (NC) is $360, up 15% 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 Wilmington (NC)?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Wilmington (NC) book an average of 43 days in advance, up 2% from last year. Booking windows range from 32 days for 1-bedroom listings to 51 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Wilmington (NC)?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 43% 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.Bald Head Island	$86.6K 232 listings	12.9% 232 listings
2.Downtown & Northern Riverfront	$37.9K 221 listings	12.9% 221 listings
3.Midtown, UNCW & Wrightsville Sound	$35.5K 312 listings	11.5% 312 listings
4.North Wilmington & Countryside	$42.3K 70 listings	10.7% 70 listings
5.Central Wilmington & River Approaches	$31.4K 310 listings	10.3% 310 listings
6.South Wilmington & Masonboro	$39.2K 163 listings	9.8% 163 listings
7.Leland & Brunswick River	$32.1K 20 listings	9.3% 20 listings
8.Supply & Lockwood Folly	$31.8K 39 listings	9.0% 39 listings
9.Holden Beach	$50.5K 180 listings	9.0% 180 listings
10.Southport & Lower Cape Fear	$33.2K 145 listings	8.8% 145 listings
11.Carolina Beach	$46.8K 1,311 listings	8.7% 1,311 listings
12.Kure Beach & Fort Fisher	$56.6K 312 listings	8.4% 312 listings
13.Caswell Beach	$43.4K 107 listings	7.8% 107 listings
14.Oak Island	$47.8K 1,259 listings	7.1% 1,259 listings
15.Wrightsville Beach	$69.2K 463 listings	4.6% 463 listings

Wilmington (nc)

Best Airbnb neighborhoods in the Wilmington (NC), NC market