North Carolina Short-Term Rental Markets in 2026
All 4 North Carolina markets on the National STR Map, ranked by opportunity score, with statewide housing figures for context.
This page lists every North Carolina short-term rental market STR HUB tracks: 4 markets, ranked by Opportunity Score. 2 of the 4 have revenue data and a full score; scores calculated without revenue data are labelled partial. Market figures are county-level (the county is named under each market), and the cards below give North Carolina's statewide figures from Zillow and the Census Bureau for comparison. For the statewide legal picture, read the North Carolina STR guide.
All 4 North Carolina STR markets, ranked
| Rank | Market | Opportunity score | Annual revenue | Gross yield | Typical 4BR value | Regulation | Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Outer BanksDare County | 69 | $74K | 10.4% | $714K | 2/5 Light-touch | Rules → |
| 2 | AshevilleBuncombe County | 53 | $60K | 8.9% | $676K | 3/5 Moderate | Rules → |
| 3 | CharlotteMecklenburg County | 46 partial | $563K | 3/5 Moderate | Rules → | ||
| 4 | BooneWatauga County | 43 partial | $753K | 4/5 Strict | Rules → |
Swipe the table sideways for more columns. Ranked by Opportunity Score. Typical 4BR value is for the county shown under each market.
North Carolina regulation guides
Each North Carolina market has its own page covering permits, taxes, caps and penalties:
How to read this
- The Opportunity Score (0-100) is a screening heuristic, not investment advice. It weighs revenue (35%), regulatory climate (25%), tourism employment (15%), nearby amenities (15%) and large-home supply (10%), each measured relative to the other markets we track.
- Scores marked partial were calculated without revenue data: the cash-flow component is assumed to be below average, so a partial score can understate a market and should not be compared like-for-like with a full score.
- Annual revenue is the average annual gross STR revenue from STR HUB's market analytics, the same figure shown on each market page. It is gross, and an individual property can earn more or less.
- Gross yield is average annual STR revenue divided by the county's typical 4BR home value. It is before cleaning, management, utilities, taxes, insurance and financing, so it is a screening ratio, not a cash-on-cash return.
- Home values are county-wide typical values from the Zillow Home Value Index, not list prices. "Typical 4BR value" is the typical value of a 4-bedroom home in the county named under each market; a specific property can sit well above or below it.
- Vacation-home share, tourism job share and 4+ bedroom share are county-level figures from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. They describe the whole county, not one town or neighbourhood.
- Regulation ratings run from 1/5 (Relaxed) to 5/5 (Very strict) and summarise the rules we hold on file. Rules change, and a city rating does not cover HOA or deed restrictions. Confirm current requirements with the local jurisdiction before you buy or list.
- An empty cell means we do not hold that figure for the market. We never estimate or interpolate a missing number.
Frequently asked questions
How many North Carolina STR markets does STR HUB track?
4: Outer Banks, Asheville, Charlotte and Boone. 2 of them have revenue data and a full opportunity score; the rest carry partial scores.
Which North Carolina market has the highest Airbnb revenue?
Outer Banks, NC, at $74K average annual gross revenue, on a $325 average nightly rate and 62% occupancy. Asheville, NC is next at $60K. That compares the 2 North Carolina markets with revenue data.
Which North Carolina cities have the strictest and lightest STR rules?
Strictest: Boone (4/5 Strict). Lightest: Outer Banks (2/5 Light-touch). The average rating across the 4 rated North Carolina markets is 3/5. Rules change, so confirm locally before you buy.
What does a 4-bedroom home cost in North Carolina?
The typical 4-bedroom home in North Carolina is valued at $486K statewide (Zillow Home Value Index), with all-home values flat over the past year. Across the tracked markets, county typical 4BR values run from $563K (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County) to $753K (Boone, Watauga County). These are typical values, not list prices.
See these on the interactive map
Open North Carolina on the map to see its markets in place, drill into counties, and compare any two markets side by side.
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Data sources
- Revenue, nightly rate, occupancy and regulation ratings: STR HUB market analytics and regulation research.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI). Data provided by Zillow Group.
- Housing and employment shares: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
- Amenity data: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Figures come from the STR HUB national dataset dated September 21, 2026 and are refreshed whenever that dataset is rebuilt. Screening data only: not investment, legal or tax advice.
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