Chapel Hill Airbnb Rental Market Data, Revenue and Occupancy Rates 2026

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Is Chapel Hill, NC a good Airbnb market in 2026?

Yes, with caveats. Active full-time Airbnb operators in Chapel Hill average $27,828 in annual revenue, with 50% occupancy and a $137 ADR (Chalet data). The city enforces strict zoning and permitting requirements, with a 10% tax and dedicated STRs limited to specific zones.

Top-quartile operators see upside to $47,507. The whole-market median ($28,841) is inflated by part-time listings and does not reflect full-time performance. For compliance and due diligence, review [Chapel Hill STR regulations](/rental-regulations/chapel-hill-nc).

Operator Revenue (full-time active)

$27,828/yr

vs. headline average of $28,841 · 57 active listings

Average Daily Rate

$137

Gross Yield

Ranked #436 in the US

Occupancy Rate

50%

New this quarter

Q2 2026 Market Momentum

Revenue and occupancy both rose YoY — demand is outpacing the prior cycle.

Active Operator Revenue (Q2)

$7,363$6,9785.5%

Per active full-time listing, Apr–Jun

Average Occupancy (Q2)

50.0%47.8%2.2%

Investment thesis

Why invest in Chapel Hill, NC Airbnb rentals?

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, presents a measured, academically driven short-term rental market defined by its steady, full-time operator revenue and tight regulatory boundaries. Active full-time operators average $27,828 in annual revenue (Chalet data, 128 listings), a figure that sets the true baseline for investors; the whole-market median of $28,841 is skewed upward by part-time and casual inventory, masking the operational realities of year-round hosting. The market’s occupancy sits at a median 50%, with a $137 ADR and a median gross yield of 4.5% against a median home value of $638,847. Nationally, Chapel Hill ranks #435 for STR returns—a mid-table position that reflects both its stable demand and high barrier to entry. Seasonality is pronounced: August is the clear peak, with $2,381 in monthly revenue and 78% occupancy, while December troughs at $1,553 and 39% occupancy, underscoring the academic calendar’s influence.

The most investable product clusters are found in the mid- to larger-size segment, where operational leverage is strongest. Three-bedroom properties (13% of supply) generate an average $32,322 annually at a $299 ADR, with occupancy at 47%. Four-bedroom homes (5% of supply) push higher to $37,740 at a $379 ADR and 49% occupancy, while five-bedrooms, though a thinner segment, average $51,753 but with notably lower occupancy (32%), reflecting both higher nightly rates ($552 ADR) and more volatile demand. Investors focused on maximizing yield in Chapel Hill should consider the 2-4BR range, where demand is deep enough to support consistent bookings and operating scale. For tailored acquisition strategies in these segments, consult a Chalet agent with local track record.

On the geographic front, the 27514 and 27517 zip codes stand out. In 27514, 69 listings post a median annual revenue of $29,625, a $151 ADR, and 50% occupancy, with a 4.5% yield on a $629,259 median home value. 27517, with 59 listings, edges higher at $30,394 median revenue and 60% occupancy, yielding 4.5% on a $659,257 home. Both zip codes outperform the broader market on yield and occupancy, driven by proximity to campus and medical centers, as well as access to high-income guest segments. In contrast, 27516 (96 listings) lags with a 3.6% yield and $21,623 median revenue, reflecting either more dispersed demand or less competitive product. Investors targeting these outperforming zips can leverage local Chalet agent expertise for sourcing and underwriting.

At scale, Chapel Hill’s winning operators are those who align product with academic and medical demand cycles, optimize for longer booking lead times (average 35 days), and capture drive-market guests from Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville. International share is low (1.9%), so domestic targeting is paramount. The average length of stay is 5.9 nights, supporting mid-term strategies during off-peak months. The market’s top hosts control up to 11 listings each, but overall concentration remains moderate, with the top 10 hosts holding just 18.7% of supply. For scenario modeling and return projections, use the Chalet ROI calculator to benchmark performance against local yield leaders.

Risks are concentrated in asset value and regulatory enforcement. Home values declined 0.5% YoY (Mar–May 2026 vs. prior year, Chalet data), a modest but notable shift that tempers equity upside. December remains the clear seasonal trough, with revenue and occupancy at their lowest. Regulatory risk is real: Chapel Hill requires a zoning compliance permit for all STRs, with strict enforcement and a 10% total tax burden. Dedicated STRs are restricted to high-density and commercial zones, and the regulatory climate, while stable, is evolving. Fines for non-compliance can reach $500/day, making due diligence on Chapel Hill STR regulations essential for all investors.

Chapel Hill’s STR market rewards disciplined, cycle-aware operators who can navigate zoning and seasonality while targeting the right product and geography for yield.

Chalet exclusive

The market average hides a two-tier reality

Most market reports quote a single average, but in every STR market a wide gap separates full-time professional operators from part-time and underperforming listings. Underwriting against that average understates the upside for operators willing to do the work — and overstates it for everyone else.

Chalet's active-operator benchmark filters out part-time and dormant listings so you can underwrite against what real operators in this market actually earn.

Top Quartile Operators$47,507

Top 25% of 81 listings

Active Operator Average$27,828

← This is your real underwriting benchmark

All-Listings Average$19,581

What typical market reports quote — every listing, incl. part-time

Where are you in your STR journey?

Three ways investors typically use this page. Pick the one that matches you.

Highest ROI segment

I'm converting an LTR to STR

See the revenue lift and occupancy upside of switching a long-term rental to a short-term in Chapel Hill.

Run LTR → STR comparison

Monthly Revenue & Seasonality

Revenue per active listing in Chapel Hill, NC, by month. Demand peaks Mar–May.

Monthly Revenue Trend

Revenue per active listing by month in Chapel Hill, NC

$2,189

Season	Occ.	Revenue
Summer Jun–Aug	60%	$2,526
Spring Mar–May	47%	$2,681
Fall Sep–Nov	53%	$2,457
Winter Dec–Feb	45%	$1,949

Monthly Occupancy & Daily Rates

How occupancy and ADR move through the year — peak, shoulder, and low season patterns.

Monthly Occupancy Rate

Annual avg 50% · peaks at 78% in Aug

78% (Aug)

Summer peak

50%

Annual avg

Revenue by Bedroom Count

Annual revenue, occupancy, and ADR by bedroom configuration — Chapel Hill runs mostly 1 Bedrooms, but 4 Bedrooms deliver the highest annual revenue.

Bedrooms	Listings	Occupancy	ADR	Annual Revenue
Studio	7	61%	$110	$24,465
1 BedroomMost common	155	54%	$93	$18,264
2 Bedroom	79	49%

Home Values & Guest Demand

Median home-value trend and where Chapel Hill guests travel from.

Median Home Value

$638,847▼ 0.96% YoY

Source: Zillow ZHVI

Peak: $645,141 in Jun 2025

Chapel Hill home values are roughly flat — acquisition cost is stable for now, so cash-flow modeling should focus on revenue and expenses, not appreciation.

Where Guests Come From

Top origin cities · Chapel Hill

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Chapel Hill (2026)

Top-performing neighborhoods ranked by gross yield. Click any neighborhood for full analytics.

Briarcliff

Annual Rev

$60,051

Yield

Listings

Downing Creek

Annual Rev

$20,801

Yield

Listings

Step 1: Find your Chapel Hill team

Match with Chapel Hill's top STR-specialist agents

Get matched with Chapel Hill, NC realtors who specialize in short-term rentals — they know which neighborhoods actually cash flow and which to avoid. We've vetted them all.

No fees · Average match in 5 minutes

234

Active STRs tracked in Chapel Hill

$639K

Median home value

Step 2: Line up financing

Match with STR-specialist lenders

Conventional lenders often won't underwrite STR income. We connect you with lenders who use DSCR, projected revenue, and Airbnb-specific underwriting.

Compliance & Rules

Airbnb Rules & Regulations in Chapel Hill, NC

Before setting up an Airbnb in Chapel Hill, review the local STR regulations and confirm any HOA restrictions on your specific property.

Full Chapel Hill STR regulation guide

Are Airbnbs legal in Chapel Hill, North Carolina?

Yes, Airbnbs are legal in Chapel Hill with a required zoning compliance permit and adherence to zoning restrictions.

Do I need a license to operate an Airbnb in Chapel Hill?

No, Chapel Hill does not require a separate business license for STRs, including Airbnb.

Step 3: Stress-test the deal

Calculate your Airbnb income potential in Chapel Hill, NC

Run any Chapel Hill address through Chalet's calculator — instant, data-backed estimates of occupancy, nightly rate, and annual revenue, plus cash flow and returns.

Calculate Your Income Potential

Chapel Hill market average

$28,841

/yr

Projected gross rental income at market occupancy and nightly rate.

Avg daily rate

$137

Occupancy

50%

Gross yield

Calculator unlocks the full per-property deal report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to the questions investors ask most about this market.

Is Airbnb profitable in Chapel Hill, NC?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental in Chapel Hill, NC can be highly profitable. Listings see consistent guest demand, with hosts earning an average of $28,841 annually at 50% occupancy.

How much can you make on Airbnb in Chapel Hill, NC?

Hosts average $28,841 per year. Bedroom count drives the spread: Studios average $24,465, 1 Bedrooms average $18,264, 2 Bedrooms average $31,556.

Trust & Sources

How we build this report

Data sources

Proprietary Chalet STR performance data (234 active listings tracked daily)
Local Chalet market-partner verification
City permit records and public county data

Methodology notes

Active operator = listing with sustained availability and booking activity over the trailing 12 months
Revenue figures are gross of platform fees, before operating expenses and taxes
Updated monthly · last refresh July 2026

Explore Other Markets in this State

Discover other high-performing Airbnb markets in the same state as Chapel Hill, NC

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Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice.

Chapel Hill Airbnb Rental Market Data, Revenue and Occupancy Rates 2026

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