Charleston, SC Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & ADR

Within the city, revenue concentration is starkest in the 29403 zip code, which hosts 818 listings and delivers a median annual revenue of $80,297 at a $391 ADR and 59% occupancy. Despite a median home value of $813,494, gross yields here reach 9.9%, making it the city’s most lucrative cluster for scale-minded investors who can navigate regulatory hurdles. In contrast, 29401’s 186 listings average $56,972 at a $319 ADR and 67% occupancy, but the yield is just 3.9% due to a median home value of $1,467,016. For entry-level capital, 29406 stands out with a 12.0% yield on a $293,968 median home value, $35,298 median revenue, and $206 ADR, albeit at lower 50% occupancy. For tailored acquisition guidance, a Chalet agent can help navigate these micro-markets.

Product segmentation by bedroom count underscores Charleston’s barbell market structure. Four-bedroom properties (183 listings) generate an average $82,773 annually at a $647 ADR and 53% occupancy, while 3BRs (372 listings) yield $52,719 at $385 ADR and 52% occupancy. Studios and 1BRs—making up nearly 40% of supply—lag with $33,850 and $31,606 respectively, reflecting both price ceilings and regulatory headwinds for smaller units. Larger homes (5BR+) show headline revenues north of $125,000, but these segments are thinly traded and often owner-occupied, limiting scalable entry.

The investor case at scale in Charleston is defined by professionalization and operational rigor. The top quartile of operators averages $122,792 in annual revenue, and the largest hosts control nearly 27% of the market. Demand is overwhelmingly domestic, with Charlotte, New York, and Atlanta comprising the top guest origins, and bookings made an average of 55 days in advance for 4.4-night stays. Investors who can secure compliant, owner-occupied inventory and optimize for peak spring demand stand to outperform. For scenario modeling and yield forecasting, the Chalet ROI calculator is essential.

Risks are concentrated and material. Year-over-year, Charleston saw a dramatic +39.5% jump in revenue per listing, +25.0% ADR, +4.2% occupancy, and a +4.8% increase in supply, while home values edged up just +0.3% (Chalet data). This surge signals both rising demand and intensifying competition. The market’s regulatory regime is among the strictest nationally: only owner-occupied STRs are legal, whole-house rentals are banned, and enforcement is active, with a 14% tax stack and high compliance costs. Investors face operational constraints, a pronounced seasonal trough in June, and an enforcement climate that can abruptly shift. For full details, see Charleston STR regulations.