Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Statistics 2026 Look Shocking
- 01. Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Statistics 2026 Reveal Surprise
- 02. Key Performance Metrics
- 03. Property Breakdown by Size
- 04. Year-Over-Year Trends
- 05. Long-Term vs Short-Term Rentals
- 06. Booking Channels and Guest Behavior
- 07. Seasonal Occupancy Patterns
- 08. Investment Outlook
- 09. Historical Context
- 10. Expert Quotes and Insights
- 11. Comparative Market Table
Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Statistics 2026 Reveal Surprise
In 2026, Myrtle Beach vacation rentals achieved an average annual revenue of $28,700 per property, up 3% from 2025, with a 53% occupancy rate and $261 average daily rate, surprisingly driven by a surge in direct bookings and summer travel searches despite softening long-term rental prices.
Key Performance Metrics
The short-term rental market in Myrtle Beach hosts 18,115 active listings, reflecting an 8% growth over the past year, with 95% being entire homes and the majority (66%) available 271-365 nights annually.
Revenue per available rental (RevPAR) stands at $136.80, marking a 6% increase, while the market scores 69 overall, with strong investability at 94 and rental demand at 76.
Average monthly revenue hits $2,390, bolstered by amenities like 99% internet access and 97% wireless connectivity, making properties highly competitive.
- Annual Revenue: $28,700 (+3% YoY)
- Occupancy Rate: 53% (+4% YoY)
- Average Daily Rate (ADR): $261 (+3% YoY)
- RevPAR: $137 (+6% YoY)
- Active Listings: 18,115 (+3% YoY)
- Market Score: 69/100 (Good)
Property Breakdown by Size
Vacation rental sizes in Myrtle Beach favor smaller units, with 1-bedroom properties dominating at 43% of inventory, followed by 2-bedrooms at 32%, ideal for families and couples seeking affordability.
| Bedrooms | Share of Listings | Avg ADR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | 43% | $220 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 32% | $280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 17% | $350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 5% | $420 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | 4% | $500 |
This distribution highlights a market tilt toward compact, high-turnover rentals, contributing to the surprise resilience amid national tourism fluctuations.
Year-Over-Year Trends
From May 2025 to April 2026, Airbnb market data shows nightly rates stabilizing at $248 with 38% occupancy for select properties, while overall RevPAR climbed due to peak summer fills.
- 2025 Baseline: 49% occupancy, $254 ADR, $27,800 annual revenue.
- 2026 Growth: +4% occupancy to 53%, driven by 43-64% forward bookings for June.
- Regulation Impact: Investor-friendly policies, no permits required, boosting listings by 8%.
- Seasonality Factor: 43 market score reflects heavy summer reliance, with Q2 2026 forward occupancy at 34-50%.
- Recovery Signal: Gradual rebound forecasted, with Myrtle Beach topping Tripadvisor summer searches.
These steps trace the market's unexpected upward trajectory, contrasting with a 1% profit dip noted in prior years' late June data.
Long-Term vs Short-Term Rentals
While long-term rentals averaged $1,700 monthly in early 2026, down $150 YoY, short-term vacation properties outperformed with $28,700 annual yields, revealing a pivot to seasonal stays.
Zillow data from February 13, 2026, pegs the range at $380-$6,000, but vacation rentals' 53% occupancy underscores their edge in the warm market temperature.
"Myrtle Beach ranks #1 in inbound migration, sustaining demand even with 7.6 months condo inventory." - Century 21 Harrelson Group, 2026 forecast
Booking Channels and Guest Behavior
Direct bookings claim 28% of reservations, surpassing Airbnb's national 36% dominance, a key surprise enhancing profitability for property managers.
Average stay length mirrors the U.S. at 4.3 days, with 87-day lead times allowing proactive pricing, and 29 reviews per listing signaling high guest satisfaction.
- Airbnb: 22% of listings
- Vrbo: 15%
- Both Platforms: 63%
- Direct: 28% (top channel)
- Avg Reviews: 29 (above national 26)
Seasonal Occupancy Patterns
Peak summer 2026 saw hotel occupancies at 77.70% for late June weeks, up 7% from 2025 but below 2019 pre-pandemic levels, with rentals mirroring at $294 daily revenue.
Forward data for Q2 indicates 34-50% occupancy in Myrtle Beach, filling rapidly in final 30 days, per Beyond Pricing's Carolina Coast report.
| Month | 2025 Rent (Long-Term) | 2026 Rent (Long-Term) | STR Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $1,688 | $1,749 | 45% |
| Feb | $1,800 | $1,703 | 48% |
| Jun (Peak) | $1,900 | N/A | 64% |
| Annual Avg | $1,850 | $1,700 | 53% |
Investment Outlook
Median ADR reaches $314, peaking at $449 for 7-bedroom homes, positioning real estate investors favorably despite -1.56% home appreciation per Zillow.
AirROI's 2026 dataset projects $26,016 yearly for optimized listings at 38% occupancy, with median home values at $300,720 supporting ROI math.
Historical Context
Tourism, employing 80,000, generated billions pre-2026, with 2024 data showing adjusted paid occupancy dips of 3.65% in late June, setting stage for this year's rebound.
Five-year occupancy trends rose 3%, with ADR dipping -3% recently, but 2026's +3-6% metrics signal stabilization.
These FAQ answers address core investor and traveler queries, drawn from AirDNA, Zillow, and local reports as of May 2026.
Expert Quotes and Insights
"Forward occupancy for June 2026 is 43-64%... Both markets have historically filled in the final 30 days." - Beyond Pricing Q2 2026 Report
"Myrtle Beach is the most searched U.S. destination for domestic travel in summer 2026." - Tripadvisor data via Chamber of Commerce
Local experts note the market's warmth, with sustained migration ranking it #1, per Century 21's 2026 analysis.
Comparative Market Table
| Metric | Myrtle Beach 2026 | National Avg | Change YoY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupancy | 53% | 58% | +4% |
| ADR | $261 | $250 | +3% |
| RevPAN | $136 | $95 | +6% |
| Listing Growth | 8% | 5% | N/A |
| Avg Stay | 4.3 days | 4.3 days | Stable |
This table positions Myrtle Beach uniquely against national benchmarks, emphasizing outperformance in RevPAR and growth.
Overall, 2026 data paints a resilient picture for vacation rentals, with surprises in direct channels and search dominance fueling optimism through year-end.
Key concerns and solutions for Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Statistics 2026 Look Shocking
What is the average revenue for Myrtle Beach vacation rentals in 2026?
The average annual revenue per property is $28,700, with monthly figures around $2,390, up 3-5% from 2025.
How has occupancy changed year-over-year?
Occupancy rose to 53% in 2026, a 4% increase from 49% in 2025, with stronger summer peaks.
What drives the surprise in 2026 statistics?
Surprise growth stems from Myrtle Beach leading U.S. summer searches, direct bookings at 28%, and investor-friendly regulations amid high demand.
Is Myrtle Beach a good investment for 2026?
Yes, with 94 investability score, $26,016 projected ROI, and no permit requirements, despite softening long-term rents.
What are peak season occupancy rates?
June 2026 forward occupancy hits 34-50%, historically filling late, with late June at 77.70% for hotels and similar for rentals.