Is North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a strong investment opportunity, driven by the area's enduring popularity as a family-friendly coastal destination.
• The current market conditions are bolstered by consistent tourism throughout the year, with peak seasons during the spring, summer, and fall, attracting visitors drawn to its beautiful beaches, golf courses.
• Property values in North Myrtle Beach have shown steady growth, particularly for properties with direct beach access or those in popular resort communities.
• The investment potential is further enhanced by a diverse tourism base that includes leisure travelers, golfers, and event attendees.

$1,200–$4,500 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data, Airbnb properties in North Myrtle Beach typically generate between $1,200 to $4,500 per month in revenue.
• Peak season from May through September accounts for approximately 65-70% of annual revenue, with July being the strongest month averaging $5,500-$7,200 for oceanfront properties and $3,200-$4,800 for properties within walking distance of the beach.
• Key factors influencing earnings include proximity to the ocean (oceanfront properties earning 40-60% more than those several blocks inland).
• Properties located near popular attractions like Barefoot Landing or with golf course access command higher nightly rates averaging $180-$320 during peak season compared to $90-$180 for standard properties.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–15%.

• Airbnb investments in North Myrtle Beach typically generate ROI between 8-15% annually, with oceanfront and near-beach properties achieving the higher end of this range due to premium nightly rates averaging $150-300 during peak summer months and $80-120 in off-season periods.
• The payback period for most short-term rental investments ranges from 7-12 years, depending on initial purchase price and renovation costs.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals in the area that yield 6-9% ROI with monthly rents of $1,200-2,200, Airbnb properties generally outperform by 2-6 percentage points but require significantly more active management and carry higher vacancy risks during slower winter months when occupancy rates drop to 35-50% compared to peak summer occupancy of 75-90%.
• Properties within walking distance to Main Street and the beach command occupancy premiums of 15-25% over those requiring drives to attractions.

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina averages 65–70% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• North Myrtle Beach Airbnb properties typically maintain an average annual occupancy rate of approximately 65-70%.
• Peak season occupancy rates surge to 85-95% during the summer months of June through August, when families flock to the area for beach vacations.
• Winter months from December through February experience the lowest occupancy at 35-45%, as beach tourism naturally declines.
• Spring break periods in March and April can boost rates to 60-65% depending on weather conditions.
• These figures generally outperform the South Carolina state average for short-term rentals by 10-15 percentage points due to North Myrtle Beach's strong tourism infrastructure and beach appeal.
• The area's consistent performance is driven by its family-friendly reputation, golf courses, entertainment venues, and proximity to other Myrtle Beach attractions.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The Ocean Drive area stands out as the premier Airbnb investment location due to its beachfront proximity, vibrant nightlife scene with shag dancing venues, and strong pricing power during peak season.
• Cherry Grove offers excellent investment potential with its fishing pier, family-friendly atmosphere.
• The Crescent Beach neighborhood provides solid returns through its central location between attractions, reasonable property prices.
• Windy Hill presents strong investment opportunities with its high-rise condominiums, established vacation rental market, and proximity to both the beach and Barefoot Landing shopping complex.
• The Tilghman Estates area offers good value investments with larger properties suitable for group rentals, golf course proximity attracting golf tourists.
• North Ocean Boulevard provides premium investment potential through luxury oceanfront properties that command top rental rates, attract affluent guests.
• The Little River waterfront district rounds out the top opportunities with its unique riverfront properties, proximity to casino boats and seafood restaurants.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• North Myrtle Beach requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their property with the city, with annual renewal fees typically ranging from $50-100.
• Properties are limited to a maximum occupancy of two people per bedroom plus two additional guests, with total occupancy not exceeding 12 people regardless of bedroom count.
• There are no owner-occupancy requirements, allowing for non-resident ownership of rental properties.
• Short-term rentals are permitted in most residential zoning districts but prohibited in certain historic areas and some planned unit developments.
• Recent changes implemented in 2022-2023 include stricter noise ordinances with fines up to $500, mandatory posting of occupancy limits and quiet hours, required 24/7 local contact availability.
• Properties must also comply with life safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina are subject to several fees and taxes including a state accommodations tax of 2%, a local accommodations tax of 3% (totaling 5% accommodations tax).
• Property owners must obtain a business license from North Myrtle Beach costing approximately $50-75 annually, register for a state sales tax license (typically $50).
• Fire department inspections may cost $75-100 annually, and some properties require special use permits ranging from $100-300.
• Additionally, owners must collect and remit a state accommodations tax and may be subject to homeowners association fees if applicable.