Myrtle Beach hosts 8,300+ active STR listings with peak-season occupancy above 65% and top-quartile properties earning over $42,000 per year.
Market Overview
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the largest short-term rental markets on the U.S. East Coast. As of February 2026, the market contains 8,308 active listings, up from roughly 4,628 in 2021, a 79% increase in supply over five years. That supply growth is the defining feature of this market right now: more competition has compressed average occupancy from 62% in 2021 to 41% in 2025, even as average daily rates climbed from $172 to $226 over the same period.
The typical active listing generated approximately $3,013 per month in average gross revenue during 2025, down from $4,069 in 2021. The city draws roughly 18.1 million visitors per year against a permanent resident population of only 39,697, which means the tourism-to-resident ratio is extraordinarily high. That visitor base sustains demand, but investors must account for the fact that supply has grown faster than demand since 2021.
The market operates on a sharp seasonal curve. June and July are the peak months, with average occupancy above 65% and average daily rates above $247. January and February are the softest months, dropping to 27-31% average occupancy. Properties in the top 25% of performers consistently outperform averages by a wide margin, earning $3,400-plus per month even in the February off-season trough. Selecting the right property type and location within Myrtle Beach matters more here than in less seasonal markets.
Seasonal Patterns
| Month | Occupancy | ADR | Revenue | Active Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31% | $154 | $1,544 | 6,514 |
| Feb | 39% | $146 | $1,711 | 6,560 |
| Mar | 55% | $158 | $3,037 | 5,735 |
| Apr | 56% | $176 | $3,214 | 5,814 |
| May | 55% | $208 | $3,699 | 5,492 |
| Jun | 65% | $247 | $5,319 | 6,166 |
| Jul | 65% | $256 | $5,999 | 6,763 |
| Aug | 62% | $225 | $4,650 | 6,686 |
| Sep | 52% | $185 | $3,086 | 6,596 |
| Oct | 45% | $163 | $2,326 | 6,227 |
| Nov | 37% | $156 | $1,782 | 6,297 |
| Dec | 34% | $159 | $1,717 | 6,469 |
Myrtle Beach has one of the most pronounced seasonal swings of any U.S. coastal STR market. The data below reflects multi-year monthly averages.
Peak season (June and July) averages 65% and 65% occupancy respectively, with ADRs of $247 and $256 and average monthly revenues of $5,319 and $5,999. August remains strong at 62% occupancy and $225 ADR ($4,650 average revenue) before a moderate shoulder through September (52%, $185 ADR, $3,086 revenue) and October (45%, $163 ADR, $2,326 revenue).
The deepest trough runs from November through February. January is the softest month at 31% average occupancy and $154 ADR, producing only $1,544 in average monthly revenue. February is similar at 39% occupancy and $146 ADR, averaging $1,711.
Spring shoulder months (March through May) show a meaningful ramp: March averages 55% occupancy and $158 ADR ($3,037), April hits 56% occupancy and $176 ADR ($3,214), and May climbs to 55% occupancy and $208 ADR ($3,699). May is notable because ADR jumps ahead of occupancy as spring-break and Memorial Day demand pushes pricing power.
For operators, this seasonality demands a clear winter strategy. Minimum stays, dynamic pricing tools, and competitive winter rates are essential to maintain cash flow from November through February. Operators who adjust minimum-stay rules seasonally and target weekend getaway traffic during shoulder months tend to outperform static-pricing competitors.
Revenue Breakdown
| Metric | 25th Pctile | Median | 75th Pctile | 90th Pctile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue/mo | $548 | $1,192 | $2,131 | $3,423 |
| ADR | $141 | $186 | $246 | $335 |
| Occupancy | 11% | 23% | 38% | 54% |
The February 2026 data snapshot provides a current cross-section of what properties at different performance levels actually earn in the off-season.
Bottom quartile (p25): $548 per month gross revenue at 11% occupancy and $141 ADR. These are the weakest performers, likely properties with poor positioning, low reviews, or unfavorable zoning.
Median (p50): $1,192 per month at 23% occupancy and $186 ADR. The typical listing in February generates just under $1,200 before expenses.
Upper quartile (p75): $2,131 per month at 38% occupancy and $246 ADR. Properties in the top half of the market are earning roughly 1.8x the median even in the slow season.
Top 10% (p90): $3,423 per month at 54% occupancy and $335 ADR. These are likely oceanfront or premium properties with strong reviews and aggressive revenue management.
Annualizing from the full 2025 data, average annual gross revenue was approximately $36,156 at the mean, and top-quartile properties likely exceeded $50,000 annually based on the seasonal pattern. The spread between p25 and p90 is extremely wide in this market, which means property selection and operational quality have outsized impact on returns.
Investment Analysis
Revenue Trend
RevPAR & ADR Trend
| Date | Revenue | RevPAR | ADR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2021 | $3,822 | $123 | $151 |
| Apr 2021 | $4,107 | $137 | $168 |
| May 2021 | $4,580 | $148 | $177 |
| Jun 2021 | $5,574 | $186 | $206 |
| Jul 2021 | $6,057 | $195 | $220 |
| Aug 2021 | $5,342 | $172 | $202 |
| Sep 2021 | $3,836 | $128 | $169 |
| Oct 2021 | $2,958 | $95 | $155 |
| Nov 2021 | $2,304 | $77 | $137 |
| Dec 2021 | $2,112 | $68 | $137 |
| Jan 2022 | $1,879 | $61 | $137 |
| Feb 2022 | $2,075 | $74 | $138 |
| Mar 2022 | $3,474 | $112 | $153 |
| Apr 2022 | $3,818 | $127 | $173 |
| May 2022 | $4,228 | $136 | $195 |
| Jun 2022 | $5,402 | $180 | $209 |
| Jul 2022 | $6,192 | $200 | $227 |
| Aug 2022 | $4,483 | $145 | $185 |
| Sep 2022 | $3,283 | $109 | $159 |
| Oct 2022 | $2,474 | $80 | $132 |
| Nov 2022 | $2,040 | $68 | $123 |
| Dec 2022 | $1,821 | $59 | $115 |
| Jan 2023 | $1,617 | $52 | $114 |
| Feb 2023 | $1,830 | $65 | $116 |
| Mar 2023 | $3,091 | $100 | $142 |
| Apr 2023 | $3,179 | $106 | $152 |
| May 2023 | $3,338 | $108 | $166 |
| Jun 2023 | $4,861 | $162 | $202 |
| Jul 2023 | $6,111 | $197 | $231 |
| Aug 2023 | $4,567 | $147 | $197 |
| Sep 2023 | $3,079 | $103 | $168 |
| Oct 2023 | $1,742 | $56 | $140 |
| Nov 2023 | $1,337 | $45 | $149 |
| Dec 2023 | $1,348 | $44 | $166 |
| Jan 2024 | $1,508 | $49 | $162 |
| Feb 2024 | $1,567 | $54 | $131 |
| Mar 2024 | $2,288 | $74 | $171 |
| Apr 2024 | $2,173 | $72 | $187 |
| May 2024 | $3,394 | $110 | $249 |
| Jun 2024 | $5,207 | $174 | $304 |
| Jul 2024 | $5,366 | $173 | $281 |
| Aug 2024 | $4,422 | $143 | $258 |
| Sep 2024 | $2,515 | $84 | $200 |
| Oct 2024 | $2,026 | $65 | $169 |
| Nov 2024 | $1,349 | $45 | $155 |
| Dec 2024 | $1,426 | $46 | $153 |
| Jan 2025 | $1,246 | $40 | $141 |
| Feb 2025 | $1,481 | $53 | $135 |
| Mar 2025 | $2,509 | $81 | $172 |
| Apr 2025 | $2,796 | $93 | $199 |
| May 2025 | $2,957 | $95 | $253 |
| Jun 2025 | $5,553 | $185 | $315 |
| Jul 2025 | $6,266 | $202 | $322 |
| Aug 2025 | $4,438 | $143 | $285 |
| Sep 2025 | $2,717 | $91 | $228 |
| Oct 2025 | $2,431 | $78 | $221 |
| Nov 2025 | $1,879 | $63 | $215 |
| Dec 2025 | $1,879 | $61 | $222 |
| Jan 2026 | $1,471 | $47 | $218 |
| Feb 2026 | $1,604 | $57 | $213 |
Occupancy vs Supply
| Date | Occupancy | Active Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2021 | 60% | 4,042 |
| Jun 2021 | 72% | 4,666 |
| Sep 2021 | 67% | 4,755 |
| Dec 2021 | 44% | 4,826 |
| Mar 2022 | 66% | 4,896 |
| Jun 2022 | 72% | 6,876 |
| Sep 2022 | 58% | 6,814 |
| Dec 2022 | 39% | 6,718 |
| Mar 2023 | 60% | 6,767 |
| Jun 2023 | 73% | 6,793 |
| Sep 2023 | 54% | 6,488 |
| Dec 2023 | 28% | 5,396 |
| Mar 2024 | 42% | 5,261 |
| Jun 2024 | 53% | 3,708 |
| Sep 2024 | 42% | 6,642 |
| Dec 2024 | 31% | 7,240 |
| Mar 2025 | 46% | 7,710 |
| Jun 2025 | 56% | 8,785 |
| Sep 2025 | 39% | 8,280 |
| Dec 2025 | 27% | 8,163 |
At a typical home value of $318,682 and a median sale price of $286,500, Myrtle Beach entry costs sit below many competing coastal markets. The current sale-to-list ratio of 0.969 and 77 median days to pending signal a buyer-favorable environment where negotiation is possible.
Using 2025 full-year data, the average listing generated approximately $3,013 per month in gross revenue, or roughly $36,156 annually. That gives a gross yield of about 11.4% on a $318,682 purchase before expenses. Top-quartile (p75) performers averaged $3,423 per month in February 2026, roughly $41,076 annualized. The top 10% (p90) reached $3,423 in February alone, with summer months pushing those figures significantly higher.
The key risk factor is the supply overhang. The listing count grew from 5,767 in 2024 to 8,014 in 2025, a 39% single-year increase. That is the primary reason average occupancy fell from 57% in 2022 to 41% in 2025. Investors who underwrite at 2021-era occupancy rates will be disappointed. A realistic 2025-based underwriting should use 41% average annual occupancy, a $226 average daily rate, and budget for management fees, platform fees, cleaning, and furnishing amortization on top of the gross revenue figures.
Properties that outperform the average tend to be oceanfront or ocean-view, well-furnished, and in zoning-compliant areas closer to the Grand Strand core. The bottom quartile (p25) generated only $548 per month in February 2026, underscoring how wide the performance spread is in this market.
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| Date | Typical Home Value |
|---|---|
| Mar 2021 | $275,021 |
| Dec 2021 | $324,252 |
| Sep 2022 | $379,980 |
| Jun 2023 | $373,564 |
| Mar 2024 | $375,763 |
| Dec 2024 | $374,001 |
| Sep 2025 | $366,952 |
Booking Insights
Myrtle Beach guests book with a shorter average lead time than many comparable coastal markets. The February 2026 data shows an average booking lead time of 40.2 days and a median of only 20 days. That median of 20 days means half of all bookings arrive within three weeks of the stay.
This has two practical implications. First, operators who raise rates too aggressively 60 or 90 days out may leave inventory empty that would fill at a lower rate closer to the arrival date. Dynamic pricing tools that adjust rates in the final 30 days are particularly effective here. Second, the short lead time also means last-minute discounting can work as a tactic without significantly eroding perceived value.
Length of stay averages 6.4 nights with a median of 3 nights. The gap between average and median indicates a segment of longer stays (10-14 nights from extended-family trips or remote workers) pulling the average up, while the majority of bookings are 2-4 night weekend or long-weekend stays. Operators who set minimum stays at 7 nights year-round will cut off a significant share of demand, particularly in the off-season when shorter-stay weekend traffic is essential for occupancy.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
Myrtle Beach has a structured short-term rental regulatory framework that operators must follow before the first booking.
Business license requirement: All STR operators must obtain a business license from the City of Myrtle Beach. This license must be renewed annually. Operating without a valid license can result in fines and potential revocation of rental privileges.
Zoning restrictions: Short-term rentals are only permitted in specific zones. The approved zoning designations are RMV, MU-H, C6, A, E, HC1, and HC2. Most standard residential neighborhoods are excluded. Buyers must verify the zoning classification of any target property before purchase, as an incorrectly zoned property cannot legally operate as an STR regardless of what the seller says.
Accommodation tax: Operators must collect and remit a 13% accommodation tax on all rental revenue. This breaks down as 10% to the South Carolina Department of Revenue and 3% local tax. Payment is due by the 20th of each month following any rental activity. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo may collect and remit the state portion automatically, but operators should verify what their platform covers and what they must remit directly.
Conversion ordinance: In 2025, Myrtle Beach passed an ordinance prohibiting STR buildings from converting to long-term rentals in certain areas. This applies to properties with more than two units constructed or used for rentals of less than 90 days.
Safety requirements: Working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers must be present and accessible. Violations carry fines. The full municipal code is available at library.municode.com and the City of Myrtle Beach official website at cityofmyrtlebeach.com.
Market Comparison
Myrtle Beach sits in a distinct position among major U.S. coastal STR markets. Its 2025 average ADR of $226 is competitive with similar sun-and-sand destinations but below premium coastal markets like the Outer Banks or Cape Cod, which often exceed $300-350 ADR. The large supply base of 8,000-plus listings means pricing power is constrained by competition in a way smaller coastal markets are not.
Occupancy at 41% annual average in 2025 is below national STR averages, which typically run in the 50-55% range for established coastal markets. The gap is primarily a supply story: Myrtle Beach added roughly 3,386 listings between 2024 and 2025 alone. Markets like Gulf Shores, Destin, and Hilton Head operate with tighter supply controls and tend to show higher occupancy as a result.
On the investment entry side, Myrtle Beach is more accessible than most oceanfront markets. A median sale price of $286,500 is substantially below comparable oceanfront inventory in the Florida Panhandle or New England. The trade-off is lower occupancy and higher competition. The market rewards operators who invest in quality, respond to guest reviews, and use data-driven pricing tools. Passive or inattentive ownership tends to produce below-average results in a market with this much supply.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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