Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Short-Term Rental Market
Myrtle Beach bars most residential STRs, and Grand Strand September 2026 shows $260 ADR, 52.1% occupancy, $3,709 monthly revenue
Quick Answer: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is an active short-term rental market. average occupancy in the Myrtle Beach market area is 52%. average monthly revenue in the Myrtle Beach market area is $3,709. average daily rate in the Myrtle Beach market area is $260. the top operator in the Myrtle Beach market area is Elliott Realty with 1,475 listings. market score is 52/100 (grade D).
Market data reflects the wider Myrtle Beach market, which covers 3 areas. Regulations, taxes, and permit details below are specific to Myrtle Beach.
Market Score Breakdown
Five dimensions StaySTRA evaluates per market.
Market Overview
The performance figures on this page describe the Grand Strand STR market, the coastal region that includes Myrtle Beach and Little River, because the underlying data is tracked at a shared level for both towns. In September 2026 the Grand Strand STR market posted an average daily rate of $260, occupancy of 52.1%, and average monthly revenue of $3,709 per listing. Compared with September 2025, occupancy is up 12.2%, ADR is up 9.2%, and revenue is up 12.7%. Entire place listings averaged an ADR of $261 and $3,717 in monthly revenue, while houses reached $5,413 and apartments $3,269. Summing the seasonal months gives an annualized revenue of $36,717 for a typical listing. Year to date through September, 2026 occupancy averages 56.3% at an ADR of $263, against 54.7% and $234 for full year 2025. Over the longer run, annual occupancy rose from 42.3% in 2017 to a high of 61.0% in 2021, then eased into the mid 50s, while ADR climbed from $159 in 2017 to $234 in 2025. Demand is driven by leisure travel. Myrtle Beach drew 18.2 million visitors in 2024, who generated $13.2 billion in direct spending, and nearly two thirds of visitors were repeat guests. Most arrive by car from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The Grand Strand offers 60 miles of coastline and more than 80 golf courses. Bedroom, channel, and listing type counts, along with top operator names, are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Myrtle Beach, so this profile omits them. Investors should read these figures as regional benchmarks rather than a promise for any single property, since zoning limits where an STR can legally operate.
Seasonal Patterns
| Month | Occupancy |
|---|---|
| Jan | 35% |
| Feb | 54% |
| Mar | 62% |
| Apr | 59% |
| May | 56% |
| Jun | 75% |
| Jul | 79% |
| Aug | 64% |
| Sep | 50% |
| Oct | 45% |
| Nov | 36% |
| Dec | 33% |
Month-by-month nightly rates and revenue figures for Myrtle Beach are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Top Short-Term Rental Operators in Myrtle Beach market area
Ranked by total active listings. Useful for understanding the competitive landscape. Operator data is published for the Myrtle Beach market as a whole, which includes Myrtle Beach, so these counts are not Myrtle Beach-only figures.
| # | Operator | Listings | Reviews | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elliott Realty | 1,475 | 12,713 | ★ 4.45 |
| 2 | Vacasa | 1,447 | 51,405 | ★ 4.30 |
| 3 | Big Fish Rentals | 699 | 34,813 | ★ 4.40 |
| 4 | The Litchfield Company | 664 | 960 | ★ 4.46 |
| 5 | Evolve | 583 | 21,406 | ★ 4.56 |
What Kind of STR Should I Buy in Myrtle Beach?
Revenue and nightly-rate breakdowns by bedroom count, property tier, and dwelling type for Myrtle Beach are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Channel Mix
Distribution of bookings across major STR platforms.
| Channel | Share |
|---|---|
| airbnb | 18.4% |
| vrbo | 17.3% |
| both | 64.3% |
Home Value Trends (Myrtle Beach)
Typical home values, median sale prices, and the 10-year price trend for Myrtle Beach are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Insights
Booking-window and length-of-stay analysis for Myrtle Beach — how far ahead guests book and how to price around it — is available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
Myrtle Beach permits short term rentals, defined as accommodations rented for fewer than 90 continuous days, but enforcement is rated strict and the zoning rules are the central constraint. STRs are prohibited in all zoning districts beginning with R (residential), with one exception, the RMV zone. Fewer than 30 residential zone properties hold grandfathered STR status based on prior consistent use. STRs are permitted in commercial zones, particularly the 114 block coastal corridor east of Kings Highway to the ocean. A permit is required. Operators need a City of Myrtle Beach Business License, which is based on gross receipts, and a South Carolina Department of Revenue Retail License to collect accommodations tax. The license fee is not published as a fixed amount, and the permit renews annually. The profile lists no annual night cap, and neither owner occupancy nor primary residence is required. The combined lodging tax is approximately 12% at minimum, made up of state sales tax, state accommodations tax, school and transportation taxes, and city and county hospitality and accommodations charges. Some sources cite totals as high as 16%, so operators should verify the current rate with the SCDOR and the Horry County Treasurer. Violations of the zoning code or business license ordinance are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and/or 30 days imprisonment. In January 2025 the city enacted an overlay across 114 blocks east of Kings Highway that prohibits converting STR buildings with two or more units to long term rentals. Existing long term rental license holders and individual units used as primary or second homes are exempt.
Market Comparison
The Grand Strand STR market pairs a strong average daily rate with a seasonal occupancy profile. September 2026 occupancy was 52.1% at a $260 ADR, and the year to date picture is stronger, with 2026 occupancy at 56.3% and an ADR of $263. Rate strength is the market’s main advantage, and luxury listings reach $365. The trend is favorable, with occupancy up 12.2% year over year and revenue up 12.7%. The main trade off is seasonality, since occupancy ranges from 33.3% in December to 78.7% in July, a wider spread than many year round markets. The area is also regulated more tightly than many coastal destinations, with residential zones closed to STRs and strict enforcement. Operator names and rollup counts for the area are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Myrtle Beach, so this profile omits them. Investors comparing Myrtle Beach with other beach markets should weigh the higher ADR against the thinner off season and the zoning limits on where a property can operate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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