Top 15 Airbnb Markets in South Carolina

South Carolina offers a blend of beach towns, historic cities, and nature-rich destinations, making it a strong contender for short-term rental investments. Whether you’re seeking high yields, low property costs, or consistent occupancy, these are the top-ranking Airbnb markets across the state based on AirDNA’s proprietary data.

What Is AirDNA’s Market Score?

Market Score is a proprietary metric that ranks how attractive a location is for short-term rental (STR) investment. Each score is calculated based on the following five metrics:

• Investability
• Rental Demand
• Revenue Growth
• Seasonality
• Regulation

Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger overall market health. In addition to an overall Market Score, each of the five metrics gets its own score on the same scale within the AirDNA app. This level of granularity is useful for Airbnb stakeholders interested in a particular aspect of market behavior.

Understanding Markets vs. Submarkets

This list includes a mix of the largest markets and submarkets, which are defined as:

• Markets refer to well-defined, often larger geographic areas like cities or metro regions.
• Submarkets are more granular locations, such as smaller towns, neighborhoods, or lakeside communities within those larger regions.

Including both allows investors to spot opportunities that may be overlooked when focusing solely on large-scale market data. A market with a mediocre score might contain submarkets with excellent performance.

Airbnb Market Overview in South Carolina

South Carolina’s short-term rental landscape continues to evolve, with coastal favorites like Charleston and Myrtle Beach leading the charge while up-and-coming inland towns and lakeside retreats begin to shine. From college hubs to quiet countryside escapes, the Palmetto State presents a range of high-performing markets for all types of investors. Whether you’re after steady year-round bookings or peak-season profits, there’s no shortage of opportunity here.

Top 15 Airbnb Markets in South Carolina (Ranked by Market Score)

15. Charleston

Market Score: 88.55

Average Annual Revenue: $92,734

Charleston remains one of the state’s crown jewels, famous for its historic charm, vibrant culinary scene, and cultural events. Robust year-round demand—especially among higher-income travelers—supports top-tier ADRs and occupancy levels despite heightened regulation.

14. Pawleys Island / Georgetown

Market Score: 89.30

Average Annual Revenue: $70,461

Pawleys Island and Georgetown offer a quieter alternative to Myrtle Beach, pairing Lowcountry history with uncrowded beaches. Guests flock here for laid-back coastal living, making it ideal for larger homes and family-oriented listings.

13. Greenville

Market Score: 97.75

Average Annual Revenue: $31,368

Greenville is one of the state’s fastest-growing cities, known for its walkable downtown, festivals, and thriving business scene. A balanced mix of leisure and corporate travel supports above-average occupancy and stable ADRs throughout the year.

12. Columbia

Market Score: 98.35

Average Annual Revenue: $35,362

As the state capital and home to the University of South Carolina, Columbia benefits from government, collegiate, and medical travel. Consistent demand and moderate property costs create a well-rounded opportunity for STR investors.

11. Conway

Market Score: 16.00

Average Annual Revenue: $22,440

Conway is a developing submarket near Myrtle Beach. Though its Market Score is low, pockets of opportunity exist for investors targeting affordable housing with future growth potential as the coastal region expands inland.

10. Lake Wateree

Market Score: 67.87

Average Annual Revenue: $38,434

Lake Wateree is a peaceful, low-density lake community offering boat access, campgrounds, and scenic views. Its appeal to outdoor lovers drives strong weekend and seasonal demand for waterfront cabins and cottages.

9. Lake Bowen

Market Score: 78.72

Average Annual Revenue: $33,166

Lake Bowen is a rising Upstate lake destination popular among families, anglers, and water-sports enthusiasts. Limited inventory and growing regional tourism make it a compelling niche play.

8. Greenwood

Market Score: 80.09

Average Annual Revenue: $25,463

Greenwood offers low-cost housing and steady demand from regional tourism, local colleges, and annual festivals. Investors appreciate its affordability and relatively light STR competition.

7. Landrum

Market Score: 83.43

Average Annual Revenue: $24,996

Perched in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Landrum attracts travelers seeking equestrian events, antique shopping, and small-town charm. Boutique accommodations thrive thanks to minimal STR saturation.

6. Lake Marion

Market Score: 88.36

Average Annual Revenue: $30,741

Lake Marion is South Carolina’s largest lake, renowned for boating, fishing, and bird-watching. Affordable waterfront properties paired with solid peak-season demand make it a favorite among regional vacationers.

5. Cross Hill

Market Score: 97.16

Average Annual Revenue: $36,051

Cross Hill delivers a scenic lakefront experience on Lake Greenwood, attracting guests interested in fishing, kayaking, and quiet getaways. As a lesser-known submarket, it offers high margins with relatively low competition.

4. Spartanburg

Market Score: 97.99

Average Annual Revenue: $23,719

Spartanburg is an Upstate hub gaining recognition for its arts scene, outdoor recreation, and proximity to BMW’s manufacturing plant. Reasonable home prices and growing tourism make it a solid bet for STR operators.

3. Orangeburg

Market Score: 98.25

Average Annual Revenue: $19,088

Orangeburg offers investors a low-cost entry point anchored by local universities, agriculture, and regional events. Its strategic position along major highways supports weekend travel and short-term stays.

2. Florence

Market Score: 98.46

Average Annual Revenue: $23,050

Florence is an inland crossroads city supported by healthcare, manufacturing, and convention traffic. Affordable property values and moderate competition position it as a strong entry point for new STR investors.

1. Sumter

Market Score: 99.66

Average Annual Revenue: $23,838

Sumter is gaining traction thanks to its affordability, proximity to Shaw Air Force Base, and convenient highway access. Low saturation, steady demand, and solid cash-flow potential make it South Carolina’s top-ranked STR opportunity.

Should You Invest in South Carolina?

If you’re considering short-term rental investment in the Southeast, South Carolina deserves serious attention. The state offers a healthy mix of established tourism hubs, high-yield submarkets, and emerging inland communities—each with unique advantages depending on your investment strategy.

For investors focused on seasonality and high nightly rates, coastal markets like Charleston and Pawleys Island deliver premium ADRs. Meanwhile, inland submarkets such as Sumter, Cross Hill, and Lake Marion offer affordability, less competition, and stable returns for those looking to enter at a lower price point.

Combined with a relatively favorable regulatory climate and strong travel demand, South Carolina remains one of the most opportunity-rich STR states in the country.