Myrtle Beach, SC Vacation Rental Market Analysis: What Investors Should Know Before Buying

Myrtle Beach is synonymous with classic beach vacations — and for good reason. Stretching across 60 miles of Atlantic coastline, the area (often referred to as the Grand Strand) combines sun-soaked beaches with family-friendly entertainment, championship golf courses, and a dining and nightlife scene that brings in 14 million visitors each year.

That repeat demand is exactly what makes Myrtle Beach one of the most established beach vacation rental markets on the East Coast and a compelling option for buyers exploring short-term rental investment.

To help you evaluate earning potential in this popular coastal destination, we created a free Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Market Analysis. Inside, you’ll find:

• Rental income potential by property size

• Average occupancy by property size

• Average daily rate (ADR) by property size

• Booking lead times and length of stay

• Monthly occupancy rates

• Vacation rental inventory by property size across the Myrtle Beach market

The insights in this report are based on Evolve’s Myrtle Beach market averages from the past year and are designed to provide a reliable baseline for performance as you compare investment opportunities.

👉 Download the complete Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Investment Analysis. 

Why Myrtle Beach Is a Strong Market for Vacation Rental Owners

The Myrtle Beach area is made up of 14 distinct communities, each offering its own mix of attractions, price points, and property styles — from quieter towns like Loris to the energy of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. What unites them is easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and mild coastal temperatures that support travel in every season.

A Family-Focused Destination With Long Peak Demand

Unlike party-centric beach towns like Miami and Panama City, Myrtle Beach is especially popular with families, multigenerational groups, and repeat East Coast travelers.

• Peak season begins around spring break in April

• Demand climbs through early summer

• June through August deliver the highest occupancy levels of the year

Importantly, demand doesn’t disappear once summer ends. Myrtle Beach continues to attract golfers, performing arts audiences, and food-focused travelers well into the fall, helping owners generate bookings beyond the traditional beach season.

An Accessible Coastal Real Estate Market

Even with continued population growth and strong tourism demand, Myrtle Beach remains more affordable than many coastal markets in the Southeast. Median home values sit well below comparable beach destinations — just over $315,000 — with a wide range of condo and single-family options available, including beachfront and near-beach properties.

For buyers seeking a balance between entry price and booking demand, this affordability is a key advantage.

How Much Can You Earn With a Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental?

Myrtle Beach’s scale and repeat visitor base create meaningful income potential — but performance depends heavily on property size, location, and amenities. Here’s what the data and market behavior show.

1. Best-Performing Property Sizes

Larger groups are common in Myrtle Beach, and many top-performing vacation rentals can accommodate 10 or more guests. However, available inventory tells a different story.

• The majority of properties for sale are one- and two-bedroom condos

• These smaller homes can still perform well thanks to:
  • Prime beachfront or walkable-to-beach locations
  • Shared amenities like pools and hot tubs
  • Lower purchase prices and operating costs

For buyers seeking higher nightly rates and less competition, four- and five-bedroom homes are worth exploring. Look for properties slightly inland or off the main shoreline, where inventory is limited, but demand remains strong.

2. Location: How Close You Are to the Beach Matters

In any top vacation destination with “beach” in the name, proximity to the water is a major booking driver. The most consistently booked properties tend to offer:

• Ocean views or oceanfront balconies

• Direct beach access or a short walk to the shore

• Central locations near the boardwalk or major attractions

For inland homes, proximity to restaurants, theaters, golf courses, and entertainment districts can help offset distance from the beach — especially during shoulder and off-peak seasons.

3. Amenities That Increase Booking Appeal

Beach access is the headline feature, but thoughtful amenities can significantly improve guest experience and review performance.

High-impact features in Myrtle Beach include:

• Pools and hot tubs

• Updated outdoor spaces and balconies

• Bright, coastal-inspired interiors

• Family-friendly features like bunks, cribs, and extra sleeping space

Because many properties are located in older buildings or communities, updated furnishings and modern touches can help your listing stand out. Extras like self check-in, central air conditioning, and a well-organized welcome guide also go a long way with family travelers.

To capture bookings outside peak summer months, consider adding year-round entertainment amenities, such as a game room or upgraded media setup, to help your property compete with nearby hotels.

Download the Complete Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Market Analysis

From busy summer weeks to quieter winter months, Myrtle Beach rewards owners who align their properties with traveler expectations. Whether you’re purchasing your first investment or evaluating an existing home’s income potential, our Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Market Analysis provides the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

Inside the full report, you’ll find:

• Average daily rate (ADR) by property size

• Average high- and low-season length of stay

• Market inventory insights

• Demand seasonality

You don’t need to guess what drives success in one of the country’s most established beach markets. Use the data to identify opportunities, avoid common pitfalls, and build a smarter, more profitable Myrtle Beach vacation rental.

👉 Download the free Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Market Analysis.