Blacksburg, VA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Blacksburg Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Blacksburg stands out as a university-driven STR market where Virginia Tech's academic calendar and event schedule create pronounced demand spikes — October alone averages $5,114 in revenue per listing. With an average daily rate of $477, well above the $339 Virginia state average, hosts command a meaningful rate premium. The market's 142 active listings and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio suggest that property costs still leave room for attractive returns, even as occupancy sits at 24% against a 34% state benchmark.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Blacksburg short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Blacksburg

Blacksburg's event-driven demand cycles and above-average daily rates relative to Virginia property values make it a compelling market for investors who can optimize around seasonal peaks.

Expert Market Assessment

"Blacksburg presents an attractive but highly seasonal investment opportunity. Revenue swings from a low of roughly $1,287 in February to $5,114 in October, meaning cash-flow planning around off-peak months is critical. Larger properties — particularly 4- and 5-bedroom homes — capture the lion's share of revenue, with 5-bedroom units averaging nearly $174,000 annually. The supply-demand balance is rated below average, reflecting the recent surge in new listings, so investors entering now should focus on differentiation and targeting the high-yield fall event season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Blacksburg

Average revenue by month in Blacksburg

Revenue in Blacksburg follows a dramatic seasonal curve, peaking at $5,114 in October and bottoming out at $1,287 in February — a nearly 4x spread that underscores the market's dependence on Virginia Tech's fall event calendar. A secondary spike in May ($4,098) likely corresponds to graduation, giving investors two distinct high-revenue windows to build their pricing strategy around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Blacksburg

One-bedroom units dominate Blacksburg's supply with 49 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms at 39, while 4- and 5-bedroom properties are comparatively scarce at 16 and 9 respectively. The limited supply of larger homes, combined with their significantly higher earning potential, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire group-friendly properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Blacksburg

ADR scales steeply with bedroom count in Blacksburg, rising from $161 for 1-bedroom units to $1,370 for 5-bedroom homes — a more than 8x premium. The jump from 3-bedroom ($573) to 4-bedroom ($796) represents a sweet spot where the rate increase is substantial without the limited demand pool of the largest configurations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Blacksburg

Revenue per available night climbs dramatically with property size, from $36 for 1-bedroom units to $395 for 5-bedroom homes, indicating that larger properties convert their rate premiums into real per-night earnings even after accounting for occupancy. Four-bedroom listings at $262 RevPAN also stand out as strong performers relative to their more moderate supply constraints.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Blacksburg

Occupancy rates across Blacksburg are modest overall, but 4-bedroom properties lead at 33%, suggesting they hit a sweet spot for group demand during event weekends. Three-bedroom units lag at just 18%, which may indicate pricing challenges or oversupply in that segment relative to demand.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Blacksburg

Monthly revenue differences are stark: 5-bedroom properties average $14,491 per month — more than ten times the $1,367 earned by 1-bedroom units. Even 4-bedroom homes at $6,255 monthly significantly outperform smaller configurations, reinforcing that Blacksburg's event-driven guests favor spacious group accommodations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Blacksburg

Annual revenue ranges from $16,415 for 1-bedroom listings to an impressive $173,897 for 5-bedroom properties, making larger homes the clear revenue leaders in Blacksburg. Four-bedroom units at $75,060 per year also offer compelling return potential, especially given lower acquisition costs compared to 5-bedroom homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Blacksburg

Parking is nearly universal at 97% of listings, reflecting Blacksburg's car-dependent location, while kitchens (80%) and self check-in (68%) round out guest essentials. Differentiating amenities like hot tubs (4%) and gyms (5%) are rare, presenting an opportunity for hosts to stand out from the competition with premium features.

Understanding Blacksburg's ROI Score: 58/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Blacksburg's ROI Score of 58 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that suggests hosts can generate meaningful income relative to acquisition costs. Occupancy stability and market growth both rate as average, while the supply-demand balance flags below average — likely reflecting the 124% year-over-year listing growth that is adding competitive pressure. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and a clear strategy for capturing peak-season revenue to maximize returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Blacksburg

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Blacksburg. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Blacksburg, Virginia may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the Town of Blacksburg and Montgomery County, as local rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia college-town markets include limits on the number of overnight guests, minimum stay requirements during certain periods, noise and nuisance ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants and zoning overlays may also restrict or prohibit STR activity in specific neighborhoods, so due diligence at the property level is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Virginia are typically subject to state and local transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions also collect sales tax on lodging. Platforms like Airbnb often remit a portion of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Virginia Department of Taxation and local revenue offices.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Blacksburg can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Blacksburg's STR market is expected to remain tightly linked to the Virginia Tech calendar, with fall football weekends and graduation continuing to anchor peak pricing. ADR could push 2–4% higher during event-heavy months, though occupancy may hover in the 22–28% range given the seasonal nature of demand. The 124% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, so operators who differentiate on amenities and pricing strategy should be best positioned. Investors should monitor whether new supply begins to compress RevPAN, particularly for smaller unit types."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Blacksburg, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Blacksburg?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Blacksburg is currently 24%, which falls below the Virginia state average of 34%. This reflects the highly seasonal, event-driven nature of demand in a college town. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom units achieving the highest rate at 33% and 3-bedroom units the lowest at 18%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Blacksburg?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Blacksburg earn approximately $2,883 per month or about $34,599 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average around $16,415 annually, while 5-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $173,897 per year. Individual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and how well hosts capture peak-season bookings.

Is Blacksburg a good market for Airbnb investment?

Blacksburg scores a 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential relative to home costs is favorable. However, occupancy stability is average and the supply-demand balance is rated below average due to rapid growth in listings. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for fall event weekends tend to see the strongest returns.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Blacksburg?

The average daily rate in Blacksburg is $477, which is notably higher than the Virginia state average of $339. Rates scale sharply with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $161 per night, while 5-bedroom homes command approximately $1,370 per night. This premium reflects the group-travel demand driven by Virginia Tech events.

Are short-term rentals legal in Blacksburg?

Short-term rentals operate in Blacksburg, but hosts may need to obtain permits, business licenses, or registrations from local authorities. Regulations can vary by zoning district and may be subject to change, so prospective investors should consult the Town of Blacksburg and Montgomery County directly to confirm current rules and any applicable restrictions before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Blacksburg?

Peak season in Blacksburg runs from September through November, closely aligned with Virginia Tech's football season and fall campus events. October is the single highest-earning month, with average revenue reaching $5,114 per listing. May also sees a significant bump — averaging $4,098 — likely driven by graduation ceremonies. The slowest months are January and February, when revenue dips to around $1,287–$1,362.

How many Airbnbs are there in Blacksburg?

As of late April 2026, there are 142 active Airbnb listings in Blacksburg. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 124% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 49 listings, followed by 3-bedroom properties at 39 and 2-bedroom units at 25.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Blacksburg?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Blacksburg are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Blacksburg market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform investment decisions

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical performance and market conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making an investment decision.