Buena Vista, VA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Buena Vista Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Buena Vista, VA, is a compact short-term rental market with just 32 active Airbnb listings and average home values around $313,242 — well below the state average ADR of $339 at a local ADR of $197, which creates a favorable revenue-to-price ratio. The market's ROI score of 72 out of 100 signals attractive investment potential, driven largely by affordable entry points and above-average growth trends. With an 89% year-over-year increase in active listings, investor interest is clearly accelerating in this Shenandoah Valley gateway community.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Buena Vista

Investors are drawn to Buena Vista for its strong revenue-to-price ratio and proximity to Virginia's outdoor recreation corridors, offering affordable entry into a growing market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Buena Vista presents a moderate-to-attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to lean into its seasonal rhythm. The August–September peak, where average monthly revenue tops $3,000, provides a strong earnings window, but the December–March stretch dips below $1,300, so cash-flow planning around the off-season is essential. With a 72/100 ROI score anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and growth trend, the market rewards investors who pair competitive pricing with standout amenities — particularly for 3-bedroom properties, which outperform other sizes on both occupancy and RevPAN."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Buena Vista

Average revenue by month in Buena Vista

Revenue in Buena Vista swings dramatically between seasons — August ($3,055) and September ($3,048) deliver nearly five times the revenue of December ($655), the softest month. This sharp seasonality means investors should budget for lean winter months while positioning properties to maximize the lucrative summer-fall window.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Buena Vista

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 13 of the market's 32 properties, followed by 8 two-bedroom and just 5 three-bedroom units. The scarcity of 3-bedroom listings, combined with their superior performance metrics, suggests an underserved segment where new supply could capture outsized demand.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Buena Vista

Two-bedroom properties command the highest ADR at $144, followed by 3-bedrooms at $129 and 1-bedrooms at $97. The relatively narrow gap between 2- and 3-bedroom rates, paired with much stronger occupancy for 3-bedroom units, makes the larger configuration potentially more compelling from a total revenue standpoint.

Average RevPAN by property size in Buena Vista

Three-bedroom properties deliver an impressive $67 RevPAN — nearly double the 1-bedroom figure of $34 and more than 2.5 times the 2-bedroom's $26. This outsized RevPAN advantage makes 3-bedroom units the standout performers in Buena Vista when factoring in both rate and occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Buena Vista

Occupancy diverges sharply by size: 3-bedroom properties lead at 52%, well above the 35% for 1-bedrooms and the notably low 19% for 2-bedroom units. The strong 3-bedroom occupancy points to steady group and family demand, while 2-bedroom operators may need to adjust pricing or differentiate to improve fill rates.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Buena Vista

Two-bedroom listings edge out the field at $1,931 per month, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $1,810, while 1-bedroom units trail at $917. For investors weighing acquisition cost against income, the 2- and 3-bedroom tiers each generate roughly double the monthly cash flow of a studio-style property.

Average annual revenue by property size in Buena Vista

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom properties lead with $23,183, followed by 3-bedrooms at $21,729 and 1-bedrooms at $11,010. Given that 3-bedroom units achieve similar annual revenue with far higher occupancy and RevPAN, they may offer the most resilient return profile in a market where consistent bookings matter.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Buena Vista

Kitchens and parking top the amenity list at 94% prevalence each, signaling that guests in Buena Vista expect self-sufficient, drive-to stays. Washer/dryer availability at 75% and workspaces at 63% suggest a blend of extended-stay and remote-work demand, while only 9% of listings offer a BBQ grill — a relatively easy amenity addition that could help a property stand out.

Understanding Buena Vista's ROI Score: 72/100

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

Buena Vista's ROI score of 72 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — affordable home values around $313K paired with meaningful rental income create a compelling entry point. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance rate as average, reflecting the market's seasonal nature and the recent surge in new listings. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and a clear strategy for managing off-season cash flow to make the most of the market's strengths.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Buena Vista

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

Permit Requirements

Operators planning to list a short-term rental in Buena Vista, Virginia, should verify whether the city requires a business license or specific STR registration, as Virginia localities have varying permit frameworks. Contacting Buena Vista's zoning and planning office directly is the best way to confirm current requirements before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply in Virginia markets include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA covenants can add another layer of restrictions, so investors should review any applicable deed restrictions alongside local zoning rules before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Virginia imposes a state sales tax on transient lodging, and Buena Vista may levy an additional local transient occupancy tax — rates vary by locality. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm which obligations remain their responsibility.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Based on the strong seasonality pattern — revenue nearly quintuples from the December low of $655 to the August peak of $3,055 — demand in Buena Vista should continue to follow warm-weather outdoor recreation cycles over the next 12–18 months. ADR could edge up 3–5% as supply matures and hosts optimize pricing, while occupancy is likely to hold in the 30–35% range annually given the seasonal nature of the market. The rapid 89% growth in listings suggests the supply side is catching up to demand, so investors entering now should focus on differentiated properties that can capture share during the lucrative August–September window."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Buena Vista, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Buena Vista?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Buena Vista is currently 32%, which sits just below the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom properties lead at 52%, while 2-bedroom units trail at 19%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a major role, with summer and early fall months driving much higher fill rates than winter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Buena Vista?

Airbnb hosts in Buena Vista earn an average of $1,682 per month and approximately $20,184 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $23,183 annually, while 1-bedroom units come in around $11,010. Peak months like August and September can generate over $3,000 in a single month.

Is Buena Vista a good market for Airbnb investment?

With an ROI score of 72 out of 100, Buena Vista is rated as an Attractive Opportunity for short-term rental investment. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio thanks to relatively affordable home values averaging $313,242, combined with growing demand. Investors should note that the market is highly seasonal, so properties that can capture peak summer revenue effectively will see the strongest returns.

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

The average daily rate in Buena Vista is $197, which is below the Virginia state average of $339. ADR varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings commanding $144, 3-bedroom listings at $129, and 1-bedroom units at $97. The lower ADR is offset by affordable acquisition costs, contributing to a favorable revenue-to-price ratio.

Are short-term rentals legal in Buena Vista?

Short-term rentals operate in Buena Vista, as evidenced by 32 active Airbnb listings in the market. However, Virginia localities have authority to regulate STRs through zoning, licensing, and permitting requirements. Prospective hosts and investors should contact Buena Vista's city offices and review any applicable HOA rules to confirm current regulations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Buena Vista?

Peak season in Buena Vista runs from late summer through early fall. August is the highest-earning month at an average of $3,055 per listing, closely followed by September at $3,048. Revenue drops substantially in winter, with December averaging just $655 — nearly five times less than peak months. This pronounced seasonality reflects the area's draw as an outdoor recreation destination.

How many Airbnbs are there in Buena Vista?

There are currently 32 active Airbnb listings in Buena Vista as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with an 89% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 13 one-bedroom listings, 8 two-bedroom listings, and 5 three-bedroom listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Buena Vista?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 identify market expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month performance as of April 2026; market conditions, regulations, and seasonal patterns may shift. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.