Charles Town, WV Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Charles Town Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Charles Town, WV is a compact short-term rental market with just 25 active Airbnb listings, offering investors a low-competition entry point in the Eastern Panhandle. The market averages $25,795 in annual revenue per listing with an ADR of $229, though occupancy sits at 29% — notably below the 38% West Virginia state average. The small supply base and clear summer-to-fall peak season suggest niche demand, likely tied to the area's historic charm, proximity to Harpers Ferry, and the Charles Town Races & Slots entertainment complex.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Charles Town

Investors are drawn to Charles Town's very limited supply of STR listings and its position as a weekend escape from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, which creates repeatable leisure demand despite the market's smaller scale.

Expert Market Assessment

"Charles Town represents a niche opportunity rather than a high-volume investment play. With only 25 active listings and average annual revenue of $25,795, the market rewards operators who can capture consistent weekend and seasonal demand — particularly from May through October, when monthly revenue ranges from $2,376 to $3,035. The winter soft period is pronounced, with January and February averaging around $1,200, so cash-flow planning needs to account for roughly a 60% drop from peak to trough. Investors comfortable with a smaller, seasonal market and willing to optimize pricing and guest experience could find meaningful upside given the limited competition."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Charles Town

Average revenue by month in Charles Town

Revenue in Charles Town follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in August at $3,035 and bottoming out in January at $1,194 — a spread of roughly $1,840. The strongest earning window stretches from May through October, with every month in that range exceeding $2,300, while the December-through-February winter period drops well below $1,500.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Charles Town

The market's visible supply is split between 9 one-bedroom and 7 two-bedroom listings, with no larger properties represented in the data. This concentration in smaller units could signal opportunity for investors willing to bring three-bedroom or larger homes to market, potentially serving families or groups with limited current options.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Charles Town

One-bedroom listings command a notably higher ADR of $217 compared to $145 for two-bedrooms, an unusual dynamic that likely reflects premium positioning or unique property types among the one-bedroom inventory. Investors considering two-bedroom acquisitions should evaluate whether the lower rate is offset by other factors like higher booking volume or lower acquisition cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Charles Town

One-bedroom properties deliver a significantly stronger RevPAN of $75 versus just $27 for two-bedrooms, driven by both higher nightly rates and better occupancy. This nearly 3:1 gap suggests that one-bedroom units are currently far more efficient at generating revenue per available night in Charles Town.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Charles Town

One-bedroom listings maintain 35% occupancy compared to 19% for two-bedrooms, indicating that smaller units are in notably steadier demand. The two-bedroom segment's sub-20% occupancy suggests either pricing misalignment, oversupply relative to demand for that size, or listing quality issues that dampen bookings.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Charles Town

Despite lower ADR and occupancy, two-bedroom properties actually edge out one-bedrooms in average monthly revenue at $1,651 versus $1,317, possibly due to longer stays or higher total booking values when they do fill. However, the one-bedroom segment's stronger per-night efficiency makes it the more predictable cash-flow option for investors prioritizing consistency.

Average annual revenue by property size in Charles Town

Two-bedroom listings generate approximately $19,812 annually compared to $15,805 for one-bedrooms, a difference of about $4,000 per year. Investors should weigh this revenue advantage against the two-bedroom category's lower occupancy and RevPAN, as acquisition and operating costs for larger units will also be higher.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Charles Town

Kitchens (92%) and parking (88%) are near-universal in Charles Town listings, reflecting a market where guests expect home-like convenience and need a place for their car. Self check-in (76%), outdoor spaces like patios and backyards (64% each), and workspace (60%) round out the essentials — while differentiators like hot tubs (16%) and pools (8%) remain rare, suggesting an opportunity to stand out with premium amenities.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Charles Town

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Charles Town, West Virginia may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit from local authorities. Investors should verify current registration requirements with the City of Charles Town and Jefferson County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar West Virginia markets include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum-stay requirements or cap the number of active STR permits, so checking with local planning and zoning offices is essential.

Tax Obligations

West Virginia imposes a state sales tax and a hotel/motel tax on short-term accommodations, and Jefferson County may layer on additional local lodging taxes. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm whether any local obligations require separate filing.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Charles Town's STR market is likely to see modest performance shifts rather than dramatic growth. Revenue peaks in July and August (averaging $2,935–$3,035) point to reliable warm-weather demand that could edge up 1–3% if tourism to the Eastern Panhandle continues growing. However, occupancy during winter months dips considerably, so investors should plan for monthly revenue potentially falling to the $1,200–$1,500 range from December through February. Properties that differentiate with standout amenities or capture weekend getaway traffic from the D.C. metro area may outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Charles Town, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Charles Town?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Charles Town is currently 29%, which falls below the West Virginia state average of 38%. One-bedroom properties lead at 35% occupancy, while two-bedroom listings average around 19%. Seasonality plays a significant role — summer months drive higher occupancy, while winter sees a noticeable dip.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Charles Town?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Charles Town earn approximately $2,149 per month and $25,795 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, with August being the strongest month at around $3,035 and January the slowest at roughly $1,194. Two-bedroom properties bring in about $19,812 annually, while one-bedrooms average $15,805.

Is Charles Town a good market for Airbnb investment?

Charles Town offers a low-competition environment with just 25 active listings, which can benefit well-managed properties. The market's ADR of $229 is solid for a small town, though occupancy at 29% suggests demand is concentrated in peak seasons rather than spread year-round. Investors who can optimize for summer and fall travelers — and manage the winter slowdown — may find the market rewarding, especially given its appeal to D.C.-area weekend visitors.

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

The current average daily rate in Charles Town is $229, which is slightly below the West Virginia state average of $242. Interestingly, one-bedroom properties command a higher ADR of $217 compared to $145 for two-bedrooms, likely reflecting boutique or uniquely positioned listings in the one-bedroom category.

Are short-term rentals legal in Charles Town?

Short-term rentals operate in Charles Town, WV, but specific permit, licensing, and zoning requirements may apply at both the city and county level. Investors should contact the City of Charles Town and Jefferson County offices directly to confirm current rules before purchasing or listing a property, as regulations can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Charles Town?

Peak season in Charles Town runs from June through October, with the strongest revenue months being July ($2,935) and August ($3,035). October also performs well at $2,612, likely driven by fall foliage and seasonal events. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to around $1,200.

How many Airbnbs are there in Charles Town?

As of April 2026, there are 25 active Airbnb listings in Charles Town. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 9 one-bedroom and 7 two-bedroom listings making up the visible inventory. This limited supply means there's relatively little competition for hosts who enter the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Charles Town?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Charles Town 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 aggregate the remainder into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively a host manages their listing.

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 Charles Town market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Supply distribution and performance breakdowns by property size
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and aggregated for market-level consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be verified independently before investing.