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

Charlottesville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Charlottesville's short-term rental market presents an attractive opportunity for investors, earning an ROI score of 60 out of 100 driven by above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics. With 375 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $31,758, the market benefits from its university town appeal, proximity to Blue Ridge Mountain recreation, and a steady flow of visitors drawn to the region's wineries, historic sites, and cultural events. Average daily rates sit at $243 — below Virginia's $339 state average — but the market's consistency across seasons and strong performance in larger properties make it a compelling option for investors seeking dependable returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville

Charlottesville attracts investor interest thanks to its reliable demand base anchored by the University of Virginia, regional tourism, and above-average occupancy stability relative to peers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Charlottesville represents a moderately strong investment opportunity, particularly for operators willing to target larger property configurations where revenue potential is dramatically higher. Seasonality is present but manageable — monthly revenue ranges from around $1,382 in January to $3,339 in May, a spread that reflects the market's academic calendar and tourism cycles rather than an extreme boom-bust pattern. The 111% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising investor interest, so entering with a differentiated property or niche (like family-sized homes with outdoor amenities) will matter more going forward. Overall, the market's above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand dynamics make it a reasonable bet for investors who do their homework on regulations and property positioning."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Charlottesville

Average revenue by month in Charlottesville

Charlottesville shows clear seasonality, with revenue peaking in May ($3,339) and October ($3,308) and dipping to lows in January ($1,382) and February ($1,633). The roughly $2,000 spread between peak and trough months is moderate, suggesting investors can expect softer winter earnings but won't face a complete off-season shutdown.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Charlottesville

One-bedroom listings dominate supply with 171 of the 375 total, followed by 2-bedrooms at 84. Larger configurations — particularly 4-bedroom (24), 5-bedroom (17), and 6+ bedroom (6) — are significantly underrepresented, which could signal opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger properties with less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Charlottesville

ADR scales steeply with property size in Charlottesville, jumping from $142 for 1-bedrooms to $647 for 4-bedrooms and $758 for 6+ bedroom homes. The most dramatic premium appears between 3-bedroom ($281) and 4-bedroom ($647) properties, suggesting that crossing the 4-bedroom threshold unlocks a substantially higher rate tier that likely caters to groups and families.

Average RevPAN by property size in Charlottesville

Revenue per available night peaks at $294 for 6+ bedroom properties and $241 for 4-bedrooms, far outpacing smaller units where 1-bedrooms deliver just $37 in RevPAN. This wide gap reinforces that larger properties not only command higher nightly rates but also convert enough bookings to generate meaningfully stronger revenue on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Charlottesville

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across property sizes, ranging from 26% for 1-bedrooms and 5-bedrooms up to 39% for 6+ bedroom homes and 38% for studios. The consistency suggests that demand exists across all configurations, though 1-bedroom listings — despite being the most numerous — face the tightest occupancy, likely due to oversupply.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Charlottesville

Monthly revenue climbs sharply with size, from $1,981 for 1-bedrooms to $6,953 for 4-bedrooms and $12,617 for 6+ bedroom properties. Even stepping up from a 2-bedroom ($2,819) to a 3-bedroom ($4,521) adds over $1,700 in monthly income, making each incremental bedroom a meaningful revenue lever in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Charlottesville

Annual revenue ranges from $23,780 for 1-bedroom units to $151,404 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedrooms ($83,445) and 5-bedrooms ($107,342) also delivering strong totals. For investors evaluating the revenue-to-price ratio against Charlottesville's $879,113 average home value, larger properties clearly offer the most compelling path to meaningful yield.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Charlottesville

Parking leads amenity prevalence at 95%, reflecting Charlottesville's car-dependent character, followed by kitchen access (82%) and self check-in (78%). Workspace availability at 65% signals a notable remote-work traveler segment, while premium differentiators like hot tubs (4%) and pools (4%) remain rare — presenting a potential competitive advantage for listings that offer them.

Understanding Charlottesville's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Charlottesville's ROI Score of 60 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue potential aligns reasonably well with property costs. The score is buoyed by above-average occupancy stability — a key factor for cash-flow predictability — while the revenue-to-price ratio, market growth trend, and supply-demand balance all register as average, suggesting solid fundamentals without exceptional upside on any single dimension. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on property configurations (particularly 4+ bedrooms) that can push individual returns well above the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Charlottesville

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

Permit Requirements

Charlottesville, Virginia may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Charlottesville and check whether Virginia state-level registration applies to their situation.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Charlottesville can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued in certain zones. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable association rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Virginia are typically subject to state and local transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions also levy tourism or sales taxes on lodging. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with local tax authorities to stay compliant.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Charlottesville is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm with peak revenue concentrated in April through October, when monthly earnings can exceed $3,000 on average. Listing supply grew substantially year-over-year (111%), which may moderate ADR gains, though occupancy stability — rated above average — suggests demand is keeping pace. Investors can reasonably anticipate ADR holding steady or inching up 1–3%, with occupancy rates likely settling in the 30–35% range market-wide. Properties with four or more bedrooms should continue to outperform, given their significantly higher RevPAN and revenue potential."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Charlottesville, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Charlottesville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Charlottesville is currently 31%, slightly below Virginia's state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with studios (38%), 6+ bedroom homes (39%), and 4-bedroom properties (37%) performing above the market average, while 1-bedroom units tend to run lower at around 26%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Charlottesville?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Charlottesville earn approximately $2,646 per month or $31,758 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 1-bedroom listings average about $23,780 per year, while 5-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $107,342 and 6+ bedroom homes average around $151,404 annually.

Is Charlottesville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Charlottesville earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 60 out of 100, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and balanced supply-demand conditions. While the revenue-to-price ratio is average given home values around $879,113, larger properties (4+ bedrooms) generate substantially higher returns and may offer the strongest investment cases in this market.

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

The average daily rate across all Charlottesville Airbnb listings is $243, which falls below Virginia's statewide average of $339. ADR scales significantly with property size — studios average $156 and 1-bedrooms $142, while 4-bedroom homes command $647 and 6+ bedroom properties reach $758 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Charlottesville?

Short-term rentals do operate in Charlottesville, Virginia, with 375 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning requirements. Investors should verify the latest rules with the City of Charlottesville and consult Virginia state guidelines before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Charlottesville?

Peak season in Charlottesville spans roughly from April through October, with May ($3,339) and October ($3,308) delivering the highest average monthly revenues. The slower months are January ($1,382) and February ($1,633), creating a seasonal spread of nearly $2,000 between peak and off-peak months. This pattern aligns with the region's university events, outdoor recreation season, and fall foliage tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Charlottesville?

There are currently 375 active Airbnb listings in Charlottesville as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with listing counts up 111% year-over-year. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 171 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (84) and 3-bedrooms (55).

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Charlottesville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Charlottesville 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 up the remaining data 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 how actively the listing is managed.

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 Charlottesville and surrounding zip codes
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup 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 is current as of the dates noted and may not reflect very recent regulatory or market changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.