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

Damascus Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Damascus, Virginia, is a small-town market nestled along the Virginia Creeper Trail that draws outdoor recreation enthusiasts and seasonal tourists. With an average home value of $323,315 and trailing-twelve-month annual revenue averaging $19,106, the revenue-to-price ratio sits at an average level — enough to warrant a closer look but not enough to carry a deal on its own. The market's 43 active Airbnb listings and 65% year-over-year listing growth suggest rising investor interest, though occupancy at 13% trails well behind Virginia's 34% state average, pointing to a market that's highly seasonal and still maturing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Damascus 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 Damascus

Investors look at Damascus for its affordable property prices relative to peak-season nightly rates, combined with strong trail-tourism demand that concentrates revenue into predictable warm-weather months.

Expert Market Assessment

"Damascus earns a 59 out of 100 on the Rabbu ROI Score — an "Attractive Opportunity" that comes with clear caveats. Revenue potential is reasonable for the price point, but occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both score below average, reflecting a market where income is concentrated into a handful of peak months and new listings are entering quickly. October leads all months at $2,433 in average revenue, while February bottoms out near $588 — a spread that underscores the importance of cash reserves for the off-season. Investors who can manage seasonal cash flow and differentiate their property through amenities like hot tubs or pet-friendliness stand the best chance of outperforming the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Damascus

Average revenue by month in Damascus

Damascus shows pronounced seasonality, with October topping all months at $2,433 in average revenue and August close behind at $2,182, while the winter trough in February drops to just $588. The roughly 4:1 spread between peak and off-peak months means investors need to plan for several lean months and should avoid annualizing summer performance alone.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Damascus

Supply is distributed fairly evenly across the three tracked sizes: 13 two-bedroom listings lead slightly, followed by 11 one-bedrooms and 10 three-bedrooms. The relatively balanced distribution suggests no single property type is dramatically underserved, though the smaller total count of three-bedrooms paired with their superior performance metrics could signal a modest opportunity for larger units.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Damascus

ADR rises steadily with property size, from $138 for one-bedrooms to $163 for two-bedrooms and $190 for three-bedrooms. The $52 premium that three-bedrooms command over one-bedrooms — roughly a 38% jump — suggests guests are willing to pay meaningfully more for additional space, which may justify the higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Damascus

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $42, more than double the $19 earned by two-bedrooms and well ahead of one-bedrooms at $16. This outsized gap is driven by both higher nightly rates and significantly better occupancy, making three-bedrooms the clear revenue-efficiency leader in Damascus.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Damascus

One- and two-bedroom listings both sit at 12% occupancy, while three-bedrooms reach 22% — nearly double. The higher fill rate for larger properties suggests group travelers and families drive much of the booking activity, and smaller units may struggle to attract consistent demand outside peak months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Damascus

Three-bedroom listings lead with $1,942 in average monthly revenue, followed by two-bedrooms at $1,791 and one-bedrooms at $1,288. The $654 monthly gap between the top and bottom tier compounds to meaningful annual differences, making property size one of the most impactful variables for Damascus investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Damascus

On an annual basis, three-bedroom properties average $23,310 — roughly 51% more than the $15,457 earned by one-bedrooms and about 8% above two-bedrooms at $21,492. For investors weighing acquisition costs against return potential, three-bedrooms present the strongest revenue case in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Damascus

Kitchens (98%), parking (95%), and self check-in (91%) are near-universal, signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient, car-accessible cabin or cottage experience. Outdoor-oriented amenities like BBQ grills (72%), patios (70%), and backyards (67%) are also widespread, reinforcing that the trail-town character of Damascus makes outdoor living spaces a baseline expectation rather than a differentiator — investors looking to stand out might focus on less common features like hot tubs (9%) or pet-friendliness (44%).

Understanding Damascus's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Damascus's ROI Score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, suggesting the market offers a viable entry point but isn't without risk. The revenue-to-price ratio scores as average — annual revenue of roughly $19K against home values around $323K is workable but thin — while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both fall below average, reflecting the sharp seasonality and the 65% year-over-year surge in new listings. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative financial modeling will help investors determine whether a Damascus property pencils out for their specific goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Damascus

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Damascus, Virginia, should check with Washington County and the Town of Damascus for any STR permit or registration requirements before listing a property. State-level regulations in Virginia may also apply, so verifying compliance with both local and state authorities is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and homeowners' association rules that could limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Investors should also confirm whether any permit caps or zoning overlays affect their specific property location.

Tax Obligations

Virginia imposes state and local transient occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Washington County or the town may levy additional lodging or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should verify which obligations remain their responsibility.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Damascus should continue to benefit from its status as a gateway to the Virginia Creeper Trail and surrounding Appalachian recreation. Peak-season months (May through October) are likely to sustain ADRs in the $179 range or slightly higher, while occupancy could stabilize around 13–16% market-wide as the recent wave of new supply gets absorbed. The 65% year-over-year growth in listings may put downward pressure on individual booking volume, so investors should budget conservatively and plan for soft winter months where revenue can dip below $700."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Damascus, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Damascus?

The current average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Damascus is 13%, which trails the Virginia state average of 34%. This reflects the market's strong seasonality — demand peaks during warmer months when trail tourism is active and drops significantly in winter. Three-bedroom properties perform noticeably better at 22% occupancy compared to 12% for one- and two-bedroom units.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Damascus?

Based on trailing twelve-month booking data, the average Airbnb host in Damascus earns approximately $1,592 per month or $19,106 per year. Revenue varies substantially by property size: one-bedroom listings average $15,457 annually, two-bedrooms average $21,492, and three-bedrooms lead at $23,310. Individual results depend on pricing strategy, property quality, and seasonal management.

Is Damascus a good market for Airbnb investment?

Damascus scores a 59 out of 100 on the Rabbu ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The revenue-to-price ratio is average for Virginia, and affordable home values around $323,315 keep the barrier to entry relatively low. However, below-average occupancy stability and a rapidly growing supply of listings (65% year-over-year growth) mean investors should underwrite conservatively, plan for seasonal income swings, and look for ways to differentiate their property.

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

The average daily rate in Damascus is currently $179, which is well below the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom listings average $138, two-bedrooms come in at $163, and three-bedrooms reach $190 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Damascus's position as an affordable outdoor-recreation destination rather than a luxury market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Damascus?

Short-term rentals do operate in Damascus, Virginia, with 43 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify permit requirements, zoning restrictions, and any applicable regulations with the Town of Damascus and Washington County before purchasing or listing a property. Local and state rules can change, so consulting with local authorities or a real estate attorney is recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Damascus?

Peak season in Damascus runs from roughly May through October, coinciding with prime hiking and biking season on the Virginia Creeper Trail. October is the single highest-revenue month at $2,433 on average, likely driven by fall foliage tourism. The off-season dips sharply, with February averaging just $588, making cash flow management through winter months a key consideration for investors.

How many Airbnbs are there in Damascus?

Damascus currently has 43 active Airbnb listings. The supply has grown 65% year-over-year, with inventory split fairly evenly across property sizes: 11 one-bedroom listings, 13 two-bedrooms, and 10 three-bedrooms. This rapid growth is worth monitoring, as an expanding supply base can dilute individual listing performance in a small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Damascus?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Damascus 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 results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing twelve-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 performance and market conditions may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and zoning requirements can materially affect STR eligibility and should be verified independently.