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

Dayton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Dayton, VA is a small, emerging short-term rental market with just 23 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,535 per property. While the market's ADR of $165 sits well below Virginia's $339 state average, home values averaging $577,715 create a tighter revenue-to-price dynamic that demands careful deal sourcing. Active listing counts have grown significantly year over year, signaling rising investor interest in this Shenandoah Valley community, though occupancy at 27% remains below the state benchmark of 34%.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Dayton 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 Dayton

Investors look at Dayton for its proximity to Shenandoah Valley attractions and relatively low competition, though returns require strategic property selection given the market's revenue-to-price dynamics.

Expert Market Assessment

"Dayton presents a competitive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. The market's ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects below-average revenue relative to property prices and modest growth trends, balanced by average occupancy stability and supply-demand conditions. Revenue peaks sharply in August at $2,471 and stays elevated through the October–December corridor, while the January-through-May stretch averages closer to $1,500 — a spread that underscores the importance of pricing strategy during shoulder months. Selective deal sourcing on lower-priced properties could meaningfully improve the return profile for investors willing to work within these seasonal rhythms."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Dayton

Average revenue by month in Dayton

Revenue in Dayton shows clear seasonality, peaking in August at $2,471 and dipping to its lowest in March at $1,458 — a spread of roughly $1,000 between the best and weakest months. A notable secondary lift occurs in October ($2,013) and December ($2,035), suggesting fall tourism and holiday travel provide meaningful revenue beyond the summer peak.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Dayton

Dayton's supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 9 two-bedroom and 7 one-bedroom listings accounting for the bulk of the 23 active units. The absence of larger 3+ bedroom listings in the data could signal an underserved segment for investors considering family-sized or group-oriented properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Dayton

ADR scales modestly from $113 for 1-bedroom units to $152 for 2-bedroom properties, a 35% premium that reflects reasonable upside for the incremental space. Both tiers sit well below the Virginia state average ADR of $339, leaving potential room for rate optimization through amenity upgrades or premium positioning.

Average RevPAN by property size in Dayton

Two-bedroom properties generate $35 in RevPAN compared to $23 for 1-bedroom units, making the larger configuration roughly 52% more productive on a per-available-night basis. Both figures remain modest, reflecting the market's lower occupancy rates and suggesting that revenue improvement hinges on filling more nights.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Dayton

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across property sizes, with 2-bedroom listings at 23% and 1-bedroom units at 21%. These rates point to significant unused capacity across the board, meaning investors who can drive even incremental occupancy gains through better marketing or competitive pricing could see outsized revenue improvements.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Dayton

Two-bedroom properties lead with an average monthly revenue of $1,207 versus $1,067 for 1-bedroom units, a gap of about $140 per month. While neither tier produces high absolute revenue, the 2-bedroom configuration offers a better return baseline for investors evaluating property acquisition options.

Average annual revenue by property size in Dayton

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom listings generate approximately $14,487 compared to $12,805 for 1-bedroom properties. Given the average home value of $577,715, neither size currently delivers a strong gross yield, reinforcing that below-market acquisition pricing is critical for viable returns in Dayton.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Dayton

Parking is universal across Dayton listings at 100%, followed by kitchens (87%), backyards (83%), and self check-in (83%) — reflecting a market geared toward self-sufficient, drive-to guests. Differentiators like hot tubs (17%) and pet-friendliness (26%) remain less common, representing potential competitive advantages for hosts willing to invest in these features.

Understanding Dayton's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Dayton's ROI score of 51 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, signaling that while demand and investor interest exist, the economics require disciplined property selection. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio is the primary headwind, as average annual revenue of $21,535 sits low relative to home values near $578K, while occupancy stability and supply-demand balance both register as average. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting below-market acquisition prices will be key to unlocking viable returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Dayton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Dayton, Virginia may need to obtain a business license or STR permit depending on local zoning ordinances. Investors should verify current registration and permit requirements with Rockingham County and the Town of Dayton before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia's smaller communities can include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants may also impose additional limitations, so reviewing any applicable deed restrictions is essential before committing to an STR investment.

Tax Obligations

Virginia requires collection of state and local transient occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, and Rockingham County may levy additional lodging taxes. Many booking platforms like Airbnb collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with all applicable state and local obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Dayton's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest builds, which could put additional pressure on occupancy rates unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest summer and fall will remain the strongest booking windows, with August revenues potentially reaching $2,400–$2,500 per listing. ADR may see modest increases of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies, but occupancy improvements will likely be the bigger lever for revenue growth. Investors should budget conservatively and plan for softer months between January and May when monthly revenue dips closer to $1,450–$1,500."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Dayton, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Dayton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Dayton, VA is currently 27%, which trails the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units averaging 23% and 1-bedroom units at 21%. These figures reflect the market's seasonal demand patterns, with stronger bookings concentrated in the summer and fall months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Dayton?

Airbnb hosts in Dayton earn an average of $1,794 per month and approximately $21,535 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform with about $1,207 per month ($14,487 annually), while 1-bedroom units average around $1,067 per month ($12,805 annually). Individual results vary based on property quality, amenities, pricing strategy, and seasonal demand.

Is Dayton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Dayton carries an ROI score of 51 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market has strong investor interest and growing demand, but higher property prices relative to rental income mean deal selection matters considerably. Investors who can acquire properties below the average home value of $577,715 or who can boost occupancy through superior amenities and marketing will be best positioned to generate attractive returns.

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

The average daily rate in Dayton is $165, which is significantly below Virginia's statewide average of $339. By property size, 1-bedroom listings average $113 per night while 2-bedroom properties command $152 per night. The lower ADR reflects Dayton's positioning as a more affordable, rural getaway destination compared to larger Virginia markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Dayton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Dayton, VA, though operators may need to comply with local zoning, licensing, and tax requirements. Regulations can vary between the Town of Dayton and surrounding Rockingham County, so investors should consult local government offices to confirm current permit requirements, any applicable restrictions, and tax obligations before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Dayton?

Peak season in Dayton runs from June through August, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,471. A secondary peak occurs in October through December, when revenues range from $1,869 to $2,035 — likely driven by fall foliage tourism and holiday travel. The slowest months are January through May, with revenues typically between $1,458 and $1,615.

How many Airbnbs are there in Dayton?

Dayton currently has 23 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is concentrated in smaller properties, with 9 two-bedroom and 7 one-bedroom units making up the majority. Year-over-year listing growth has been substantial at 200%, indicating the market is attracting increasing investor attention.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Dayton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Dayton are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while still 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 for the Dayton, VA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or seasonal anomalies. Local regulations, tax requirements, and zoning rules vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.