Elkins, WV Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Elkins Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Elkins, WV earns an ROI score of 76 out of 100, placing it in "Standout Opportunity" territory for short-term rental investors. With an average home value of $267,362 and annual revenue averaging $29,559, the revenue-to-price ratio sits well above average — a key draw for investors seeking cash-flow potential in a smaller Appalachian market. The compact supply of just 40 active listings suggests limited competition, though occupancy at 26% trails the West Virginia state average of 38%, so property-level execution and seasonal strategy matter here.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Elkins 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 Elkins

A favorable revenue-to-price ratio combined with limited supply makes Elkins appealing for investors comfortable with a seasonal, outdoor-recreation-driven market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Elkins presents a compelling niche opportunity for investors who understand seasonal mountain-market dynamics. Revenue swings are pronounced — from a January low of $1,433 to a July high of $4,162 — so cash-flow planning needs to account for roughly five softer months. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the market's strongest asset, making it easier to achieve a reasonable yield compared to higher-priced West Virginia destinations. With occupancy stability rated average and supply/demand balance in a similar range, success here will depend on property differentiation, strong amenity packages, and aggressive pricing during the lucrative July–October corridor."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Elkins

Average revenue by month in Elkins

Revenue in Elkins follows a pronounced seasonal pattern, peaking in July at $4,162 and bottoming out in January at $1,433 — a nearly 3x spread. The strongest earning corridor stretches from June through October, with a secondary bump in November and December, signaling opportunities for fall foliage and holiday travel.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Elkins

Supply is distributed relatively evenly across 1-bedroom (9 listings), 2-bedroom (11), and 3-bedroom (12) properties, with no single size dominating the market. The absence of 4+ bedroom listings in the data could represent an underserved niche for investors willing to offer larger group accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Elkins

ADR scales steeply with size — from $96 for 1-bedrooms to $255 for 3-bedrooms, a 165% premium. The jump from 2-bedroom ($157) to 3-bedroom pricing is especially notable, suggesting guests are willing to pay substantially more for the extra space in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Elkins

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $54 per available night, outperforming 2-bedrooms ($38) and 1-bedrooms ($32) despite having the lowest occupancy rate. This indicates that higher nightly rates more than compensate for fewer booked nights, making larger units the most efficient revenue generators on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Elkins

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 34%, while 2-bedrooms (24%) and 3-bedrooms (21%) fill less frequently. For investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency, smaller units offer steadier booking activity, though the lower ADR limits overall revenue compared to larger properties.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Elkins

Three-bedroom properties earn $3,398 per month on average — more than four times the $786 generated by 1-bedroom listings. Two-bedrooms land in the middle at $2,130, making 3-bedroom units the clear revenue leader for investors focused on top-line performance.

Average annual revenue by property size in Elkins

At $40,786 per year, 3-bedroom properties deliver roughly 60% more annual revenue than 2-bedrooms ($25,567) and over four times what 1-bedrooms produce ($9,443). Given Elkins' average home values, 3-bedroom configurations likely offer the strongest revenue-to-acquisition-cost potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Elkins

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, reflecting the rural, drive-to nature of the Elkins market. Self check-in (90%), kitchens (90%), and pet-friendliness (83%) are near-essential, while hot tubs — present in 53% of listings — represent a differentiating amenity that could help boost occupancy and ADR for properties that include one.

Understanding Elkins's ROI Score: 76/100

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

Elkins' ROI score of 76 out of 100 places it in the "Standout Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income potential relative to acquisition cost is stronger than in many comparable markets. Occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both rate average, reflecting the seasonal nature of demand and the recent 71% surge in new listings. Investors should pair these data-driven signals with local regulatory research and property-level underwriting to validate the opportunity.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Elkins

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Elkins, WV should verify whether the city of Elkins or Randolph County requires a short-term rental permit or business registration before listing a property. West Virginia does not impose a statewide STR licensing framework, but local requirements can vary, so checking with city hall or the county planning office is essential.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. Investors in HOA-governed properties should review covenants carefully, as some associations restrict or prohibit short-term rentals entirely. Zoning classifications in Elkins could also affect where STRs are permitted.

Tax Obligations

West Virginia imposes a state sales tax and a municipal hotel/motel tax on short-term accommodations, and hosts in Elkins should confirm the applicable combined rate with local tax authorities. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should verify they are fully compliant with both state and local obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Elkins is likely to benefit from continued interest in rural and outdoor tourism destinations across West Virginia. The strong summer-to-fall revenue arc — with July peaking at $4,162 — suggests ADR could see modest gains of 2–5% during peak months as supply remains limited. Occupancy may stabilize around 24–28% annually, with the biggest upside coming from operators who optimize pricing during shoulder months like June and September. The 71% year-over-year listing growth is worth monitoring; if supply continues expanding at that pace, per-listing returns could compress."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Elkins, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Elkins?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Elkins is currently 26%, which falls below the West Virginia state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average 34%, while 3-bedroom properties come in around 21%. This reflects the seasonal nature of the market, with summer and fall drawing the strongest demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Elkins?

Airbnb hosts in Elkins earn an average of $2,463 per month and approximately $29,559 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $9,443 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in around $25,567, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $40,786 per year. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $4,100.

Is Elkins a good market for Airbnb investment?

Elkins scores 76 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated a "Standout Opportunity." The market's strongest attribute is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio, thanks to relatively affordable home values averaging $267,362 paired with solid peak-season earnings. Investors should be prepared for seasonal swings, with winter months producing significantly less revenue, but the overall fundamentals are attractive for those who can manage cash flow through slower periods.

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

The average daily rate in Elkins is $192, which is below the West Virginia state average of $242. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $96, 2-bedrooms come in at $157, and 3-bedroom properties command $255 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who can offer larger, well-appointed accommodations.

Are short-term rentals legal in Elkins?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Elkins area, but investors should verify local permit, zoning, and registration requirements with the city of Elkins and Randolph County before listing. West Virginia does not have a statewide ban on STRs, though individual municipalities may impose specific rules. Consulting local government offices and reviewing any applicable HOA restrictions is always recommended.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Elkins?

Peak season in Elkins runs from roughly June through October, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,162 per listing. August ($3,474), October ($3,193), and September ($2,963) also deliver above-average returns. The slowest months are January ($1,433) and February ($1,609), creating a notable seasonal revenue spread that investors should plan around.

How many Airbnbs are there in Elkins?

There are currently 40 active Airbnb listings in Elkins. The supply breaks down fairly evenly across sizes: 9 one-bedroom listings, 11 two-bedrooms, and 12 three-bedrooms. Notably, active listings have grown 71% year over year, indicating that the market is attracting increased investor and host attention.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Elkins?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Elkins 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 into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 the Elkins market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence among active listings
• Home value benchmarks 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. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary — investors should conduct independent due diligence before purchasing.