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

Fairfax Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Fairfax, VA is a compact short-term rental market with just 50 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $25,398 per property. Occupancy sits at 43%, comfortably above the Virginia state average of 34%, though the average daily rate of $151 comes in well below the statewide $339 figure. With home values averaging over $1 million and a 129% year-over-year increase in active listings, this is a market where selective deal sourcing matters — the opportunity is real, but the math has to work on a property-by-property basis.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Fairfax 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 Fairfax

Fairfax draws investor attention thanks to its proximity to Washington, D.C., strong occupancy stability, and steady demand from government, corporate, and university-related travelers.

Expert Market Assessment

"Fairfax presents a competitive but navigable opportunity for STR investors willing to do their homework. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a clear strength, though a below-average revenue-to-price ratio — driven by home values exceeding $1 million — means returns depend heavily on property selection and operational efficiency. Seasonality is moderate: revenue peaks in June at $2,757 and dips to $1,291 in February, a spread that's manageable but worth factoring into cash-flow planning. Investors targeting larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) will find the strongest absolute revenue, but should weigh that against acquisition costs and the lower occupancy rates those sizes tend to see."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Fairfax

Average revenue by month in Fairfax

Revenue in Fairfax peaks in June at $2,757 and bottoms out in February at $1,291, creating a seasonal spread of roughly 2x. December's $2,516 stands out as an off-cycle high, suggesting year-end demand from holiday or business travel that investors can capitalize on with strategic pricing.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Fairfax

One-bedroom units dominate Fairfax's supply at 29 of 50 total listings (58%), while 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom properties each have just 5–6 listings. The thin supply of larger homes could represent a differentiation opportunity for investors, especially given the higher revenue those sizes generate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Fairfax

ADR scales steeply from $76 for 1-bedroom listings to $304 for 4-bedroom properties — a 4x increase. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($155) to 3 bedrooms ($250) is particularly pronounced, suggesting that mid-size properties may offer a strong rate premium relative to incremental acquisition costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Fairfax

RevPAN climbs steadily from $40 for 1-bedroom units to $68 for 4-bedroom properties, reflecting higher nightly rates that more than offset lower occupancy. The gap between 3-bedroom ($58) and 4-bedroom ($68) RevPAN indicates that the largest properties squeeze out meaningful additional yield per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Fairfax

One-bedroom listings lead with 53% occupancy, while 2-bedroom units fill 35% of available nights and both 3- and 4-bedroom properties sit at 23%. For cash-flow-focused investors, the higher consistency of smaller units is worth weighing against the larger per-booking revenue that bigger properties deliver.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Fairfax

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,150 for 1-bedroom listings to $4,700 for 4-bedroom properties, with each step up in bedrooms adding roughly $1,000–$1,200 in monthly income. Four-bedroom homes generate more than 4x the revenue of 1-bedroom units, making them the clear top earners in absolute terms.

Average annual revenue by property size in Fairfax

Annual revenue potential grows from $13,809 for 1-bedroom units to $56,402 for 4-bedroom properties. Given Fairfax's high average home values of $1,070,376, investors should carefully model whether the incremental revenue from larger properties justifies the likely higher purchase price.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Fairfax

Parking (98%), kitchen (90%), and laundry facilities (washer 88%, dryer 84%) are near-universal in Fairfax listings, reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience. A dedicated workspace appears in 78% of listings — an unusually high rate that signals strong demand from business and remote-work travelers in this D.C.-adjacent market.

Understanding Fairfax's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Fairfax's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity tier — a market with genuine demand but where entry costs require careful underwriting. The above-average occupancy stability is the standout positive factor, while the below-average revenue-to-price ratio reflects the challenge of generating sufficient yield against $1M+ home values. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and target properties where the numbers work on a deal-specific basis.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Fairfax

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Fairfax, Virginia may need to register or obtain a permit through the city or Fairfax County before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with local planning and zoning offices, as rules can change with limited notice.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and potential HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of permits issued, so checking availability early in the acquisition process is advisable.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Virginia are typically subject to state and local transient occupancy taxes, and may also owe sales tax on rental income. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligation with a tax professional familiar with Virginia requirements.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Fairfax's STR market is expected to continue expanding as the 129% year-over-year listing growth suggests rising investor awareness of the area's demand drivers. Occupancy rates may face modest downward pressure as new supply enters, though the market's above-average stability should keep rates in the 38–45% range. Investors can anticipate seasonal revenue swings of roughly 2x between winter lows and summer highs, with ADRs likely holding steady or inching up 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies in this relatively small market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Fairfax, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fairfax?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Fairfax is currently 43%, which is notably higher than the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 53%, while 3- and 4-bedroom properties average around 23%. This suggests that smaller units benefit from more consistent demand, likely driven by business and short-stay travelers visiting the D.C. metro area.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Fairfax?

Airbnb hosts in Fairfax earn an average of $2,116 per month and approximately $25,398 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $13,809 annually, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $56,402. Peak earning months like June can generate around $2,757, so property type and seasonal pricing strategy play a big role in what individual hosts take home.

Is Fairfax a good market for Airbnb investment?

Fairfax earns an ROI score of 53 out of 100, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market's above-average occupancy stability is a clear positive, and the relatively small supply of 50 listings limits direct competition. However, average home values above $1 million mean the revenue-to-price ratio is below average, so investors need to be selective about which properties they acquire. Well-managed larger homes — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom units — offer the strongest revenue potential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Fairfax is $151, which is below the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales considerably with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $76 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command $304. The lower market-wide ADR reflects the dominance of 1-bedroom units in the supply mix, rather than an inherently low-pricing market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Fairfax?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Fairfax, VA, but hosts may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can include zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and tax registration requirements. We recommend consulting the City of Fairfax or Fairfax County planning office directly and reviewing any applicable HOA rules before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Fairfax?

Peak season in Fairfax runs from May through August, with June delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,757. December also shows a notable bump to $2,516, likely tied to holiday travel and year-end business activity. The slowest months are January ($1,407) and February ($1,291), so investors should plan their cash flow around this roughly 2x seasonal swing.

How many Airbnbs are there in Fairfax?

There are currently 50 active Airbnb listings in Fairfax as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with active listings increasing 129% year over year. One-bedroom units dominate the supply at 29 listings, while 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom properties each account for 5–6 listings, suggesting potential opportunity in the larger-property segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Fairfax?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Fairfax 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, 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, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month uses its own historical data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively a 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 Fairfax market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for supply, pricing, occupancy, and revenue performance
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index

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 as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.