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

Forest Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Forest, VA is a small but growing short-term rental market with 45 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $22,530 per property. While ADR sits at $266—below the Virginia state average of $339—the market's modest property count and rural appeal near Lynchburg create a niche opportunity for investors seeking entry at a lower price point. With a 153% year-over-year increase in active listings, interest in this area is clearly accelerating.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Forest 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 Forest

Investors are drawn to Forest for its relatively affordable home values, proximity to Lynchburg's attractions, and outdoor recreation appeal that drives seasonal demand.

Expert Market Assessment

"Forest presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors, aligning with its ROI score of 55 out of 100 — categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." Revenue is heavily seasonal, with August averaging $3,241 compared to just $678 in January, meaning cash flow management through the winter months requires careful planning. The supply-demand balance is currently average, but the rapid influx of new listings is worth monitoring closely. Investors who target 2- or 3-bedroom properties and lean into the area's outdoor appeal should find the strongest footing here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Forest

Average revenue by month in Forest

Forest's revenue follows a sharp seasonal curve, peaking in August at $3,241 and bottoming out in January at just $678 — a nearly 5x spread. The May–September window accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, making summer marketing and pricing optimization critical for maximizing returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Forest

Supply is fairly evenly distributed, with 1-bedroom units slightly leading at 14 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (12) and 3-bedrooms (10). The relatively balanced distribution means no single property size dominates, though investors eyeing larger homes may find less direct competition in the 3-bedroom segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Forest

ADR climbs predictably with size, from $101 for 1-bedroom listings to $185 for 3-bedrooms. The jump from 1- to 2-bedrooms ($52 increase) is proportionally the largest, suggesting that adding a second bedroom delivers the strongest pricing uplift relative to the size increase.

Average RevPAN by property size in Forest

Two-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $55 per available night, edging out 3-bedrooms at $52, while 1-bedrooms trail significantly at $30. This indicates that 2-bedroom units strike the best balance between nightly rate and occupancy, making them particularly efficient revenue generators.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Forest

Two-bedroom properties achieve the highest occupancy at 36%, compared to 30% for 1-bedrooms and 28% for 3-bedrooms. The relatively modest spread suggests that while larger homes command higher nightly rates, they may sit empty more often — a trade-off investors should weigh when selecting property size.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Forest

Three-bedroom properties top monthly revenue at $2,297, with 2-bedrooms close behind at $2,123 and 1-bedrooms earning $1,283. The gap between 2- and 3-bedroom monthly earnings is relatively narrow ($174), which could make 2-bedrooms the more capital-efficient choice given their higher occupancy rates.

Average annual revenue by property size in Forest

Annual revenue ranges from $15,403 for 1-bedroom properties to $27,566 for 3-bedrooms, with 2-bedrooms generating $25,482. Investors targeting the highest gross revenue will lean toward 3-bedroom homes, though the modest premium over 2-bedrooms suggests the latter may deliver stronger returns relative to acquisition and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Forest

Parking is universal across all Forest listings (100%), while self check-in, kitchens, and patios or balconies each appear in 80%+ of properties — setting a clear baseline for guest expectations. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (64%), outdoor furniture (51%), and BBQ grills (42%) are common, signaling that guests in this market prioritize space and outdoor living, while premium features like pools (13%) and hot tubs (7%) remain differentiators.

Understanding Forest's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Forest's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average performance across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance, with market growth trending below average. The score suggests this is a viable market for STR investment but not one where returns come effortlessly — property selection, amenity investment, and seasonal pricing strategy will heavily influence outcomes. Pairing this data with thorough research into Bedford County regulations and local demand drivers will give investors the clearest picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Forest

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Forest, Virginia, should check with Bedford County and the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding any permit or registration requirements for STR properties. Local zoning rules may apply, so verifying compliance with county authorities before listing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, and some jurisdictions cap the number of STR permits issued, so investors should review all applicable local and community-level regulations.

Tax Obligations

Virginia generally requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes, and some localities impose additional tourism or sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their specific obligations with Bedford County and the Virginia Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Forest's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the sharp rise in new listings, which could put some downward pressure on occupancy rates that already sit at 30%. Seasonal demand should remain concentrated in the summer months, with July and August driving the lion's share of revenue. ADR may hold steady or see modest 1–3% increases as the market matures, though investors should watch whether the rapid listing growth outpaces demand. Properties that differentiate with outdoor amenities and larger bedroom counts are best positioned to capture premium bookings during peak season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Forest, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Forest?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Forest, VA is currently 30%, which trails the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom units performing best at 36%, while 3-bedroom properties average 28%. Seasonality plays a major role, so hosts can expect significantly higher occupancy during the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Forest?

Airbnb hosts in Forest earn an average of $1,877 per month and approximately $22,530 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies substantially by property size: 1-bedroom units average $15,403 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in about $25,482, and 3-bedroom properties lead at $27,566 per year. Peak summer months can push monthly revenue above $3,000.

Is Forest a good market for Airbnb investment?

Forest earns an ROI score of 55 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market offers a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio and average occupancy stability, though market growth trends are currently below average. With only 45 active listings and rising investor interest, there's still room to establish a well-positioned property, especially if you target 2- or 3-bedroom configurations and invest in popular amenities.

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

The average daily rate in Forest is $266, which is below the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $101, 2-bedrooms come in at $153, and 3-bedroom properties command $185 per night. The overall market ADR reflects a mix of property types and seasonal pricing adjustments.

Are short-term rentals legal in Forest?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Forest, VA, but operators should verify specific requirements with Bedford County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Zoning restrictions, permit requirements, and HOA rules may apply depending on your property's location. We recommend consulting local authorities and reviewing any homeowner association covenants before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Forest?

Peak season in Forest runs from May through September, with July and August delivering the highest revenues at $3,168 and $3,241 per month on average, respectively. The off-season from November through February sees a significant drop, with January averaging just $678. This pronounced seasonality means investors should plan for leaner winter months when budgeting cash flow.

How many Airbnbs are there in Forest?

As of April 2026, there are 45 active Airbnb listings in Forest, VA. The market has seen remarkable growth with a 153% year-over-year increase in listings. Supply is distributed across 1-bedroom (14 listings), 2-bedroom (12 listings), and 3-bedroom (10 listings) properties, making it a relatively small and concentrated market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Forest?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Forest 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, 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 for Forest, VA and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing performance data
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates derived from historical booking data across comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns covering bedroom-level supply, pricing, and revenue trends
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context

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 current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may shift. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.