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

Gloucester Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gloucester, VA is a small but growing short-term rental market with just 37 active Airbnb listings and notable year-over-year listing growth of 114%. The market generates an average annual revenue of $33,249 per listing, driven largely by strong summer demand along Virginia's coastal region. While the average daily rate of $219 sits below the state average of $339, the lower entry point combined with seasonal waterfront appeal makes this a market worth watching for investors seeking less competitive environments.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gloucester 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 Gloucester

Gloucester appeals to investors seeking a low-competition coastal Virginia market with seasonal revenue upside and property values that support reasonable returns relative to income.

Expert Market Assessment

"Gloucester presents an attractive but seasonal investment opportunity, earning a 62 out of 100 on the ROI score. Revenue swings dramatically between summer and winter — July listings average $5,588 while January drops to just $976 — so investors need to plan for significant off-peak softness. The 3-bedroom segment stands out as the strongest performer with the highest occupancy (27%), RevPAN ($60), and annual revenue ($39,866), making it the clearest path to returns. With average metrics across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and growth trends, this is a market that rewards smart property selection and seasonal pricing strategies rather than passive management."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Gloucester

Average revenue by month in Gloucester

Gloucester's revenue follows a sharp seasonal curve, peaking in July at $5,588 and bottoming out in January at just $976 — a nearly 6x spread between the best and worst months. Investors should expect the bulk of annual income to come from the June–August window, with October and November offering modest shoulder-season revenue around $2,300–$2,600.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Gloucester

Supply in Gloucester is concentrated in 2- and 3-bedroom properties (11 and 12 listings respectively), with only 7 one-bedroom units on the market. The relatively even distribution between 2- and 3-bedroom homes suggests neither size has an outsized competitive advantage in terms of supply saturation, though 1-bedroom listings' poor performance may signal weak demand rather than opportunity.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Gloucester

ADR scales predictably with size, from $123 for 1-bedroom listings up to $224 for 3-bedroom properties. The jump from 1- to 2-bedrooms ($123 to $189) represents the steepest rate increase, suggesting the extra bedroom adds significant perceived value for guests in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Gloucester

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $60, far outpacing 2-bedrooms at $47 and dramatically ahead of 1-bedrooms at just $7. The $7 RevPAN for 1-bedroom units signals that smaller properties struggle to fill nights at meaningful rates, making them a challenging investment in Gloucester.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Gloucester

Occupancy climbs with property size: 3-bedroom listings achieve 27%, 2-bedrooms hit 25%, and 1-bedroom units lag significantly at only 6%. The extremely low occupancy for 1-bedroom properties suggests this market's guest base overwhelmingly favors larger accommodations, likely tied to family and group travel to the waterfront area.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Gloucester

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $3,322, nearly 4x the $859 generated by 1-bedroom listings, with 2-bedrooms earning a solid $2,193. The revenue gap between 2- and 3-bedroom units ($1,129/month) is meaningful enough that investors acquiring larger properties can expect materially better cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Gloucester

At $39,866 annually, 3-bedroom listings in Gloucester offer the strongest return potential — roughly $13,500 more per year than 2-bedroom properties ($26,318) and nearly quadruple the income from 1-bedroom units ($10,318). For investors targeting this market, 3-bedroom homes clearly represent the best revenue configuration relative to the incremental cost of a larger property.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Gloucester

Washer, parking, and kitchen amenities each appear in 92% of Gloucester listings, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (76%), patios (76%), and BBQ grills (68%) are heavily represented, reflecting the market's outdoor and waterfront lifestyle — while waterfront access (41%) and beach access (22%) could serve as meaningful competitive advantages for properties that offer them.

Understanding Gloucester's ROI Score: 62/100

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

Gloucester's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue, occupancy, and growth trends all sit at average levels relative to peers. The revenue-to-price ratio (weighted at 40%) and occupancy stability (30%) are the most influential factors in this score, and both register as average — meaning returns are achievable but not exceptional without careful property and pricing strategy. Investors should pair this data with thorough research into Gloucester County's regulatory landscape and focus on 3-bedroom properties where the numbers are strongest.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gloucester

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Gloucester, Virginia may need to obtain permits or register their property with the county. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Gloucester County and the Commonwealth of Virginia before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia markets can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules may also apply to specific communities, and some jurisdictions impose caps on the number of STR permits issued — it's important to research any applicable local or community-level restrictions.

Tax Obligations

Virginia typically requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes, and state sales tax may also apply. Platforms like Airbnb often handle some tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Virginia Department of Taxation and local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Gloucester's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor interest follows the 114% year-over-year increase in active listings. Summer months should remain the primary revenue driver, with July and August revenues estimated to stay in the $5,000–$5,600 range per listing. Occupancy, currently at 21% market-wide, may face modest pressure from new supply unless demand keeps pace — investors should plan for ADR holding steady or rising 1–3% as the area's waterfront and outdoor appeal continues to draw seasonal visitors. We'd recommend budgeting conservatively for winter months, where revenue can dip below $1,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gloucester, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gloucester?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gloucester, VA is currently 21%, which falls below the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 3-bedroom listings average 27%, while 1-bedroom properties sit at just 6%. The strong seasonality of this coastal market means summer months carry much higher occupancy than winter, contributing to the lower annualized average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gloucester?

Airbnb hosts in Gloucester earn an average of $2,770 per month and $33,249 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies considerably by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead at approximately $3,322 per month ($39,866 annually), while 1-bedroom properties average $859 per month ($10,318 annually). Peak summer months like July can bring in over $5,500, so total earnings depend heavily on how well a host captures seasonal demand.

Is Gloucester a good market for Airbnb investment?

Gloucester earns a 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from low competition with only 37 active listings, coastal and waterfront appeal, and reasonable property values around $540,000. However, the pronounced seasonality means revenue is heavily concentrated in summer months, and the overall occupancy rate of 21% is below the state average. Investors who choose larger properties (3 bedrooms) and price strategically for the shoulder and off-seasons will be best positioned for solid returns.

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

The average daily rate in Gloucester is $219, compared to a Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $123, 2-bedrooms come in at $189, and 3-bedroom properties command $224 per night. While below the state average, these rates reflect the market's more rural and seasonal character.

Are short-term rentals legal in Gloucester?

Short-term rentals operate in Gloucester, VA, as evidenced by the 37 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations can change, and operators may need permits, registrations, or compliance with specific county and Virginia state requirements. We recommend verifying the latest rules with Gloucester County authorities and consulting a local real estate attorney before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Gloucester?

Peak season in Gloucester runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $5,588 per listing. August follows closely at $5,043. Revenue drops sharply heading into fall and winter, with January being the slowest month at just $976. This pronounced seasonality reflects Gloucester's appeal as a warm-weather, waterfront destination.

How many Airbnbs are there in Gloucester?

There are currently 37 active Airbnb listings in Gloucester, VA as of April 2026. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 114% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is distributed across 1-bedroom (7 listings), 2-bedroom (11 listings), and 3-bedroom (12 listings) properties, with 3-bedroom homes making up the largest share.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gloucester?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Gloucester 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 aggregate the results to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks (like July's $5,588) and slower periods (like January's $976). 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 Gloucester, VA market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Property value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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 historical averages and may not capture recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary — investors should verify all requirements with Gloucester County and Virginia state authorities before purchasing.