Harpers Ferry, WV Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Harpers Ferry Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Harpers Ferry, WV presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity anchored by its proximity to a renowned national historical park and the outdoor recreation corridor along the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. With 168 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $36,466 and an ADR of $250—slightly above the $242 West Virginia state average—the market rewards hosts who can tap into the region's steady stream of hikers, history buffs, and weekend getaway travelers from the D.C. metro area. An ROI score of 59 out of 100 reflects above-average revenue-to-price dynamics, though investors should account for below-average supply/demand balance driven by significant listing growth of 126% year over year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Harpers Ferry short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Harpers Ferry

Investors are drawn to Harpers Ferry for its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and proximity to the D.C. metro's large pool of weekend travelers seeking outdoor and historical experiences.

Expert Market Assessment

"Harpers Ferry earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by a revenue-to-price ratio that sits above average for the region and occupancy stability that remains consistent across property sizes. Seasonality is pronounced—monthly revenue swings from a winter low of roughly $1,688 in January to a summer peak of $4,284 in August, so investors should model cash flow with these fluctuations in mind. The rapid expansion of supply (126% year-over-year listing growth) introduces competitive risk, though the market's appeal as a nature and heritage destination within easy driving distance of major metro areas provides a durable demand floor. Operators who invest in larger properties and differentiating amenities are best positioned to capture above-average returns here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Harpers Ferry

Average revenue by month in Harpers Ferry

Revenue in Harpers Ferry follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in August at $4,284 and bottoming out in January at $1,688—a spread of roughly 2.5x. The warm months from May through October all exceed $3,300, giving investors a solid six-month earning window, while November through April requires careful cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Harpers Ferry

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 56 listings (33% of the market), while 3-bedroom properties hold the second-largest share at 43. Larger configurations—5-bedroom (8 listings) and 6+ bedroom (7 listings)—are notably scarce, potentially signaling less competition and stronger pricing power for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Harpers Ferry

ADR scales steeply with size in Harpers Ferry, jumping from $153 for 1-bedroom units to $703 for 6+ bedroom homes—a 4.6x premium. The sharpest rate increase occurs between 4 bedrooms ($345) and 5 bedrooms ($564), suggesting that group-sized properties unlock a significant pricing tier in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Harpers Ferry

RevPAN climbs steadily from $39 for 1-bedroom listings to $218 for 6+ bedroom properties, confirming that larger homes convert their higher ADRs into meaningfully better per-night revenue even after accounting for occupancy. Four-bedroom units at $98 RevPAN represent an efficient middle ground between acquisition cost and earning potential.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Harpers Ferry

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered across property sizes, ranging from 25% for 5-bedroom homes to 31% for 6+ bedroom properties, indicating that demand is relatively size-agnostic. This consistency means revenue differences are driven primarily by nightly rate rather than fill rate, making ADR optimization a key lever for investors at every tier.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Harpers Ferry

Five-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $6,697, followed closely by 6+ bedroom homes at $6,522, while 1-bedroom units bring in $1,894—roughly 3.5x less. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($3,561) to 4 bedrooms ($4,646) marks a meaningful revenue inflection point for investors evaluating property size trade-offs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Harpers Ferry

Annual revenue ranges from $22,728 for 1-bedroom listings up to $80,369 for 5-bedroom properties, which slightly outperform 6+ bedroom homes ($78,266). Given that 5-bedroom listings also have scarce supply (only 8 in the market), this configuration may offer the strongest combination of high revenue and limited competition.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Harpers Ferry

Parking is virtually universal at 99% of listings, reflecting the rural, car-dependent nature of Harpers Ferry, while kitchens (92%) and self check-in (83%) round out the baseline expectations. Outdoor-oriented amenities like patios (78%), outdoor furniture (72%), and BBQ grills (63%) dominate, and the 35% hot tub penetration rate suggests room for differentiation—adding one could help a listing stand out in a market where guests clearly prioritize outdoor living.

Understanding Harpers Ferry's ROI Score: 59/100

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

Harpers Ferry's ROI score of 59 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, largely driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and above-average occupancy stability—two factors that together account for 70% of the score's weighting. The market's growth trend registers as average, while a below-average supply/demand balance reflects the 126% surge in new listings, which could dilute returns if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should pair this score with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic assessment of competition before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Harpers Ferry

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia may need to obtain local permits or register with the municipality and comply with any applicable state-level lodging requirements. Investors should verify current permit and licensing rules directly with the Town of Harpers Ferry and the West Virginia Secretary of State's office before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Harpers Ferry can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking mandates. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, and some areas restrict the total number of short-term rental permits issued, so confirming neighborhood-level rules is an important early step.

Tax Obligations

West Virginia imposes a state sales tax and a hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and hosts may also owe local lodging taxes depending on municipal ordinances. Major platforms like Airbnb typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm that all local obligations are fully covered.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, demand in Harpers Ferry is expected to remain concentrated in the warm-weather months, with July and August continuing to lead revenue. ADR may edge up modestly in the range of 1–3% as hosts refine pricing for the growing supply, while occupancy is likely to settle in the 26–31% band unless new demand drivers emerge. The rapid 126% year-over-year growth in listings signals increased competition, which could put pressure on RevPAN unless operators differentiate through larger properties, premium amenities like hot tubs, or pet-friendly accommodations. Investors entering now should plan conservatively around current performance and treat any uptick as a bonus."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Harpers Ferry, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harpers Ferry?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harpers Ferry is currently 28%, which falls below the West Virginia state average of 38%. Occupancy rates are relatively consistent across property sizes, ranging from 25% for 5-bedroom listings to 31% for 6+ bedroom properties. The lower overall occupancy reflects the market's leisure-driven, seasonal demand pattern, but hosts who optimize pricing and amenities can outperform the average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Harpers Ferry?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Harpers Ferry earn approximately $3,038 per month and $36,466 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $22,728 annually, while 5-bedroom properties top the chart at $80,369 per year. Peak earning months are July and August, when average monthly revenue exceeds $4,100.

Is Harpers Ferry a good market for Airbnb investment?

Harpers Ferry scores 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an "Attractive Opportunity" rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy, making it appealing for investors willing to navigate seasonal demand patterns. However, listing supply has grown 126% year over year, so new entrants should differentiate their properties through size, amenities, or guest experience to maintain competitive returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Harpers Ferry is $250, slightly above the West Virginia state average of $242. ADR scales considerably with property size—1-bedroom units average $153 per night while 6+ bedroom homes command $703. This premium for larger properties reflects the market's popularity with groups seeking weekend getaways in a scenic, historically rich setting.

Are short-term rentals legal in Harpers Ferry?

Short-term rentals do operate in Harpers Ferry, with 168 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, hosts should verify all local permitting, zoning, and registration requirements with the Town of Harpers Ferry and relevant West Virginia state agencies before launching a listing, as regulations can change and may vary by property location.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Harpers Ferry?

Peak season in Harpers Ferry runs from June through October, with August generating the highest average monthly revenue at $4,284 and October following at $3,693—likely boosted by fall foliage tourism. The slowest months are January ($1,688) and February ($1,711), creating a roughly 2.5x revenue spread between peak and off-peak periods. Investors should plan for leaner winter months and capitalize on the extended warm-weather demand window.

How many Airbnbs are there in Harpers Ferry?

There are currently 168 active Airbnb listings in Harpers Ferry as of April 2026. The supply is led by 1-bedroom units (56 listings), followed by 3-bedroom properties (43 listings) and 2-bedroom units (30 listings). Notably, listing supply has grown 126% year over year, indicating significant investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Harpers Ferry?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Harpers Ferry are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drops regional outliers, and rolls the remainder 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics with state-level benchmarks for comparison
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Property value estimates sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance as of April 2026 and may not capture recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.