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

Harrisonburg Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Harrisonburg, VA sits at the intersection of Shenandoah Valley tourism and James Madison University demand, creating a niche short-term rental market with 112 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $21,530. While the ADR of $174 comes in well below the Virginia state average of $339, more affordable home values and a college-town guest base offer a distinct entry point for investors willing to be selective. The market's ROI score of 51 out of 100 signals competitive conditions — deals exist, but they require careful sourcing given tighter margins and growing supply.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg's combination of a university-driven guest base, proximity to Shenandoah Valley attractions, and below-state-average property prices makes it an appealing — if competitive — option for STR investors seeking a foothold in Virginia.

Expert Market Assessment

"Harrisonburg presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who are willing to navigate a competitive landscape. Revenue peaks in August ($2,310) and October ($2,158), driven by back-to-school activity and fall foliage season, while January marks the softest month at $1,267 — a spread that underscores meaningful seasonality. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance flagged in the ROI score mean that not every property will pencil out, but investors who target larger units and price strategically around peak periods can still carve out attractive returns. This is a market that rewards specificity over broad strokes."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Harrisonburg

Average revenue by month in Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg's revenue cycle shows clear seasonality, peaking in August at $2,310 and October at $2,158 before dropping to a low of $1,267 in January — a roughly 82% spread between peak and trough. Investors should plan cash reserves around the softer winter months while capitalizing on late summer and fall demand.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Harrisonburg

One-bedroom units account for nearly 45% of all 112 active listings, creating a crowded segment, while 3-bedroom (16 listings) and 4-bedroom (8 listings) properties are far less represented. This supply gap in larger units could signal a differentiation opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger homes.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Harrisonburg

ADR scales steeply with property size in Harrisonburg: studios and 1-bedrooms cluster around $120–$128, but 3-bedrooms jump to $223 and 4-bedrooms command $317 per night. The premium for larger properties is substantial and suggests that the cost of an extra bedroom is more than compensated by nightly rate gains.

Average RevPAN by property size in Harrisonburg

Four-bedroom properties lead decisively on RevPAN at $136, nearly double the $69 achieved by 3-bedroom units and more than triple the 1-bedroom figure of $39. This clear RevPAN advantage for larger properties — even after accounting for their higher occupancy — makes them the strongest revenue-per-night configuration in the market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Harrisonburg

Four-bedroom listings stand out with 43% occupancy, well above the market-wide 32% average, while studios lag at just 20%. One- through 3-bedroom properties cluster tightly around 31–32%, suggesting that guests booking larger spaces in Harrisonburg are less price-sensitive and more deliberate in their planning.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Harrisonburg

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,468 for studios to $2,964 for 4-bedroom properties, with a notable jump between 2-bedrooms ($1,781) and 3-bedrooms ($2,605). This step-up suggests that crossing the 3-bedroom threshold meaningfully changes the revenue profile of a Harrisonburg STR investment.

Average annual revenue by property size in Harrisonburg

Annualized, 4-bedroom units generate $35,577 — more than double the $17,626 earned by studios and roughly 66% more than 2-bedroom properties at $21,380. For investors focused on maximizing top-line revenue in Harrisonburg, larger properties clearly offer the strongest earning potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Harrisonburg

Parking is nearly universal at 98%, and self check-in (83%) and kitchens (71%) round out the essentials — reflecting a guest base that values convenience and independence. Differentiators like hot tubs (6%) and pet-friendliness (15%) are rare, presenting potential competitive edges for listings that offer them.

Understanding Harrisonburg's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Harrisonburg's ROI score of 51 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, indicating that while demand and investor interest exist, tighter margins require disciplined deal sourcing. The below-average revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance are the primary drags, while occupancy stability and market growth trend score at average levels, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding market. Investors should pair this data with local regulatory research and focus on property types — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes — that outperform the market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Harrisonburg

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

Permit Requirements

Harrisonburg, Virginia may require short-term rental operators to obtain a business license or special-use permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit and registration requirements directly with the City of Harrisonburg's planning and zoning department.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Harrisonburg can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. HOA rules may impose additional limitations in certain neighborhoods, and any applicable zoning or permit caps should be confirmed before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Virginia are generally subject to state and local transient occupancy taxes, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit a portion of these on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm with the City of Harrisonburg and the Virginia Department of Taxation to ensure full compliance with all applicable sales and lodging tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Harrisonburg's STR market is likely to see continued moderate demand driven by university events, Shenandoah Valley tourism, and seasonal peaks in late summer and fall. With year-over-year listing growth at 109%, new supply could put pressure on occupancy rates, which currently sit at 32% — roughly in line with the state average but leaving limited room for softening. Investors should anticipate ADR holding relatively flat, perhaps edging up 1–3%, while occupancy may fluctuate between 28% and 35% depending on seasonality and competitive pricing. Targeting larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) that outperform on RevPAN could help insulate returns against increasing competition."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Harrisonburg, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harrisonburg?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Harrisonburg is currently 32%, which is just slightly below the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 4-bedroom listings achieve 43% occupancy, while studios average just 20%. Investors targeting higher cash-flow stability may want to focus on larger configurations that consistently fill more nights.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Harrisonburg?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Harrisonburg earn approximately $1,794 per month, which translates to about $21,530 annually based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Larger properties significantly outperform: 4-bedroom units average $2,964 per month ($35,577 annually), while 1-bedroom listings bring in roughly $1,542 per month. Actual earnings depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, and seasonal demand.

Is Harrisonburg a good market for Airbnb investment?

Harrisonburg earns an ROI score of 51 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. This means investor interest and demand are present, but higher property prices relative to revenue and growing competition require more selective deal sourcing. Investors who focus on larger properties — particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes — and optimize around peak months like August and October can find worthwhile returns, though careful underwriting is essential.

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

The average daily rate in Harrisonburg is $174, which is notably below the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales with property size: studios average $120, while 4-bedroom properties command $317 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects the market's college-town character, but it also keeps guest price sensitivity manageable and supports steady booking volume for well-positioned listings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Harrisonburg?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Harrisonburg, though operators may need to obtain appropriate permits or business licenses from the city. Regulations can vary by zoning district, and additional restrictions such as HOA rules may apply in specific neighborhoods. Investors should consult the City of Harrisonburg's planning and zoning office and review Virginia state requirements before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Harrisonburg?

Peak season in Harrisonburg aligns with late summer and fall. August is the highest-earning month at $2,310 in average revenue, followed closely by October at $2,158 — likely driven by university move-in, back-to-school events, and Shenandoah Valley fall foliage tourism. The slowest period is January at $1,267, making the peak-to-trough spread roughly $1,043 per month.

How many Airbnbs are there in Harrisonburg?

As of April 2026, there are 112 active Airbnb listings in Harrisonburg. The market has experienced significant year-over-year growth of 109% in active listings. One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 50 listings, followed by 2-bedroom properties (28) and 3-bedroom units (16), suggesting that larger configurations remain relatively less saturated.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Harrisonburg?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Harrisonburg 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance window. 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 Harrisonburg and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 12-month averages and market conditions may have shifted since the last update. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.