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

Independence Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Independence, VA is a small but growing short-term rental market with just 11 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $26,351 per property. With an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and a 71% year-over-year increase in active listings, this rural Virginia destination is catching investor attention. The market's ADR of $203 sits well below the state average of $339, but lower property values around $371,035 help offset the rate gap and create a compelling yield story.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Independence 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 Independence

Independence appeals to investors seeking an affordable entry point with above-average revenue relative to property costs in a market where supply is still nascent.

Expert Market Assessment

"Independence earns a 67 out of 100 ROI score—an "Attractive Opportunity" rating driven primarily by its strong revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand dynamics. Seasonality is a real factor here: revenue swings from a low of $750 in February to a peak of $3,571 in October, so investors need to budget for meaningful off-season softness. Occupancy stability rates below average at 32%, reflecting the leisure-heavy, weekend-driven nature of demand in this rural southwestern Virginia market. That said, the small inventory and above-average market growth trend suggest that well-managed properties with the right amenity mix can outperform the averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Independence

Average revenue by month in Independence

Independence shows pronounced seasonality, with October peaking at $3,571 and February bottoming out at $750—a nearly 5x spread. The strongest revenue corridor runs from May through November, giving investors roughly seven productive months before the quieter winter period.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Independence

All reported active listings in Independence are concentrated in the 2-bedroom category, with 5 listings tracked at that size. This extremely narrow supply distribution suggests potential opportunity for investors willing to offer different property configurations—particularly larger homes that could command higher nightly rates.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Independence

Two-bedroom properties in Independence average a $135 daily rate, which is below the market-wide ADR of $203. The gap suggests that larger or more premium properties not fully captured in the size breakdown are commanding significantly higher rates and pulling the overall average up.

Average RevPAN by property size in Independence

Two-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of $32, reflecting the combination of their $135 ADR and 24% occupancy rate. This figure trails the market-wide RevPAN of $65, indicating that other property types in the market are delivering meaningfully stronger revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Independence

Two-bedroom properties average 24% occupancy, notably below the market-wide 32% average. This lower fill rate suggests that 2-bedroom units face stiffer competition or weaker demand relative to other configurations in Independence, which is worth considering when modeling cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Independence

Two-bedroom listings bring in approximately $1,887 per month on average, about $300 below the market-wide monthly average of $2,195. Investors considering 2-bedroom properties should account for this revenue gap and explore whether upgrades or differentiated amenities could close the difference.

Average annual revenue by property size in Independence

At $22,655 in average annual revenue, 2-bedroom properties trail the market-wide average of $26,351 by roughly $3,700. Investors looking to maximize return potential in Independence may want to explore larger or more unique property formats that appear to command the premium driving the overall market average higher.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Independence

Every listing in Independence offers a BBQ grill, kitchen, and parking—these are table stakes for competing in this market. Outdoor-focused amenities like patios (82%), backyards (73%), and outdoor furniture (64%) dominate, signaling that guests expect a nature-oriented, self-sufficient retreat experience, while differentiators like lake access (27%) and hot tubs (18%) could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Independence's ROI Score: 67/100

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

Independence's ROI score of 67 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven largely by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand balance that reward early movers in this small market. Occupancy stability scored below average, reflecting seasonal demand patterns that investors should model carefully when projecting cash flow. Pairing this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a conservative underwriting approach will help ensure the numbers translate into real-world returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Independence

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Independence, VA should verify whether Grayson County or the town requires a business license or STR registration before listing a property. Virginia does not have a statewide STR permit mandate, so requirements vary by locality—investors should confirm current rules with the local planning or zoning office.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and any HOA or deed covenants that govern rental activity. Some Virginia localities have also adopted caps on non-owner-occupied rentals, so checking with local authorities before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Virginia imposes a transient occupancy tax, and Grayson County or the town of Independence may levy additional local lodging taxes on stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm that all local obligations are being met.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Independence is likely to see continued listing growth as investors discover the market's favorable revenue-to-price dynamics. Seasonal patterns suggest ADR could firm up another 2–5% during peak fall months, when October revenue already tops $3,571 per listing. Occupancy—currently at 32%—may remain in the 30–36% range given the market's rural, leisure-driven demand profile. Investors should plan cash reserves for the softer winter months when revenue dips below $1,000, while capitalizing on the strong May-through-November corridor."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Independence, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Independence?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Independence is currently 32%, which is slightly below the Virginia state average of 34%. This reflects the market's rural, leisure-oriented demand profile, where bookings tend to cluster around weekends and peak travel seasons rather than filling consistently throughout the week.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Independence?

Airbnb hosts in Independence earn an average of $2,195 per month, or roughly $26,351 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by season—October leads at $3,571 while February dips to around $750—so hosts should plan their financial models around this seasonal swing.

Is Independence a good market for Airbnb investment?

Independence scores 67 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market stands out for its above-average revenue-to-price ratio—average home values are around $371,035 while annual revenue averages $26,351. With only 11 active listings and 71% year-over-year growth, competition is still low. However, occupancy stability is below average, so investors should factor in seasonal variability when modeling returns.

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

The average daily rate in Independence is $203, which is below the Virginia state average of $339. This lower ADR aligns with the market's rural character and more affordable property values, and it still supports solid returns when paired with the area's relatively low acquisition costs.

Are short-term rentals legal in Independence?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Independence, VA, but specific requirements—such as business licenses, zoning approvals, or local registrations—can vary. Investors should check with Grayson County and local authorities to confirm current rules before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Independence?

Peak season in Independence runs from late spring through fall, with October being the strongest month at an average revenue of $3,571 per listing. July and August also perform well at $3,028 and $2,910 respectively, likely driven by summer recreation. The fall foliage season appears to be a major demand driver in this part of southwestern Virginia.

How many Airbnbs are there in Independence?

There are currently 11 active Airbnb listings in Independence as of April 2026. This represents a 71% increase year-over-year, indicating the market is in an early growth phase with limited competition compared to more established Virginia STR markets.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Independence?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Independence 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 performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively 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 Independence, VA
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN tracked over time
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics and Zillow Home Value Index for consistency

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 and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with Independence and Grayson County authorities before purchasing.