Lost City, WV Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lost City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lost City, WV is a small but compelling short-term rental market nestled in West Virginia's eastern panhandle, where just 33 active Airbnb listings serve guests drawn to the area's rural charm and outdoor appeal. With an average annual revenue of $36,175 and above-average occupancy stability, this micro-market offers investors a low-competition entry point. The average daily rate of $227 sits slightly below the state average of $242, but the intimate supply landscape means well-positioned properties can capture meaningful seasonal demand without battling hundreds of competitors.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lost City 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 Lost City

Investors are drawn to Lost City for its low competition, steady seasonal demand, and favorable revenue-to-cost dynamics in a market with only 33 active listings.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lost City represents an attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with a seasonal, leisure-driven market. Revenue swings are pronounced — August peaks at $4,580 per month while January dips to $1,733 — so cash-flow planning around these cycles is essential. The ROI score of 65 out of 100 reflects a healthy balance of demand and revenue relative to property values, buoyed by above-average occupancy stability. Investors who target 3-bedroom properties, which lead in both RevPAN ($67) and annual revenue ($41,655), stand to capture the strongest returns in this intimate West Virginia market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lost City

Average revenue by month in Lost City

Lost City shows pronounced seasonality, with August ($4,580) and October ($4,100) delivering peak revenues that are more than double the January low of $1,733. Investors should plan for a strong June-through-November earning window and budget for significantly leaner winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lost City

Two-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 12 listings, closely followed by 11 three-bedroom units, while just 5 one-bedroom listings make up the rest. The relatively thin 1-bedroom supply could signal either lower demand for smaller units or an underserved niche worth exploring.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lost City

ADR climbs steadily with size, from $162 for 1-bedroom listings to $238 for 3-bedroom properties — a 47% premium. The jump from 1-bedroom to 2-bedroom ($225) is the steepest, suggesting the move to a second bedroom significantly shifts guest willingness to pay.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lost City

Three-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $67, outpacing both 1-bedroom ($54) and 2-bedroom ($53) units despite not having the highest occupancy rate. This indicates that 3-bedroom listings command enough of a nightly rate premium to more than compensate for slightly lower fill rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lost City

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 33%, while 2-bedroom properties trail at 24% and 3-bedrooms sit at 28%. The relatively tight range suggests that no single property size dominates demand, but smaller units stay booked most consistently — useful context for investors prioritizing cash-flow predictability.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lost City

Three-bedroom properties are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $3,471, outearning 2-bedrooms ($2,442) by over $1,000 and 1-bedrooms ($2,395) by a similar margin. This sizable gap makes the 3-bedroom configuration the most compelling from a top-line revenue perspective.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lost City

At $41,655 annually, 3-bedroom listings generate roughly 42% more revenue than 2-bedroom properties ($29,311) and 45% more than 1-bedroom units ($28,748). For investors focused on maximizing return potential, the 3-bedroom segment offers the strongest earning power in Lost City.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lost City

Parking (100%), kitchens (97%), and a cluster of outdoor amenities — BBQ grills, patios, outdoor furniture (all 91%) — dominate the Lost City listing landscape, signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient, nature-oriented stay. Hot tubs (33%) and pet-friendliness (58%) represent differentiators that aren't yet universal but clearly resonate with a segment of the guest base.

Understanding Lost City's ROI Score: 65/100

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

Lost City's ROI score of 65 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where revenue relative to property values is average but occupancy stability runs above average — a meaningful plus for investors seeking predictable demand. Market growth trend and supply/demand balance both register as average, suggesting steady rather than explosive conditions. Pairing this score with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on high-performing 3-bedroom properties can help investors make the most of what this small West Virginia market has to offer.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lost City

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lost City, West Virginia may need to obtain permits or register their property with local authorities in Hardy County. Investors should verify current requirements directly with county and state offices before listing, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in West Virginia communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking provisions, and HOA-level rules that may further limit rental activity. It's worth checking whether any permit caps or zoning restrictions apply to your specific property location.

Tax Obligations

West Virginia imposes a state sales tax and a hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some or all of these taxes on behalf of hosts. Investors should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax professional to ensure compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lost City's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal rhythm, with peak revenues concentrated in August through November and softer winter months pulling averages down. Given the market's above-average occupancy stability and average growth trend, ADR may edge up 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies during high-demand periods. Investors should anticipate occupancy rates hovering around 24–33% depending on property size, with summer and fall weekends continuing to drive the bulk of bookings. These estimates reflect current trajectory rather than guaranteed outcomes, so pairing data with on-the-ground research remains important."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lost City, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lost City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lost City is currently 25%, which falls below the West Virginia state average of 38%. However, occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — 1-bedroom listings average 33%, while 2-bedroom properties come in around 24%. The market's above-average occupancy stability suggests that while overall rates are modest, demand patterns are consistent rather than erratic.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lost City?

Airbnb hosts in Lost City earn an average of $3,014 per month, which works out to roughly $36,175 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month performance. Three-bedroom properties lead the way at $41,655 annually, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units generate approximately $28,748 and $29,311 per year, respectively. Actual earnings depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, and how well a host capitalizes on peak summer and fall demand.

Is Lost City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lost City scores a 65 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio, with only 33 active listings creating low competitive pressure. Investors should be mindful of pronounced seasonality — revenue roughly doubles from winter lows to summer highs — but for those prepared to manage cash flow through slower months, the fundamentals are encouraging.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lost City is $227, just under the West Virginia state average of $242. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $162, 2-bedrooms come in at $225, and 3-bedroom properties command $238 per night. This pricing structure gives larger properties a clear edge in generating nightly revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lost City?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Lost City, WV, though operators may need to comply with local permitting, zoning, and tax requirements. Hardy County and the state of West Virginia may each have their own rules, so investors should consult local government offices and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lost City?

Peak season in Lost City runs from roughly June through November, with August ($4,580) and October ($4,100) delivering the strongest monthly revenues. The fall foliage season and summer outdoor recreation appear to be significant demand drivers. January and February are the softest months, with average revenues around $1,733 and $1,820 respectively.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lost City?

There are currently 33 active Airbnb listings in Lost City as of April 2026. The supply breaks down to 5 one-bedroom properties, 12 two-bedroom properties, and 11 three-bedroom properties. This compact market means new listings can have a meaningful impact on competition, but it also means there's room for well-differentiated properties to stand out.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lost City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Lost City are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance across 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 remaining data up into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual averages
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• Data from multiple providers combined and cross-referenced 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 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations and tax requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.