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

Louisa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Louisa, VA is a small but emerging short-term rental market with just 16 active Airbnb listings and a notable 122% year-over-year growth in supply. Average annual revenue sits at $31,840 per listing, supported by a $270 ADR that trails the Virginia state average of $339 but pairs with a favorable supply/demand balance. The market's rural charm—evidenced by amenities like lake access, backyards, and BBQ grills—suggests a leisure-driven getaway destination where investors can still find entry points before competition intensifies.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Louisa 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 Louisa

Investors are drawn to Louisa for its above-average supply/demand balance and relatively affordable property values compared to more saturated Virginia markets.

Expert Market Assessment

"Louisa presents a moderate opportunity for STR investors who are comfortable with pronounced seasonality and a still-developing market. Revenue swings from a low of roughly $994 in January to a peak of $4,459 in July, meaning cash-flow planning needs to account for lean winter months. The above-average supply/demand balance is a genuine bright spot, and with only 16 listings currently active, well-positioned properties with outdoor amenities can capture outsized share during the busy season. That said, below-average occupancy stability at 16% means this market is better suited as a supplemental income play or a personal-use property that earns when you're not there."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Louisa

Average revenue by month in Louisa

Louisa exhibits strong seasonality, with July ($4,459) and August ($3,839) leading the year while January ($994) and February ($1,149) represent the deepest troughs—a roughly 4.5x spread between peak and off-peak months. Investors should plan for five to six months of above-average revenue from May through October and budget accordingly for the quieter winter period.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Louisa

The available data shows only 1-bedroom listings (5 active), suggesting the broader market includes larger properties not broken out in this dataset. The small total supply of 16 listings means there may be opportunity for investors to introduce multi-bedroom properties and capture underserved demand from families or groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Louisa

One-bedroom properties in Louisa command an ADR of $143, which is notably below the overall market average of $270—indicating that larger or more premium properties are pulling the market-wide rate significantly higher. Investors considering 1-bedroom units should weigh this more modest nightly rate against lower acquisition and operating costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Louisa

One-bedroom listings generate a RevPAN of $24, reflecting the combined effect of a $143 ADR and 17% occupancy. This modest per-night yield suggests that 1-bedroom units in Louisa function better as supplemental income properties rather than primary revenue drivers.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Louisa

One-bedroom properties achieve a 17% occupancy rate, closely mirroring the overall market average of 16%. This consistency across sizes suggests that occupancy challenges in Louisa are market-wide rather than size-specific, pointing to seasonal demand patterns as the primary driver.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Louisa

One-bedroom units average $1,118 per month, which is less than half the market-wide average of $2,653. This gap indicates that larger or more uniquely positioned properties in Louisa are capturing substantially more revenue, and investors may want to target multi-bedroom or amenity-rich listings for stronger monthly returns.

Average annual revenue by property size in Louisa

At $13,416 per year, 1-bedroom properties earn roughly 42% of the market-wide annual average of $31,840. Investors seeking the strongest return potential in Louisa should consider properties with more bedrooms or distinctive features like lake access or waterfront positioning that command premium rates.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Louisa

Parking (100%), backyards (88%), and kitchens (81%) are near-universal among Louisa listings, establishing them as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Notably, lake access (25%) and waterfront (19%) appear in a meaningful minority of listings, suggesting these features can serve as competitive advantages for properties that offer them.

Understanding Louisa'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

Louisa's ROI score of 62 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market with genuine upside tempered by some softer fundamentals. The above-average supply/demand balance is the standout factor, while average marks for revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend suggest steady but not exceptional returns; below-average occupancy stability is the key risk to watch. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Louisa

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Louisa, VA may be required to obtain a local business license or STR permit through Louisa County. Investors should verify current registration and zoning requirements directly with Louisa County and the Commonwealth of Virginia before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia's rural markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. Investors should also review any applicable HOA covenants and confirm that the property's zoning designation permits transient lodging use.

Tax Obligations

Virginia imposes a state sales tax and localities may levy additional transient occupancy taxes on short-term rentals. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm all obligations with Louisa County and the Virginia Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Louisa's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 122% year-over-year increase in listings, though the small base of 16 properties means even modest additions can look dramatic in percentage terms. Seasonal demand should remain concentrated in the summer months, with July and August driving the bulk of annual income; investors can reasonably expect ADRs to hold steady or edge up 1–3% as the market matures. Occupancy, currently at 16% overall, has room for improvement as hosts refine pricing strategies and the destination gains visibility, though it will likely remain below the state average given the market's rural, leisure-oriented profile."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Louisa, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Louisa?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Louisa is currently 16%, which is below the Virginia state average of 34%. This lower rate reflects the market's seasonal, leisure-driven nature—demand concentrates heavily in the warmer months. One-bedroom listings see a similar 17% occupancy rate. Investors should factor this seasonality into revenue projections and pricing strategies.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Louisa?

Airbnb hosts in Louisa earn an average of $2,653 per month and approximately $31,840 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by season, with July being the highest-earning month at around $4,459 and January the lowest at roughly $994. One-bedroom properties specifically average about $1,118 per month or $13,416 annually.

Is Louisa a good market for Airbnb investment?

Louisa scores a 62 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and average revenue-to-price ratio, though occupancy stability is below average. With only 16 active listings and 122% year-over-year supply growth, it's an emerging market that rewards investors who can handle seasonal fluctuations and position their properties with the right amenities.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Louisa is $270, which is below the Virginia state average of $339. One-bedroom properties command an ADR of about $143. The overall market ADR likely reflects a mix of property types and sizes, and hosts offering premium amenities like lake access or waterfront may be able to push rates above the average.

Are short-term rentals legal in Louisa?

Short-term rentals do operate in Louisa, VA, with 16 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and tax obligations can change. Prospective investors should verify current STR rules with Louisa County and the Commonwealth of Virginia before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Louisa?

Peak season in Louisa runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,459 per listing. August follows closely at $3,839, and June brings in around $3,213. The off-peak months of January and February see the lowest revenue, dropping to $994 and $1,149 respectively. This pattern aligns with a leisure-driven market where summer outdoor activities fuel demand.

How many Airbnbs are there in Louisa?

There are currently 16 active Airbnb listings in Louisa, VA as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with a 122% year-over-year increase in active listings. Despite this growth, the total supply remains quite small, which contributes to the above-average supply/demand balance noted in the market's ROI assessment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Louisa?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Louisa 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, removes 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, since each month uses its own historical performance data. 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 Louisa, VA
• Average daily rates, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market

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 Louisa County and the Commonwealth of Virginia before making investment decisions.