Marlinton, WV Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Marlinton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Marlinton, WV stands out for its favorable revenue-to-property-price ratio, with average home values around $310,617 and annual STR revenue averaging $31,279 — a combination that gives investors a stronger yield entry point than many comparable rural markets. The market currently hosts 51 active Airbnb listings and benefits from pronounced winter-season demand, likely driven by proximity to ski resorts and outdoor recreation in the Pocahontas County highlands. While occupancy sits at 33% (below the 38% state average), the sharp seasonal peaks suggest that well-positioned properties can capture outsized revenue during high-demand months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Marlinton 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 Marlinton

Marlinton's low property prices relative to STR revenue create an appealing yield profile for investors seeking seasonal mountain-market returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Marlinton presents an attractive but distinctly seasonal investment opportunity. The winter months of January and February each generate over $6,000 in average revenue — roughly ten times what hosts earn in the slowest months of April and May — so cash-flow planning needs to account for significant off-season softness. With an ROI score of 73 out of 100, the market's strongest card is its revenue-to-price ratio, which sits above average and offsets the below-average occupancy stability. Investors who can tolerate lumpy income and optimize pricing for the ski and holiday seasons will find genuine upside here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Marlinton

Average revenue by month in Marlinton

Revenue in Marlinton is sharply seasonal: January ($6,378) and February ($6,298) are the clear peak months, generating roughly 10–19 times more than the slowest months of April ($327) and May ($607). Investors should plan for winter-concentrated income, with a secondary bump in December ($4,887) and a slow climb through the summer months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Marlinton

The supply skews toward smaller properties, with 1-bedroom units accounting for 26 of the 51 listings and 2-bedrooms making up 16. The absence of larger 3+ bedroom listings in the data could signal an underserved niche for investors willing to offer more spacious accommodations for families or groups.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Marlinton

ADR increases modestly from $145 for 1-bedroom listings to $181 for 2-bedrooms, a 25% premium that reflects the added space without a dramatic price jump. This suggests that 2-bedroom properties offer a favorable price-to-value ratio for guests, which may support stronger booking volume.

Average RevPAN by property size in Marlinton

Two-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $55 compared to $44 for 1-bedrooms, indicating that the larger units convert their higher nightly rates into meaningfully better per-night revenue. For investors focused on maximizing revenue efficiency, 2-bedroom configurations show the clearer edge in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Marlinton

Both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties maintain identical occupancy rates of 31%, suggesting that demand is evenly distributed across the available property sizes. This consistency means the revenue advantage of 2-bedroom units comes entirely from their higher ADR rather than from booking more nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Marlinton

Two-bedroom listings earn an average of $2,904 per month versus $2,208 for 1-bedrooms — a roughly $700 monthly advantage that adds up to a meaningful annual difference. Investors with the flexibility to furnish and manage a slightly larger property can capture this incremental income.

Average annual revenue by property size in Marlinton

On an annual basis, 2-bedroom properties generate approximately $34,857 compared to $26,496 for 1-bedrooms, an $8,361 gap that could meaningfully improve cash-on-cash returns. Given the modest price difference in acquisition costs for many rural properties, the 2-bedroom configuration likely represents the better return potential in Marlinton.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Marlinton

Parking (98%), backyards (84%), and kitchens (82%) dominate Marlinton's amenity landscape, signaling that guests expect a self-sufficient, nature-oriented retreat experience. Outdoor features like patios (73%), BBQ grills (63%), and outdoor furniture (75%) are near-essential, while hot tubs — present in only 22% of listings — represent a potential differentiator for hosts looking to stand out.

Understanding Marlinton's ROI Score: 73/100

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

Marlinton's ROI Score of 73 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that gives investors a stronger yield runway than many competing markets. The score is tempered by below-average occupancy stability and market growth trend, which reflect the pronounced seasonality and relatively recent supply expansion. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a winter-focused revenue strategy will help investors gauge whether Marlinton fits their risk and return profile.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Marlinton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Marlinton and Pocahontas County, West Virginia may need to register or obtain a local business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Marlinton and the West Virginia Secretary of State's office, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar West Virginia communities include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay provisions. HOA or deed restrictions may also apply to certain properties, so investors should review any covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

West Virginia imposes a state sales tax and a hotel/motel occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and Pocahontas County may levy additional local lodging taxes. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm local obligations are being met.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Marlinton's STR market is expected to remain highly seasonal, with January and February continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. Investors should anticipate ADR holding in the $195–$210 range given modest competition, though occupancy may stay in the low-to-mid 30s absent a major demand catalyst. The 150% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put mild downward pressure on per-listing occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Properties that maximize winter bookings while capturing incremental summer and fall shoulder-season revenue will be best positioned for consistent returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Marlinton, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Marlinton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Marlinton is currently 33%, which falls slightly below the West Virginia state average of 38%. Occupancy is consistent across property sizes, with both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom listings averaging about 31%. The overall market occupancy reflects Marlinton's seasonal character — demand surges in winter and dips considerably in spring and early summer.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Marlinton?

Airbnb hosts in Marlinton earn an average of $2,606 per month and approximately $31,279 per year, based on trailing 12-month booking data. Two-bedroom properties tend to outperform, averaging $2,904 per month ($34,857 annually), compared to $2,208 per month ($26,496 annually) for 1-bedroom units. Revenue is heavily concentrated in winter, with January and February each averaging over $6,000.

Is Marlinton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Marlinton earns a Rabbu ROI Score of 73 out of 100, classified as an 'Attractive Opportunity.' Its strongest asset is an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — average home values near $310,617 paired with annual revenue around $31,279 offer a compelling yield. Investors should be aware that occupancy stability and market growth trend below average, making this best suited for those comfortable with pronounced seasonality and a winter-heavy income profile.

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

The average daily rate in Marlinton is $201, which is below the West Virginia state average of $242. One-bedroom listings average $145 per night, while 2-bedroom properties command $181 per night. The relatively modest ADR reflects the market's rural, nature-oriented guest base rather than a luxury urban traveler demographic.

Are short-term rentals legal in Marlinton?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Marlinton, WV, though operators may need to register their property and comply with applicable state and local regulations, including tax collection requirements. Specific rules can vary, so prospective hosts should consult with the City of Marlinton and Pocahontas County officials to confirm current licensing, zoning, and tax obligations before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Marlinton?

Peak season in Marlinton runs from December through February, with January ($6,378) and February ($6,298) delivering the highest average monthly revenues by a wide margin. December also performs strongly at $4,887. The off-peak period stretches from April through June, when monthly revenue can dip as low as $327 in April. This pattern aligns with winter recreation and holiday travel demand in the West Virginia highlands.

How many Airbnbs are there in Marlinton?

As of April 2026, there are 51 active Airbnb listings in Marlinton. The supply is split between 1-bedroom properties (26 listings) and 2-bedroom properties (16 listings), with the remaining listings in other configurations. Active listings have grown 150% year over year, indicating rising investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Marlinton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Marlinton 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. Each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) is averaged by month over the past year, regional outliers are removed, and the remaining data is rolled 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. 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 the Marlinton market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to guide property setup decisions

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, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary — investors should verify all requirements with relevant authorities before purchasing.