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

Morgantown Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Morgantown's short-term rental market is shaped by its role as a college town anchored by West Virginia University, which drives event-weekend surges and seasonal demand swings. With 107 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $186, and annual revenue averaging $23,144, the market offers modest but tangible income potential — particularly for investors who can capture peak-season demand. An ROI score of 49 out of 100 signals a competitive landscape where selective deal sourcing and smart property positioning are essential to generating meaningful returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Morgantown 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 Morgantown

Morgantown attracts investor interest because of its university-driven demand cycles, relatively accessible home prices by national standards, and above-average market growth trends that signal rising traveler interest.

Expert Market Assessment

"Morgantown presents a competitive opportunity where above-average growth and event-driven demand are tempered by below-average occupancy stability and a supply-demand balance that's tilting as new listings enter the market. Revenue is heavily seasonal — the spread between the slowest month (February at $1,088) and the peak (September at $2,860) is more than 2.5x, meaning cash-flow planning is critical. Investors who target larger properties (particularly 4-bedrooms) and optimize for game-day and university event weekends stand to capture outsized returns relative to the market average. The 29% average occupancy rate sits well below the 38% West Virginia state average, underscoring the need for sharp pricing strategy and operational discipline to compete effectively."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Morgantown

Average revenue by month in Morgantown

Morgantown's revenue cycle peaks sharply in September at $2,860 and bottoms out in February at $1,088, creating a 2.6x spread that underscores the market's strong seasonality. The May-through-November window accounts for the bulk of annual earnings, driven by university events, football season, and summer travel.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Morgantown

Supply is relatively balanced across 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom properties (28, 29, and 32 listings respectively), while 4-bedroom units represent just 9 listings despite commanding the highest revenue per property. The limited 4-bedroom supply could signal an opportunity for investors willing to target group-sized accommodations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Morgantown

ADR climbs steadily from $112 for 1-bedrooms to $189 for 3-bedrooms, then jumps dramatically to $394 for 4-bedroom properties — more than double the 3-bedroom rate. This outsized premium at the 4-bedroom tier suggests strong willingness to pay among groups visiting for university events and game weekends.

Average RevPAN by property size in Morgantown

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $89, nearly double the next best performer (1-bedrooms at $46), despite having the lowest occupancy rate. Two-bedroom listings lag at $38 RevPAN, suggesting that mid-size units face the toughest competition relative to their pricing power.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Morgantown

One-bedroom units lead occupancy at 41%, meaningfully above the 23–24% range seen across 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom listings. This gap indicates that smaller units attract more consistent bookings — likely from solo and couple travelers — while larger properties depend more heavily on event-driven weekend stays.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Morgantown

Monthly revenue scales with size, from $1,210 for 1-bedrooms up to $3,065 for 4-bedroom properties, reflecting the premium ADR that larger units command. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($2,062) to 4-bedrooms ($3,065) is particularly notable — a 49% increase — making the largest units the clear top earners on a per-property basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Morgantown

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $36,781, more than 2.5 times the $14,529 generated by 1-bedroom listings. For investors evaluating return potential, 3-bedrooms offer a solid middle ground at $24,749 annually, while the 4-bedroom tier delivers the highest gross revenue but requires a more substantial upfront investment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Morgantown

Kitchens (95%) and parking (94%) are near-universal in Morgantown's listings, reflecting guest expectations in a car-dependent college town. Self check-in (83%), washer/dryer (71–74%), and a dedicated workspace (65%) round out the essentials, while differentiators like hot tubs and lake access appear in fewer than 7% of listings — offering potential competitive advantages for hosts who invest in them.

Understanding Morgantown's ROI Score: 49/100

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

Morgantown's ROI score of 49 out of 100 places it in the "Competitive Opportunity" band, meaning the market has genuine demand drivers but requires careful deal selection to achieve strong returns. The revenue-to-price ratio rates as average, while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both score below average — reflecting the seasonal nature of a university market that's seen rapid listing growth. Investors should pair this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and target property types (like 4-bedrooms) where competition is thinner and pricing power is strongest.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Morgantown

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Morgantown, West Virginia may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration and permitting requirements directly with the City of Morgantown and Monongalia County, as local rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Morgantown can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and HOA rules that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum-stay requirements or cap the number of STR permits issued in a given area, so reviewing both municipal and community-level regulations is important before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in West Virginia are generally subject to state sales tax and local hotel/motel occupancy taxes, which platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit on the host's behalf. Investors should confirm their specific obligations with the West Virginia State Tax Department and any applicable local taxing authorities to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Morgantown's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth following its 72% year-over-year listing increase, which could put downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain heavily concentrated in the May–November corridor, with September potentially delivering ADR and occupancy peaks tied to football season and fall events. Investors entering now should plan for monthly revenue swings — from roughly $1,088 in February to $2,860 in September — and price conservatively during winter months to maintain cash flow. We estimate occupancy may settle in the 27–32% range market-wide as new supply is absorbed, with well-positioned properties outperforming that average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Morgantown, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Morgantown?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Morgantown is currently 29%, which falls below the West Virginia state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units lead at 41%, while 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom properties hover around 23–24%. Seasonal events tied to West Virginia University can drive occupancy well above the annual average during peak months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Morgantown?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Morgantown earns approximately $1,928 per month or $23,144 per year. Earnings vary substantially by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $14,529 annually, while 4-bedroom properties generate roughly $36,781 per year. Individual results depend on factors like location, property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively hosts capture peak-season demand.

Is Morgantown a good market for Airbnb investment?

Morgantown scores 49 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Competitive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from above-average growth trends and university-driven demand, but faces challenges with below-average occupancy stability and an increasingly competitive supply landscape. Investors who source deals selectively — particularly larger properties that can command premium rates during game weekends and university events — have the best chance of generating solid returns.

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

The average daily rate across all Morgantown Airbnb listings is $186, compared to the West Virginia state average of $242. ADR scales notably with property size: 1-bedrooms average $112, 2-bedrooms $157, 3-bedrooms $189, and 4-bedroom properties command a significant premium at $394 per night. This steep jump at the 4-bedroom level reflects demand for group-friendly accommodations during events.

Are short-term rentals legal in Morgantown?

Short-term rentals do operate in Morgantown, WV, with 107 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, hosts may need to obtain local permits or business licenses, and regulations can change over time. We recommend contacting the City of Morgantown and consulting West Virginia state guidelines to confirm current requirements before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Morgantown?

Peak season in Morgantown runs from roughly May through November, with September delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,860. October ($2,428), July ($2,549), and August ($2,376) are also strong performers. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to around $1,088–$1,138 — a pattern consistent with a university-driven market that quiets during winter and summer breaks.

How many Airbnbs are there in Morgantown?

As of April 2026, there are 107 active Airbnb listings in Morgantown. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 72% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is fairly evenly distributed across 1-bedroom (28 listings), 2-bedroom (29), and 3-bedroom (32) properties, with a smaller pool of 9 four-bedroom listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Morgantown?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Morgantown 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. 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. Because each month uses its own historical data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. Individual host results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, location, 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, occupancy rates, and daily rates for the Morgantown market
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Property size breakdowns showing how performance varies across 1- to 4-bedroom configurations
• Amenity prevalence data showing what features are most common among active listings
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context

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 as of April 2026; actual conditions may shift as new listings enter the market. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change — investors should verify current requirements with Morgantown and West Virginia authorities before purchasing.