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

Petersburg Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Petersburg, VA presents an attractive entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $341,936 and annual STR revenue averaging $18,583. The market's 55 active Airbnb listings suggest a relatively uncrowded field, and a 113% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising investor interest in this historic Virginia city located along the I-95 corridor south of Richmond. While the average daily rate of $143 sits well below the $339 state average, lower acquisition costs help maintain a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Petersburg 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 Petersburg

Petersburg's combination of below-average home prices, proximity to Richmond, and a still-developing STR supply makes it a compelling consideration for investors seeking favorable revenue-to-price dynamics.

Expert Market Assessment

"Petersburg earns an ROI score of 61 out of 100, landing in the "Attractive Opportunity" band — a market that rewards thoughtful investment without demanding premium buy-in. Revenue is moderate and shows clear seasonality, peaking in August ($1,835) and October ($1,751) while dipping in January ($1,244) and September ($1,329), creating roughly a $600 monthly spread between highs and lows. The market's strength lies in its affordability: property prices are low enough that even modest nightly rates can support workable returns, especially for well-positioned two- and three-bedroom properties. Investors who can optimize for peak months and maintain competitive pricing during shoulder periods stand to capture the best performance from this emerging market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Petersburg

Average revenue by month in Petersburg

Petersburg shows a multi-peak revenue calendar, with August ($1,835) and October ($1,751) delivering the strongest months and January ($1,244) marking the lowest point — a spread of about $590 that reflects moderate but manageable seasonality. Investors should expect a few softer months but can take advantage of multiple high-revenue windows spread across spring, summer, and fall.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Petersburg

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 23 of the market's 55 listings (42%), while two- and three-bedroom properties each account for 12 listings. Four-bedroom homes are the most underrepresented at just 5 listings, which could signal either limited demand at that size or an opportunity for differentiation if priced competitively.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Petersburg

ADR scales predictably from $96 for one-bedroom units to $208 for four-bedroom properties, roughly doubling across the range. The jump from two bedrooms ($127) to three bedrooms ($168) represents the steepest single-step increase, suggesting the three-bedroom tier captures a meaningful premium for accommodating families or groups.

Average RevPAN by property size in Petersburg

Two-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $50, outperforming both smaller one-bedrooms ($34) and larger three-bedroom ($41) and four-bedroom ($33) options. This makes the two-bedroom configuration the most efficient earner per available night, balancing solid occupancy (39%) with a reasonable daily rate.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Petersburg

Occupancy drops sharply as property size increases: one-bedrooms fill at 36%, two-bedrooms lead at 39%, but three-bedrooms fall to 25% and four-bedrooms to just 16%. Investors eyeing larger properties in Petersburg should plan for considerably more vacant nights and adjust their financial models accordingly.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Petersburg

Three-bedroom listings generate the highest average monthly revenue at $2,162, narrowly edging out four-bedrooms at $2,091, while one-bedroom units trail at $977. The gap between one- and two-bedroom revenue ($977 vs. $1,630) is the largest proportional jump, suggesting meaningful returns from stepping up to a two-bedroom investment.

Average annual revenue by property size in Petersburg

Three-bedroom properties top annual revenue at $25,945, with four-bedrooms close behind at $25,092 despite their much lower occupancy, reflecting their higher nightly rates. Two-bedroom units at $19,567 annually offer a strong middle ground, especially when factoring in their leading occupancy and RevPAN performance.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Petersburg

Parking is nearly universal at 98% of listings, followed by kitchen (87%), dryer (82%), self check-in (80%), and washer (80%) — signaling that guests in Petersburg expect a full home-like experience. A dedicated workspace appears in 66% of listings, suggesting some demand from remote workers or business travelers, while pet-friendliness (42%) represents a potential differentiator for hosts willing to accommodate animals.

Understanding Petersburg's ROI Score: 61/100

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

Petersburg's ROI score of 61 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, indicating meaningful investment potential backed by a reasonable balance between revenue and property values. All four calculation factors — Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance — rate as average, suggesting a market without standout weaknesses but also room for improvement as the STR ecosystem matures. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear property-level financial model will help investors determine whether Petersburg aligns with their return targets.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Petersburg

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in Petersburg, Virginia may need to obtain a short-term rental permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the City of Petersburg and consult Virginia state guidelines, as rules can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Virginia municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking provisions. Some properties may also be subject to HOA covenants or zoning overlays that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so due diligence on a specific property's deed restrictions is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Virginia are generally subject to state and local lodging taxes, which may include transient occupancy taxes and sales tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full obligations with Virginia's Department of Taxation and the city treasurer.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Petersburg's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth as investor awareness increases, though the small base of 55 listings means new entrants can still differentiate. Occupancy, currently at 32%, may hold steady or tick up modestly as operators refine pricing strategies, with ADR potentially rising 2–4% as the market matures. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue peaks in August and October will remain the strongest booking windows, while January and September will likely stay softer months requiring competitive pricing. Investors should plan for moderate seasonality swings and budget conservatively around $1,400–$1,800 in monthly revenue estimates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Petersburg, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Petersburg?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Petersburg, VA is currently 32%, which is slightly below the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — two-bedroom listings lead at 39%, while four-bedroom properties average just 16%. Investors focused on smaller units tend to see more consistent bookings in this market.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Petersburg?

Airbnb hosts in Petersburg earn an average of $1,548 per month, which translates to approximately $18,583 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies by property size: three-bedroom listings are the top earners at roughly $2,162 per month ($25,945 annually), while one-bedroom units average $977 per month. Actual results depend on factors like property quality, location, and pricing strategy.

Is Petersburg a good market for Airbnb investment?

Petersburg scores 61 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from low home values (averaging $341,936), a manageable competitive landscape of 55 active listings, and a revenue-to-price ratio rated as average. It's particularly appealing for investors looking for affordable entry into Virginia's STR market, though the 32% occupancy rate means careful operational management is important for maximizing returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Petersburg is $143, which is significantly lower than the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales with property size: one-bedroom units average $96, two-bedrooms hit $127, three-bedrooms reach $168, and four-bedroom properties command $208 per night. The lower rates reflect Petersburg's positioning as a value-oriented market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Petersburg?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Petersburg, VA, though hosts may need to secure permits, licenses, or registrations. Local regulations can include zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and tax collection requirements. Because STR rules can evolve, investors should verify current regulations directly with the City of Petersburg and review any applicable HOA or neighborhood covenants before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Petersburg?

Peak season for Airbnb in Petersburg falls in August, when average monthly revenue hits $1,835, followed closely by October at $1,751 and April at $1,713. The softest months are January ($1,244) and September ($1,329). This pattern suggests a multi-peak calendar rather than a single dominant season, giving hosts several strong booking windows throughout the year.

How many Airbnbs are there in Petersburg?

As of April 2026, there are 55 active Airbnb listings in Petersburg, VA. The market has seen significant growth, with a 113% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 23 listings, followed by two-bedroom and three-bedroom units at 12 each, and five four-bedroom properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Petersburg?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Petersburg 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. 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 by market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month historical performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Popular amenity data reflecting current listing features and guest expectations

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 historical averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements can change; investors should verify current rules with municipal authorities before purchasing.