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

Richmond Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Richmond, VA presents an attractive short-term rental opportunity backed by above-average occupancy stability and a healthy balance of demand relative to property values. With 734 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $169 — roughly half the Virginia state average — and occupancy running at 38% versus the 34% statewide figure, investors can find approachable entry points without sacrificing booking consistency. Average annual revenue of $25,381 across all property types, combined with the market's cultural draw and growing visitor base, makes Richmond a market worth serious consideration.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Richmond 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 Richmond

Richmond offers investors a compelling blend of affordable property acquisition costs, consistent occupancy above the state average, and diversified demand from tourism, events, and business travel.

Expert Market Assessment

"Richmond earns an ROI score of 60 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market where demand-side fundamentals and revenue potential align well enough to reward thoughtful investors. Seasonality is moderate: summer months like August peak near $2,538 in average monthly revenue while January bottoms out around $1,506, creating a manageable spread that doesn't leave hosts scrambling through extended dry spells. The supply side skews heavily toward 1-bedroom listings (323 of 734 total), which suggests opportunity for differentiation with larger, higher-revenue properties. Investors who target 3- to 5-bedroom homes can tap into meaningfully higher RevPAN — $85 to $140 per night — while competing in a less crowded segment of the market."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Richmond

Average revenue by month in Richmond

Revenue in Richmond follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in August at $2,538 and bottoming in January at $1,506 — a spread of roughly $1,000. The relatively gentle seasonality means even the slowest winter months still generate meaningful income, reducing cash-flow risk for year-round operators.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Richmond

One-bedroom listings dominate Richmond's supply with 323 units (44% of all listings), followed by 2-bedrooms at 179 and 3-bedrooms at 150. Properties with 4 or more bedrooms account for just 66 listings combined, representing a potentially underserved segment where higher revenue per unit faces less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Richmond

ADR scales steeply with size in Richmond — from $102 for studios to $758 for 6+ bedroom properties, with the sharpest jump occurring between 4 bedrooms ($304) and 5 bedrooms ($434). The premium-to-cost trade-off looks particularly strong in the 3- to 4-bedroom range, where nightly rates of $219–$304 pair with relatively manageable acquisition and operating costs.

Average RevPAN by property size in Richmond

RevPAN climbs consistently from $32 for studios to $270 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom units delivering a strong $119 per available night. The jump from 5 bedrooms ($140) to 6+ bedrooms ($270) is dramatic, though the extremely limited supply of only 6 such listings means this figure may be volatile.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Richmond

Occupancy rates in Richmond cluster tightly between 32% and 39% across all property sizes, with 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom listings sharing the highest rate at 39%. Studios and 5-bedroom properties sit at 32%, suggesting that mid-sized units offer the most reliable booking consistency for investors prioritizing steady cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Richmond

Monthly revenue ranges from $1,440 for 1-bedroom listings to $11,204 for 6+ bedroom properties, with a clear inflection point at 3 bedrooms ($2,874) where returns begin to outpace the market average meaningfully. Four-bedroom units at $3,756 per month offer a strong middle ground between revenue potential and manageable operational complexity.

Average annual revenue by property size in Richmond

Annual revenue potential ranges from $17,282 for 1-bedroom units to $134,454 for 6+ bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom listings generating $45,076 — nearly 1.8 times the market-wide average of $25,381. Investors targeting 3- to 5-bedroom homes can expect annual revenues between $34,496 and $72,251, making these configurations the most compelling for return-oriented strategies.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Richmond

Parking (97%) and a full kitchen (95%) are near-universal among Richmond's Airbnb listings, establishing them as baseline expectations rather than differentiators. Self check-in (85%), laundry facilities (84%/81%), and a dedicated workspace (72%) round out the essentials, while outdoor features like backyards (53%) and pet-friendliness (35%) offer opportunities for hosts to stand out in a competitive field.

Understanding Richmond's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Richmond's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting a market where revenue potential and property costs are reasonably aligned. The score is buoyed by above-average occupancy stability — the market's strongest factor — while revenue-to-price ratio, growth trend, and supply/demand balance all rate as average, indicating room for upside without major red flags. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-level underwriting to validate whether specific deals pencil out.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Richmond

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Richmond, Virginia may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the city's Department of Planning and Development Review or the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Richmond can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA-level prohibitions on short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose caps on the number of STR permits issued, so it's important to confirm availability before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Virginia are generally subject to state and local transitory occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Richmond's STR market is estimated to hold steady with modest ADR growth in the range of 2–4%, supported by the city's above-average occupancy stability and continued demand from leisure and business travelers. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will peak again in July and August, with the spring and fall shoulder seasons maintaining respectable performance around $2,000–$2,300 per month. Supply growth — reflected in 120% year-over-year listing increases — could moderate pricing power slightly, but demand fundamentals remain healthy enough to absorb new inventory without significant erosion. Investors entering the market now should plan conservatively for the winter months while capitalizing on a strong summer season."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Richmond, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Richmond?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Richmond is currently 38%, which outperforms the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom listings all averaging around 39%, while studios and 5-bedroom properties come in lower at 32%. This above-average occupancy stability is one of Richmond's stronger investment attributes.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Richmond?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Richmond earn approximately $2,115 per month or $25,381 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings scale significantly with property size — a 1-bedroom listing averages about $17,282 annually, while a 4-bedroom can generate roughly $45,076 and a 5-bedroom around $72,251. Individual results depend on factors like location within Richmond, property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Richmond a good market for Airbnb investment?

Richmond scores 60 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 average home values around $568,813. Seasonality is moderate rather than extreme, and larger properties offer outsized revenue potential. While it may not deliver the highest raw returns in Virginia, the combination of consistent demand and manageable entry costs makes it a compelling option for investors seeking dependable performance.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Richmond is $169, which is approximately half the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales considerably with property size: studios average $102 per night, 2-bedrooms hit $164, 3-bedrooms reach $219, and 4-bedrooms command $304. Larger properties at 5 bedrooms ($434) and 6+ bedrooms ($758) offer substantial nightly rate premiums for hosts who can fill them consistently.

Are short-term rentals legal in Richmond?

Short-term rentals operate in Richmond, VA, but hosts may be required to obtain permits or business licenses and comply with local zoning regulations. Rules can cover areas such as occupancy limits, minimum stays, parking, and noise. Investors should consult the City of Richmond's planning department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use, as regulations can change.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Richmond?

Peak season for Airbnb in Richmond runs from May through August, with August delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $2,538 and July close behind at $2,445. The spring months of March through May and the fall months of October and November also perform well, averaging between $2,100 and $2,350. January and February are the softest months, dipping to approximately $1,506 and $1,550 respectively, though these figures still provide a baseline of income year-round.

How many Airbnbs are there in Richmond?

As of April 2026, there are 734 active Airbnb listings in Richmond. The supply is heavily concentrated in smaller units, with 1-bedroom listings accounting for 323 properties — nearly 44% of the market. Two-bedroom (179) and 3-bedroom (150) listings make up the next largest segments, while 4-bedroom (46), 5-bedroom (14), and 6+ bedroom (6) properties represent a much smaller share, potentially signaling less competition for investors targeting larger homes.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Richmond?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Richmond 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods like the summer highs and winter lows seen in Richmond. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the city, 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 and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence analysis 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance as of the dates noted and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.