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

Roanoke Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Roanoke, VA offers an intriguing entry point for short-term rental investors drawn to Virginia's Blue Ridge region. With an average daily rate of $135 — well below the $339 state average — and above-average occupancy stability, the market rewards operators who can source deals selectively. An ROI score of 51 out of 100 reflects genuine demand tempered by tightening competition and a supply base that has grown 93% year over year, so careful property selection matters more here than in less competitive markets.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Roanoke 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 Roanoke

Roanoke attracts investor attention thanks to its affordable home prices relative to Virginia peers, above-average occupancy stability, and a growing visitor base drawn to the Blue Ridge region's outdoor recreation.

Expert Market Assessment

"Roanoke represents a competitive opportunity where the right property and pricing strategy can yield dependable returns, though the market doesn't offer easy, passive upside. Revenue peaks from May through October — with August topping out near $2,077 per month — while the January-February trough dips to roughly $1,200, creating a roughly 75% seasonal swing that operators must plan for. The supply-demand balance currently rates below average, a reflection of the 93% listing growth that has intensified competition. Investors who focus on 2- and 3-bedroom properties, which deliver $56–$70 in RevPAN versus $33 for 1-bedrooms, will be best positioned to outperform the market average."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Roanoke

Average revenue by month in Roanoke

Roanoke shows clear seasonality, with August ($2,077) and July ($2,067) delivering peak revenue and January ($1,184) marking the low point — a roughly 75% spread between the strongest and weakest months. The May-through-October corridor consistently stays above $1,700, giving investors about six strong months to build their annual returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Roanoke

One-bedroom listings dominate Roanoke's supply at 97 of 180 active properties (54%), while 3-bedroom units account for just 28 listings. The relative scarcity of larger properties — combined with their stronger revenue metrics — may signal an opportunity for investors willing to target the 2- and 3-bedroom segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Roanoke

ADR scales meaningfully with size in Roanoke: 3-bedroom properties command $190 per night, a 76% premium over 1-bedrooms at $108. Two-bedroom listings sit at $142, offering a solid middle-ground rate that may appeal to investors seeking a balance between nightly price and broader guest appeal.

Average RevPAN by property size in Roanoke

Three-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $70 per available night, more than double the $33 figure for 1-bedrooms, indicating that larger units convert their rate premium into actual earned revenue more effectively. Two-bedrooms deliver $56 in RevPAN, making them a strong contender for investors who want higher returns without the operational complexity of larger homes.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Roanoke

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 40%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 37% and 1-bedrooms at 31%. The occupancy gap suggests that multi-bedroom properties attract more consistent bookings — likely from families and small groups — which translates into steadier cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Roanoke

Monthly revenue rises sharply with bedroom count: 3-bedroom properties average $2,494 per month compared to $1,338 for 1-bedrooms, representing an 86% increase. Two-bedroom units at $2,060 per month still significantly outpace the smaller listings, making them a practical sweet spot for many investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Roanoke

Three-bedroom properties generate approximately $29,928 in annual revenue, nearly double the $16,065 earned by 1-bedroom listings. With 2-bedrooms at $24,729 annually, investors looking to maximize return potential in Roanoke should strongly consider multi-bedroom configurations, especially given their relatively limited supply.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Roanoke

Parking (96%), kitchen (92%), and self check-in (88%) are near-universal in Roanoke, signaling that guests expect these as baseline features rather than differentiators. Investors can stand out by adding less common but increasingly valued amenities like a BBQ grill (34%), EV charger (13%), or gym access (3%), which could help capture niche demand segments.

Understanding Roanoke's ROI Score: 51/100

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

Roanoke's ROI score of 51 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, meaning investor interest is real but deal selection is critical. The score is buoyed by above-average occupancy stability and a positive market growth trend, while the revenue-to-price ratio lands at average and the supply/demand balance rates below average due to rapid listing growth. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-performing property sizes will help investors separate genuinely attractive deals from the increasingly crowded field.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Roanoke

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

Permit Requirements

Roanoke, Virginia may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before accepting guests. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Roanoke's planning or zoning department before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Virginia markets can include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise and parking regulations, and permit caps in certain zones. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so it's important to review any applicable community rules alongside municipal regulations.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Virginia are typically subject to state and local transactional taxes, which may include occupancy or lodging taxes and sales tax. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Virginia Department of Taxation and the City of Roanoke.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Roanoke's above-average occupancy stability and market growth trend suggest that demand should hold steady, with occupancy likely ranging around 32–36% across property types. ADR may see modest upward pressure of roughly 2–4% as hosts continue to professionalize and add amenities, though the rapid 93% year-over-year listing growth introduces supply-side headwinds. Investors should plan for strong summer-to-fall revenue — historically $2,000+ per month — offset by softer January-February performance near $1,200, and budget accordingly."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Roanoke, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Roanoke?

The average occupancy rate across active Airbnb listings in Roanoke is currently 34%, which matches the Virginia state average. Occupancy varies by property size: 2-bedroom listings lead at 40%, followed by 3-bedrooms at 37% and 1-bedrooms at 31%. These figures reflect trailing performance and individual results will depend on pricing, location, and listing quality.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Roanoke?

Based on the trailing 12 months of booking data, the average Airbnb host in Roanoke earns approximately $1,759 per month, or about $21,111 annually. Revenue varies considerably by property size — 3-bedroom listings average $29,928 per year while 1-bedroom units come in around $16,065. Peak months like July and August can push monthly revenue above $2,000, while winter months tend to dip closer to $1,200.

Is Roanoke a good market for Airbnb investment?

Roanoke earns an ROI score of 51 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' tier. The market benefits from above-average occupancy stability and positive growth trends, though the rapid increase in supply means investors need to be selective about deal sourcing. Properties with 2–3 bedrooms tend to deliver meaningfully stronger returns, and Roanoke's average home value of $423,232 keeps entry costs moderate relative to many Virginia markets.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Roanoke is $135, significantly below the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $108, 2-bedrooms average $142, and 3-bedrooms command approximately $190 per night. This lower ADR reflects Roanoke's positioning as an affordable Blue Ridge destination rather than a luxury market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Roanoke?

Short-term rentals do operate in Roanoke, VA, with approximately 180 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local regulations may require permits, registration, or compliance with zoning rules. Investors should consult directly with the City of Roanoke's planning department and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Roanoke?

Peak season in Roanoke runs from May through October, with the highest average monthly revenues occurring in August ($2,077) and July ($2,067). October also performs strongly at $2,015, likely driven by fall foliage tourism in the Blue Ridge region. The slowest months are January ($1,184) and February ($1,221), creating a noticeable seasonal dip that investors should factor into their financial planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Roanoke?

There are currently 180 active Airbnb listings in Roanoke as of April 2026. The supply has grown significantly, with 93% year-over-year listing growth. The majority of listings are 1-bedroom properties (97 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (45) and 3-bedrooms (28), indicating that the market is dominated by smaller units.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Roanoke?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Roanoke 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 aggregate the results into a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally capture seasonal peaks and slower periods like the summer highs and winter lows seen in Roanoke. Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

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 derived from trailing 12-month booking data
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates broken down by property configuration
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings in the market
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 may have shifted since the most recent update. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.