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

Staunton Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Staunton, VA presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors drawn to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, where average home values sit at $457,004 and properties generate roughly $25,101 in annual revenue. With 98 active Airbnb listings and a market-wide ADR of $175—well below the $339 state average—Staunton offers a more affordable foothold compared to larger Virginia markets. The ROI score of 55 out of 100 reflects a balanced opportunity: healthy revenue relative to property costs, though occupancy at 26% trails the state average of 34%, signaling room for well-managed properties to outperform.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Staunton 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 Staunton

Staunton's combination of relatively affordable property values, scenic Shenandoah Valley tourism, and a favorable revenue-to-price ratio makes it an interesting consideration for investors seeking a smaller-market alternative to Virginia's coastal or metro destinations.

Expert Market Assessment

"Staunton represents a moderate opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate a market with pronounced seasonality and growing competition. Revenue swings significantly from a January low of $967 to an August peak of $3,103—a spread that underscores the importance of pricing strategy during shoulder and off-peak months. The 55/100 ROI score places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, supported by average revenue-to-price performance and stable (if not stellar) occupancy. Investors who target 2- or 3-bedroom properties and optimize for the May–October high season stand the best chance of exceeding market averages."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Staunton

Average revenue by month in Staunton

Staunton shows strong seasonality, with August leading at $3,103 in average revenue and January bottoming out at just $967—a 3.2x spread between peak and trough. The May-through-October stretch consistently delivers above-average returns, making summer and early fall the critical earning window for investors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Staunton

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 50 of 98 total listings (51%), while 2-bedroom (20) and 3-bedroom (18) properties are far less saturated. The relatively thin inventory of larger units could represent an opportunity, especially given their stronger revenue and occupancy metrics.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Staunton

ADR is relatively flat across studios ($158), 1-bedrooms ($150), and 2-bedrooms ($159), but jumps meaningfully to $219 for 3-bedroom properties. That 38% premium over 2-bedrooms suggests strong guest willingness to pay more for larger accommodations, making 3-bedroom units the most compelling from a nightly rate perspective.

Average RevPAN by property size in Staunton

Three-bedroom listings generate the highest RevPAN at $67, nearly double the $36 for studios and well ahead of 1-bedrooms at $32. Two-bedroom properties also perform respectably at $50 RevPAN, indicating that mid-to-large sized units deliver the best revenue per available night after accounting for occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Staunton

Two-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties both achieve 31% occupancy, notably outperforming studios (23%) and 1-bedrooms (22%). This gap suggests that groups and families visiting the Shenandoah Valley prefer more spacious accommodations, giving larger units a meaningful edge in booking consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Staunton

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,899, followed by 2-bedrooms at $2,290 and studios at $2,160, while 1-bedrooms trail significantly at $1,438. The 1-bedroom segment—despite representing over half of all listings—generates roughly half the monthly income of a 3-bedroom, underscoring the revenue advantage of investing in larger units.

Average annual revenue by property size in Staunton

Annual revenue scales meaningfully with size: 3-bedroom properties earn $34,791 on average, compared to $27,489 for 2-bedrooms and just $17,262 for 1-bedrooms. Investors targeting the strongest return potential should focus on 3-bedroom configurations, which deliver roughly double the annual income of the most common listing type in the market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Staunton

Parking is universal at 100% of listings, reflecting the car-dependent nature of Shenandoah Valley travel, while self check-in (85%) and kitchen access (81%) round out the top three. A dedicated workspace (62%) appears in a majority of listings, signaling some remote-work demand, while premium amenities like pools (2%) and EV chargers (9%) remain rare differentiators that could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Staunton's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Staunton's ROI score of 55 out of 100 lands it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, reflecting average performance across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend, with supply/demand balance rated below average due to rapid listing growth. The score suggests the market offers genuine potential—particularly for larger properties that outperform market-wide averages—but investors should be mindful of the growing supply and seasonal occupancy swings. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic operating budget will help ensure the numbers work for your specific investment.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Staunton

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Staunton, Virginia may need to obtain a local business license or STR-specific permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Staunton and the Commonwealth of Virginia, as rules can evolve with market growth.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia STR markets include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and designated parking provisions. Some properties may also be subject to HOA rules or zoning overlays that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, so due diligence at the property level is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

STR hosts in Virginia are typically responsible for collecting and remitting state sales tax, local transient occupancy tax, and any applicable tourism levies. Many booking platforms handle some or all of this collection automatically, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with local tax authorities to stay compliant.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Staunton's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal pattern, with summer months (July and August) continuing to drive the bulk of revenue. Listing supply has grown significantly—120% year-over-year—which could put moderate downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should anticipate occupancy settling in the 25–30% range market-wide, with ADR potentially holding steady or ticking up 1–3% for well-positioned properties that differentiate on amenities and guest experience. Pairing strong peak-season revenue with strategic off-season pricing will be key to maximizing returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Staunton, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Staunton?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Staunton is currently 26%, which trails the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units performing best at 31%, while studios and 1-bedrooms come in around 22–23%. Hosts who invest in competitive pricing and strong guest amenities can often outperform these market-wide averages.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Staunton?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Staunton earn approximately $2,091 per month or $25,101 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—3-bedroom listings lead with an average annual revenue of $34,791, while 1-bedroom units generate around $17,262. Peak months like July and August can push monthly revenue above $2,600–$3,100, while winter months may dip below $1,000.

Is Staunton a good market for Airbnb investment?

Staunton earns a Rabbu ROI score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from a reasonable revenue-to-price ratio with average home values around $457,004 and solid peak-season demand driven by Shenandoah Valley tourism. However, below-average occupancy and rapid supply growth (120% year-over-year) are factors to watch. Investors targeting larger properties (2–3 bedrooms) and optimizing for summer and fall travel are best positioned to succeed.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Staunton is $175, which is significantly lower than the Virginia state average of $339. ADR scales with property size: studios average $158, 1-bedrooms $150, 2-bedrooms $159, and 3-bedrooms command the highest rate at $219. This relatively affordable pricing helps Staunton attract value-conscious leisure travelers.

Are short-term rentals legal in Staunton?

Short-term rentals operate in Staunton, Virginia, and the city currently has active Airbnb listings. However, local regulations regarding permits, zoning, and tax obligations may apply and can change over time. Prospective investors should check directly with the City of Staunton and Virginia state authorities to confirm current licensing and compliance requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Staunton?

Peak season in Staunton runs from May through October, with August being the single highest-earning month at an average of $3,103 in revenue. July ($2,675), May ($2,538), and October ($2,495) also perform well. The off-season dip is notable—January averages just $967—so investors should plan for significant seasonal variation and consider dynamic pricing to maximize occupancy during slower months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Staunton?

As of April 2026, there are 98 active Airbnb listings in Staunton. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 120% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 50 listings, followed by 20 two-bedroom and 18 three-bedroom units, plus 5 studios.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Staunton?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Staunton are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. 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 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 because 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 for the Staunton, VA market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply distribution and popular amenity data for competitive benchmarking

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. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations may change; always verify with municipal and state authorities before investing. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.