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

Summersville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Summersville, WV stands out as a small but compelling short-term rental market, driven largely by its proximity to outdoor recreation destinations like Summersville Lake and the New River Gorge region. With an average annual revenue of $29,846 against average home values of $300,993, the revenue-to-price ratio sits above average — a key draw for investors seeking cash-flow-positive properties. The market is intimate, with just 15 active Airbnb listings, which suggests limited competition and room for well-positioned properties to capture meaningful demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Summersville 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 Summersville

Favorable property prices relative to rental income, combined with limited competition and strong seasonal outdoor recreation demand, make Summersville worth evaluating for STR investors.

Expert Market Assessment

"Summersville earns an ROI score of 70 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market where the fundamentals align favorably for investors willing to work with pronounced seasonality. July is the clear revenue peak at $4,319 per month, roughly 3.9 times the February low of $1,114, so cash-flow planning around seasonal swings is essential. The supply-demand balance rates above average, meaning current demand is absorbing existing inventory without significant downward pressure on rates. For investors comfortable with a recreation-driven market that shines brightest in summer and early fall, Summersville offers a real path to solid returns at entry prices well below what comparable mountain or lake markets demand."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Summersville

Average revenue by month in Summersville

Summersville's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal: July leads at $4,319, nearly four times the February low of $1,114, with a strong June-through-October corridor that accounts for the bulk of annual income. Investors should expect to earn roughly 55–60% of total annual revenue during these five peak months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Summersville

The market's 15 listings are concentrated in two-bedroom (6 listings) and three-bedroom (5 listings) properties, with no data on larger configurations. This tight supply distribution may signal opportunity for investors considering one-bedroom or four-plus-bedroom properties that could serve underrepresented segments.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Summersville

ADR steps up meaningfully from $147 for two-bedrooms to $179 for three-bedrooms — a 22% premium for one additional bedroom. Given that both sizes generate nearly identical annual revenue, the higher ADR on three-bedrooms is partially offset by their lower occupancy rate.

Average RevPAN by property size in Summersville

Two-bedroom properties edge out three-bedrooms in RevPAN at $65 versus $62, reflecting their stronger occupancy rates compensating for a lower nightly rate. The narrow gap suggests both configurations perform comparably on a per-available-night basis, giving investors flexibility in property selection.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Summersville

Two-bedroom units lead with a 45% occupancy rate, ten percentage points above three-bedrooms at 35%. For investors prioritizing consistent booking volume and cash-flow reliability, the smaller format appears to maintain steadier demand throughout the year.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Summersville

Monthly revenue is remarkably close between two-bedrooms ($2,838) and three-bedrooms ($2,850), a gap of just $12. This near-parity means investors can choose property size based on acquisition cost and personal strategy without a significant revenue trade-off.

Average annual revenue by property size in Summersville

Three-bedroom properties narrowly lead with $34,202 in annual revenue compared to $34,057 for two-bedrooms — a difference of less than 0.5%. Both configurations outperform the market-wide average of $29,846, suggesting that properties outside these sizes may be pulling the overall figure down.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Summersville

Kitchen and parking are universal at 100% of listings, while outdoor-focused amenities dominate — 80% offer BBQ grills and outdoor furniture, and 73% feature backyards and patios, reflecting the recreation-oriented nature of Summersville's guest base. Hot tubs appear in 53% of listings and likely serve as a competitive differentiator for attracting premium bookings.

Understanding Summersville's ROI Score: 70/100

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

Summersville's ROI score of 70 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — the single most heavily weighted factor — which reflects favorable home prices relative to rental income potential. Occupancy stability is average and market growth trends score below average, largely due to the rapid influx of new listings, so investors should monitor supply dynamics closely. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a conservative seasonal budget will help set realistic return expectations.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Summersville

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Summersville, West Virginia may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Summersville and Nicholas County authorities, as regulations in smaller West Virginia municipalities can vary and evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and any HOA or deed restrictions on the property itself. Some West Virginia communities also impose minimum-stay requirements or cap the number of permitted short-term rentals in certain zones, so due diligence on local zoning is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

West Virginia imposes a state sales tax and a hotel/motel tax on short-term rental stays, and Nicholas County may levy additional local lodging taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm they are meeting all local tax filing obligations as well.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Summersville's STR market is expected to maintain its seasonal cadence, with peak revenues concentrated in the July–September window and softer performance through winter. ADR may see modest increases in the range of 2–5% as the outdoor recreation economy in southern West Virginia continues to draw visitors, though occupancy stability is average and may not shift dramatically without broader tourism infrastructure investment. Supply growth bears watching — listings grew 200% year-over-year — and if that pace continues, it could compress per-listing revenue. Investors should plan for strong summer cash flow while budgeting conservatively for the slower January–February stretch."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Summersville, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Summersville?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Summersville is currently 32%, which falls below the West Virginia state average of 38%. Occupancy varies by property size — two-bedroom listings average 45% while three-bedrooms come in at 35%. The lower overall rate reflects the market's strong seasonality, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Summersville?

Airbnb hosts in Summersville earn an average of $2,487 per month and roughly $29,846 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue peaks sharply in July at around $4,319 and dips to approximately $1,114 in February. Two- and three-bedroom properties perform similarly, both averaging around $34,000 annually.

Is Summersville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Summersville scores 70 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. Its above-average revenue-to-price ratio is a standout strength, and the small supply of just 15 active listings means less direct competition. The market does have pronounced seasonality, so investors should plan for strong summer earnings and leaner winter months.

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

The average daily rate in Summersville is $154, which is below the West Virginia state average of $242. Three-bedroom properties command a higher ADR of $179, while two-bedrooms average $147. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects Summersville's position as an affordable recreation destination rather than a luxury market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Summersville?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Summersville, WV, but hosts may need to secure local permits or business licenses and comply with applicable zoning rules. Regulations can change, so prospective investors should check directly with the City of Summersville and Nicholas County for the latest requirements before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Summersville?

Peak season in Summersville runs from June through September, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $4,319. August ($3,569) and September ($3,051) also perform well, driven by summer lake and outdoor recreation visitors. The slowest months are January and February, when average revenue drops to around $1,100–$1,200.

How many Airbnbs are there in Summersville?

As of April 2026, there are 15 active Airbnb listings in Summersville. The supply is concentrated in two-bedroom (6 listings) and three-bedroom (5 listings) properties, with the remaining listings in other configurations. Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 200%, so the competitive landscape is evolving.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Summersville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Summersville 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 up the results to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the numbers 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 for the Summersville market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics broken down by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Most common amenities across active listings to benchmark guest expectations
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

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