Terra Alta, WV Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Terra Alta Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Terra Alta, WV earns a standout ROI score of 77 out of 100, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that makes it attractive relative to the area's home values of roughly $299K. With only 35 active Airbnb listings, this small West Virginia market offers limited competition and clear seasonal peaks tied to summer and early fall lake-country demand. Investors should note that occupancy sits at 24%—below the 38% state average—but strong daily rates of $236 and pronounced summer revenue spikes can still deliver meaningful annual returns, particularly for larger properties.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Terra Alta 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 Terra Alta

Terra Alta's combination of affordable property prices and above-average revenue-to-price ratios creates an appealing entry point for investors seeking lake and outdoor recreation-driven returns.

Expert Market Assessment

"Terra Alta presents a compelling niche opportunity for investors comfortable with pronounced seasonality and a smaller, recreation-oriented market. Revenue swings from roughly $1,727 in January to $3,600 in August reveal a summer-dominant pattern anchored by lake access and outdoor amenities. The ROI score of 77 reflects genuine upside, particularly for 4-bedroom properties that generate nearly $48,600 annually—well above the market average. That said, the 24% occupancy rate warrants careful expense planning during quieter months, and the rapid 63% growth in listings deserves monitoring to ensure demand keeps pace with supply."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Terra Alta

Average revenue by month in Terra Alta

Terra Alta exhibits strong summer seasonality, with August ($3,600) and September ($3,256) delivering roughly double the revenue of winter months like January ($1,727) and February ($1,744). Investors should plan for this $1,800+ monthly swing and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize the June-through-October corridor when revenues consistently exceed $2,000.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Terra Alta

Three-bedroom properties dominate Terra Alta's supply with 18 of the 35 active listings, while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units each have just 6 listings. The relative scarcity of 4-bedroom properties—combined with their outsized revenue performance—may signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Terra Alta

ADR scales significantly with size in Terra Alta, jumping from $197 for 2-bedroom units to $313 for 4-bedroom homes—a 59% premium. The step up from 3-bedroom ($218) to 4-bedroom pricing is particularly steep, suggesting strong guest willingness to pay for additional space and group-friendly configurations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Terra Alta

Four-bedroom listings deliver a RevPAN of $113, more than double the $47 earned by 3-bedroom properties and over three times the $33 for 2-bedroom units. This dramatic gap reflects both higher nightly rates and better occupancy, making 4-bedroom configurations the clear revenue-efficiency leader in this market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Terra Alta

Occupancy climbs with property size in Terra Alta: 4-bedroom units fill 36% of available nights compared to 22% for 3-bedroom and just 17% for 2-bedroom listings. The higher occupancy for larger homes suggests group travelers and families drive demand here, offering more consistent booking flow for investors in that segment.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Terra Alta

Four-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $4,049—nearly double the $2,169 earned by 2-bedroom listings and well ahead of 3-bedroom properties at $2,048. Interestingly, 2-bedroom units slightly outperform 3-bedroom listings on a monthly basis, potentially reflecting better pricing optimization or niche appeal among smaller groups.

Average annual revenue by property size in Terra Alta

Annual revenue tells a clear story: 4-bedroom homes generate approximately $48,591 per year, nearly double the $26,039 from 2-bedroom units and the $24,579 from 3-bedroom properties. For investors weighing acquisition costs against return potential, the 4-bedroom tier offers the strongest top-line revenue by a wide margin.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Terra Alta

Parking and kitchen access are universal (100%) across Terra Alta listings, while laundry facilities (89–91%) and BBQ grills (89%) are near-essential. Lake access appears in 74% of listings—a distinctive feature that underscores this market's outdoor recreation identity and likely plays a major role in driving bookings and justifying premium rates.

Understanding Terra Alta's ROI Score: 77/100

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

Terra Alta's ROI score of 77 out of 100 places it in the 'Standout Opportunity' tier, powered by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects strong earning potential relative to the area's ~$299K average home values. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance each score in the average range, indicating a healthy but not overheated market. Investors should pair this score with on-the-ground regulatory research and property-level analysis to confirm that individual deals align with the market's overall potential.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Terra Alta

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Terra Alta, West Virginia may need to obtain a local business license or STR permit depending on current municipal and county requirements. Investors should verify specific registration and permitting obligations with the Preston County office and the City of Terra Alta before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar West Virginia communities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, noise and quiet-hour ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and rules imposed by homeowners associations. Some jurisdictions also enforce minimum stay lengths or cap the total number of permitted short-term rentals in a given area, so confirming local rules is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

West Virginia levies a state sales tax and a municipal hotel/occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and hosts should confirm whether local tourism-related taxes also apply. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should verify that all obligations—including any county-specific levies—are fully covered.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Terra Alta is likely to see continued supply growth given the 63% year-over-year increase in active listings, though the market's small base means absolute numbers remain modest. We estimate ADR could hold steady or edge up 1–3% as hosts refine pricing around the strong July–September corridor, while occupancy may settle in the 22–26% range as new supply absorbs. Investors entering now should plan for seasonal cash-flow swings—budget for softer winter months with revenue around $1,700–$1,900 and capitalize on summer months that can top $3,200–$3,600."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Terra Alta, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Terra Alta?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Terra Alta is currently 24%, which falls below the West Virginia state average of 38%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size: 4-bedroom properties lead at 36%, while 3-bedroom listings average 22% and 2-bedroom units come in at 17%. The lower overall occupancy reflects the market's strong seasonal nature, with demand concentrated in the summer and early fall months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Terra Alta?

Based on trailing 12-month performance, the average Airbnb host in Terra Alta earns approximately $2,337 per month or $28,054 per year. Earnings vary substantially by property size—4-bedroom listings lead with an average of $4,049 per month ($48,591 annually), while 3-bedroom properties average $2,048 per month and 2-bedroom units bring in around $2,169 per month. Peak summer months like August can push monthly revenue above $3,600.

Is Terra Alta a good market for Airbnb investment?

Terra Alta earns an ROI score of 77 out of 100 from Rabbu, placing it in the 'Standout Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio thanks to relatively affordable home prices averaging around $299K. With only 35 active listings, competition remains limited. Investors should be prepared for seasonal cash-flow variability, as occupancy is lower than the state average, but the combination of strong summer demand and manageable acquisition costs creates a favorable risk-return profile.

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

The average daily rate in Terra Alta is $236, just slightly below the West Virginia state average of $242. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 2-bedroom listings average $197 per night, 3-bedroom properties command $218, and 4-bedroom homes reach $313 per night. This pricing structure suggests that larger properties can capture significant nightly premiums, especially during peak summer season.

Are short-term rentals legal in Terra Alta?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Terra Alta, WV, but operators may need to secure a local business license or STR-specific permit. Regulations can vary at the municipal and county level, so investors should consult the City of Terra Alta and Preston County offices directly to confirm current requirements, including any zoning restrictions or HOA limitations that may apply to a specific property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Terra Alta?

Peak season in Terra Alta runs from July through September, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $3,600 in revenue. July and September are close behind at roughly $3,253 and $3,256 respectively. The off-peak months of January and February see the lowest revenues, around $1,727–$1,744. This pattern aligns with the area's outdoor recreation appeal, particularly lake activities during warmer months.

How many Airbnbs are there in Terra Alta?

There are currently 35 active Airbnb listings in Terra Alta. The supply is concentrated in 3-bedroom properties (18 listings), with 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units each accounting for 6 listings. The market has seen significant growth, with a 63% year-over-year increase in active listings, though the overall inventory remains relatively small compared to larger vacation rental markets.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Terra Alta?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Terra Alta 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 the results 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 window. 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 Terra Alta market
• Average daily rate, occupancy rate, and RevPAN metrics with state-level comparisons
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property size breakdowns for listings, rates, occupancy, and revenue
• Home value data 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 27, 2026, and market conditions may have shifted since that date. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before making any investment decision.