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

Wheeling Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Wheeling, WV presents an intriguing value play for short-term rental investors, with an ROI score of 71 out of 100 driven by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and favorable supply/demand dynamics. With average home values around $275,749 and annual STR revenue averaging $22,634, the market offers accessible entry points relative to many competing destinations. The compact inventory of just 23 active Airbnb listings suggests limited competition, and year-over-year listing growth of 132% signals rising investor interest in this Ohio Valley market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Wheeling 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 Wheeling

Wheeling's low property costs paired with above-average revenue-to-price ratios make it a compelling option for investors seeking cash-flow potential without the high barrier to entry found in larger metros.

Expert Market Assessment

"Wheeling registers as an attractive opportunity with its 71/100 ROI score, anchored by above-average marks in revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and supply/demand balance. Revenue follows a clear seasonal arc — October leads at $2,832 per month, while February bottoms out at just $659, creating a roughly 4:1 spread that investors should account for in cash-flow planning. The small pool of active listings means individual property quality and pricing strategy can meaningfully influence outcomes. For investors comfortable with a smaller, emerging market and willing to optimize for seasonal demand, this West Virginia city offers a credible path to returns that outpace many higher-cost alternatives."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Wheeling

Average revenue by month in Wheeling

Wheeling exhibits pronounced seasonality, with October delivering the highest average revenue at $2,832 and February the lowest at just $659 — a spread of more than 4x. Summer months (June through August) and the fall shoulder season consistently outperform, making strategic pricing and minimum-stay adjustments during winter months essential for maintaining cash flow.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Wheeling

The market's 23 active listings are concentrated in two-bedroom (9 listings) and three-bedroom (7 listings) configurations, with no reported supply in studio, one-bedroom, or four-plus-bedroom categories. This narrow distribution may present an opening for investors willing to offer differentiated property sizes that aren't currently served.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Wheeling

Three-bedroom listings command a significant ADR premium at $220 per night compared to $126 for two-bedroom units — a 75% increase for just one additional bedroom. This steep jump suggests strong guest willingness to pay for extra space, making three-bedroom properties particularly compelling from a pricing standpoint.

Average RevPAN by property size in Wheeling

Revenue per available night favors three-bedroom properties at $40 versus $32 for two-bedroom units, reflecting the higher daily rates that more than offset three-bedrooms' lower occupancy. For investors focused on per-night yield, the three-bedroom configuration delivers roughly 25% more RevPAN.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Wheeling

Two-bedroom properties maintain a higher occupancy rate at 26% compared to 19% for three-bedroom units, likely due to broader guest appeal and more competitive nightly pricing. However, the lower fill rate for three-bedrooms is more than compensated by their substantially higher ADR, making occupancy alone an incomplete measure of performance.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Wheeling

Three-bedroom listings nearly double the monthly revenue of two-bedroom units, averaging $2,668 versus $1,357 per month. Despite filling fewer nights, the premium pricing of three-bedroom properties drives meaningfully stronger top-line performance for investors.

Average annual revenue by property size in Wheeling

On an annual basis, three-bedroom properties generate approximately $32,027 in revenue — nearly twice the $16,286 earned by two-bedroom listings. Given Wheeling's average home values of $275,749, a three-bedroom configuration offers a more compelling revenue-to-price ratio and stronger return potential.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Wheeling

Every active listing in Wheeling offers a kitchen, and 96% include parking — both reflecting guest expectations for home-like convenience in this market. The high prevalence of self check-in and workspace (each at 78%) suggests hosts are catering to independent travelers and remote workers, while outdoor features like backyards (52%) and patios (52%) add differentiation without being table stakes.

Understanding Wheeling's ROI Score: 71/100

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

Wheeling's ROI score of 71 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and strong supply/demand balance that together account for over half the score's weighting. Occupancy stability also scores above average, providing a measure of confidence that demand isn't overly erratic despite the seasonal swings. Investors should pair these metrics with on-the-ground research into local regulations and neighborhood-level demand patterns to build a complete picture before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wheeling

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Wheeling, West Virginia may need to obtain a business license or STR-specific permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Wheeling and the West Virginia Secretary of State's office, as local regulations can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in markets like Wheeling can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements for guests, and potential HOA restrictions in certain neighborhoods. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum stay requirements or cap the number of permits issued, so confirming local rules before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in West Virginia are generally subject to the state's sales tax and any applicable local hotel/motel occupancy taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm whether any additional local obligations apply in Wheeling.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Wheeling's short-term rental market is expected to see continued supply growth as investors respond to favorable revenue-to-price fundamentals, though the small base means even modest additions can shift the competitive landscape. Seasonal data points to summer and fall as reliable demand drivers, with October historically the strongest revenue month — ADR could see incremental gains of 2–5% if demand keeps pace with new supply. Occupancy, currently at 25% versus the 38% state average, has room to improve but will likely remain in the 22–28% range as the market matures. Investors should plan conservatively for softer winter months, particularly January and February, when revenue dips below $1,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Wheeling, WV

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wheeling?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Wheeling is currently 25%, which trails the West Virginia state average of 38%. Two-bedroom properties see slightly higher occupancy at 26%, while three-bedroom units average around 19%. While these figures are modest, the small supply of just 23 active listings means well-positioned properties with competitive pricing and strong amenities can outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Wheeling?

Airbnb hosts in Wheeling earn an average of $1,886 per month and approximately $22,634 per year based on trailing 12-month performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size — two-bedroom listings average about $16,286 annually, while three-bedroom properties bring in roughly $32,027 per year. Peak months like October can generate over $2,800, while the slowest months may dip below $1,000.

Is Wheeling a good market for Airbnb investment?

Wheeling scores 71 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio thanks to relatively affordable home values around $275,749, along with favorable supply/demand balance and occupancy stability. Investors should be aware of seasonal revenue swings and the current 25% average occupancy rate, but the low competition (only 23 active listings) and accessible entry price make it worth serious consideration.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Wheeling is $175, which is below the West Virginia state average of $242. ADR varies by property size: two-bedroom listings average $126 per night, while three-bedroom properties command a significantly higher $220 per night. This premium for larger properties suggests that guests visiting Wheeling are willing to pay more for additional space.

Are short-term rentals legal in Wheeling?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Wheeling, WV, though operators may need to obtain appropriate business licenses or permits. As regulations can change, prospective investors should verify current STR rules with the City of Wheeling and relevant West Virginia state agencies before purchasing a property. It's also wise to check for any HOA restrictions that may apply to specific neighborhoods.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Wheeling?

Peak season for Airbnb rentals in Wheeling runs from roughly June through October, with October being the strongest month at an average of $2,832 in revenue. August ($2,476) and July ($2,204) are also solid performers. The off-season dips notably in January ($930) and February ($659), so investors should plan for meaningful seasonal variation in their cash-flow projections.

How many Airbnbs are there in Wheeling?

There are currently 23 active Airbnb listings in Wheeling as of April 2026. The market has seen significant growth, with year-over-year listing increases of 132%. The supply is concentrated in two-bedroom (9 listings) and three-bedroom (7 listings) properties, with limited representation of other sizes — which could signal opportunity for investors targeting underserved property configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Wheeling?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Wheeling 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 results up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors figures 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 by market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarks across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data 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 Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions can change. Local regulations, permit requirements, and tax obligations are subject to change — always verify with municipal authorities before investing.