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

Williamsburg Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Williamsburg, VA sits at the intersection of Colonial-era tourism, theme-park traffic, and a sizable college-town population — all of which generate short-term rental demand, though the market requires careful positioning. With 535 active Airbnb listings, an average daily rate of $157, and a trailing-12-month average annual revenue of $34,064, investor interest is clearly present. However, the market-wide occupancy rate of 23% (below the 34% Virginia state average) and a 42% year-over-year increase in supply mean competition is intensifying and deal selection matters more than ever.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg

Williamsburg appeals to investors seeking a tourism-driven market with strong seasonal revenue peaks, though rising supply and below-average occupancy demand disciplined deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Williamsburg represents a competitive opportunity where the upside is real but selective. The dramatic seasonality — revenue swings from $482 in January to $6,326 in August — means cash-flow planning must account for several slow months. Properties that can attract bookings outside the summer core through holiday-themed stays or off-peak pricing strategies will have a meaningful edge. Investors who target larger, amenity-rich properties and manage costs tightly through the winter lull stand the best chance of generating attractive returns in a market where occupancy is below the state benchmark."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Williamsburg

Average revenue by month in Williamsburg

Williamsburg's revenue profile is heavily summer-weighted, with August ($6,326) and July ($5,974) generating more than 10× the revenue of January ($482). Investors should expect roughly 65–70% of annual income to concentrate between May and August, making off-season cost management a key profitability lever.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Williamsburg

Two-bedroom properties dominate supply with 233 of the 535 total listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 112 and 4-bedrooms at 102. The 6+ bedroom category has just 7 listings — a notably thin supply segment that, combined with its high revenue potential, could represent a differentiation opportunity for investors willing to operate larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Williamsburg

ADR scales sharply with size: 1- and 2-bedroom listings average $123 and $118, respectively, while 6+ bedroom properties command $559 per night. The jump from 3-bedroom ($174) to 4-bedroom ($235) represents a 35% premium that may offer the strongest ADR-to-acquisition-cost trade-off in the mid-range category.

Average RevPAN by property size in Williamsburg

Revenue per available night is highest for 6+ bedroom properties at $51, while 2- and 3-bedroom listings tie at $34 — both outperforming 1-bedrooms ($30) and, notably, 4-bedrooms ($23). The 4-bedroom segment's low RevPAN despite a $235 ADR reflects its 10% occupancy, suggesting an oversupply relative to demand at that size point.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Williamsburg

Two-bedroom listings lead on occupancy at 29%, followed by 1-bedrooms at 25% and 3-bedrooms at 20%. Larger properties see significantly lower fill rates — 4-bedrooms at 10% and 6+ bedrooms at just 9% — which means high nightly rates must compensate for many vacant nights to deliver competitive returns.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Williamsburg

Monthly revenue climbs with property size, from $1,683 for 1-bedroom units to $8,345 for 6+ bedroom properties. The gap between 3-bedroom ($3,370) and 4-bedroom ($3,400) listings is negligible at just $30 per month, suggesting that the extra bedroom doesn't meaningfully boost income at that tier.

Average annual revenue by property size in Williamsburg

Annual revenue ranges from $20,202 for 1-bedroom properties to $100,144 for 6+ bedroom listings — the latter generating nearly 5× the income of the smallest units. The 3-bedroom ($40,443) and 4-bedroom ($40,800) tiers produce nearly identical annual figures, so investors choosing between these sizes should weigh acquisition cost differences heavily.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Williamsburg

Parking (97%), kitchen (93%), and washer/dryer (91–93%) are near-universal, reflecting a guest base that expects home-like convenience. Resort-style amenities are also widespread — gyms (80%), hot tubs (79%), and pools (76%) appear in the majority of listings — signaling that Williamsburg's STR inventory competes directly with area resorts and theme-park accommodations for the same guest.

Understanding Williamsburg's ROI Score: 35/100

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

Williamsburg's ROI Score of 35 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand exists but margins are tighter due to average revenue-to-price ratios, below-average occupancy stability, and rapidly growing supply. The average growth trend and supply/demand balance provide some support, but the 23% occupancy rate and $677K average home value mean investors need to find properties priced well below the market average or significantly outperform on nightly rate and bookings to hit attractive yield targets. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model will help separate viable deals from ones that look better on paper than in practice.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Williamsburg

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Williamsburg and surrounding James City County in Virginia may require short-term rental permits or business licensing before hosting guests. Investors should verify current registration requirements directly with the Williamsburg city government and the Virginia Department of Taxation, as local rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Virginia STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants in planned communities — particularly common in the Williamsburg area — may impose additional limitations or outright prohibit short-term rentals, so due diligence on deed restrictions is critical before acquiring a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Virginia are generally subject to state sales tax, a local transient occupancy tax, and potentially a tourism-related levy. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm which obligations remain their responsibility with the Virginia Department of Taxation.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Williamsburg's sharp summer revenue peak — August alone averages $6,326 per listing — suggests that seasonal tourism will continue to anchor the market over the next 12–18 months. With supply growing at 42% year-over-year, occupancy pressure could persist unless demand keeps pace, making it reasonable to expect market-wide occupancy to hover in the 22–26% range. ADR may see modest upward movement of 1–3% as larger, resort-style properties push nightly rates higher, but investors should plan for a revenue profile that leans heavily on a five-month warm-season window from May through September."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Williamsburg, VA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Williamsburg?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Williamsburg is currently 23%, which sits below the Virginia state average of 34%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 29%, while larger 4-bedroom and 6+ bedroom properties see occupancy rates of just 10% and 9%, respectively. Seasonal demand plays a major role, with summer months driving the bulk of bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Williamsburg?

Based on trailing 12-month data, the average Airbnb host in Williamsburg earns approximately $2,838 per month or $34,064 per year. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average about $20,202 annually, while 6+ bedroom properties can generate roughly $100,144 per year. Summer months like July and August are the primary revenue drivers, with August averaging $6,326 per listing.

Is Williamsburg a good market for Airbnb investment?

Williamsburg carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 35 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's tourism infrastructure — including Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and nearby attractions — creates strong seasonal demand, but rapid supply growth (42% year-over-year) and below-average occupancy mean investors need to be selective. Properties that are well-positioned with resort-style amenities and multiple bedrooms tend to outperform, but careful deal sourcing and realistic cash-flow projections for off-season months are essential.

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

The market-wide average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Williamsburg is $157, which is notably lower than the $339 Virginia state average. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $123 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command an average of $559. This pricing dynamic makes larger, group-friendly properties particularly attractive for revenue-focused investors.

Are short-term rentals legal in Williamsburg?

Short-term rentals do operate in Williamsburg, VA, with 535 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, local permitting, zoning, and HOA restrictions can vary across the city and surrounding areas. Investors should verify current regulations with the City of Williamsburg and James City County before purchasing, as rules can change and may differ between neighborhoods.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Williamsburg?

Peak season in Williamsburg runs from June through August, with July and August being the standout months. August leads with average per-listing revenue of $6,326, followed by July at $5,974. Revenue drops sharply after summer — September averages $1,979, and the winter months of January and February are the slowest at $482 and $671, respectively. This pronounced seasonality makes summer performance critical to annual returns.

How many Airbnbs are there in Williamsburg?

As of April 2026, there are 535 active Airbnb listings in the Williamsburg market. The supply has grown by 42% year-over-year, indicating strong investor interest. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share at 233 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms at 112 and 4-bedrooms at 102.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Williamsburg?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Williamsburg 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks (like the strong July–August period) and slower months (like January–February). Individual results can vary meaningfully based on property quality, pricing strategy, location within the market, 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 Williamsburg market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Average home values sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data from multiple providers combined and de-duplicated for consistency

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 as of the date shown; actual results may differ based on property-specific factors, pricing strategy, and local demand shifts. Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change — investors should independently verify permit, zoning, and tax requirements before purchasing.