
Airbnb market analysis and investment insights
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Charlottesville, VA — Market Intelligence Report
Researched by Chalet's Senior STR Analysts · Verified with local Charlottesville market partners
Charlottesville, Virginia’s short-term rental market is defined by its bifurcated operator base and a sharp revenue gradient that rewards committed, full-time hosts. Active full-time operators average $42,222 in annual revenue (Chalet data, 265+ listings), a figure that stands well above the whole-market median of $33,501—diluted by a large cohort of part-time and casual listings. The city’s median occupancy sits at 43%, with an average daily rate (ADR) of $218 and a median gross yield of 6.65% against a median home value of $503,578. Nationally, Charlottesville ranks #323 by STR revenue. Seasonality is pronounced: October is the peak revenue month ($3,094, 57% occupancy), while December marks the trough ($2,258, 32% occupancy), underscoring the importance of timing and operational discipline in this market.
The investment landscape is anchored by two clear product clusters. First, the 3-bedroom segment (108 listings) delivers a strong blend of scale and liquidity, averaging $37,226 in annual revenue at a $328 ADR and 44% occupancy—well suited to families and small groups, and a common sweet spot for Chalet agent clients seeking balance between price point and demand. At the top end, 4-bedroom homes (49 listings) command $60,213 in average annual revenue and a striking $670 ADR, albeit with a lower 37% occupancy, targeting high-value, event-driven stays. Meanwhile, 2-bedrooms (159 listings) offer a more accessible entry point at $25,054 annual revenue and $217 ADR, with 45% occupancy, supporting a diversified portfolio approach.
Geographically, the 22902 zip code stands out as the city’s most robust STR cluster, with 268 listings generating a $35,739 median annual revenue, 46% occupancy, and a 7.6% gross yield on a $471,030 median home value. The 22911 area, though smaller (32 listings), posts the highest occupancy at 53% and a median annual revenue of $36,106, reflecting strong, consistent demand. By contrast, 22903 and 22901 lag slightly behind in both revenue and yield, underscoring the importance of micro-market selection and the value of local Chalet agent guidance.
At scale, Charlottesville’s winners are operators who can navigate the city’s regulatory landscape and align with its demand drivers. The market is overwhelmingly domestic, with Washington, DC and Richmond, VA leading guest origin, and an average booking lead time of 43 days (median 24), suggesting a mix of planned event travel and last-minute bookings. The average length of stay is 4.6 nights, favoring mid-length visits. Investors who optimize for high-occupancy windows and maintain regulatory compliance—especially around owner-occupancy rules—are best positioned to capture above-median returns. For underwriting and scenario analysis, the Chalet ROI calculator is essential.
Risks are concentrated around regulatory friction and pronounced seasonality. Year-over-year, revenue per listing is up a robust 24.3%, occupancy has climbed 12.6%, ADR has risen 7.4%, listing supply has expanded by 8.2%, and home values have inched up 0.6% (Chalet data). However, the December–January trough (32%–24% occupancy) is acute, and strict owner-occupancy and permit requirements are actively enforced, with ongoing ordinance revisions and a compliance climate that demands vigilance. For a full legal and operational overview, see the Charlottesville STR regulations.
Charlottesville’s short-term rental market is a regulatory gauntlet with sharply rising returns for disciplined, full-time operators who can navigate seasonality and compliance.
| 2 |
| 22911 |
| 7% |
| $36,106 |
| 48 |
| $505K |
| 3 | 22902 | 8% | $35,739 | 402 | $471K |
| 4 | 22901 | 5% | $26,383 | 143 | $514K |
For a complete breakdown, visit our guide to Airbnb laws in Charlottesville, VA