Chincoteague

As of May 2026, Chincoteague, Assateague Island have 764 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Chincoteague generates $29K per year. High-performing properties earn $46K/year, while low-performing properties earn $15K/year. This significant performance gap highlights that revenue potential is highly polarized, suggesting that current market conditions favor properties that capture a disproportionate share of the limited seasonal demand.

Average home prices in Chincoteague vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $0, 2-bedroom homes average $240K, 3-bedroom properties are around $307K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $290K. These prices reflect median home values across the Chincoteague, Assateague Island area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Chincoteague, with an average gross yield of 13% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 22%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The spread between average and high-end yields suggests that profitability is heavily dependent on operational efficiency rather than just baseline market access.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Chincoteague is 35%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $218, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $51 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Chincoteague, with an average gross yield of 11% and annual revenue of $32K. These properties balance purchase price ($290K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Chincoteague market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Chincoteague area. Chincoteague: Moderate. Town business license required, zoning compliance needed, transient occupancy tax collection mandatory. Some density concerns in residential areas but enforcement is moderate with focus on tax compliance and safety codes. Assateague Island: Lenient. National Seashore prohibits private development; minimal private rentals exist. Virginia side has few regulations beyond state tax requirements. Limited enforcement due to minimal rental activity and federal land restrictions. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Chincoteague Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 39%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics, as the contraction in revenue per listing suggests that the market is adjusting to a shift in traveler spending capacity despite the stabilization of total inventory.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 50% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Chincoteague listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (98%), Washing Machine (83%), Tv (69%), Heating (50%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Bbq, Heating, Washing Machine, with Bbq properties earning approximately 37% more ($57K/year vs $42K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Chincoteague over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $3K, July: $4K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $1K, November: $825, December: $578, January: $291, February: $228, March: $622, April: $1K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Chincoteague is $218, up 5% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $117/night, 2-bedroom properties average $178/night, 3-bedroom properties average $231/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $338/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in February.

Guests in Chincoteague book an average of 54 days in advance, down 6% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 58 days, 2-bedroom: 39 days, 3-bedroom: 57 days, 4+ bedroom: 66 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Chincoteague Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 5%, revenue per listing decreased 39%, occupancy fell 12%, average nightly rates increased 5%, and lead time decreased 6%. These metrics point to a tightening market where higher nightly rates are failing to offset declining occupancy and shorter booking windows.

In Chincoteague, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 24% higher occupancy than weekdays.