Harpers Ferry

As of May 2026, Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Shepherdstown have 380 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Harpers Ferry generates $44K per year. High-performing properties earn $80K/year, while low-performing properties earn $15K/year. This wide revenue spread suggests that guest demand is heavily concentrated among top-tier listings, creating significant performance polarization within the current inventory.

Average home prices in Harpers Ferry vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $205K, 2-bedroom homes average $266K, 3-bedroom properties are around $355K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $481K. These prices reflect median home values across the Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, Shepherdstown area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Harpers Ferry, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 21%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. Such a variance in yield highlights that profitability is highly sensitive to listing management and effective revenue capture.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Harpers Ferry is 39%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $259, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $89 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Harpers Ferry, with an average gross yield of 17% and annual revenue of $80K. These properties balance purchase price ($481K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Harpers Ferry market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Harpers Ferry area. I don't have reliable current data on short-term rental regulations or enforcement reality for Harpers Ferry, Charles Town, and Shepherdstown, West Virginia. These smaller Jefferson County municipalities have varying local ordinances that change periodically, and enforcement information isn't well-documented in available sources. I recommend contacting each town's planning/zoning department directly for accurate, current requirements and actual enforcement practices before operating a short-term rental. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Harpers Ferry Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 14%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The drop in RevPAR despite stable supply growth suggests that existing market equilibrium is being tested by softening guest spending.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak fall season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 11% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Harpers Ferry listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (93%), Tv (86%), Washing Machine (65%), Heating (65%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Washing Machine, Lake Access, with Pool properties earning approximately 95% more ($95K/year vs $49K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Harpers Ferry over the last 12 months: May: $3K, June: $3K, July: $3K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $3K, November: $3K, December: $2K, January: $2K, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $3K. 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 Harpers Ferry is $259, up 7% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $160/night, 2-bedroom properties average $170/night, 3-bedroom properties average $280/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $521/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in February.

Guests in Harpers Ferry book an average of 31 days in advance, down 20% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 28 days, 2-bedroom: 26 days, 3-bedroom: 33 days, 4+ bedroom: 40 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Harpers Ferry Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 6%, revenue per listing decreased 14%, occupancy fell 8%, average nightly rates increased 7%, and lead time decreased 20%. These shifts reflect a tightening market where hosts are raising prices despite shorter booking windows and lower utilization.

In Harpers Ferry, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 97% higher occupancy than weekdays.