Northampton County

As of May 2026, Cape Charles has 749 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Northampton County generates $35K per year. High-performing properties earn $68K/year, while low-performing properties earn $19K/year. This wide disparity suggests that revenue is heavily skewed toward top-tier listings, indicating that market saturation may be limiting income potential for the majority of average-performing assets.

Average home prices in Northampton County vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $0, 2-bedroom homes average $367K, 3-bedroom properties are around $401K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $679K. These prices reflect median home values across the Cape Charles area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Northampton County, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 22%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The doubling of yield at the top end highlights a significant performance ceiling where competitive advantages drastically influence bottom-line returns.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Northampton County is 29%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $335, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $69 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Northampton County, with an average gross yield of 8% and annual revenue of $31K. These properties balance purchase price ($367K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Northampton County market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Northampton County area. Cape Charles: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance needed, short-term rentals permitted in most zones. Town requires registration and tax collection. Moderate enforcement - town monitors compliance but not aggressive. Popular vacation rental market operates relatively openly with most hosts following rules. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Northampton County Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 30%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The sharp decline in revenue despite modest supply growth points to a contraction in consumer demand that is currently offsetting the impact of new inventory.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 21% 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 Northampton County listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (96%), Washing Machine (84%), Tv (83%), Heating (63%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Hot Tub, Washing Machine, with Pool properties earning approximately 64% more ($92K/year vs $56K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Northampton County over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $4K, July: $4K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $1K, December: $1K, January: $596, February: $480, March: $1K, April: $2K. 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 Northampton County is $335, up 13% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $189/night, 2-bedroom properties average $238/night, 3-bedroom properties average $328/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $483/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in February.

Guests in Northampton County book an average of 39 days in advance, down 23% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 29 days, 2-bedroom: 35 days, 3-bedroom: 39 days, 4+ bedroom: 47 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Northampton County Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 6%, revenue per listing decreased 30%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates increased 13%, and lead time decreased 23%. These metrics suggest a pivot toward shorter booking windows and pricing pressure, reflecting a market where guests are becoming more selective.

In Northampton County, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 47% higher occupancy than weekdays.