Roanoke

As of May 2026, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Lynchburg have 2,095 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 4% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Roanoke generates $30K per year. High-performing properties earn $67K/year, while low-performing properties earn $13K/year. The substantial disparity between top-tier and average earners highlights a market where revenue is heavily concentrated in a small segment, suggesting that broad market averages may mask significant variance in asset performance.

Average home prices in Roanoke vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $163K, 2-bedroom homes average $210K, 3-bedroom properties are around $294K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $409K. These prices reflect median home values across the Roanoke, Blacksburg, Lynchburg area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Roanoke, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 25%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This wide spread in yields indicates that while the broader market faces revenue headwinds, specific assets are capturing enough demand to remain highly lucrative.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Roanoke is 29%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $270, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $57 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Roanoke, with an average gross yield of 11% and annual revenue of $25K. These properties balance purchase price ($210K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Roanoke market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Roanoke area. Roanoke: Lenient. Business license required, zoning compliance needed. Minimal active enforcement, many operate informally. Blacksburg: Moderate. Zoning permit and business license required, owner-occupancy in residential zones. Moderate enforcement due to university complaints. Lynchburg: Lenient. Business license and zoning approval needed. Light enforcement, hosts commonly operate without full compliance. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Roanoke Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 31%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both inventory and revenue performance suggests a market adjusting to lower overall travel demand rather than a surplus of available listings.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -25% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Roanoke listings include: Air Conditioning (98%), Kitchen (95%), Tv (81%), Washing Machine (78%), Heating (67%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Air Conditioning, Lake Access, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 51% more ($57K/year vs $38K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Roanoke over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $705, February: $726, 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 Roanoke is $270, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $148/night, 2-bedroom properties average $205/night, 3-bedroom properties average $296/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $516/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in February.

Guests in Roanoke book an average of 35 days in advance, down 16% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 30 days, 2-bedroom: 31 days, 3-bedroom: 37 days, 4+ bedroom: 45 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Roanoke Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 4%, revenue per listing decreased 31%, occupancy fell 22%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 16%. These metrics reflect a shift toward shorter booking windows and lower utilization, as hosts attempt to offset occupancy losses through higher pricing.

In Roanoke, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 56% higher occupancy than weekdays.