Stafford

As of May 2026, Fredericksburg, Stafford, Washington DC, Richmond have 1,036 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 5% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Stafford generates $33K per year. High-performing properties earn $65K/year, while low-performing properties earn $11K/year. The substantial disparity between top and bottom earners suggests that market success is heavily dependent on specific property attributes or operational strategies rather than broad market trends.

Average home prices in Stafford vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $235K, 2-bedroom homes average $323K, 3-bedroom properties are around $419K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $577K. These prices reflect median home values across the Fredericksburg, Stafford, Washington DC, Richmond area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Stafford, with an average gross yield of 8% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 15%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield spread indicates that while the broader market faces revenue headwinds, select listings maintain strong performance relative to the shrinking supply.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Stafford is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $264, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $59 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Stafford, with an average gross yield of 9% and annual revenue of $52K. These properties balance purchase price ($577K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Stafford market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Stafford area. Fredericksburg: Moderate. Zoning permit required, must comply with residential use standards. Some enforcement through complaints. Stafford: Lenient. No specific STR regulations county-wide. Operates under general business license and zoning rules. Minimal enforcement. Washington DC: Strict. License required, primary residence only, 90-day cap for unhosted rentals. Active enforcement with penalties and audits. Richmond: Moderate. Business license and zoning approval required, primary residence preference. Enforcement mainly complaint-driven. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Stafford Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 5% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 27%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized decline in supply and revenue suggests a contraction in market size, where the market is finding a new equilibrium amidst lower overall demand.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -10% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Stafford listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (89%), Washing Machine (86%), Heating (71%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Pool, Hot Tub, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 51% more ($57K/year vs $38K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Stafford over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $788, February: $783, March: $2K, 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 Stafford is $264, up 20% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $125/night, 2-bedroom properties average $193/night, 3-bedroom properties average $269/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $452/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in February.

Guests in Stafford book an average of 32 days in advance, down 14% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 27 days, 2-bedroom: 34 days, 3-bedroom: 32 days, 4+ bedroom: 36 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Stafford Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 5%, revenue per listing decreased 27%, occupancy fell 17%, average nightly rates increased 20%, and lead time decreased 14%. These metrics reveal an environment where hosts are testing higher price points despite weaker occupancy, signaling a shift in competitive strategy.

In Stafford, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 44% higher occupancy than weekdays.