Amherst Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Virginia, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Amherst in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Amherst, Virginia, United States to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Amherst, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 49 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Amherst, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Amherst Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Amherst Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Amherst (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Amherst is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Amherst is typically November, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Amherst across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,299+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,204 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,751 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $940, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Amherst
Amherst Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Amherst STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Novembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Amherst:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 76%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 56% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 35%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 21% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Amherst
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Amherst (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Amherst involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Amherst typically peaks in November and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $317+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $216 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $139 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $97 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Amherst
Get Live Amherst Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Amherst (2025)
Peak Season (November, May, December)
- Revenue averages $2,931 per month
- Occupancy rates average 47.7%
- Daily rates average $188
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,556 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 40.4%
- Daily rates hold near $168
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,903 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 30.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $195
Seasonality Insights for Amherst
- The Airbnb seasonality in Amherst shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Amherst's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,068, occupancy reaching a high of 49.2%, and ADRs peaking at $199.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,730, occupancy could drop to 27.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $167.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Amherst.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Amherst seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Amherst (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Amherst? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Amherst | The heart of Amherst, featuring charming streets, local shops, and eateries. It's attractive for visitors looking to experience local culture and community events. | Amherst County Courthouse, Historic Downtown District, Local cafes and restaurants, Amherst Farmers Market, Amherst Art Walk |
| Sweet Briar College | An educational hub that draws visitors for campus tours, events, and weddings. Offering scenic views and educational experiences, it's ideal for family visits and alumni. | Sweet Briar College, Lakes at Sweet Briar, Nature trails, Historic buildings of the college, Alumni events |
| Lynchburg | Close proximity to Lynchburg offers access to urban amenities, shopping, and dining, while still being a short drive from Amherst. Good for those looking to explore surrounding attractions. | Liberty University, Lynchburg City Stadium, Historic downtown Lynchburg, James River access, Park View Historic District |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | A scenic area popular among nature lovers and road trip enthusiasts. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities, drawing tourists year-round. | Hiking trails, Scenic overlooks, Wildflower gardens, Visitor centers, Outdoor camping and picnicking spots |
| Natural Bridge | A famous natural monument that attracts tourists looking to see one of Virginia’s most iconic landmarks. Great for families and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy sightseeing. | Natural Bridge, Monacan Indian Museum, Natural Bridge Zoo, Hiking trails, Historic Caverns |
| Booker T. Washington National Monument | A significant historical site dedicated to the African American educator, drawing visitors interested in history and education. It offers educational programs and events. | Visitor center, Reconstruction of a tobacco plantation, Nature trails, Educational programs, Historical exhibits |
| Lake Monocan | A picturesque lake area that offers recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and hiking. Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for relaxation. | Swimming areas, Picnic spots, Kayaking, Walking trails, Wildlife viewing |
| Amherst County Parks | Multiple parks in the area provide recreational opportunities, attracting families and groups for picnics, sports, and community events. | Amherst County Park, Jersey Park, Amherst Community Center, Sports fields, Playgrounds |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Amherst (2025)
While Amherst, Virginia, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Amherst to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Amherst (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Amherstbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
The Empty Nest Cottage
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Spacious Farm Stay: Classic, Historic Property
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Country home with amazing views
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Sun Spoke Farms Farmhouse
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Historic Athlone Farm: Lovely, 6500 sf, sleeps 18
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms
Dee's Cozy Haven~Mountain Views, HOT tub
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Amherst (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Amherst based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cindy | 4 | $156,400 | 12 | 2.50/5.0 |
| Shawana Lynn | 1 | $117,641 | 14 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Renee | 1 | $74,936 | 8 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Jennifer | 3 | $69,406 | 916 | 4.74/5.0 |
| Derrick | 1 | $65,821 | 41 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Delores | 1 | $55,390 | 255 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Martha | 2 | $51,163 | 94 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Susanna | 2 | $50,896 | 55 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Jeanne | 1 | $50,328 | 175 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Janis | 1 | $47,428 | 223 | 5.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Amherst.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Amherst STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Amherst. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsAmherst Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Amherst
- The Amherst Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 75.5% of the 49 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Amherst, House properties are the most common (40.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 40.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 8.2% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
Amherst Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Amherst
- The dominant room capacity in Amherst is 1 bedroom listings, making up 26.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 51.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Amherst, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 32.6% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Amherst.
Amherst Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Amherst
- The most common guest capacity trend in Amherst vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (28.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Amherst STR market, accounting for 51.0% of listings.
- 32.6% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Amherst.
- On average, properties in Amherst are equipped to host 4.0 guests.
Amherst Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Amherst
- The most common availability pattern in Amherst falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 44.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 75.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Amherst (28.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 28.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Amherst Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
20 listings
43.5% of total
2 Nights
19 listings
41.3% of total
3 Nights
5 listings
10.9% of total
30+ Nights
2 listings
4.3% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Amherst is 1 Night, adopted by 43.5% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (84.8%) of the Amherst Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 43.5% of Amherst hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Amherst.
Amherst Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Flexible
18 listings
42.9% of total
Moderate
10 listings
23.8% of total
Firm
8 listings
19% of total
Strict
6 listings
14.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Amherst
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Amherst is Flexible, used by 42.9% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (66.7%) and stricter (33.3%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 42.9% market standard in Amherst.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 14.3% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Amherst.
Amherst STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Amherst
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Amherst is 50 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 111 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 24 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (69 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (32 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (50 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Amherst.
- For May stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 111 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 69 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Amherst averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Amherst (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Amherst
- Essential amenities in Amherst that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Air conditioning, Heating, Wifi, Hot water. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Essentials, Bed linens, Coffee maker are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Amherst: Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Air conditioning, Heating, Wifi, Hot water.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Air conditioning, Heating, Wifi, Hot water.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Essentials or Bed linens to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Amherst to stay competitive.
Amherst Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Amherst
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Amherst consists of primarily domestic travelers (93%), often arriving from nearby Richmond, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 93.0% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (93%) and DC (4.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (72.9%) followed by Spanish (11.6%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Richmond and Washington.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Amherst Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castleton | 10 | $6,255 | $523.55 | 39% |
| Penhook | 19 | $5,435 | $545.46 | 37% |
| Bentonville | 22 | $5,235 | $405.46 | 51% |
| Skyland Estates | 13 | $5,151 | $253.99 | 63% |
| Nellysford | 63 | $4,632 | $377.70 | 38% |
| Shenandoah Shores | 15 | $4,548 | $391.92 | 44% |
| Afton | 134 | $4,491 | $330.72 | 41% |
| Goodview | 24 | $4,485 | $367.02 | 51% |
| Washington | 11 | $4,465 | $387.00 | 45% |
| Macon | 39 | $4,459 | $470.54 | 37% |