Amherst, Virginia Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Amherst, Virginia? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $19,844 per year — at a $204 nightly rate, 35.6% occupancy, and a $70 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
With just 47 active listings, Amherst is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Supply has held steady year over year while revenue and nightly rates climbed — a mature market where existing hosts capture more value per listing. Stable inventory paired with rising returns reflects healthy demand.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Amherst?
In Amherst, the headline Airbnb metrics are $19,844 in average annual revenue,35.6% occupancy, $204 ADR, and $70 in RevPAR, and guests book about 52 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Amherst?
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 October, while February 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 $4,240+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,692 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,630 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $752, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Amherst
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Amherst?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Amherst STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Octobersees 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 67%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 48% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 31%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 16% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Amherst
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Amherst?
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 $391+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $225 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $136 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $103 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Amherst
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Amherst?
RevPAR in Amherst is currently $70. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $28 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $59 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $92 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $130 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Amherst
RevPAR Insights for Amherst
- The average RevPAR in Amherst is $70. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($130) and bottom 25% ($28) is $102, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Oct and bottoms out in Feb, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Amherst benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $59, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $92+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Amherst?
Amherst's peak Airbnb season falls in October, November, May, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (October, November, May)
- Revenue averages $2,768 per month
- Occupancy rates average 43.9%
- Daily rates average $197
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,036 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 33.9%
- Daily rates hold near $191
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,553 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 28.7%
- Daily rates adjust to average $201
Seasonality Insights for Amherst
- Airbnb seasonality in Amherst is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Amherst's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $3,083, occupancy reaching 49.0%, and ADRs peaking at $204.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,348, occupancy could drop to 27.7%, and ADRs may adjust to $179.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Amherst need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Amherst, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Amherst?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Amherst, Virginia, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. 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, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Amherst?
With a compact short-term rental market, Amherst gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| 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 |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Amherst offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Amherst?
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 74.5% of the 47 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 (42.6%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 42.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 10.6% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like apartment/condo (combined 4.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Amherst Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): 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 25.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 46.8% of the active Airbnb listings in Amherst, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 31.9% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Amherst.
Amherst Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
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 (27.7%). 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 49.0% of listings.
- 27.7% 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 3.6 guests.
How Do Listings in Amherst Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Amherst can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Amherst
- At 33.7 photos per listing on average, Amherst hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 14.9% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Amherst averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Amherst?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Amherst
- Essential amenities in Amherst that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Heating, Smoke alarm, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Bed linens, Hot water, Pets allowed are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Amherst: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Heating, Smoke alarm, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Free parking on premises, Smoke alarm, Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Bed linens or Hot water 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.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Amherst?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Amherst, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Coffee maker | 89.4% | $21,791 | $3,485 | 525.2% |
Dishes and silverware | 78.7% | $23,476 | $6,405 | 266.5% |
Kitchen | 66.0% | $26,354 | $7,230 | 264.5% |
Oven | 55.3% | $28,271 | $9,411 | 200.4% |
Stove | 57.4% | $27,559 | $9,428 | 192.3% |
Backyard | 83.0% | $22,334 | $7,704 | 189.9% |
TV | 72.3% | $24,065 | $8,804 | 173.3% |
BBQ grill | 48.9% | $29,241 | $10,839 | 169.8% |
Cooking basics | 61.7% | $26,084 | $9,790 | 166.4% |
Baking sheet | 48.9% | $28,986 | $11,083 | 161.5% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Amherst
- Coffee maker tops the revenue impact list with a 525.2% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $21,791 vs. $3,485 without it.
- Coffee maker, Backyard — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Amherst STR Market Data (2026)
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 Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Amherst
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Amherst consists of primarily domestic travelers (94%), 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 94.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (94.1%) and DC (3.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (73.3%) followed by Spanish (10%).
- 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.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Amherst?
Listings in Amherst average 4.92 out of 5 overall, with about 87.2 reviews per active listing and 61.7% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Amherst
- With an overall rating of 4.92, Amherst listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.97), while Value (4.88) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 61.7% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Amherst Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): 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 51.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 91.5% 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 (42.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 8.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Amherst?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Amherst
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Amherst is 52 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during May (average 147 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 17 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Spring (70 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (28 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (52 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 147 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Spring season well in advance (at least 70 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Amherst averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Amherst?
Guests in Amherst stay about 4.1 nights on average, generating roughly 1,066 reservations and 22.7 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Amherst
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Amherst
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 22.7 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Dec (4.3 nights) and shorten in Sep (2.8 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Amherst Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
23 listings
48.9% of total
2 Nights
15 listings
31.9% of total
3 Nights
3 listings
6.4% of total
30+ Nights
6 listings
12.8% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Amherst is 1 Night, adopted by 48.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (80.8%) of the Amherst Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (12.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Amherst, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 48.9% of Amherst hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 12.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
- 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 (2026)
Limited
1 listings
2.1% of total
Flexible
22 listings
46.8% of total
Moderate
12 listings
25.5% of total
Firm
10 listings
21.3% of total
Strict
2 listings
4.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Amherst
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Amherst is Flexible, used by 46.8% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 72.3% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Amherst may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (4.3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 46.8% market standard in Amherst.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 4.3% 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.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Amherst?
Cleaning fees in Amherst are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Amherst
- 78.7% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Amherst. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($100) and median ($75) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 9.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Amherst median of $75. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Amherst Look Like?
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
Dee's Cozy Haven~Mountain Views, HOT tub
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Historic Athlone Farm: Lovely, 6500 sf, sleeps 18
Entire Place • 9 bedrooms
Spectacular Mountain View!
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Sunsets and Solitude
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Country home with amazing views
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Amherst?
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 | 3 | $105,661 | 19 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Shawana Lynn | 1 | $71,451 | 28 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Jennifer | 3 | $71,101 | 579 | 4.74/5.0 |
| Delores | 1 | $66,165 | 281 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Susanna | 2 | $44,184 | 70 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Deborah | 1 | $40,798 | 103 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Julie | 8 | $40,301 | 193 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Renee | 1 | $39,774 | 10 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Lindsey | 1 | $39,474 | 67 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Martha | 2 | $37,717 | 143 | 4.90/5.0 |
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.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Amherst?
Amherst is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Amherst
- With 78.7% Superhosts, Amherst has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 4.3% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 74.5% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 14.9% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Amherst averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
How Does Amherst's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
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.
Compared with Skyland Estates, Amherst has 17 percentage points lower occupancy and about $93 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McGaheysville | 82 | $6,596 | $447.52 | 45% |
| Penhook | 18 | $5,584 | $702.28 | 36% |
| Bentonville | 23 | $5,361 | $434.70 | 49% |
| Shenandoah | 102 | $4,990 | $367.23 | 47% |
| Nellysford | 68 | $4,957 | $424.70 | 37% |
| Bumpass | 120 | $4,915 | $574.24 | 32% |
| Castleton | 11 | $4,900 | $534.35 | 31% |
| Skyland Estates | 14 | $4,860 | $297.34 | 53% |
| Stanley | 101 | $4,707 | $337.33 | 46% |
| Afton | 136 | $4,652 | $401.30 | 41% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Amherst
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Amherst.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Amherst?
Amherst hosts earn about $19,844 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $204 and RevPAR of $70. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Amherst, Virginia, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Amherst market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Amherst?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Amherst is 35.6%. October is the strongest month and February is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Amherst?
Listings in Amherst average $204 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Amherst?
Amherst currently has about 47 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Amherst?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Amherst as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Amherst?
RevPAR in Amherst is about $70. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Amherst?
Occupancy of 35.6% means Amherst is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $19,844, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Amherst?
The average booking lead time in Amherst is about 52 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Amherst?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Amherst include Downtown Amherst, Sweet Briar College, Lynchburg. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Amherst?
entire_home listings make up 74.5% of the active supply in Amherst. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Amherst compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, McGaheysville posts $79,149 in average annual revenue with 45.0% occupancy, compared to Amherst's $19,844 and 35.6%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Amherst?
The average Airbnb stay length in Amherst is about 4.1 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Amherst?
Airbnb listings in Amherst average 4.92 out of 5 overall. About 61.7% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Amherst?
Coffee maker and Dishes and silverware are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Amherst. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Amherst?
Yes. About 78.7% of active Airbnb listings in Amherst charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $100. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Amherst?
A 78.7% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.