Unlocking the Value of Short‑Term Rentals in Charleston & Surrounding West Virginia Cities
Across Charleston, Teays Valley, Hurricane, and Huntington, WV, the market for Airbnb and mid‑term rentals is gaining traction—especially among healthcare workers, contract employees, and temporary workers in medical and industrial roles.
📈 Returns: Short‑Term vs Long‑Term Rentals
Recent data shows that typical short‑term rentals in Charleston generate around $19,000 per year, with a 56% occupancy rate and average daily rate of $89—about 204 booked nights annually (City of Huntington, WV, RedAwning).
In Huntington, average Airbnb listings see 58% occupancy, nightly rates near $93, and total annual host income around $19K as well (Airbtics | Airbnb Analytics). That works out to nearly double the monthly cash flow compared to long‑term rentals, which typically earn significantly less per month under a 12‑month lease (Airbtics | Airbnb Analytics).
Meanwhile, statewide reports show that mid‑term rentals—typically one‑ to six‑month stays—offer landlords a premium over year‑long leases, often because tenants are willing to pay for furnished, flexible housing (Steadily).
🏠 Demand & Supply: A Shortage in West Virginia
Despite demand, supply of short‑term housing in West Virginia remains tight. Nearly 150,000 households—49% of renters—are considered housing‑overburdened, meaning they spend over a third of income on rent (Mountain State Spotlight). Affordable, furnished rentals that support temporary stays simply aren’t keeping pace.
This shortage hits hardest in urban and suburban areas like Charleston and Huntington, where existing housing is rapidly squeezed between affordability pressures and limited new inventory.
🎯 Who’s Renting? Healthcare & Temporary Workers
Two growing tenant groups fuel demand:
Temporary professionals: traveling nurses, therapists, construction or industrial contractors, and visiting corporate teams need furnished homes for stays of weeks to months.
Healthcare workers: hospitals and clinics in Charleston and Huntington frequently hire traveling staff—but lack nearby temporary housing options, making furnished STRs an ideal solution.
Across rural healthcare systems, studies show that housing shortages hinder recruitment and retention, particularly for providers coming for short assignments or locum tenens roles (Airbnb, Steadily, Rural Health Info). STRs can fill this gap directly.
📍 Spotlight Markets: Charleston, Teays Valley, Hurricane & Huntington
Charleston: STRs yield strong occupancy and steady revenues (~$19K/year), outperforming typical long‑term rental income (RedAwning). Lenient short-term rental regulations also help hosts avoid red tape.
Huntington: Active Airbnb market with around 212 booked nights per listing annually, and solid demand driven by Marshall University, medical campuses, and riverfront events (Airbtics | Airbnb Analytics).
Teays Valley and Hurricane: While granular occupancy data is limited online, listings—including monthly stay options—are popular among digital nomads, traveling professionals, and healthcare staff (Airbnb).
✅ Why Investors Should Consider Short‑Term Rentals in WV
Advantage Details Higher effective cash flow STRs in Charleston and Huntington often yield 1.5–2× more monthly income than comparable long‑term leases. Tenant flexibility Furnished stays of 1–6 months attract professionals who won't commit to year‑long leases. Under‑served demand Extremely low-income renters are overburdened, and temporary staff often can’t find furnished lodging. Strong niches Contract and healthcare workers, corporate relocations, and digital nomads all seek housing in these cities.
🛠 Best Practices for Operating Mid‑Term/Short‑Term Rentals
Furnish thoughtfully: Include high‑speed WiFi, workspace, and kitchen essentials to appeal to professionals.
Optimize pricing seasonally: Adjust rates for summer peaks or hospital convention periods.
Market to target groups: List on platforms like Airbnb, Furnished Finder, and corporate housing channels.
Ensure compliance: Register for West Virginia’s 6% sales/use tax, collect local occupation taxes, and maintain any local business licenses—most municipalities are lenient, but formal compliance avoids future penalties (RedAwning, Airbtics | Airbnb Analytics, Steadily, RedAwning, Mountain State Spotlight).
In summary
Charleston, Teays Valley, Hurricane, and Huntington are poised for smart real‑estate investors willing to fill a growing supply gap. With short‑term/mid‑term rental returns often half again to double long‑term yields, and steady demand from healthcare and temporary professionals, these West Virginia markets offer both community value and attractive returns—especially when properties are well‑managed, furnished, and compliance‑ready.