Is Barboursville, West Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Barboursville, West Virginia, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Cabell County Planning Commission and Barboursville city offices, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in certain residential zones. Contact the West Virginia State Tax Department to obtain a business license and understand tax obligations, including the 6% state sales tax and any local occupancy taxes that may apply to short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near Huntington or along the Ohio River, considering proximity to Marshall University (15 minutes away) and downtown Huntington attractions, with average property prices ranging from $80,000-$150,000 for suitable homes. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Cabell County ($25-50 annually), fire safety inspection if required, and ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations. Furnish the property with essential amenities including WiFi, cable TV, full kitchen appliances, quality bedding, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $5,000-$10,000 for initial furnishing. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to Huntington's attractions, outdoor activities along the Ohio River, and easy highway access, pricing competitively at $60-$90 per night based on local market rates. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and maintaining relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors to ensure consistent guest experiences and positive reviews.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Barboursville, West Virginia, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Marshall University campus and downtown Huntington, as well as properties near the Ohio River waterfront and major highways like I-64 for accessibility. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to visiting families, university guests, and business travelers. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties under $150,000 that can generate $80-120 nightly rates, aiming for 12-15% annual returns with 50-65% occupancy rates typical for smaller West Virginia markets. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 20 miles, noting that limited supply in Barboursville creates opportunities but requires competitive amenities and pricing against Huntington properties. Utilize tools like Rentometer for long-term rental comparisons, BiggerPockets for investment analysis, and local resources including Cabell County tourism data, Marshall University event calendars, and regional economic development reports to understand demand drivers from university events, river recreation, and regional business travel.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Barboursville, West Virginia, contact the Barboursville City Hall at 304-736-8296 or visit their offices at 1939 Central Avenue to inquire about short-term rental licensing requirements, as the city likely requires a business license and may have specific STR regulations. You'll typically need to submit a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate, and zoning compliance verification. Required documents may also include a site plan, parking plan, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. The application fee is estimated at $50-150 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-200. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days from submission of complete application materials. Barboursville likely requires STR properties to comply with residential zoning restrictions, maintain adequate parking (typically 1-2 spaces per unit), post maximum occupancy limits, provide 24/7 contact information for guests, and may limit the number of STR permits issued per neighborhood or require minimum distances between properties. You must also register with the West Virginia State Tax Department for transient accommodations tax collection and remit local hotel/motel taxes to Cabell County, with properties subject to annual inspections and permit renewals.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Barboursville, West Virginia, as the city does not have specific ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, STR operators must comply with West Virginia state regulations, including obtaining proper business licenses and collecting state lodging taxes of 6% plus local hotel occupancy taxes where applicable. Cabell County, where Barboursville is located, does not have county-wide STR restrictions, but operators should ensure compliance with residential zoning requirements and homeowners association rules if applicable. The city requires STRs operating as businesses to obtain local business licenses, and properties must meet basic safety and health standards. There are no specific prohibited areas within Barboursville city limits for STRs, though residential zoning compliance is expected. Recent legal changes at the state level in 2022-2023 have focused on tax collection requirements and registration with the West Virginia Department of Revenue, but Barboursville has not enacted additional local restrictions during this period, making it relatively permissive compared to larger West Virginia cities like Charleston or Morgantown that have implemented more stringent regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Barboursville, West Virginia include the neighborhoods near Huntington Mall and US Route 60 corridor, which attract business travelers and shoppers visiting the largest shopping center in the tri-state area. The residential areas along the Ohio River offer scenic waterfront appeal for leisure travelers exploring the region's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Properties near Marshall University's campus boundaries benefit from visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees, particularly during football season and graduation periods. The historic downtown Barboursville area near Village Green provides charm for tourists interested in small-town Americana and serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby Huntington's cultural attractions. Areas close to the Barboursville Park and recreational facilities attract families and sports teams participating in youth tournaments and outdoor events throughout the year.

Airbnb properties in Barboursville, West Virginia are subject to the state's 6% Consumer Sales and Service Tax on lodging accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. The West Virginia State Tax Department requires hosts to register for a business registration certificate and collect this tax from guests, with monthly remittance due by the 15th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $100, or quarterly if less. Additionally, Cabell County may impose a local hotel occupancy tax of up to 6% on short-term rentals, though specific rates and collection procedures vary by municipality and hosts should verify current local ordinances with Cabell County authorities. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some jurisdictions through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should confirm their tax obligations with both state and local tax authorities. Properties rented for 30 days or more are typically exempt from transient occupancy taxes, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees or other qualifying guests as defined by state and local regulations.

To start an Airbnb in Barboursville, West Virginia, the total initial costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would require $15,000-$25,000 for furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and tax registration would cost approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would be $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable would be $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover, estimated 8 turnovers), maintenance and supplies ($200/month), and platform fees (3% of estimated $2,000 monthly revenue) would total approximately $6,000-$8,000. Marketing and initial promotional costs would add another $1,000-$2,000 to establish the listing and gain initial reviews.

Airbnb properties in Barboursville, West Virginia typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance ($200-400 monthly) typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue. Properties near the Ohio River or with unique features like hot tubs or game rooms achieve higher occupancy and premium pricing, with successful hosts reporting net profit margins of 25-35% annually. The market benefits from proximity to Huntington and Marshall University, creating demand from business travelers and visiting families, though seasonality affects performance with stronger bookings during university events and summer months. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 and generating $28,000 in annual revenue can yield $8,000-12,000 in net profit after all expenses, representing a 4-7% cash-on-cash return, making it a viable but not exceptional investment compared to larger tourist markets.

Based on Barboursville, West Virginia market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near the Huntington metropolitan area and those offering unique amenities like proximity to outdoor recreation tend to perform at the higher end of this range. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, with full investment recovery expected in 8-10 years. The market benefits from steady demand from business travelers visiting nearby industrial facilities, families visiting Marshall University in nearby Huntington, and tourists exploring the Ohio River region. Average daily rates range from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates typically running 45-65% annually. Properties requiring significant renovation may see extended profitability timelines of 24-36 months, while turnkey properties in prime locations can achieve positive cash flow within 12-15 months of operation.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties including in Barboursville, West Virginia. Local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker Premier and RE/MAX Clarity in nearby Huntington serve the Barboursville area and can assist with Airbnb investment properties. National services include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics, AirDNA for market data analysis, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and resources. RedAwning offers vacation rental market insights, while local property management companies like Mountain State Property Management can handle day-to-day operations. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock (though primarily focused on traditional rentals) and local investors through West Virginia Real Estate Investors Association can provide guidance. Additional services include Awning for short-term rental property management, Vacasa for full-service vacation rental management, and local contractors and interior designers who specialize in preparing properties for the short-term rental market in the greater Huntington-Barboursville metropolitan area.