Is Kenova, West Virginia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Kenova, West Virginia, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Kenova municipal office and Wayne County zoning department, as West Virginia generally allows short-term rentals but local ordinances may apply regarding business licenses, occupancy limits, and safety requirements. Obtain necessary permits including a West Virginia business license, local business permit from Kenova City Hall, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and building inspections. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home in residential areas near the Ohio River or downtown Kenova, considering proximity to Huntington (15 minutes away) and Marshall University for guest appeal. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, full kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi, cable TV, linens, towels, and basic toiletries, while highlighting local charm with West Virginia-themed decor. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos showcasing the small-town atmosphere and proximity to regional attractions like the Pumpkin House and nearby Huntington amenities. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or lockbox systems, maintaining competitive pricing around $60-90 per night based on local market conditions, and ensuring compliance with West Virginia's 6% sales tax on lodging accommodations while keeping detailed records for tax purposes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kenova, West Virginia, focus on properties within walking distance of the Ohio River waterfront and downtown area, as these locations attract tourists visiting the annual Pumpkin Festival and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 2-3 bedroom homes or apartments built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking spaces, and outdoor areas like decks or patios that capitalize on the scenic river views. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby Huntington and Ashland, Kentucky, aiming for nightly rates between $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, while calculating potential annual revenue against acquisition costs under $150,000 typical for the area. Conduct competition research using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and seasonal demand patterns, noting that peak seasons align with fall festivals, summer river activities, and Marshall University events in nearby Huntington. Utilize local resources including the Kenova Tourism Commission, Wayne County Economic Development Authority, and regional MLS data through local realtors familiar with the tri-state area market, while monitoring STR regulations through Wayne County and City of Kenova municipal offices to ensure compliance with any emerging short-term rental ordinances.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kenova, West Virginia, you must first contact the Kenova City Hall at 1501 Oak Street or call (304) 453-4101 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain the necessary application forms. Required documents typically include 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 from the local fire department, and a site plan showing parking availability and property layout. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-100. Submit your complete application package to the City Clerk's office along with payment, then schedule required inspections with the building department and fire marshal. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days from submission of a complete application, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Kenova-specific requirements likely include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 1 space per rental unit), ensuring compliance with residential zoning restrictions, providing 24-hour contact information for guests and neighbors, maintaining a guest registry, and adhering to noise ordinances and occupancy limits based on property size and septic/water capacity.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Kenova, West Virginia, as the small city of approximately 3,200 residents has not enacted specific municipal ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating STR operations as of 2024. West Virginia state law does not prohibit short-term rentals, and Kenova follows Wayne County's broader regulatory framework, which typically requires basic business licensing and compliance with health and safety standards. Property owners must obtain appropriate business licenses, collect and remit state sales tax (currently 6.5% plus local taxes), and ensure properties meet basic safety requirements including smoke detectors and occupancy limits. There are no specific prohibited areas within Kenova's city limits, though properties must comply with existing zoning regulations that generally allow residential use. The city has not implemented recent changes specifically targeting STRs, unlike larger West Virginia cities such as Charleston or Morgantown which have enacted more restrictive regulations. Property owners should verify current licensing requirements with Wayne County and ensure compliance with state tax obligations, as enforcement has increased since 2022 when West Virginia began requiring STR operators to register with the state tax department.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Kenova, West Virginia include the historic downtown district near the Ohio River waterfront, which attracts tourists visiting the annual Pumpkin House display that draws over 30,000 visitors each October, and properties within walking distance of the C&O Railway Heritage Center. The residential neighborhoods along 3rd Avenue and Beech Street offer attractive Victorian-era homes that appeal to visitors attending Marshall University events in nearby Huntington, while properties near Dreamland Pool and the riverfront parks capitalize on summer recreation tourism. The area around Central Avenue benefits from business travelers working with CSX Transportation and other river commerce companies, plus visitors to the Tri-State region attending events at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Properties close to the West Virginia-Kentucky-Ohio border intersection are particularly valuable due to their proximity to multiple state attractions and the scenic Ohio River Valley, making them attractive to tourists exploring the broader Appalachian region and attending festivals in Huntington and Ashland, Kentucky.

Airbnb properties in Kenova, West Virginia are subject to the state's Consumer Sales and Service Tax at a rate of 6% plus applicable local sales taxes, which typically add an additional 1-3% depending on the specific municipal rates in Wayne County. The West Virginia State Tax Department requires short-term rental operators to register for a business registration certificate and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in. Operators must file monthly returns by the 15th of the following month and remit collected taxes to the state, which then distributes the local portion to municipalities. Kenova may also impose a local occupancy or transient lodging tax of approximately 1-2% on short-term rentals, similar to other West Virginia municipalities, which would be collected alongside state taxes. Properties rented for 30 days or more are typically exempt from transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals of personal residences for fewer than 30 days per year, though operators should verify current local ordinances with Wayne County and the City of Kenova as regulations have evolved since 2018-2020 when many West Virginia communities began addressing short-term rental taxation.

Starting an Airbnb in Kenova, West Virginia requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $120,000-150,000 based on median home prices in the Huntington-Ashland metro area where Kenova is located. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $15,000-25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations run $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees in West Virginia are relatively minimal at $500-1,000, covering business licenses and any local registration requirements. Insurance costs approximately $1,500-2,500 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utility deposits and connections total around $500-800 for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses total approximately $6,000-8,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Kenova, West Virginia show modest profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue assuming 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (15-25% if outsourced), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-3,500 yearly). Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% after expenses, translating to $3,000-6,000 annual profit for well-managed properties. Success factors in this small Ohio River town include proximity to Huntington (8 miles away), competitive pricing against limited hotel options, professional photography, and targeting business travelers visiting nearby industrial facilities or families attending Marshall University events. Properties near the riverfront or with unique historical character command premium rates, while basic suburban homes struggle with lower occupancy. The limited local tourism market requires hosts to focus on regional draw from the Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area, with seasonal fluctuations showing stronger performance during fall football season and summer river activities.

Airbnb investments in Kenova, West Virginia typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the town's proximity to Huntington and Marshall University which creates steady demand from visiting families, business travelers, and university-related guests. Properties in Kenova's historic downtown area near the Ohio River waterfront command higher nightly rates of $75-120, while residential properties average $50-85 per night with occupancy rates of 45-65% annually. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors seeing break-even on renovations and furnishing costs by month 20-30. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory in the immediate area and seasonal demand spikes during Marshall University events, Ohio River festivals, and summer tourism, though winter months see reduced occupancy requiring investors to maintain 6-8 months of operating reserves for optimal cash flow management.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Kenova, West Virginia. In the local Kenova area, real estate agents like those at Century 21 Homes & Land and RE/MAX Clarity often work with investors seeking vacation rental properties along the Ohio River corridor. National services such as Mashvisor, AirDNA, and Awning provide market analysis and property identification tools for the Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area which includes Kenova. Local property management companies like Tri-State Property Solutions and Ohio Valley Rentals offer services to help investors manage their Airbnb investments in the region. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock occasionally feature investment properties in smaller West Virginia markets, while companies like RedAwning and Vacasa provide full-service management for short-term rentals in the tri-state area. Local real estate investors and agents at Keller Williams and Coldwell Banker in nearby Huntington also serve the Kenova market and understand the tourism potential near the Ohio River and Beech Fork State Park area.