Bay City, TX Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Bay City Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Bay City, TX is a small coastal-region market with 51 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $243, slightly below the Texas state average of $276. The market shows pronounced seasonality, with summer months driving the strongest revenue, while annual earnings average $21,233 per listing. A 138% year-over-year increase in active listings signals growing investor interest, though occupancy at 19% sits well below the 33% state average — making selective deal sourcing essential for anyone entering this market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Bay City short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Bay City

Investors are drawn to Bay City for its relatively affordable home values and waterfront appeal, though the market requires careful property selection given below-average occupancy and increasing competition.

Expert Market Assessment

"Bay City presents a competitive but challenging opportunity for STR investors. The market's ROI score of 41 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios paired with below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance. Seasonality is a defining characteristic — revenue swings from a low of $713 in December to a peak of $3,129 in July, meaning investors need to plan for significant cash flow variability across the year. The sweet spot appears to be larger 3-bedroom properties that can command $310 nightly rates and generate roughly $31,743 annually, but even these require strategic pricing and strong amenity packages to compete in a market where supply has more than doubled year over year."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Bay City

Average revenue by month in Bay City

Bay City exhibits sharp seasonality, with July ($3,129) delivering roughly four times the revenue of the slowest month, December ($713). A secondary spring bump in March ($2,216) and sustained summer strength through August ($2,144) define the peak earning window, while November through January represent the off-season trough that investors should budget around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Bay City

Supply is fairly evenly distributed across 1-bedroom (12 listings), 2-bedroom (17), and 3-bedroom (16) properties, with 2-bedrooms holding a slight edge. The relatively balanced breakdown means no single property size dominates, though the absence of 4+ bedroom listings could signal either limited demand for larger groups or an underserved niche worth exploring.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Bay City

ADR scales steeply with property size in Bay City: 3-bedroom listings command $310 per night — more than double the $135 rate for 1-bedrooms. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($199) to 3-bedrooms represents a $111 premium, suggesting that larger properties with the right amenities can capture significantly higher nightly rates in this market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Bay City

Three-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $58, outpacing 2-bedrooms ($36) and 1-bedrooms ($23) by a wide margin. This indicates that despite similar occupancy rates across sizes, the ADR premium on larger units translates directly into better revenue per available night — a key efficiency metric for investors.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Bay City

Occupancy rates are remarkably flat across property sizes, ranging from 17% for 1-bedrooms to 19% for both 2- and 3-bedroom units. This uniformity suggests that demand limitations are market-wide rather than size-specific, reinforcing that revenue differentiation in Bay City comes primarily from nightly rate rather than booking frequency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Bay City

Three-bedroom listings stand out as the top monthly earners at $2,645, more than double the $1,100 that 2-bedroom properties generate. Interestingly, 1-bedrooms ($1,264) slightly outperform 2-bedrooms on a monthly basis, possibly due to pricing efficiency or a more targeted guest demographic.

Average annual revenue by property size in Bay City

At $31,743 annually, 3-bedroom properties generate roughly 2.4 times the revenue of 2-bedrooms ($13,210) and over twice that of 1-bedrooms ($15,179). For investors targeting the strongest absolute return potential in Bay City, 3-bedroom configurations clearly offer the most compelling revenue profile relative to other available sizes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Bay City

Kitchens (98%), self check-in (84%), and BBQ grills (82%) are near-universal among Bay City listings, reflecting a guest base that expects a self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented stay. Waterfront access appears in 65% of listings — a notable differentiator that aligns with the area's coastal appeal — while pools and lake access remain rare at just 10%, potentially offering a competitive edge for properties that include them.

Understanding Bay City's ROI Score: 41/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Bay City's ROI score of 41 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where investor interest is real but returns demand more careful execution. The score draws on an average revenue-to-price ratio, below-average occupancy stability (19% vs. 33% state average), average market growth trends, and a below-average supply/demand balance driven by the 138% surge in new listings. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and conservative cash flow modeling to identify properties that can outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bay City

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Bay City. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Bay City, TX may be required to obtain permits or register with local authorities before listing their property. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Bay City and Matagorda County, as regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Texas communities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules may also impose additional limitations on short-term rental activity, so investors should review any applicable deed restrictions or community covenants before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Texas requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state hotel occupancy tax, and local jurisdictions may impose additional occupancy or tourism taxes. Major booking platforms often handle tax collection on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their specific obligations with the Texas Comptroller's office.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Bay City can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Bay City's STR market is likely to remain highly seasonal, with peak demand concentrated in June and July where monthly revenue can exceed $2,600–$3,100. The rapid supply growth (138% year-over-year) may put additional downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace, so investors should anticipate occupancy rates hovering in the 17–22% range. ADR could hold steady or see modest 1–3% adjustments as the market matures, but larger properties — particularly 3-bedrooms — appear better positioned to capture the limited demand at premium nightly rates."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Bay City, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bay City?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Bay City is currently 19%, which falls below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom listings averaging around 19% and 1-bedroom units slightly lower at 17%. These figures reflect the market's strong seasonality, where summer months drive the bulk of bookings while winter months see considerably less demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Bay City?

Airbnb hosts in Bay City earn an average of $1,769 per month, which translates to roughly $21,233 annually based on trailing 12-month performance. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 3-bedroom listings lead with an average annual revenue of $31,743, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom properties average $15,179 and $13,210, respectively. Peak summer months like July can push monthly earnings above $3,100, while December typically dips to around $713.

Is Bay City a good market for Airbnb investment?

Bay City carries an ROI score of 41 out of 100, categorized as a Competitive Opportunity. This means investor interest is strong and demand exists — particularly during summer — but below-average occupancy (19%) and rapidly growing supply (138% year-over-year listing growth) require more selective deal sourcing. Investors focused on 3-bedroom properties with waterfront access and strong amenity packages are best positioned to capture above-average returns in this market. Pairing this data with local regulatory research and realistic cash flow projections is recommended.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Bay City?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Bay City is $243, slightly below the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $135 per night, 2-bedrooms command $199, and 3-bedrooms reach $310. These rates reflect the market's mix of leisure-oriented properties, many of which feature waterfront access and outdoor amenities.

Are short-term rentals legal in Bay City?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Bay City, TX, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with municipal authorities. As regulations can evolve, investors should verify current requirements with the City of Bay City and check for any HOA restrictions or county-level regulations that may apply to their specific property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Bay City?

Peak season in Bay City runs from late spring through summer, with July delivering the highest average monthly revenue at $3,129. June ($2,692) and March ($2,216) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are December ($713) and January ($800), highlighting a strong seasonal revenue pattern that investors should factor into their cash flow planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in Bay City?

Bay City currently has 51 active Airbnb listings as of April 2026. The supply is distributed across 12 one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom, and 16 three-bedroom properties. Notably, the market has experienced 138% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating significant new investor activity and increasing competition.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Bay City?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Bay City are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is managed.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for Bay City and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to benchmark guest expectations

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month historical averages and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.