Brownsville, TX Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Brownsville Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Brownsville delivers an intriguing value proposition for short-term rental investors, pairing an average home value of $272,924 with annual revenue averaging $19,592 across its 194 active Airbnb listings. The market's 41% occupancy rate handily beats the Texas state average of 33%, while the ADR of $115 sits well below the state's $276 average — signaling a budget-friendly destination with solid demand. With a pronounced summer peak and proximity to South Padre Island and the Mexican border, Brownsville serves a mix of leisure travelers, cross-border visitors, and seasonal guests that keeps revenue flowing across much of the year.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Brownsville 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 Brownsville

Brownsville appeals to investors seeking affordable entry points paired with above-average occupancy in a border market with diverse demand drivers.

Expert Market Assessment

"With an ROI score of 58 out of 100 — rated as an Attractive Opportunity — Brownsville presents a balanced risk-reward profile for STR investors. Revenue concentration in the summer months is significant: July listings averaged $4,063, roughly six times the November low of $696, so investors need a cash reserve strategy for the quieter fall and winter period. The market's affordable home values relative to earning potential keep the revenue-to-price ratio at average levels, and four-bedroom properties stand out as the highest performers with $32,734 in annual revenue. Investors who target larger properties and optimize for the summer surge are best positioned to capitalize here."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Brownsville

Average revenue by month in Brownsville

Brownsville's revenue peaks sharply in July at $4,063, with June ($2,696) and March ($2,581) forming secondary highs driven by summer travel and spring break. The off-season from October through January sees revenue dip below $900 monthly, creating a roughly 5:1 spread between the best and worst months — a strong seasonal pattern that investors should plan their cash flow around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Brownsville

One-bedroom listings dominate the supply at 65 units, followed closely by 2-bedrooms (54) and 3-bedrooms (50), while only 15 four-bedroom and 8 studio properties are listed. The relative scarcity of 4-bedroom units combined with their superior revenue performance may signal an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Brownsville

ADR climbs steadily with property size, from $71 for 1-bedroom units to $186 for 4-bedroom homes — a 162% premium. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($107) to 3 bedrooms ($159) represents the steepest increase, suggesting that families and groups willing to pay more gravitate toward the 3+ bedroom segment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Brownsville

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $101, nearly triple the 1-bedroom figure of $30, thanks to a combination of premium rates and the market's best occupancy. Three-bedroom units also perform well at $58 RevPAN, making mid-to-large properties the most efficient earners on a per-night basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Brownsville

Four-bedroom properties lead occupancy at 55%, followed by studios at 49%, while 2- and 3-bedroom units share the lowest rate at 36%. This pattern suggests that group-friendly larger homes and compact budget-friendly studios both attract consistent bookings, whereas mid-sized properties face more competition for guests.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Brownsville

Monthly revenue ranges from $927 for 1-bedroom listings to $2,727 for 4-bedroom properties, with 3-bedrooms close behind at $2,378. The gap between 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units ($927 vs. $1,549) is notable, indicating that stepping up just one bedroom category can significantly improve monthly cash flow.

Average annual revenue by property size in Brownsville

Four-bedroom properties top the annual revenue chart at $32,734, nearly three times the $11,132 generated by 1-bedroom listings. When weighed against Brownsville's average home value of $272,924, larger properties offer a meaningfully better revenue-to-price ratio and represent the strongest return potential in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Brownsville

Parking (97%) and a kitchen (93%) are near-universal, reflecting guest expectations for self-sufficient stays in a car-dependent market. Self check-in (87%) and laundry facilities (77% washer, 69% dryer) round out the essentials, while differentiators like pools (19%) and hot tubs (9%) remain relatively rare — presenting opportunities for hosts to stand out.

Understanding Brownsville's ROI Score: 58/100

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

Brownsville's ROI score of 58 out of 100 places it in the Attractive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where average revenue-to-price ratios and steady occupancy create a workable investment thesis even if growth trends lag behind hotter Texas markets. The supply/demand balance and occupancy stability both rate as average, meaning the fundamentals are sound but not exceptional — the rapid influx of new listings (172% YoY growth) bears watching. Pairing these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on higher-performing 3–4 bedroom properties will give investors the clearest picture of realistic returns.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Brownsville

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

Permit Requirements

Brownsville, Texas may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Brownsville and Cameron County offices before purchasing or operating a rental.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Texas markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, particularly in newer subdivisions, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before committing to a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Texas are typically subject to the state's 6% hotel occupancy tax, and Brownsville may levy an additional local hotel occupancy tax on top of that. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Texas Comptroller's office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Brownsville's STR market is likely to see moderate but steady demand, with summer months continuing to drive the lion's share of revenue. Investors should anticipate occupancy rates holding in the 38–44% range market-wide, though larger properties could outperform that band. ADR growth may be restrained given the market's budget positioning, with increases more likely in the 1–3% range. The 172% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests new supply is entering quickly, which could put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace — a factor worth monitoring closely."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Brownsville, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Brownsville?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Brownsville is currently 41%, which outperforms the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 4-bedroom units leading at 55% and studios close behind at 49%, while 2- and 3-bedroom properties average around 36%.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Brownsville?

Airbnb hosts in Brownsville earn an average of $1,632 per month, which translates to roughly $19,592 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — 4-bedroom listings average $32,734 annually, while 1-bedroom units bring in around $11,132 per year.

Is Brownsville a good market for Airbnb investment?

Brownsville scores a 58 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, rated as an Attractive Opportunity. The market benefits from affordable property prices averaging $272,924, above-average occupancy, and strong summer demand. However, the below-average market growth trend and heavy seasonality mean investors should plan for softer months and monitor the rapid increase in new listings entering the market.

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

The average daily rate in Brownsville is $115, which is significantly lower than the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales with property size, ranging from $71 for 1-bedroom units up to $186 for 4-bedroom properties. This budget-friendly pricing reflects the market's positioning as an affordable destination rather than a luxury one.

Are short-term rentals legal in Brownsville?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Brownsville, TX, though hosts may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities. Regulations can vary and are subject to change, so investors should check directly with the City of Brownsville and review any applicable HOA restrictions before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Brownsville?

Peak season in Brownsville is summer, with July standing out as the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,063 per listing. June ($2,696) and March ($2,581) are also strong performers, likely driven by spring break and early summer travel. The softest months are October through January, when average revenue drops below $900.

How many Airbnbs are there in Brownsville?

As of April 2026, there are 194 active Airbnb listings in Brownsville. The supply is led by 1-bedroom properties (65 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (54) and 3-bedrooms (50). Notably, the market has seen 172% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rapidly expanding supply.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Brownsville?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Brownsville 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 results up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance data, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks like July and slower periods like November. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across multiple property configurations
• Historical monthly and annual revenue figures based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and competitive gaps

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 performance periods and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.