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

Gilchrist Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Gilchrist, TX is a small coastal community on the Bolivar Peninsula that draws vacation-rental demand primarily through its beachfront appeal and proximity to Galveston Bay. With just 57 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $317—well above the Texas state average of $276—the market commands a premium, though occupancy sits at only 18% compared to 33% statewide. Average annual revenue of $59,226 against average home values of $623,456 means investors need to be strategic about property selection and pricing to achieve meaningful returns in what is fundamentally a seasonal, summer-driven market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Gilchrist 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 Gilchrist

Gilchrist appeals to investors seeking a beach-vacation rental market with above-average nightly rates, though the highly seasonal demand pattern and growing supply require careful deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Gilchrist represents a competitive but narrowly seasonal opportunity. Revenue is overwhelmingly concentrated in the summer months—July alone generates over $10,600 on average, roughly five to six times what hosts earn in January. The ROI score of 44 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price ratios and below-average occupancy stability, meaning investors who succeed here will likely need to target larger properties (4+ bedrooms) that capture higher nightly rates and stronger occupancy. The market's above-average growth trend is encouraging, but the rapid influx of new listings means supply discipline and standout guest experiences will matter more than ever."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Gilchrist

Average revenue by month in Gilchrist

Gilchrist exhibits extreme seasonality: July leads at $10,666 in average revenue—nearly six times the January low of $1,865. A secondary spring break bump in March ($6,432) and strong summer months from June through August drive the bulk of annual income, while November through February remain consistently soft.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Gilchrist

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 27 of the 57 active listings, nearly half the market. The 2-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and 5-bedroom segments each have 8–9 listings, suggesting that larger properties face less direct competition and could represent a differentiation opportunity for new investors.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Gilchrist

ADR rises sharply for larger homes, with 5-bedroom properties commanding $405 per night versus $248 for 3-bedrooms—an interesting inversion given that 2-bedrooms ($258) actually price higher than the more plentiful 3-bedroom segment. The premium for 4- and 5-bedroom homes reflects the group-travel nature of this beachfront market.

Average RevPAN by property size in Gilchrist

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $104, well ahead of 5-bedrooms at $87 and 2-bedrooms at $45. Three-bedroom listings lag significantly at just $29 RevPAN, likely a consequence of oversupply in that segment combined with the lowest occupancy rate in the market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Gilchrist

Occupancy varies dramatically by size: 4-bedroom homes lead at 31%, followed by 5-bedrooms at 22% and 2-bedrooms at 18%, while 3-bedroom properties trail at only 12%. The weak 3-bedroom occupancy—despite that segment holding nearly half of all supply—points to saturation and makes a strong case for investing in larger configurations instead.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Gilchrist

Five-bedroom homes are the clear monthly revenue leaders at $7,839, nearly double the $4,013 earned by 3-bedroom listings. Two-bedroom units generate just $1,320 per month on average, making them a challenging proposition unless acquired at a significantly lower cost basis.

Average annual revenue by property size in Gilchrist

Annual revenue scales steeply with size: 5-bedroom properties average $94,068, 4-bedrooms earn $58,046, 3-bedrooms bring in $48,162, and 2-bedrooms trail at $15,844. For investors eyeing the best revenue-to-effort ratio, 4- and 5-bedroom homes offer the most compelling annual return potential in Gilchrist.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Gilchrist

Kitchens (100%), washers (97%), and parking (97%) are essentially table stakes in Gilchrist, while waterfront access (68%) and beach access (51%) underscore the market's coastal identity. Amenities like BBQ grills (70%), pet-friendliness (63%), and outdoor furniture (77%) appear frequently, signaling that guests expect a well-equipped, outdoor-oriented vacation experience—investors who add hot tubs (only 23% of listings currently) may gain a competitive edge.

Understanding Gilchrist's ROI Score: 44/100

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

Gilchrist's ROI score of 44 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine appeal but requires selective deal sourcing to achieve strong returns. The revenue-to-price ratio scores average—annual revenue of roughly $59K against home values near $623K leaves limited margin for error—while occupancy stability and supply/demand balance both register below average, reflecting the rapid influx of new listings and pronounced seasonal demand swings. The above-average market growth trend is a bright spot, but investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and target higher-performing property sizes to improve their odds of success.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gilchrist

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Gilchrist and unincorporated areas of Galveston County, Texas, may need to register with county authorities or obtain applicable permits before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Galveston County and the State of Texas, as rules can change and enforcement varies in smaller coastal communities.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Texas coastal STR markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements during certain seasons, noise ordinances, and parking regulations designed to preserve neighborhood character. HOA covenants are also worth reviewing carefully, as some beachfront developments impose their own rental restrictions or caps on short-term leasing.

Tax Obligations

Texas requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit the state hotel occupancy tax, and Galveston County may levy additional local lodging taxes. Many booking platforms handle tax collection automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and county tax authorities to avoid penalties.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"The 86% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest in Gilchrist, which could put additional pressure on an already below-average occupancy rate over the next 12–18 months. Summer months will likely continue to drive the lion's share of revenue, with July potentially sustaining ADRs in the $350–$425 range for larger properties. Occupancy may stabilize around 16–20% market-wide as new supply is absorbed, though well-positioned waterfront properties with strong amenity packages could outperform. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget conservatively for the slower winter months when monthly revenue can dip below $2,000."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Gilchrist, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Gilchrist?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Gilchrist is currently 18%, which is below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—4-bedroom homes lead at 31%, while 3-bedroom listings average just 12%. The low market-wide figure reflects Gilchrist's highly seasonal nature, with most bookings concentrated in the summer months.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Gilchrist?

Airbnb hosts in Gilchrist earn an average of $4,935 per month and approximately $59,226 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Earnings vary substantially by property size: 5-bedroom homes average $94,068 annually, while 2-bedroom units bring in around $15,844. Peak summer months like July can yield over $10,600 in a single month, but winter revenue often drops below $2,500.

Is Gilchrist a good market for Airbnb investment?

Gilchrist scores 44 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers above-average daily rates ($317 vs. $276 state average) and strong summer demand, but occupancy is well below the state norm and average home values of $623,456 create a high entry cost relative to annual revenue. Investors targeting larger 4- or 5-bedroom waterfront properties will likely see the best returns, though the pronounced seasonality means careful cash-flow planning is essential.

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

The average daily rate in Gilchrist is $317, which is about 15% higher than the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales with property size: 2-bedroom listings average $258, 3-bedrooms come in at $248, 4-bedrooms at $341, and 5-bedroom homes command $405 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Gilchrist?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Gilchrist and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Galveston County, Texas. However, operators should verify any local permit or registration requirements with county authorities, and check for applicable HOA restrictions. Texas state hotel occupancy taxes and any local lodging taxes must be collected and remitted as required by law.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Gilchrist?

Peak season in Gilchrist runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $10,666. March also sees a notable bump—likely driven by spring break travel—reaching $6,432. The slowest months are January ($1,865) and February ($2,342), reflecting Gilchrist's status as a warm-weather beach destination.

How many Airbnbs are there in Gilchrist?

As of April 2026, there are 57 active Airbnb listings in Gilchrist. The supply is dominated by 3-bedroom properties (27 listings), followed by 4-bedroom (9), 2-bedroom (8), and 5-bedroom (8) homes. The market has experienced significant growth, with an 86% year-over-year increase in active listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Gilchrist?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Gilchrist are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and aggregate the results to produce 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 draws from its own historical data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how well the listing is operationally 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, occupancy rates, and average daily rates for the Gilchrist market
• Historical revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance of comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns covering bedroom-specific ADR, occupancy, RevPAN, and revenue figures
• Amenity prevalence data showing the most common features across active listings
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost benchmarking

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 averages and may not capture very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.