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

Harlingen Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Harlingen, TX presents an affordable entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values of $302,252 and annual revenue averaging $19,665 across active listings. The market's 42% occupancy rate outperforms the Texas state average of 33%, and while supply has grown significantly year-over-year, the relatively small base of 75 active listings suggests there is still room for well-positioned properties to capture demand. Investors drawn to the Rio Grande Valley's mix of Winter Texan visitors and cross-border travel may find Harlingen's revenue-to-price dynamics worth a closer look.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Harlingen 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 Harlingen

Harlingen combines below-state-average property costs with above-average occupancy, creating a favorable revenue-to-price ratio for investors seeking cash flow in a smaller Texas market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Harlingen represents a moderate opportunity for STR investors—its ROI score of 60 out of 100 reflects decent revenue-to-price fundamentals tempered by below-average market growth trends and supply/demand dynamics. Revenue is heavily seasonal: July stands out as the clear peak at $4,076 per month, while October through January sees averages below $900. Investors who can weather the quieter months and optimize pricing during summer will be best positioned to earn attractive returns. The small overall market size also means individual property quality and guest experience can have an outsized impact on performance."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Harlingen

Average revenue by month in Harlingen

Harlingen's STR market is sharply seasonal, with July delivering the highest average revenue at $4,076—more than five times the slowest month, November, at $699. A secondary peak in March ($2,593) adds a welcome revenue bump, but investors should plan for four to five months of sub-$1,000 earnings during fall and early winter.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Harlingen

Supply is concentrated in 1- to 3-bedroom listings, which each account for roughly 20–22 units, while 4-bedroom properties make up just 5 of the 75 active listings. The scarcity of larger homes could represent an opportunity for investors, especially given that 4-bedroom units deliver the highest RevPAN and occupancy in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Harlingen

ADR scales steadily with bedroom count, from $69 for 1-bedroom units to $173 for 4-bedroom properties. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($105) to 3 bedrooms ($151) represents the largest absolute increase, suggesting that 3-bedroom properties hit a pricing sweet spot where guests are willing to pay a meaningful premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Harlingen

Revenue per available night climbs consistently with size, reaching $78 for 4-bedroom properties compared to just $30 for 1-bedroom units. This clear upward trend indicates that larger properties not only command higher nightly rates but also maintain strong enough occupancy to translate those rates into effective per-night revenue.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Harlingen

Occupancy rates are relatively tight across property sizes, ranging from 39% for 3-bedroom listings to 45% for 4-bedroom units. The fact that 4-bedroom properties lead in occupancy despite having the highest ADR is a positive signal for investors considering larger homes, as it suggests genuine demand rather than rate-driven vacancies.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Harlingen

Monthly revenue roughly doubles from 1-bedroom listings at $1,002 to 4-bedroom properties at $2,672, with each step up in size adding $500–$630 in monthly income. For investors weighing acquisition costs against returns, the 3-bedroom tier at $2,049 per month offers a strong middle ground.

Average annual revenue by property size in Harlingen

Annual revenue ranges from $12,025 for 1-bedroom units to $32,074 for 4-bedroom properties, with 4-bedroom listings generating nearly triple the income of their 1-bedroom counterparts. Given Harlingen's average home value of $302,252, 4-bedroom properties appear to offer the strongest gross revenue potential, though investors should weigh higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Harlingen

Parking (95%) and a full kitchen (89%) are near-universal, reflecting a guest base that expects home-like convenience and drives to the area. Outdoor amenities like backyards (63%), patios (47%), and BBQ grills (40%) are also common, signaling that outdoor living space is a meaningful differentiator in this South Texas market—while a pool (31%) or hot tub (9%) could set a listing apart from competitors.

Understanding Harlingen's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Harlingen's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an average revenue-to-price ratio and stable occupancy that beats the Texas state average. However, below-average marks in market growth trend and supply/demand balance—partly reflecting the 145% year-over-year listing growth—temper the outlook and suggest the market is still maturing. Investors should pair this data with hands-on research into local regulations and neighborhood-level demand to determine whether specific properties can outperform these market-wide averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Harlingen

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

Permit Requirements

The City of Harlingen and the State of Texas may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits or register their property before hosting guests. Investors should verify current licensing and permit requirements directly with the City of Harlingen's planning or code enforcement department before listing.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Texas municipalities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA rules may add additional layers of regulation, particularly in newer subdivisions, so reviewing any applicable covenants is essential before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Texas are generally subject to the state's hotel occupancy tax as well as any locally imposed lodging taxes in Harlingen. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their obligations with the Texas Comptroller's office and local tax authorities to ensure full compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Harlingen's STR market is likely to see moderate performance with seasonal peaks continuing to drive revenue in the summer months. ADR may hold steady or edge up by 1–3%, though rapid supply growth—listings increased 145% year-over-year—could put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should anticipate strong cash flow from June through August while planning for softer months in fall and winter, where monthly revenue can dip below $800. Targeting underserved property sizes like 4-bedroom homes, which show the highest RevPAN, could help offset seasonal softness."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Harlingen, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harlingen?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Harlingen is currently 42%, which is notably higher than the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy does vary by property size, ranging from 39% for 3-bedroom listings to 45% for 4-bedroom properties. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, with summer months typically driving the highest booking volumes.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Harlingen?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Harlingen earn approximately $1,638 per month or $19,665 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom listings average around $12,025 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate up to $32,074 per year. Peak months like July can push monthly revenue above $4,000.

Is Harlingen a good market for Airbnb investment?

Harlingen scores a 60 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from occupancy rates above the state average and relatively affordable home values of $302,252, which create a favorable revenue-to-price ratio. However, investors should be aware that market growth trends and supply/demand balance are currently rated below average, so careful property selection and strong operational management are important.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Harlingen is $139, which is significantly below the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $69 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command around $173 per night. The lower ADR reflects Harlingen's more affordable market positioning compared to larger Texas metros.

Are short-term rentals legal in Harlingen?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Harlingen, TX, though operators may need to comply with local registration or permitting requirements. As regulations can change, investors should check directly with the City of Harlingen's planning department and review any HOA restrictions before purchasing or listing a property. Texas state hotel occupancy tax obligations also apply to short-term rental operators.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Harlingen?

Peak season for Airbnb in Harlingen runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $4,076 per listing. March also performs well at $2,593, likely driven by Spring Break travel and Winter Texan visitors. The slowest months are October through January, when average monthly revenue drops below $900.

How many Airbnbs are there in Harlingen?

As of April 2026, there are 75 active Airbnb listings in Harlingen. The supply is fairly evenly distributed across smaller property sizes—22 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, and 20 three-bedroom listings—with only 5 four-bedroom properties. The listing count has grown 145% year-over-year, indicating a rapidly expanding market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Harlingen?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Harlingen 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls the data 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 data. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

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 the Harlingen, TX market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends segmented by property size
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual averages based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property setup decisions

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. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.