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

Hico Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Hico, TX is a very small short-term rental market with just 15 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $18,217 per property. Occupancy sits at only 17% — roughly half the Texas state average — and the average daily rate of $196 trails the statewide figure of $276. While the supply-demand balance appears favorable due to the limited number of listings, the low revenue-to-price ratio against an average home value of $834,484 makes this a challenging market for investors seeking reliable cash flow.

Key Market Statistics

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

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

Why Investors Consider Hico

Hico's extremely low listing count offers a niche positioning opportunity, but weak occupancy and a steep price-to-revenue gap demand careful, property-level analysis before committing capital.

Expert Market Assessment

"Hico presents limited investment potential overall, reflected in its ROI score of 19 out of 100. The market's core challenge is a wide mismatch between property costs and what STR income realistically supports — average annual revenue covers only about 2% of the typical home price. Seasonality is notable, with March standing out as the revenue peak at $2,296 while midsummer months like July and August dip below $1,120. Investors with access to lower acquisition costs or existing properties may find selective opportunities, but the broader market data warrants caution."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Hico

Average revenue by month in Hico

Revenue in Hico peaks sharply in March at $2,296 — more than double the January low of $1,068 — indicating pronounced spring seasonality. A secondary uptick occurs in September through November, but the summer months are surprisingly soft, with July and August both hovering around $1,116–$1,118.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Hico

The market's 15 active listings are concentrated in just two size categories: 6 three-bedroom and 5 two-bedroom properties. This narrow supply mix means investors have limited data points for other configurations, but it also suggests that mid-size homes are the established sweet spot for this area.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Hico

Three-bedroom properties command a significant ADR premium at $235 versus $171 for 2-bedroom units — a 37% increase for one additional bedroom. However, the higher nightly rate doesn't necessarily translate to better returns, as occupancy plays a critical role in overall revenue generation.

Average RevPAN by property size in Hico

Two-bedroom listings deliver substantially better RevPAN at $55 compared to just $25 for 3-bedroom properties, driven by their much higher occupancy rates. This gap suggests that while 3-bedrooms earn more per booked night, 2-bedroom units generate more consistent revenue when accounting for vacant nights.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Hico

Two-bedroom properties fill at 33% occupancy — triple the 11% rate for 3-bedroom listings — making them the far more reliable option for cash-flow consistency. The 3-bedroom occupancy rate is strikingly low and means these properties sit empty nearly 9 out of every 10 nights on average.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Hico

Despite their lower occupancy, 3-bedroom properties edge out 2-bedrooms in monthly revenue at $1,990 versus $1,574, thanks to their significantly higher nightly rate. The $416 monthly gap narrows meaningfully when investors factor in the higher carrying costs typically associated with larger properties.

Average annual revenue by property size in Hico

Three-bedroom listings generate roughly $23,888 in annual revenue compared to $18,890 for 2-bedroom properties. Given Hico's average home value of $834,484, neither configuration produces a compelling gross yield on its own — making acquisition price the critical variable for any investor.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Hico

Parking (100%), backyard access (93%), and kitchen/self check-in (both 87%) are near-universal in Hico listings, reflecting a guest base that expects private, self-sufficient rural retreats. BBQ grills at 80% prevalence and pet-friendliness at 53% further reinforce that the market caters to leisure travelers seeking outdoor-oriented, low-maintenance stays.

Understanding Hico's ROI Score: 19/100

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

Hico's ROI score of 19 out of 100 places it in the "Limited" investment band, driven primarily by a below-average revenue-to-price ratio and weak occupancy stability — the two most heavily weighted factors. The one relative strength is supply/demand balance, rated above average thanks to the market's small listing count, but this alone doesn't offset the soft demand and rapid supply growth. Investors considering Hico should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties available well below the market's average home value to improve the financial equation.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Hico

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

Permit Requirements

Investors looking at short-term rentals in Hico, Texas should verify whether the city or Hamilton County requires an STR permit or registration. Contacting the local city government or county clerk's office is the best first step to confirm any applicable requirements.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Texas communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations in certain neighborhoods, so investors should review deed restrictions and any community guidelines before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Texas does not impose a state income tax, but short-term rental operators are typically subject to the state's 6% hotel occupancy tax plus any applicable local hotel taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, though investors should confirm compliance with the Texas Comptroller's office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Hico's STR performance is likely to remain constrained by its low occupancy baseline and limited visitor traffic. The sharp 146% year-over-year growth in active listings suggests new supply is entering faster than demand can absorb it, which could put further downward pressure on occupancy and nightly rates. Seasonal peaks in March and May may see modest revenue lifts, but investors should expect overall monthly earnings to remain in the $1,100–$2,300 range without significant changes in local tourism drivers."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Hico, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hico?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Hico is currently 17%, which is notably below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings average 33% occupancy while 3-bedroom properties sit at just 11%. These figures suggest that demand in Hico is limited and that smaller properties tend to fill more consistently.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Hico?

Airbnb hosts in Hico earn an average of $1,518 per month, which translates to approximately $18,217 in annual revenue based on trailing 12-month data. Three-bedroom properties tend to earn more on a monthly basis at around $1,990, while 2-bedroom listings bring in about $1,574. Revenue fluctuates meaningfully by season, with March being the strongest month at $2,296 and January the weakest at $1,068.

Is Hico a good market for Airbnb investment?

Based on current data, Hico scores 19 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, indicating limited investment potential. The main concerns are a below-average revenue-to-price ratio (average home values are $834,484 against $18,217 in annual revenue), low occupancy, and a declining market growth trend. The supply/demand balance is a relative bright spot with only 15 active listings, but investors should conduct thorough property-specific analysis and consider whether they can acquire at a price point that makes the numbers work.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Hico is $196, compared to the Texas state average of $276. Three-bedroom properties command a higher ADR of $235, while 2-bedroom units average $171. Despite the lower statewide comparison, the ADR alone doesn't tell the full story — it's the combination of low occupancy and moderate rates that constrains overall revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Hico?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Hico, TX, as evidenced by the 15 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, investors should verify any local permit requirements, zoning restrictions, or registration obligations with the City of Hico and Hamilton County authorities before purchasing a property. Texas state law allows municipalities to regulate STRs, so local rules can vary.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Hico?

Peak season for Airbnb in Hico centers on the spring months. March is the strongest revenue month at $2,296 on average, followed by May at $1,979 and April at $1,802. The slowest months are January ($1,068), July ($1,116), and August ($1,118). This spring-heavy pattern suggests that mild weather and outdoor activities in the Texas Hill Country area drive the bulk of visitor interest.

How many Airbnbs are there in Hico?

As of late April 2026, there are 15 active Airbnb listings in Hico. The market has seen significant growth, with a 146% year-over-year increase in active listings. The supply is concentrated in 2-bedroom (5 listings) and 3-bedroom (6 listings) properties, with the remaining listings in other configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Hico?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Hico 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 roll the results 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 how actively 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 the Hico market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from multiple providers and Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may shift as local conditions evolve. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.