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

Houston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Houston's short-term rental market features 3,825 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $21,018 per property, with an average daily rate of $168 that sits well below the Texas state average of $276. Occupancy holds at 35%, slightly above the state benchmark of 33%, suggesting steady demand even amid a competitive supply landscape. The market's ROI score of 55 out of 100 positions it as an attractive opportunity, particularly for investors who can target larger property configurations where revenue scales meaningfully.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Houston 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 Houston

Houston attracts STR investors with its balance of relatively affordable home prices, diversified demand drivers, and revenue that scales significantly with property size.

Expert Market Assessment

"Houston represents a moderate-opportunity STR market where disciplined property selection can make a meaningful difference in returns. The revenue spread between studios ($11,422/year) and 6+ bedroom homes ($80,160/year) is one of the widest we see, rewarding investors who can acquire and manage larger properties. Seasonality is present but manageable—July leads at $2,175 in average monthly revenue while January dips to $1,231—so cash reserves to bridge softer winter months are prudent. With an ROI score of 55 and all calculation factors landing at average, this market rewards operational excellence and smart amenity investments rather than offering effortless passive income."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Houston

Average revenue by month in Houston

Houston's revenue peaks in July at $2,175 and bottoms out in January at $1,231, creating a seasonal spread of roughly $944. March ($1,976) and May ($1,912) also perform well, while the fall and winter months cluster between $1,621 and $1,836, indicating a relatively mild off-season compared to many vacation-driven markets.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Houston

One-bedroom units dominate Houston's supply with 1,473 listings (38% of the market), followed by 3-bedrooms at 909 and 2-bedrooms at 768. The 5-bedroom (94 listings) and 6+ bedroom (86 listings) segments are notably underserved, which may represent a differentiation opportunity for investors willing to operate larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Houston

ADR scales steeply with size in Houston—from $98 for 1-bedroom units up to $546 for 6+ bedroom homes, a nearly 6x premium. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($206) to 4 bedrooms ($295) represents a particularly strong inflection point where the rate increase outpaces the incremental cost of an additional bedroom in many Houston neighborhoods.

Average RevPAN by property size in Houston

RevPAN climbs steadily from $32 for studios to $177 for 6+ bedroom properties, with the largest homes delivering more than 4.5x the revenue per available night of a 1-bedroom. The 4-bedroom and 5-bedroom segments cluster closely at $96 and $97 respectively, suggesting similar effective yield once occupancy is factored in despite the 5-bedroom's higher ADR.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Houston

One-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 39%, followed closely by 2-bedrooms at 37%, suggesting consistent demand for smaller units likely driven by business and solo travelers. Larger properties see lower occupancy—5-bedrooms at 27% and studios at 30%—but their significantly higher nightly rates more than compensate for fewer booked nights.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Houston

Monthly revenue ranges from $951 for studios to $6,680 for 6+ bedroom properties, with each step up in bedroom count delivering a meaningful revenue increase. The gap between 3-bedroom ($2,266) and 4-bedroom ($3,138) units—an additional $872/month—is one of the most compelling jumps for investors weighing acquisition costs against incremental returns.

Average annual revenue by property size in Houston

Annual revenue potential scales dramatically in Houston, from $11,422 for studios to $80,160 for 6+ bedroom homes. Properties with 4+ bedrooms cross the $37,000 annual threshold, and the 5-bedroom segment at $49,847 offers a strong balance of revenue and relative scarcity in a market where only 94 such listings currently compete.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Houston

Parking tops the amenity list at 98% prevalence—essentially table stakes in car-dependent Houston—followed by kitchen (95%), washer (87%), and self check-in (85%). Workspace availability at 73% signals meaningful business-traveler demand, while pool (24%) and hot tub (9%) remain differentiators that could help listings stand out in a competitive market.

Understanding Houston's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Houston's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where all four calculation factors—revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth trend, and supply/demand balance—rate at average levels. This means the market offers a reasonable baseline for returns without extreme strengths or weaknesses, making property selection and operational execution the primary levers for outperformance. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and neighborhood-level analysis to identify pockets where returns may meaningfully exceed the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Houston

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

Permit Requirements

Houston, Texas does not currently impose a citywide short-term rental permit or registration requirement in the same way many other major cities do, but investors should verify the latest local ordinances and any HOA restrictions that may apply to their specific property. State and county regulations can also evolve, so consulting with the City of Houston's planning department before listing is strongly recommended.

Key Restrictions

Common restriction categories that may affect Houston STR operators include HOA covenants that limit or prohibit short-term rentals, noise and nuisance ordinances enforced at the city level, and parking requirements in certain neighborhoods. Occupancy limits tied to fire safety codes, minimum stay provisions in deed-restricted communities, and local permitting caps in surrounding municipalities are all factors investors should research before purchasing a property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Texas are generally required to collect and remit state hotel occupancy tax (currently 6%) along with any applicable city and county hotel taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often handle collection and remittance for the state portion, but hosts should confirm their obligations for local taxes with the City of Houston and Harris County.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Houston's STR market is expected to maintain moderate but stable performance. Monthly revenue data shows a clear summer peak in July ($2,175) with softer months in January and February, so investors should plan for seasonal revenue swings of roughly 40–45% between highs and lows. With all four ROI calculation factors—revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance—rated at average levels, ADR growth in the range of 1–3% and occupancy hovering around 33–37% are reasonable estimates for the period ahead. The 114% year-over-year listing growth warrants monitoring, as continued supply expansion could pressure rates if demand doesn't keep pace."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Houston, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Houston?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Houston is currently 35%, which edges slightly above the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units performing best at 39%, while studios and 5-bedroom properties see lower rates around 27–30%. Factors like pricing strategy, location within the metro, and guest reviews can significantly influence an individual listing's occupancy.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Houston?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Houston earn approximately $1,751 per month or $21,018 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, revenue varies dramatically by property size—studios average $951/month while 6+ bedroom homes average $6,680/month. High-performing listings with strong amenities, competitive pricing, and excellent guest experiences can exceed these averages.

Is Houston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Houston scores a 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from diversified demand sources, relatively affordable home values averaging $485,844, and occupancy that outpaces the state average. Investors targeting larger properties (4+ bedrooms) stand to earn the strongest returns, with 4-bedroom homes averaging $37,663 annually. That said, the 114% year-over-year growth in listings means competition is intensifying, so thorough due diligence and strong operational management are essential.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Houston is $168, which is notably below the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales sharply with property size: studios average $105/night, 3-bedroom homes hit $206/night, and 6+ bedroom properties command $546/night. This below-state-average ADR reflects Houston's competitive supply and the prevalence of smaller units in the market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Houston?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Houston, Texas, which is known for its relatively landlord-friendly regulatory environment. However, investors should be aware that HOA rules, deed restrictions, and county-level regulations can impose limitations on STR activity in specific neighborhoods. It's always wise to check with local authorities and review any community association rules before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Houston?

Peak season for Airbnb in Houston centers around the summer months, with July leading at $2,175 in average monthly revenue. March ($1,976) and May ($1,912) also show strong performance, likely driven by spring events and conferences. The softest months are January ($1,231) and February ($1,384), so investors should budget for a roughly 40–45% revenue swing between peak and off-peak periods.

How many Airbnbs are there in Houston?

Houston currently has 3,825 active Airbnb listings. The market has seen significant growth, with a 114% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply at 1,473 listings, followed by 3-bedroom homes (909) and 2-bedroom units (768). Larger properties with 5+ bedrooms remain relatively scarce, which may present opportunities for investors targeting that segment.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Houston?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Houston 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. 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 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarks across bedroom configurations
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month historical booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

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.