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

Kemah Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Kemah, TX offers a compact short-term rental market with just 47 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $29,368 per property. With an ADR of $231 — slightly below the Texas state average of $276 — and a pronounced summer peak that pushes monthly revenue above $5,200 in July, the market rewards investors who can capture seasonal demand from the area's waterfront attractions. Average home values sit around $513,121, so selective deal sourcing is key to making the revenue-to-price math work.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Kemah 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 Kemah

Kemah draws investor attention for its waterfront leisure appeal and the ability to command strong summer premiums, though below-average occupancy stability requires careful property selection and pricing strategy.

Expert Market Assessment

"Kemah presents a competitive but nuanced investment opportunity, scoring 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI scale. The market's pronounced seasonality — with July revenue nearly six times higher than January — means investors need to budget carefully around winter months when properties earn under $1,000. Larger properties (3- and 4-bedroom) offer meaningfully better return potential, with 4-bedroom units generating over $67,000 annually. However, below-average occupancy stability and a rapidly expanding supply base mean that thoughtful property selection, competitive pricing, and standout amenities will separate profitable investments from underperformers."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Kemah

Average revenue by month in Kemah

Kemah exhibits sharp seasonality, with July ($5,289) delivering nearly six times the revenue of January ($923). The summer corridor from June through August accounts for the lion's share of annual earnings, while the November-through-February stretch remains consistently soft — a pattern investors should plan around with conservative winter budgeting.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Kemah

One-bedroom units make up the largest share of supply with 15 listings, followed by 2- and 3-bedroom properties at 10 each and 4-bedroom homes at 7. The relatively thin supply of larger properties, combined with their superior revenue performance, may signal an opportunity for investors targeting the 3- and 4-bedroom segment.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Kemah

ADR climbs steeply with property size, from $115 for 1-bedroom listings to $357 for 4-bedroom homes — a 3x premium. Notably, 2-bedroom ($214) and 3-bedroom ($218) properties command nearly identical nightly rates, suggesting the jump to 4 bedrooms is where the most significant pricing power kicks in.

Average RevPAN by property size in Kemah

Four-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $119, well ahead of 2-bedrooms at $82 and 3-bedrooms at $72, while 1-bedroom units lag at just $29. This spread highlights that larger homes not only charge more per night but also convert enough bookings to deliver meaningfully better revenue per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Kemah

Two-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 39%, comfortably above the market average, while 1-bedroom properties sit lowest at 25%. Three- and 4-bedroom units both hold at 33%, suggesting mid-to-large properties maintain steadier demand — an important consideration for investors prioritizing cash-flow consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Kemah

Monthly revenue scales dramatically with size: 4-bedroom properties average $5,609 per month compared to just $1,089 for 1-bedroom units. Even the jump from 2-bedroom ($2,049) to 3-bedroom ($3,520) represents a 72% increase, reinforcing that larger configurations are the primary revenue drivers in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Kemah

Four-bedroom homes generate an estimated $67,314 annually — more than five times the $13,075 earned by 1-bedroom listings. Three-bedroom properties at $42,240 per year also offer strong return potential and may present a more accessible entry point for investors who find 4-bedroom acquisition costs prohibitive.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Kemah

Parking (98%) and kitchens (94%) are near-universal, while self check-in (87%) and laundry facilities (83%) have become baseline guest expectations in Kemah. Differentiators like waterfront access (34%), pools (28%), and lake access (23%) are less common and could help listings stand out — especially given the market's leisure-oriented demand profile.

Understanding Kemah's ROI Score: 52/100

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

Kemah's ROI Score of 52 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where demand exists but higher home values and below-average occupancy stability require disciplined deal selection. The revenue-to-price ratio scores average, meaning returns are achievable but not outsized, while both occupancy stability and market growth trend rate below average — signaling that competition from rapidly growing supply may be outpacing demand gains. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types (particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes) where the revenue profile is strongest.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Kemah

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Kemah, TX may need to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Kemah and check for any Harris County or Galveston County regulations that may apply.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Texas municipalities can include occupancy limits based on bedroom count, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants that may restrict or prohibit rentals. Kemah's proximity to waterfront areas may also involve additional zoning considerations, so reviewing local ordinances before purchasing is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Texas imposes a 6% state hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and local jurisdictions may levy additional hotel or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with the Texas Comptroller and local authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Kemah's STR market is likely to see continued summer-driven demand, with occupancy rates potentially hovering in the 28–32% range on an annual basis. The 144% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could tighten competition and put modest downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. ADR may hold relatively steady or edge up 1–3% as larger properties continue to command premium nightly rates. Investors should plan cash reserves to cover the softer winter months when revenue historically drops below $1,200."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Kemah, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kemah?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Kemah is currently 29%, which falls below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 39%, while 1-bedroom units trail at 25%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a major role, with summer months driving the highest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Kemah?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Kemah earn approximately $2,447 per month or $29,368 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $13,075 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can bring in roughly $67,314. Peak summer months like July see hosts earning over $5,200, whereas January typically dips below $1,000.

Is Kemah a good market for Airbnb investment?

Kemah scores a 52 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from waterfront appeal and strong summer demand, but below-average occupancy stability and growing competition mean investors need to be selective. Larger properties tend to perform best, and investors who can differentiate with amenities like pools, waterfront access, and outdoor spaces are better positioned for returns.

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

The average daily rate in Kemah is $231, slightly below the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $115 per night, while 4-bedroom properties command approximately $357 per night. This premium on larger units reflects the family and group-oriented demand common in waterfront leisure markets.

Are short-term rentals legal in Kemah?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Texas, though local municipalities like Kemah may have their own registration, permitting, or zoning requirements. Investors should check directly with the City of Kemah for any applicable ordinances, including potential restrictions from HOAs or neighborhood-specific rules, before purchasing a property for STR use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Kemah?

Peak season in Kemah runs from June through August, with July being the standout month at an average revenue of $5,289 per listing. March also shows a notable bump to $3,188, likely driven by spring break travel. The slowest months are January ($923) and February ($1,161), so investors should plan for significant seasonal revenue swings.

How many Airbnbs are there in Kemah?

As of April 2026, there are 47 active Airbnb listings in Kemah. The supply is distributed across 15 one-bedroom, 10 two-bedroom, 10 three-bedroom, and 7 four-bedroom properties. The market has seen substantial year-over-year listing growth of 144%, indicating rising investor interest in the area.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Kemah?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Kemah 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 remaining data up to a market-level historical average. Because each month uses its own historical performance, the figures naturally reflect seasonal peaks and slower periods. 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 Kemah, TX market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 12-month averages as of the date indicated and may not capture recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.