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

As of Apr, 27 2026

Rabbu ROI Score

34 / 100

Leakey appears higher risk based on current data and may require deeper, property-specific diligence to find compelling opportunities.

Leakey Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Leakey, TX is a small Hill Country market with just 37 active Airbnb listings and sharply seasonal demand that peaks in the summer months. With an average annual revenue of $32,105 against average home values of $546,807 and an occupancy rate of only 16% — well below the 33% Texas state average — the market presents a challenging return profile that demands careful property-level analysis. Investors drawn to the Frio River corridor should weigh the dramatic summer revenue spike against months of very lean bookings before committing capital.

Key Market Statistics

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

Key Airbnb and short-term rental market statistics.
Metric Context Value
Active Airbnb Listings As of Apr, 27 2026 37
Average Daily Rate (ADR) vs. $276 state avg. $244
Average Occupancy Rate vs. 33% state avg. 16%
RevPAN ADR * Occupancy Rate $39
Average Monthly Revenue Historical 12-month average $2,675
Average Annual Revenue Historical 12-month average $32,105

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

Why Investors Consider Leakey

Leakey attracts investor attention primarily for its summer river-tourism appeal, though the highly seasonal demand and below-average occupancy require careful underwriting.

Key investment factors

  • Dramatic summer revenue — July listings average $7,709, nearly 11× the February low of $689
  • Frio River and Hill Country location drives strong warm-weather tourism demand
  • Low listing count (37) keeps the market niche, though supply grew 181% year-over-year
  • Outdoor-focused amenity profile (BBQ grills, patios, pet-friendly) aligns with nature-seeking guests
  • 3-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $36, offering a modest edge over smaller units

Expert Market Assessment

"Based on a 34-out-of-100 ROI score, Leakey falls into the limited investment potential category. The market's appeal is heavily concentrated in June through August, when monthly revenues can exceed $5,900–$7,700, but the remaining nine months average under $1,600 — creating significant cash-flow volatility. Rapidly growing supply (181% year-over-year) combined with below-average occupancy stability suggests that only well-differentiated, operationally efficient properties are likely to pencil out as worthwhile investments."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Understanding Leakey's ROI Score: 34/100

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

Factor Leakey Performance Weight
Revenue-to-Price Ratio Average 40%
Occupancy Stability Below average 30%
Market Growth Trend Below average 15%
Supply/Demand Balance Average 15%

What This Means for Investors

Leakey's ROI score of 34 out of 100 places it in the limited investment potential band, driven primarily by below-average occupancy stability and a below-average market growth trend despite rapid supply additions. While the revenue-to-price ratio and supply/demand balance both register as average, the combination of extreme seasonality and quickly expanding inventory creates headwinds that demand careful underwriting. Investors considering this market should pair the data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on properties that can capture premium summer demand.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Leakey

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Leakey and Real County, Texas may need to register with local authorities or obtain a permit before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the city and county, as rules in smaller Texas municipalities can change with limited public notice.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Texas communities can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants — especially in rural subdivisions near the Frio River — may impose additional limitations or outright bans, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Texas requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state hotel occupancy tax, and local jurisdictions may layer additional lodging or tourism taxes on top. Platforms like Airbnb often handle state-level collection automatically, but hosts should confirm county-level obligations with the Real County tax office.

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

Short-Term Rental Financing for Leakey

Financing an Airbnb investment in Leakey requires lenders who understand STR income. Rabbu partner lenders offer:

  • DSCR Loans: Qualify based on property income, not personal income
  • Low Down Payment: As low as 10–15% for investment properties
  • Fast Closing: 21–30 day average close times
  • STR Experience: Lenders who understand vacation rental underwriting
Connect with a Leakey Lender →

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Leakey's extreme seasonality is likely to persist, with summer months continuing to drive the bulk of annual revenue. The 181% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rapidly increasing supply, which could put additional downward pressure on occupancy and nightly rates if demand doesn't keep pace. Investors should plan for ADR in the $230–$250 range and market-wide occupancy staying around 14–18%, with individual results heavily dependent on summer performance and property differentiation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Leakey, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Leakey?
The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Leakey is currently 16%, which sits well below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios lead at 30%, while 2-bedroom units trail at just 10%. The low overall figure reflects extreme seasonality, with demand heavily concentrated in the summer months.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Leakey?
Airbnb hosts in Leakey earn an average of $2,675 per month and approximately $32,105 per year based on trailing 12-month data. However, that annual figure masks wide seasonal swings: July hosts average $7,709, while February drops to just $689. Larger properties tend to earn more, with 3-bedroom listings averaging $31,479 annually compared to $8,573 for studios.
Is Leakey a good market for Airbnb investment?
Leakey carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 34 out of 100, indicating limited investment potential under current conditions. The market's below-average occupancy, rapid supply growth, and extreme seasonality make it a higher-risk proposition. That said, well-positioned properties near the Frio River with strong summer appeal and outdoor amenities could still perform, though investors should budget conservatively for off-peak months and conduct thorough property-specific due diligence.
What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Leakey?
The average daily rate in Leakey is $244, slightly below the $276 Texas state average. ADR scales with property size: studios average $114 per night, 1-bedrooms $170, 2-bedrooms $216, and 3-bedrooms command $271. Despite competitive nightly rates, low occupancy means actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) is only $39.
Are short-term rentals legal in Leakey?
Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Leakey, Texas area, but operators may need to register or obtain permits depending on local and county regulations. As with many smaller Texas communities, rules can evolve, so prospective investors should verify current requirements with Real County and any applicable HOA before purchasing a property for STR use.
When is peak season for Airbnb in Leakey?
Peak season in Leakey runs from June through August, driven by warm-weather tourism along the Frio River. July is the strongest month, with average revenue reaching $7,709 per listing — more than 11 times the February low of $689. March and May also see moderate activity as shoulder months, but fall and winter are significantly quieter.
How many Airbnbs are there in Leakey?
There are currently 37 active Airbnb listings in Leakey. The market is small but growing quickly, with a 181% year-over-year increase in active listings. Two-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 12 listings, followed by 1-bedrooms (8), 3-bedrooms (6), and studios (5).
How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Leakey?
The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Leakey 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, segmented by market and property size
  • Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property configurations
  • Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking performance
  • Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
  • Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations

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 April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.

Next Steps

Ready to invest in Leakey's short-term rental market? Take action with these resources:

Browse Airbnbs for Sale

Explore active Airbnbs and STR-ready homes in Charlotte with verified income data.

View Properties

Connect with an Agent

Work with specialized agents who've helped investors acquire over $650M in STR properties.

Find an Agent

Connect with a Lender

Qualify for as low as 15% down on a DSCR loan using the rental property's projected income.

Find a Lender
Browse Airbnbs for Sale