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

Livingston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Livingston, TX is a small East Texas market with 82 active Airbnb listings and strong ties to Lake Livingston, which drives recreational demand for short-term rentals. The market-wide average daily rate sits at $178 — well below the $276 Texas state average — while occupancy averages 26%, also trailing the state benchmark of 33%. Average annual revenue comes in at $18,454, though larger properties significantly outperform that figure, suggesting opportunity for investors who target the right property size. With a 46% year-over-year increase in active listings, competition is intensifying and selective deal sourcing will be essential.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Livingston 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 Livingston

Investors are drawn to Livingston for its lakefront recreational appeal and relatively affordable home prices, though below-average occupancy and rapid supply growth require careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Livingston presents a competitive but uneven opportunity. The ROI score of 38 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price dynamics and below-average occupancy stability, meaning not every deal pencils out — but properties with three or more bedrooms and lake-oriented amenities have historically earned $38,000–$41,000 annually, which meaningfully outpaces the market average. Seasonality is sharp: July peaks near $2,639 in average monthly revenue while January dips to just $664, so investors need to price in four to five softer months when budgeting. The market rewards operators who lean into Livingston's lakefront lifestyle, offer pet-friendly accommodations, and keep nightly rates competitive against a growing field of 82 active listings."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Livingston

Average revenue by month in Livingston

Livingston's revenue cycle is heavily seasonal, peaking in July at $2,639 and bottoming out in January at just $664 — a nearly 4x spread that underscores the importance of summer lake traffic. The spring-through-summer window (March–August) accounts for the bulk of annual income, while the October–February stretch consistently falls below $1,400 per month.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Livingston

One-bedroom units dominate supply with 35 of the 82 active listings, while larger properties are far less common — only 9 four-bedroom and 7 five-bedroom listings are currently active. This relative scarcity of larger units, combined with their significantly higher revenue potential, may signal a sweet spot for investors willing to acquire 3- to 5-bedroom properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Livingston

ADR climbs sharply with bedroom count, from $63 for 1-bedroom units to $448 for 5-bedroom properties — a more than 7x increase. The jump from 2 bedrooms ($157) to 3 bedrooms ($253) represents one of the steepest increments, suggesting the 3-bedroom tier offers a strong premium relative to the additional investment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Livingston

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $106, followed by 3-bedrooms at $78, while 1-bedroom units generate just $18 per available night. Notably, 4-bedroom listings ($63 RevPAN) underperform 3-bedrooms despite a higher ADR, reflecting their lower 20% occupancy rate — a reminder that nightly rate alone doesn't determine profitability.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Livingston

Occupancy rates are modest across all property sizes, ranging from 20% for 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units to 31% for 3-bedroom properties. One-bedroom (30%) and 3-bedroom (31%) listings maintain the most consistent fill rates, while the 20% occupancy for 4-bedroom homes suggests pricing or demand challenges at that tier.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Livingston

Four-bedroom properties top the monthly revenue chart at $3,424, closely followed by 3-bedrooms at $3,247 — both substantially outpacing 1-bedroom units at $453 per month. Five-bedroom listings average $2,592 monthly, showing that the very largest properties don't automatically earn the most due to occupancy constraints.

Average annual revenue by property size in Livingston

Annual revenue potential peaks with 4-bedroom properties at $41,089, followed closely by 3-bedrooms at $38,975 — both roughly 7–8 times the $5,445 that 1-bedroom units generate. Five-bedroom listings earn an average of $31,105 annually, making the 3- to 4-bedroom range the clearest revenue-maximizing configuration for investors in this market.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Livingston

Parking leads amenity prevalence at 98%, reflecting the car-dependent nature of East Texas lake travel, while self check-in (84%) and kitchen access (73%) round out the top three. Lake access and waterfront status appear in 43% of listings, signaling that proximity to the water is a meaningful differentiator — and the 67% pet-friendly rate suggests guest expectations strongly favor accommodating travelers with pets.

Understanding Livingston's ROI Score: 38/100

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

Livingston's ROI score of 38 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting a market where deals exist but require sharper evaluation. The revenue-to-price ratio grades as average and the market growth trend is holding steady, but below-average occupancy stability and supply/demand balance mean the rapid influx of new listings is outpacing demand growth. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types — particularly 3- to 4-bedroom lakefront homes — that consistently outperform market averages.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Livingston

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Livingston, TX should verify whether the city or Polk County requires a specific STR permit or business registration before listing a property. Texas does not impose a statewide STR permit, so requirements can vary at the local level — investors should check directly with the City of Livingston and Polk County offices for the most current rules.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Texas communities may include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay provisions. Investors should also review any HOA covenants or deed restrictions that may limit or prohibit short-term rental activity, particularly in lakeside developments and planned communities near Lake Livingston.

Tax Obligations

Texas imposes a 6% state hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and local jurisdictions may add their own occupancy or tourism taxes on top of that. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit state and some local taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm which obligations are handled automatically and which require direct filing.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Livingston's short-term rental market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 46% year-over-year listing increase, which could put additional downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will remain heavily concentrated in the summer months — particularly June through August — with softer winters that may challenge cash flow for properties without strong differentiation. ADR could hold relatively steady or see modest gains of 1–3% for well-positioned lakefront properties, while market-wide occupancy is estimated to hover in the 24–28% range. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality and budget accordingly for leaner months from October through February."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Livingston, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Livingston?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Livingston, TX is currently 26%, which falls below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies considerably by property size — 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units see the highest rates at around 30–31%, while 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties average closer to 20%. This lower overall occupancy reflects the market's strong seasonality and growing supply.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Livingston?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Livingston earn approximately $1,537 per month or $18,454 per year based on the trailing 12 months of booking data. However, earnings vary dramatically by property size. One-bedroom units average just $5,445 annually, while 4-bedroom properties lead at roughly $41,089 per year. Three-bedroom listings also perform well at around $38,975 annually, making mid-to-large properties the strongest earners in this market.

Is Livingston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Livingston carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 38 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' This means investor interest and demand exist — driven largely by Lake Livingston's recreational appeal — but higher competition and below-average occupancy require more selective deal sourcing. Investors targeting 3- to 4-bedroom properties with lake access and strong amenity packages tend to outperform the market average significantly. Careful budgeting for seasonal revenue swings is essential.

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

The average daily rate across all Airbnb listings in Livingston is $178, compared to the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales steeply with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $63 per night, 2-bedrooms reach $157, 3-bedrooms hit $253, and 5-bedroom properties command $448 per night. Investors looking to maximize nightly rates should consider larger properties that can accommodate groups and families visiting the lake.

Are short-term rentals legal in Livingston?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Texas, though local regulations can vary. Livingston and Polk County may have specific permit, registration, or zoning requirements that operators should verify before listing a property. It's also important to check for any HOA restrictions, especially in lakeside communities. Texas imposes a 6% state hotel occupancy tax, and additional local taxes may apply. We recommend consulting the City of Livingston and Polk County directly for the most up-to-date regulatory guidance.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Livingston?

Peak season in Livingston runs from roughly March through August, with July standing out as the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,639 per listing. August follows at $2,191, and spring months like March ($1,851) and April ($1,818) also perform well. The off-peak period spans October through February, with January being the slowest month at just $664 in average revenue. This pronounced seasonality is typical for lake-destination markets in East Texas.

How many Airbnbs are there in Livingston?

As of April 2026, there are 82 active Airbnb listings in Livingston, TX. The market has seen significant growth, with a 46% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply at 35 listings, followed by 3-bedrooms (14), 2-bedrooms (13), 4-bedrooms (9), and 5-bedrooms (7). The rapid supply growth is something investors should monitor closely.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Livingston?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Livingston 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 still 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, location within the market, 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 Livingston, TX market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size and month
• Revenue and yield metrics based on trailing 12-month historical booking performance
• Home value estimates 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 Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Individual results may vary based on property location, condition, pricing strategy, and management quality. Local regulations and tax obligations are subject to change; investors should verify current requirements with the appropriate city, county, and state authorities.