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

Marathon Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Marathon, TX is a micro-market of just 24 active Airbnb listings that caters primarily to travelers drawn to the Big Bend region of West Texas. With an average daily rate of $166 and an occupancy rate of 26%, the market sits below the Texas state averages of $276 ADR and 33% occupancy. Annual revenue averages $22,149 per listing, suggesting Marathon functions best as a supplemental-income play rather than a high-volume investment, though low acquisition costs in the area can shift the math in an investor's favor.

Key Market Statistics

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

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Marathon

Marathon appeals to investors seeking low-barrier entry into a niche desert-tourism market where property prices are modest and competition is limited to two dozen listings.

Expert Market Assessment

"Marathon represents a niche, seasonal opportunity rather than a year-round cash-flow engine. Revenue peaks sharply in March at $2,775 per listing, while the slowest months — August and September — drop to roughly $1,375, creating a spread of about $1,400. Two-bedroom properties stand out as the strongest performers, combining the highest occupancy (33%) with the best RevPAN ($72) in the market. Investors comfortable with modest annual revenue and a hands-off, remotely managed desert retreat can find value here, especially given the thin competitive landscape."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Marathon

Average revenue by month in Marathon

Marathon shows clear seasonality, with March ($2,775) as the standout peak month and a secondary surge from October through December ($1,945–$2,206), while summer months like August and September bottom out near $1,375. The roughly $1,400 spread between peak and trough means investors should budget for meaningful revenue swings throughout the year.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Marathon

Supply is distributed relatively evenly across property sizes, with 1-bedroom units slightly leading at 8 listings, followed by 6 two-bedroom and 5 each of studios and 3-bedroom properties. No single category dominates, but the modest total of 24 listings means each size segment has limited competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Marathon

ADR climbs from $110 for studios to a peak of $220 for 2-bedroom units, but 3-bedroom properties actually command a lower rate of $179, suggesting the premium-to-cost trade-off is strongest at the 2-bedroom level. Investors considering larger properties should weigh whether the additional bedroom justifies the acquisition cost given the rate compression.

Average RevPAN by property size in Marathon

Two-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $72, well ahead of 3-bedrooms at $59 and nearly four times the studio figure of $20. This gap underscores that 2-bedroom units combine the best blend of rate and occupancy in Marathon's small market.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Marathon

Occupancy splits cleanly into two tiers: studios and 1-bedrooms fill just 19–20% of available nights, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units each reach 33%. For investors prioritizing consistent booking activity, the larger configurations offer noticeably more reliable cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Marathon

Two-bedroom listings top the monthly revenue rankings at $2,197, followed by 3-bedrooms at $2,019, while studios bring in just $1,111 per month. The jump from 1-bedroom ($1,509) to 2-bedroom revenue is substantial enough to make the larger format the clear sweet spot in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Marathon

Annual revenue ranges from $13,339 for studios to $26,364 for 2-bedroom properties, which outperform even 3-bedrooms ($24,232). Given the relatively low acquisition costs typical of rural West Texas, the 2-bedroom tier offers the strongest return potential in Marathon.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Marathon

Parking is universal across Marathon listings (100%), reflecting the remote, drive-to nature of the market, while outdoor-focused amenities — backyards (75%), BBQ grills (63%), and patios (63%) — dominate the top ranks. This signals that guests expect a self-sufficient, outdoor-oriented experience, and investors should prioritize these features to remain competitive.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Marathon

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Marathon should verify whether Brewster County or the State of Texas requires any permits, registrations, or licenses for STR activity. Texas does not impose a statewide STR permit, but local jurisdictions may have their own requirements, so investors are advised to check directly with county officials before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and rules set by homeowner associations or deed restrictions. Because Marathon is an unincorporated community, county-level regulations and any applicable HOA covenants are the primary areas to investigate before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Texas imposes a 6% state hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and Brewster County may levy an additional local hotel occupancy tax. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm that all applicable state and local taxes are being properly handled.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Marathon's revenue pattern is likely to remain seasonal, with spring (March–April) and the fall-to-winter holiday stretch (October–December) driving the bulk of bookings. Occupancy may hold steady in the 25–28% range market-wide, though well-positioned 2-bedroom properties could outperform. ADR growth will depend heavily on Big Bend tourism trends and whether any new lodging supply enters the market, but incremental gains of 1–3% are plausible if regional visitation continues to grow. Investors should treat revenue estimates conservatively given the small sample size and remote location."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Marathon, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Marathon?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Marathon is currently 26%, which falls below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — studios and 1-bedroom units hover around 19–20%, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties achieve roughly 33%. Seasonal swings also play a role, with spring and late fall generating the strongest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Marathon?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Marathon earn approximately $1,845 per month and $22,149 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Earnings vary widely by property size: studios average about $13,339 annually, while 2-bedroom listings lead the market at roughly $26,364 per year. These figures reflect historical performance and individual results depend on pricing, property quality, and management.

Is Marathon a good market for Airbnb investment?

Marathon can work well for investors seeking a low-competition, niche market tied to Big Bend tourism. With only 24 active listings, new entrants face minimal direct competition, and rural West Texas property prices can make the revenue-to-cost ratio attractive despite modest absolute earnings. However, the 26% occupancy rate and pronounced seasonality mean investors should plan for significant slow periods and budget accordingly.

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

The average daily rate in Marathon is $166, which is below the Texas state average of $276. ADR ranges from $110 for studios up to $220 for 2-bedroom properties. Three-bedroom listings average $179, suggesting diminishing rate premiums beyond the 2-bedroom tier in this particular market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Marathon?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Marathon, TX, though operators should verify any applicable Brewster County regulations and ensure compliance with the Texas state hotel occupancy tax. Because Marathon is an unincorporated community, county-level rules and any HOA or deed restrictions are the primary regulatory considerations. It's always wise to confirm current requirements with local authorities before purchasing or listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Marathon?

Peak season in Marathon centers on March, when average monthly revenue hits $2,775, followed by April at $2,242. A secondary peak runs from October through December, with monthly revenue ranging from roughly $1,945 to $2,206. The slowest months are June through September, when summer heat in the Big Bend region reduces visitation and revenue drops to the $1,363–$1,601 range.

How many Airbnbs are there in Marathon?

As of April 2026, there are 24 active Airbnb listings in Marathon. The supply breaks down fairly evenly: 5 studios, 8 one-bedroom units, 6 two-bedroom properties, and 5 three-bedroom homes. This small inventory means the market is lightly supplied, which can benefit hosts with well-maintained, competitively priced properties.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Marathon?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Marathon 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 remaining data 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 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 Marathon, TX market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings
• Data sourced from Rabbu proprietary analytics for consistency and accuracy

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects a small sample of 24 active listings; individual property performance may vary significantly from market averages. Local regulations and tax requirements may change; investors should verify current rules with Brewster County and State of Texas authorities.