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

Marfa Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Marfa's desert-art-town mystique continues to draw visitors, making it a niche but notable short-term rental market in West Texas. With 131 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $26,050 and an average daily rate of $217, the market offers a distinctive demand profile driven by cultural tourism and remote-work appeal. However, a 27% occupancy rate—below the Texas average of 33%—signals that selectivity in property type and pricing strategy is essential for investors entering this market.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Marfa 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 Marfa

Marfa attracts investor interest due to its unique cultural tourism draw and relatively low listing count, though tightening competition and below-average occupancy require careful deal selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Marfa presents a competitive but niche opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate its distinct seasonal rhythms and growing supply. March stands out as the clear revenue peak at $3,608, more than double the quietest months of January ($1,598) and February ($1,611), reflecting the strong spring tourism season. The ROI score of 53 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price and occupancy stability metrics alongside a below-average supply/demand balance—a reminder that the 58% listing growth is outpacing demand gains. Investors who target larger properties and lean into Marfa's art-and-desert brand stand the best chance of outperforming in this increasingly crowded field."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Marfa

Average revenue by month in Marfa

Marfa's revenue peaks sharply in March at $3,608—roughly 2.3 times the January low of $1,598—revealing a strongly seasonal market driven by spring tourism. A secondary bump appears in October ($2,199) and November ($2,457), likely tied to fall events and cooler desert weather attracting visitors.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Marfa

One-bedroom units dominate Marfa's supply at 60 of 131 listings (46%), while 4-bedroom homes represent just 6 listings. The scarcity of larger properties—paired with their significantly higher revenue—suggests an underserved segment where investors may face less direct competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Marfa

ADR scales steeply with size in Marfa, rising from $138 for studios to $338 for 4-bedroom properties—a 145% premium. The sharpest per-bedroom jump occurs between 2-bedroom ($214) and 3-bedroom ($316) units, indicating that guests booking group-friendly accommodations are willing to pay a meaningful premium.

Average RevPAN by property size in Marfa

RevPAN climbs consistently from $26 for studios to $100 for 4-bedroom properties, confirming that larger units deliver the strongest revenue per available night even after factoring in occupancy. The 4-bedroom tier produces nearly four times the RevPAN of studios, making it the most efficient size from a yield perspective.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Marfa

Occupancy remains relatively flat across property sizes, ranging from 20% for studios to 30% for 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units. Three-bedroom listings dip slightly to 25%, suggesting that higher ADRs on mid-large properties may limit booking frequency—though the revenue trade-off still favors bigger homes.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Marfa

Monthly revenue roughly triples from studios ($1,318) to 4-bedroom properties ($3,672), with each step up in bedrooms adding meaningful income. Two-bedroom units represent a practical sweet spot for investors seeking moderate acquisition costs, earning $2,527 per month on average.

Average annual revenue by property size in Marfa

Four-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $44,075—nearly three times the $15,822 earned by studios—and 3-bedroom homes follow closely at $35,897. For investors weighing purchase price against income potential, the 2-bedroom tier at $30,334 annually offers a balanced entry point with solid return potential relative to typical acquisition costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Marfa

Parking is universal (100%) in Marfa's listings, reflecting the remote desert setting where guests arrive by car. Beyond basics like kitchens (92%) and self check-in (88%), the prevalence of pet-friendly policies (74%), backyards (73%), and outdoor furniture (73%) signals that guests expect a relaxed, outdoor-oriented experience—amenities investors should prioritize to stay competitive.

Understanding Marfa's ROI Score: 53/100

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

Marfa's ROI score of 53 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, reflecting average marks across revenue-to-price ratio, occupancy stability, and market growth trend, with a below-average supply/demand balance driven by the 58% surge in new listings. This means the market has genuine demand—but investors face growing competition that can compress margins if they don't differentiate on property type or guest experience. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and conservative underwriting will help investors identify the deals that can outperform the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Marfa

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Marfa, Texas may be required to obtain a local permit or register their property with the city. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Marfa's municipal offices and the State of Texas before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar Texas markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules. HOA covenants may also apply to certain properties, and investors should confirm whether any local permit caps or zoning limitations affect their target neighborhood.

Tax Obligations

Texas imposes a state hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and local jurisdictions like Marfa may levy additional occupancy or tourism taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with the Texas Comptroller's office and local tax authorities.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Marfa's STR market is likely to see continued supply growth given the 58% year-over-year increase in active listings, which may put further pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest that spring months (particularly March) will remain the strongest booking window, with revenue potentially softening through summer and early fall. ADR may face modest downward pressure as competition intensifies, though the market's cultural cachet could support rates in the $210–$225 range for well-positioned properties. Investors should plan conservatively around occupancy estimates of 25–30% and prioritize listings with strong differentiation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Marfa, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Marfa?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Marfa is currently 27%, which falls below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units reaching the highest rates at 30%, while studios sit lower at 20%. Seasonality plays a significant role—spring months see the strongest demand, so investors should plan for leaner periods through summer and early fall.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Marfa?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Marfa earn approximately $2,170 per month or $26,050 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales meaningfully with property size: studios average $15,822 per year, while 4-bedroom properties bring in roughly $44,075. March is the highest-earning month at $3,608, so property performance can vary significantly depending on how well hosts capitalize on peak-season demand.

Is Marfa a good market for Airbnb investment?

Marfa scores a 53 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's cultural tourism appeal and distinctive brand create genuine demand, but a 58% year-over-year increase in listings means competition is intensifying. Investors who source deals carefully—particularly larger properties that command higher ADRs and RevPAN—can still find attractive returns, though the below-average supply/demand balance warrants a conservative underwriting approach.

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

The average daily rate in Marfa is $217, which is below the Texas state average of $276. Rates climb substantially with property size: studios average $138 per night, while 4-bedroom homes command $338. This pricing structure rewards investors who can offer larger, well-appointed properties, as the ADR premium on bigger units significantly outpaces the incremental cost per bedroom.

Are short-term rentals legal in Marfa?

Short-term rentals do operate in Marfa, Texas, with 131 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations may require permits or registration, and Texas imposes a state hotel occupancy tax on STRs. Investors should consult Marfa's city government and the Texas Comptroller's office to understand current permitting, zoning, and tax obligations before purchasing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Marfa?

Peak season in Marfa centers on March, when average monthly revenue hits $3,608—the highest of any month by a wide margin. April ($2,786) and November ($2,457) also perform well above the annual average. The slowest months are January ($1,598) and February ($1,611), reflecting the quieter winter period before spring tourism ramps up. Investors should budget for this pronounced seasonality when projecting cash flow.

How many Airbnbs are there in Marfa?

As of April 2026, there are 131 active Airbnb listings in Marfa. The supply is heavily concentrated in 1-bedroom properties (60 listings), followed by 2-bedroom units (34) and 3-bedroom homes (19). Notably, active listings have grown 58% year-over-year, indicating a rapidly expanding supply base that investors should factor into their competitive analysis.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Marfa?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Marfa are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drop regional outliers, and roll the remainder 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 for the Marfa market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Supply distribution and year-over-year listing growth analysis
• Home value data from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment benchmarking

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. Local regulations, permitting requirements, and tax obligations may change; investors should verify current rules with municipal and state authorities. Individual property results will vary based on location, property condition, pricing strategy, and management quality.