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

Onalaska Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Onalaska, TX is a small lakeside market on the shores of Lake Livingston, where just 23 active Airbnb listings serve vacation and weekend-getaway demand. With an average annual revenue of $14,995 and home values around $357,161, the revenue-to-price ratio sits at an average level — meaning deals exist but require careful sourcing. Listing growth has surged 132% year over year, signaling rising investor interest, though occupancy at 24% trails the Texas state average of 33%, so performance hinges on seasonal peaks and strategic pricing.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Onalaska 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 Onalaska

Investors are drawn to Onalaska for its affordable lakefront property, growing vacation demand tied to Lake Livingston, and a still-nascent supply of short-term rentals.

Expert Market Assessment

"Onalaska presents a competitive but niche opportunity best suited for investors who can tolerate pronounced seasonality. July revenue ($2,143) dwarfs the winter months — January averages just $539 — so annual cash flow depends heavily on a strong spring-through-summer booking season. The supply/demand balance rates above average and the market is still small at 23 listings, which means well-positioned properties can stand out, but below-average occupancy stability and a modest overall revenue ceiling call for disciplined deal sourcing and realistic return expectations."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Onalaska

Average revenue by month in Onalaska

Onalaska's revenue swings dramatically by season: July leads at $2,143 per month while January bottoms out at just $539, a roughly 4x spread that underscores the market's heavy reliance on warm-weather lake tourism. Investors should plan for a concentrated earning window from March through August and budget for lean winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Onalaska

Supply in Onalaska is tightly clustered around two sizes — 8 one-bedroom and 9 three-bedroom listings — with no 2-bedroom or 4+ bedroom properties currently tracked. This gap could represent an opportunity for investors willing to offer mid-size or larger configurations that aren't yet competing in the market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Onalaska

ADR more than doubles from 1-bedroom listings ($104/night) to 3-bedroom properties ($236/night), reflecting the premium guests will pay for additional space at a lake destination. The $132 nightly jump suggests that the incremental cost of a larger property may be well justified by the rate it can command.

Average RevPAN by property size in Onalaska

RevPAN is relatively close between the two property sizes — $29 for 1-bedrooms and $31 for 3-bedrooms — indicating that the higher ADR of larger units is largely offset by their lower occupancy. Investors focused purely on per-night yield should note the near-parity, which shifts the decision toward total revenue potential.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Onalaska

One-bedroom listings fill significantly more nights at 29% occupancy compared to just 13% for 3-bedroom properties, suggesting smaller units attract more frequent bookings, likely from couples and solo travelers on short getaways. The low 3-bedroom occupancy highlights the seasonal, weekend-heavy nature of family and group travel to the area.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Onalaska

Three-bedroom properties lead in average monthly revenue at $1,356 versus $900 for 1-bedrooms, driven by their substantially higher nightly rate despite lower occupancy. The $456 monthly gap means larger units generate roughly 50% more gross revenue, though investors should weigh that against higher acquisition and maintenance costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Onalaska

Annually, 3-bedroom listings earn approximately $16,274 compared to $10,806 for 1-bedroom units — a difference of about $5,468. Given Onalaska's average home value of $357,161, investors should model property-specific purchase prices carefully to determine which size delivers the stronger return on invested capital.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Onalaska

Parking (96%), kitchen (91%), and self check-in (78%) are near-universal, but the standout feature is lake access at 74% — confirming that proximity to the water is the primary draw. BBQ grills (65%), patios (70%), and pet-friendliness (57%) round out the outdoor lifestyle amenities that guests expect, so listings without these basics may struggle to compete.

Understanding Onalaska's ROI Score: 37/100

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

Onalaska's ROI score of 37 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has genuine investor appeal but requires selective deal sourcing to generate strong returns. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend rate as average, while occupancy stability falls below average — a reflection of the pronounced seasonality in this lake market. The above-average supply/demand balance is a bright spot, so pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a clear seasonal pricing strategy will be key to making the numbers work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Onalaska

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Onalaska and the surrounding Polk County area of Texas should verify whether a local STR permit or registration is required before listing a property. Investors are encouraged to check directly with the City of Onalaska and Polk County offices, as requirements can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits per bedroom, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and HOA covenants — especially in waterfront or planned communities near Lake Livingston. Even if the city itself has limited regulation, deed restrictions and HOA rules can significantly affect STR operations.

Tax Obligations

Texas requires collection of its 6% state hotel occupancy tax, and Polk County may levy an additional local hotel occupancy tax on short-term stays. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm compliance with both state and local tax obligations.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Onalaska's summer-driven demand pattern should continue to anchor revenue, with July historically generating more than four times January's intake. The rapid supply growth (132% YoY) could put downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace, so investors should anticipate occupancy rates in the 22–26% range and ADRs that may hold steady or inch up 1–3% as the market matures. Properties with strong lake access and outdoor amenities are best positioned to capture the seasonal surge, though off-peak months will likely remain soft."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Onalaska, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Onalaska?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Onalaska is currently 24%, which falls below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 1-bedroom units average 29% while 3-bedroom properties come in at 13%. The lower occupancy is typical of lake-destination markets that rely heavily on seasonal and weekend demand rather than consistent nightly bookings.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Onalaska?

Onalaska Airbnb hosts earn an average of $1,249 per month and roughly $14,995 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $10,806 annually, while 3-bedroom properties bring in approximately $16,274. Summer months — particularly July at $2,143 — drive the lion's share of annual income.

Is Onalaska a good market for Airbnb investment?

Onalaska carries an ROI score of 37 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average supply/demand balance and affordable home values around $357,161, but below-average occupancy stability and strong seasonality mean investors need to be selective. Properties with lake access, outdoor amenities, and competitive pricing during off-peak months are most likely to perform well.

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

The average daily rate in Onalaska is $192, which is below the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales meaningfully with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $104 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $236 per night. The lower-than-state-average ADR reflects the market's position as an affordable getaway destination rather than a premium resort area.

Are short-term rentals legal in Onalaska?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Onalaska, TX, though investors should verify current permit and registration requirements with local authorities in the City of Onalaska and Polk County. Texas does not ban short-term rentals at the state level, but local ordinances, HOA rules, and deed restrictions near Lake Livingston communities can affect where and how you operate. Always confirm compliance before purchasing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Onalaska?

Peak season in Onalaska runs from roughly March through August, with July standing out as the strongest month at an average revenue of $2,143. The spring months of March ($1,505) and April ($1,478) also perform well as lake activity ramps up. Winter is the clear off-season — January ($539) and February ($619) represent the lowest revenue months by a wide margin.

How many Airbnbs are there in Onalaska?

As of April 2026, there are 23 active Airbnb listings in Onalaska. The market has seen dramatic growth, with a 132% year-over-year increase in active listings. Supply is concentrated in two property sizes: 8 one-bedroom units and 9 three-bedroom properties, leaving potential gaps for investors considering 2-bedroom or 4+ bedroom configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Onalaska?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Onalaska 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 rather than to forecasts, while still naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 Onalaska market
• Occupancy, average daily rate, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue estimates based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to gauge 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 rules, and tax obligations vary and should be independently verified before investing.