Port Isabel, TX Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Port Isabel Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Port Isabel, TX presents an appealing short-term rental opportunity driven by its coastal location on the southern tip of Texas near South Padre Island. With an average annual revenue of $28,577 across 136 active listings and an occupancy rate of 44% — well above the 33% state average — the market demonstrates genuine visitor demand. An above-average revenue-to-price ratio and average home values around $394,990 create a favorable entry point for investors seeking beach-adjacent returns without big-city price tags.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Port Isabel 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 Port Isabel

Port Isabel attracts STR investors with its strong revenue-to-price ratio and proximity to one of Texas's most popular beach destinations, offering above-average occupancy relative to the state.

Expert Market Assessment

"Port Isabel earns an ROI score of 55 out of 100, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market where healthy demand and a favorable revenue-to-price ratio give investors a real shot at solid returns. Seasonality is pronounced: July generates nearly $5,926 in average monthly revenue, while the October–January stretch hovers around $1,000–$1,300, creating a roughly 5:1 peak-to-trough spread. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is its strongest asset, though below-average marks on growth trend and supply/demand balance suggest the recent surge in new listings (153% YoY) warrants attention. Investors who can price competitively during shoulder months and capitalize on the summer and spring break peaks will be best positioned."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Port Isabel

Average revenue by month in Port Isabel

Revenue in Port Isabel is heavily seasonal, peaking in July at $5,926 and bottoming out in November at just $1,015 — a nearly 6:1 spread. Spring break drives a secondary spike in March ($3,762), giving investors two distinct earning windows to optimize around while planning for lean fall and winter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Port Isabel

Two-bedroom properties lead supply with 50 listings, followed closely by 3-bedrooms (41) and 1-bedrooms (36), while 5-bedroom units are scarce with only 5 listings. The thin supply of larger properties could signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire or build bigger homes to capture premium nightly rates with limited competition.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Port Isabel

ADR scales sharply with size in Port Isabel: 1-bedrooms average $115 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $681 — nearly six times the rate. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($168) to 3-bedrooms ($235) represents a meaningful $67 premium that, combined with strong occupancy, makes 3-bedroom units a compelling sweet spot for rate versus acquisition cost.

Average RevPAN by property size in Port Isabel

Three-bedroom listings deliver the highest RevPAN at $112, outperforming both smaller units (1-bedroom at $47, 2-bedroom at $81) and the much larger 5-bedroom category, which drops to just $64 despite its sky-high ADR. This suggests that while 5-bedroom homes can charge premium rates, their low occupancy significantly erodes per-night revenue efficiency.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Port Isabel

Two- and three-bedroom properties share the highest occupancy at 48%, while 1-bedrooms trail slightly at 41%. Five-bedroom units sit at just 9% occupancy, indicating that large-group demand in Port Isabel is extremely limited and these properties face significant vacancy challenges.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Port Isabel

Monthly revenue climbs steadily from $1,508 for 1-bedrooms to $3,761 for 3-bedrooms, with 5-bedroom properties averaging $8,723 per month despite their very low occupancy — suggesting that when they do book, the nightly rates are high enough to drive outsized revenue. For most investors, the 3-bedroom segment offers the most reliable monthly income without the vacancy risk of larger homes.

Average annual revenue by property size in Port Isabel

Three-bedroom properties generate $45,141 annually, making them the most balanced option for return potential relative to manageable acquisition costs in Port Isabel. While 5-bedroom homes lead at $104,683 per year, their 9% occupancy rate means that revenue is concentrated in very few bookings, creating significant cash-flow volatility.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Port Isabel

Kitchens (93%), parking (92%), and self check-in (85%) are near-universal among Port Isabel listings, reflecting baseline guest expectations for a coastal vacation rental. The high prevalence of pools (73%), patios or balconies (70%), and BBQ grills (68%) signals that outdoor living amenities are table stakes in this beach market — investors lacking these features may struggle to compete.

Understanding Port Isabel's ROI Score: 55/100

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

Port Isabel's ROI score of 55 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, anchored by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects favorable earning potential relative to property costs around $395K. Occupancy stability scores average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance both come in below average — a reflection of the 153% year-over-year listing growth that's adding competitive pressure. Investors should pair these data insights with thorough local regulatory research and a clear plan for managing seasonal revenue swings before committing capital.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Port Isabel

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Port Isabel, TX may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with local authorities before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Port Isabel and Cameron County, as regulations in Texas coastal communities can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in similar Texas markets include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA covenants that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals. Some jurisdictions also impose minimum stay requirements or cap the total number of active permits, so confirming these details before purchase is strongly recommended.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Texas are generally subject to the state hotel occupancy tax (currently 6%) and may owe additional local hotel or tourism taxes to the city or county. Many booking platforms collect and remit these taxes on the host's behalf, but operators should confirm their specific 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 Port Isabel can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Port Isabel's STR market is likely to see continued seasonal demand concentrated in the summer months, with July historically the standout performer. The 153% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy and ADR if supply outpaces demand. Investors should anticipate occupancy rates hovering in the 42–47% range annually, with ADR potentially holding steady or experiencing a slight 1–3% increase during peak months. Managing through the softer fall and winter months — when revenue dips below $1,200 — will be key to maintaining positive cash flow year-round."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Port Isabel, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Port Isabel?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Port Isabel is currently 44%, which comfortably exceeds the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units performing best at 48%, while 1-bedrooms average 41%. Seasonal swings are notable — summer months see the strongest bookings, while fall and early winter tend to be quieter.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Port Isabel?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Port Isabel earn approximately $2,381 per month or $28,577 per year based on trailing 12-month performance data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom units average $18,096 annually, 2-bedrooms bring in around $26,353, 3-bedrooms earn roughly $45,141, and larger 5-bedroom properties can generate up to $104,683 per year. Individual results depend on factors like property quality, pricing strategy, and guest experience.

Is Port Isabel a good market for Airbnb investment?

Port Isabel scores 55 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential relative to property costs is favorable compared to many Texas markets. However, investors should note the pronounced seasonality — July revenues can be nearly six times higher than November — and the rapid growth in active listings, which could affect future performance. Pairing strong summer earnings with careful off-season pricing strategies is important for maximizing returns.

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

The average daily rate across all Port Isabel Airbnb listings is $194, which is below the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedrooms average $115, 2-bedrooms $168, 3-bedrooms $235, and 5-bedroom properties command $681 per night. The lower overall ADR reflects the market's mix of smaller coastal properties, but the strong occupancy rate helps compensate for the rate differential.

Are short-term rentals legal in Port Isabel?

Short-term rentals operate in Port Isabel, TX, with 136 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, hosts may need to obtain permits or register with local authorities, and should verify current regulations with the City of Port Isabel and Cameron County. Texas state and local hotel occupancy taxes also apply to short-term rental income. We recommend consulting with local government offices or a real estate attorney familiar with the area before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Port Isabel?

Peak season in Port Isabel centers on the summer months, with July standing out as the top earner at an average of $5,926 in monthly revenue. June ($3,933) and March ($3,762, driven by spring break traffic) are also strong performers. The slowest period runs from October through January, when average monthly revenue drops to roughly $1,000–$1,300. This seasonal pattern is typical for coastal Texas markets that rely heavily on warm-weather tourism.

How many Airbnbs are there in Port Isabel?

As of April 2026, Port Isabel has 136 active Airbnb listings. The supply is dominated by 2-bedroom properties (50 listings), followed by 3-bedrooms (41), 1-bedrooms (36), and a small number of 5-bedroom units (5). Year-over-year listing growth has been significant at 153%, indicating growing investor interest in the market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Port Isabel?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Port Isabel 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. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, removes regional outliers, and rolls 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. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Trailing 12-month revenue data by month and property size for seasonal analysis
• Popular amenity prevalence data across active listings
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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. 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.