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

Port Lavaca Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Port Lavaca sits on the Texas Gulf Coast and draws visitors for fishing, waterfront recreation, and coastal getaways—making it a niche but notable short-term rental market. With just 53 active Airbnb listings and an average daily rate of $261, the market is compact yet shows above-average revenue-to-price dynamics relative to state benchmarks. Occupancy currently averages 21%, well below the 33% Texas state average, so investors will need to be strategic about property selection and seasonal pricing to capture meaningful returns.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Port Lavaca 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 Lavaca

Investors are drawn to Port Lavaca for its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and growing coastal tourism appeal, though below-average occupancy requires careful deal sourcing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Port Lavaca represents a competitive but selective opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate pronounced seasonality. The summer months of June through August account for the strongest performance, with July topping $3,753 in average monthly revenue, while the December–February stretch sees revenues drop to roughly $1,000–$1,400. Larger properties—particularly 3- and 4-bedroom homes—deliver meaningfully higher annual revenue ($30K–$37K) and stronger RevPAN, making them the most compelling configurations in this market. The below-average occupancy rate is the primary risk factor, but the favorable home prices and above-average revenue-to-price ratio help offset that concern for well-positioned properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Port Lavaca

Average revenue by month in Port Lavaca

Port Lavaca exhibits strong seasonality, with July ($3,753) and June ($3,346) delivering peak revenue while February ($1,024) and December ($1,175) mark the off-season lows—a nearly 3.7x spread between the best and weakest months. Investors should budget for meaningful revenue swings and consider dynamic pricing strategies to maximize summer returns.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Port Lavaca

One-bedroom units represent the largest share of supply at 16 listings, while 2- and 3-bedroom properties each account for 12 listings and 4-bedrooms total just 7. The relatively thin supply of larger homes could present an opportunity, especially since they generate the highest revenue and RevPAN in this market.

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

ADR scales sharply with size in Port Lavaca, rising from $117 for 1-bedroom listings to $408 for 4-bedroom properties—a 3.5x premium. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($247) to 4-bedrooms ($408) is particularly steep, suggesting strong pricing power for larger, group-friendly accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Port Lavaca

Four-bedroom properties lead RevPAN at $62, followed by 3-bedrooms at $52, while 1- and 2-bedroom units are tied at $33. This indicates that despite lower occupancy rates, larger homes generate more revenue per available night due to their substantially higher daily rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Port Lavaca

One-bedroom listings achieve the highest occupancy at 28%, while 4-bedroom properties sit lowest at 15%, reflecting the typical inverse relationship between size and booking frequency. The 2-bedroom (17%) and 3-bedroom (21%) segments fall in between, suggesting that investors in larger properties should prioritize rate optimization over fill rate.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Port Lavaca

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with property size, from $978 for 1-bedroom units to $3,110 for 4-bedroom homes. The 3-bedroom tier at $2,501/month represents a strong middle ground—offering over 2.5x the revenue of a 1-bedroom while requiring less investment than a 4-bedroom property.

Average annual revenue by property size in Port Lavaca

Four-bedroom properties top annual revenue at $37,322, followed by 3-bedrooms at $30,023, making these configurations the most compelling for return potential relative to the market's $305K average home value. One-bedroom listings trail at $11,737 annually, which may make it challenging to achieve positive cash flow after expenses.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Port Lavaca

Kitchens (100%), parking (94%), and self check-in (81%) are essentially table stakes for Port Lavaca listings, while outdoor amenities like BBQ grills (74%), outdoor furniture (64%), and patios (57%) reflect the coastal lifestyle guests expect. Notably, 40% of listings highlight waterfront access and 36% offer beach access, underscoring that proximity to water is a key differentiator in this market.

Understanding Port Lavaca's ROI Score: 47/100

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 Lavaca's ROI Score of 47 out of 100 places it in the Competitive Opportunity band, reflecting a market where the numbers can work but selectivity matters. The above-average revenue-to-price ratio is the standout factor, supported by positive market growth trends, though below-average occupancy stability tempers the overall score. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger properties to make the most of this market's seasonal coastal demand.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Port Lavaca

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Port Lavaca, Texas, may need to obtain local permits or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Port Lavaca city offices and the State of Texas, as rules can evolve.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in Texas coastal communities can include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum-stay rules during certain periods. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchase is essential.

Tax Obligations

Texas requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state hotel occupancy tax, and Calhoun County or Port Lavaca may impose additional local lodging taxes. Major platforms like Airbnb often collect state-level taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm all local obligations are covered.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Port Lavaca's STR market is expected to continue its strong seasonal pattern, with summer months (June–August) driving the bulk of annual revenue. The 90% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest, which could put downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. ADR is likely to remain in the $250–$270 range given its proximity to the state average, though larger properties commanding $400+ nightly rates may see incremental gains as the market matures. Investors should plan conservatively around off-season softness from November through February when monthly revenues historically dip below $1,500."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Port Lavaca, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Port Lavaca?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Port Lavaca is currently 21%, which is below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size—1-bedroom units lead at 28%, while 4-bedroom properties average around 15%. Seasonal demand plays a major role, with summer months driving considerably higher booking activity than the winter off-season.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Port Lavaca?

Airbnb hosts in Port Lavaca earn an average of $2,168 per month and approximately $26,018 per year based on trailing 12-month data. Larger properties tend to earn more: 4-bedroom homes average $3,110/month ($37,322 annually), while 1-bedroom units average $978/month ($11,737 annually). Peak summer months can push monthly revenue above $3,700, while winter months may drop below $1,200.

Is Port Lavaca a good market for Airbnb investment?

Port Lavaca scores a 47 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio and positive growth trends, but below-average occupancy stability means investors need to be selective. Larger properties (3–4 bedrooms) with waterfront appeal tend to perform best, and the relatively low average home value of around $305K keeps the barrier to entry manageable compared to many Texas coastal markets.

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

The average daily rate in Port Lavaca is $261, slightly below the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $117 per night, 2-bedrooms average $189, 3-bedrooms come in at $247, and 4-bedroom properties command a premium of $408 per night.

Are short-term rentals legal in Port Lavaca?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Port Lavaca, Texas, though operators should verify local permit and registration requirements with the city. Texas does not have a statewide ban on STRs, but individual municipalities and HOAs may impose specific rules regarding occupancy limits, parking, noise, and minimum stays. It's advisable to consult with local authorities and review any applicable HOA covenants before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Port Lavaca?

Peak season in Port Lavaca runs from June through August, aligning with summer vacation and coastal recreation demand. July is the highest-earning month at $3,753 in average revenue, followed by June at $3,346 and August at $3,013. The slowest months are December ($1,175) and February ($1,024), making summer revenue critical for annual profitability.

How many Airbnbs are there in Port Lavaca?

There are currently 53 active Airbnb listings in Port Lavaca. The supply is led by 1-bedroom properties (16 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms and 3-bedrooms (12 each), and 4-bedroom homes (7 listings). The market has seen substantial 90% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating rising investor interest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Port Lavaca?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Port Lavaca are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drops regional outliers, and rolls 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 Port Lavaca market
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN metrics based on current and trailing 12-month data
• Monthly and annual revenue breakdowns by property size derived from historical booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence data across active listings in the market
• Home value data 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. Occupancy and revenue data reflect trailing 12-month averages and may not capture recent shifts in demand or supply. Local regulations, tax requirements, and permit rules are subject to change—investors should verify all details with local authorities before purchasing.