South Padre Island, TX Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

South Padre Island Short-Term Rental Market Overview

South Padre Island stands out as a beach-driven vacation rental market where occupancy significantly outpaces the Texas state average — 51% versus 33%. With 711 active Airbnb listings generating an average annual revenue of $38,503 and an ADR of $230, the island offers investors a seasonal but compelling income profile anchored by spring break and summer demand. Rapid supply growth of 129% year-over-year signals rising investor interest, though the market's strong occupancy suggests demand is keeping pace so far.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the South Padre Island 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 South Padre Island

South Padre Island attracts investors because of its strong seasonal beach tourism, above-average occupancy for Texas, and a range of property sizes that can match different budget and return targets.

Expert Market Assessment

"South Padre Island earns a 61 out of 100 ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" category — a market where demand and revenue justify serious investor attention, even if returns aren't guaranteed. Seasonality is the defining feature here: monthly revenue ranges from a low of $1,368 in November to a peak of $7,984 in July, a nearly 6x swing that requires careful cash-flow planning. The island's occupancy stability and revenue-to-price ratio both score at average levels, suggesting the opportunity is real but competitive — investors who differentiate with premium amenities and sharp pricing during shoulder months will be best positioned to outperform."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in South Padre Island

Average revenue by month in South Padre Island

South Padre Island's revenue cycle is sharply seasonal — July leads at $7,984 in average monthly revenue, roughly 5.8 times the November low of $1,368. A secondary peak in March ($5,073) reflects strong spring break demand, making the market a two-peak destination that rewards investors who price aggressively during these windows.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in South Padre Island

Two-bedroom units dominate the supply with 313 listings (44% of the market), followed by 3-bedroom properties at 157. Larger homes with 5+ bedrooms account for only 38 combined listings, suggesting less competition and potential pricing power for investors willing to acquire bigger properties on the island.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in South Padre Island

ADR scales steadily from $133 for studios to $475 for 5-bedroom homes, with a slight dip to $458 at the 6+ bedroom tier. The jump from 3 bedrooms ($278) to 4 bedrooms ($377) — a 36% premium — represents one of the steepest increments, suggesting the mid-to-large segment captures strong nightly rate gains.

Average RevPAN by property size in South Padre Island

Five-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $229 per available night, meaningfully ahead of 4-bedroom ($147) and 6+ bedroom ($162) units. This makes the 5-bedroom segment the standout from a yield-per-night perspective, combining strong nightly rates with above-average occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in South Padre Island

One-bedroom units lead occupancy at 55%, with studios and 2-bedrooms close behind at 52%. Larger properties see lower fill rates — 4-bedroom units average just 39% and 6+ bedrooms come in at 35% — meaning investors in bigger homes should budget for more vacant nights despite higher per-booking revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in South Padre Island

Monthly revenue climbs steadily with size, from $1,389 for studios to $11,809 for 6+ bedroom properties. The gap accelerates at the larger end: 4-bedroom homes earn $6,851 per month, nearly double the 3-bedroom figure of $3,861, underscoring how group-sized vacation homes punch well above their weight on this island.

Average annual revenue by property size in South Padre Island

Annual revenue potential ranges from $16,676 for studios to $141,709 for 6+ bedroom homes, with 5-bedroom properties earning $118,385. For investors evaluating return on purchase price, the larger property tiers offer the most compelling gross revenue, though acquisition costs and seasonal vacancy must be weighed carefully.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in South Padre Island

Parking (99%) and kitchens (98%) are essentially table stakes on South Padre Island, while pools (88%) and self check-in (74%) are near-universal expectations. Hot tubs appear in 58% of listings and beach access in 47%, suggesting that properties offering both amenities along with outdoor living spaces can differentiate in a competitive field.

Understanding South Padre Island's ROI Score: 61/100

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

With an ROI Score of 61 out of 100, South Padre Island lands in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier — a market where the fundamentals warrant serious consideration but don't signal a can't-miss bargain. All four calculation factors — Revenue-to-Price Ratio, Occupancy Stability, Market Growth Trend, and Supply/Demand Balance — rate at average levels, indicating a balanced but not exceptional profile. Investors should pair this score with local regulatory research and a realistic seasonal cash-flow model to determine whether the island's summer-heavy revenue pattern fits their investment timeline.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in South Padre Island

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

Permit Requirements

Operators in South Padre Island, Texas should expect that a short-term rental permit or registration is required before listing a property; the Town of South Padre Island and Cameron County may each have their own filing requirements. Investors are strongly encouraged to verify current permitting rules directly with local municipal offices before purchasing.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in coastal Texas resort communities can include occupancy limits tied to bedroom count, minimum stay requirements during certain periods, noise ordinances, designated parking mandates, and potential HOA restrictions — especially in condo buildings that make up a significant share of island inventory. It's worth confirming whether any permit caps or zoning overlays apply to the specific property you're evaluating.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental operators in Texas are generally subject to the state's 6% hotel occupancy tax, and South Padre Island may impose additional local lodging or tourism taxes on top of that. Major booking platforms typically collect and remit some of these taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm their full tax obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, South Padre Island is likely to see continued demand through its core spring and summer seasons, with July and June expected to remain the top revenue months. ADR may face modest pressure if supply continues expanding at triple-digit rates, though occupancy could hold in the 48–54% range given the island's enduring appeal as a Gulf Coast vacation destination. Investors should plan for meaningful revenue swings between peak summer months and the quieter fall-winter period, and budget accordingly for off-season carrying costs. Revenue growth estimates of 1–3% are reasonable if listing quality and pricing strategies stay competitive."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in South Padre Island, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in South Padre Island?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in South Padre Island is currently 51%, which is well above the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 55% and 6+ bedroom properties averaging around 35%. This above-average occupancy reflects the island's strong and consistent appeal as a Gulf Coast vacation destination.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in South Padre Island?

On average, Airbnb hosts in South Padre Island earn approximately $3,208 per month, or about $38,503 annually, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Earnings vary significantly by property size — studios average around $16,676 per year, while 6+ bedroom homes can bring in roughly $141,709 annually. Revenue also fluctuates with the seasons, peaking sharply in summer.

Is South Padre Island a good market for Airbnb investment?

South Padre Island carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 61 out of 100, categorized as an "Attractive Opportunity." The market benefits from strong seasonal vacation demand, occupancy well above the state average, and solid revenue potential — especially for larger properties. That said, significant seasonality means investors should plan for lower-revenue months in fall and winter, and the rapid 129% year-over-year growth in listings means competition is intensifying.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in South Padre Island?

The average daily rate in South Padre Island is $230, which is below the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales notably with property size: studios average $133 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $475 per night. This pricing structure means larger vacation homes capture a significant premium on the island.

Are short-term rentals legal in South Padre Island?

Short-term rentals are permitted in South Padre Island, as evidenced by the 711 active Airbnb listings currently operating in the market. However, operators should expect to obtain appropriate permits or registrations from the Town of South Padre Island and comply with any applicable local, county, and state regulations. We recommend consulting local government offices and a qualified attorney to understand the latest requirements before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in South Padre Island?

Peak season on South Padre Island centers on summer and spring break. July is the highest-earning month, with average revenue reaching $7,984 per listing, followed by June at $5,299 and March (spring break) at $5,073. The slowest months are November through January, when average monthly revenue dips to the $1,368–$1,756 range. This roughly 6x swing between peak and off-peak months is something investors should factor into their financial planning.

How many Airbnbs are there in South Padre Island?

As of April 2026, there are 711 active Airbnb listings in South Padre Island. Two-bedroom properties dominate the supply with 313 listings, followed by 3-bedroom units at 157 and 1-bedroom units at 131. The market has experienced rapid growth, with a 129% year-over-year increase in active listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in South Padre Island?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for South Padre Island 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 results 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 how effectively the listing is managed.

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 South Padre Island and surrounding areas
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Property value benchmarks sourced from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform competitive positioning

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 historical averages and may not capture recent regulatory changes or market shifts. Individual property results will vary based on location, condition, amenities, pricing strategy, and management quality.