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

Terlingua Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Terlingua's remote desert setting near Big Bend National Park creates a niche STR market that rewards investors who choose the right property configuration. With 264 active listings, an average annual revenue of $35,998, and an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, this small West Texas market punches above its weight for investors seeking affordable entry points. An average home value of $390,597 paired with an ROI score of 60 out of 100 positions Terlingua as an attractive opportunity, though the market's pronounced seasonality and growing supply deserve careful consideration.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Terlingua 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 Terlingua

Terlingua attracts STR investors because of its favorable revenue-to-price ratio and proximity to one of the most visited national parks in Texas, offering affordable entry into a tourism-driven market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Terlingua represents a moderately attractive opportunity for STR investors willing to navigate a seasonal, supply-sensitive market. Revenue peaks sharply in March ($4,512) and stays elevated through the fall months of October through December, while summer months like August and September bottom out near $2,220 — creating a spread of over $2,200 between the best and weakest months. The 133% year-over-year growth in listings signals rising competition and a supply/demand balance rated below average, meaning investors need to differentiate on property quality and guest experience to capture above-market returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Terlingua

Average revenue by month in Terlingua

Terlingua's revenue cycle follows a clear double-peak pattern: March leads at $4,512 as spring tourists flock to Big Bend, followed by a strong fall window from October ($3,166) through December ($3,534). Summer represents the low season, with August and September both hovering near $2,220, creating a roughly $2,300 gap between the best and weakest months that investors should plan cash flow around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Terlingua

One-bedroom units overwhelmingly dominate supply with 168 of 264 total listings (64%), while 3-bedroom properties account for just 21 listings. The relative scarcity of larger homes — combined with their significantly higher revenue — may signal opportunity for investors willing to acquire or build multi-bedroom properties in this market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Terlingua

ADR nearly triples from studios ($149) to 3-bedroom properties ($429), reflecting strong guest willingness to pay a premium for more space in this remote destination. The jump from 2-bedrooms ($300) to 3-bedrooms ($429) is especially notable at $129 per night, suggesting the premium-to-cost trade-off is strongest at the top end of the size spectrum.

Average RevPAN by property size in Terlingua

Revenue per available night climbs steadily with size, from just $31 for studios to $197 for 3-bedroom properties — more than a 6x difference. This dramatic scaling reflects both higher nightly rates and better occupancy for larger units, making multi-bedroom configurations the clear winners on a per-night revenue basis.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Terlingua

Occupancy increases with property size across the board: studios fill just 21% of available nights, while 3-bedroom homes achieve 46% occupancy. This pattern suggests larger properties in Terlingua attract more consistent bookings, offering better cash-flow stability for investors despite the market's overall moderate occupancy of 34%.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Terlingua

Three-bedroom properties lead decisively at $5,861 per month — more than twice what 1-bedrooms earn ($2,711) and nearly five times studio revenue ($1,213). The gap between 2-bedrooms ($3,569) and 3-bedrooms ($5,861) is the largest step-up in the market, reinforcing the case for targeting larger configurations.

Average annual revenue by property size in Terlingua

Annual revenue ranges from $14,565 for studios to $70,340 for 3-bedroom properties, a spread that makes property size the single most important variable for return potential in Terlingua. Investors targeting the 3-bedroom segment can expect roughly double the annual income of a 2-bedroom ($42,838) while competing in a much thinner supply pool of just 21 listings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Terlingua

Parking dominates at 95% prevalence — essential in a remote desert location with no walkable infrastructure — followed by self check-in (73%) and BBQ grills (71%), signaling that guests expect an independent, outdoor-oriented experience. Notably, washer/dryer availability is low (16–17%) and hot tubs appear in only 2% of listings, presenting potential differentiation opportunities for hosts looking to stand out.

Understanding Terlingua's ROI Score: 60/100

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

Terlingua's ROI score of 60 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, anchored primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio — meaning the income potential is strong relative to what you'll pay for a property here. Occupancy stability and market growth trend both rate as average, while supply/demand balance scores below average due to the 133% surge in new listings. Pairing this data with on-the-ground regulatory research and a focus on underrepresented property sizes (like 3-bedrooms) can help investors capture above-market returns despite the growing competitive landscape.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Terlingua

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Terlingua and Brewster County, Texas may need to register or obtain permits depending on local ordinances. Investors should verify current requirements with both the county and any applicable homeowners' associations before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions that may apply in unincorporated areas of Texas include noise and nuisance ordinances, occupancy limits tied to septic or water capacity, and parking requirements — all especially relevant in a rural desert environment. HOA or deed restrictions on some newer developments in the Terlingua area could also limit rental activity, so reviewing property-level covenants is essential.

Tax Obligations

Texas imposes a 6% state hotel occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and Brewster County may collect an additional local hotel tax. Platforms like Airbnb typically remit the state portion on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm local collection responsibilities with the county tax office.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Terlingua's STR market should continue benefiting from Big Bend tourism demand, with spring and fall remaining the strongest booking windows. ADR may edge up modestly in the 1–3% range as operators add higher-end amenities to differentiate, while occupancy is likely to hover around 32–36% given the market's seasonal nature and the 133% year-over-year growth in active listings. Investors entering now should budget conservatively around the summer trough months (June–September) when revenue can dip below $2,300 per month and plan pricing strategies that capitalize on the March and November peaks."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Terlingua, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Terlingua?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Terlingua is currently 34%, which is right in line with the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies meaningfully by property size — studios average just 21%, while 3-bedroom properties reach 46%. Seasonal fluctuations also play a role, with spring and fall months driving the strongest booking activity.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Terlingua?

Airbnb hosts in Terlingua earn an average of $2,999 per month, which translates to roughly $35,998 annually based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: studios average about $1,213 per month, while 3-bedroom properties generate approximately $5,861 monthly. Peak months like March can push monthly revenue above $4,500.

Is Terlingua a good market for Airbnb investment?

Terlingua scores 60 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' category. Its strongest factor is an above-average revenue-to-price ratio, meaning the income potential is healthy relative to typical acquisition costs of around $390,597. However, investors should note that supply growth has been significant (133% year-over-year listing growth), and occupancy stability is average, so selecting the right property size and maintaining competitive pricing are key to strong returns.

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

The average daily rate in Terlingua is $245, which comes in slightly below the Texas state average of $276. ADR scales considerably with property size — studios average $149 per night, 1-bedrooms come in at $217, 2-bedrooms at $300, and 3-bedrooms command $429 per night. This pricing structure rewards investors who target larger properties to maximize nightly revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Terlingua?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in the Terlingua area, though operators should verify any local registration, permitting, or tax obligations with Brewster County authorities. Texas does not have a statewide ban on STRs, but local jurisdictions and HOAs may impose their own rules around occupancy limits, noise, parking, and permit requirements. Checking property-level deed restrictions before purchasing is always advisable.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Terlingua?

Peak season in Terlingua runs during spring and late fall. March is the single strongest month, with average revenue reaching $4,512 — driven by Big Bend National Park tourism and pleasant desert weather. November ($3,589) and December ($3,534) form a secondary peak. The summer months from June through September are the slowest period, with average monthly revenue dipping to around $2,220–$2,605.

How many Airbnbs are there in Terlingua?

As of April 2026, there are 264 active Airbnb listings in Terlingua. The market is heavily weighted toward 1-bedroom properties (168 listings), followed by 2-bedrooms (45), studios (27), and 3-bedrooms (21). Notably, active listings have grown 133% year-over-year, indicating rapidly increasing competition in this small market.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Terlingua?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Terlingua 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 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 Terlingua market
• Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and RevPAN trends by property size
• Monthly and annual revenue data based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Average home values sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment cost 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. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and market conditions as of the dates noted; individual property results may vary based on location, quality, pricing, and management. Local regulations and tax obligations can change; investors should verify current rules with Brewster County and applicable Texas state agencies before acquiring or operating a short-term rental.