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

Waco Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Waco presents an appealing entry point for short-term rental investors, combining above-average revenue-to-price ratios with home values averaging $308,454 — well below many competing Texas markets. With 424 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $26,077, the market rewards investors who target larger properties and manage seasonality effectively. The city's draw as a tourism and cultural destination, anchored by attractions that pull visitors year-round, underpins consistent demand.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Waco 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 Waco

Waco attracts STR investors with its favorable revenue-to-price dynamics, cultural tourism appeal, and accessible property values compared to larger Texas metros.

Expert Market Assessment

"Waco earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, reflecting a market where favorable acquisition costs offset moderate occupancy levels. Seasonality plays a notable role: March is the clear revenue peak at $2,753 per month, while January dips to $1,431 — a spread that investors should plan for in cash-flow models. The sweet spot for returns lies in 3- to 5-bedroom properties, which combine stronger occupancy (31–35%) with meaningfully higher nightly rates. Investors entering this market should focus on differentiation and operational quality to stand out as listing growth continues."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Waco

Average revenue by month in Waco

March is Waco's peak revenue month at $2,753, nearly double January's low of $1,431, revealing pronounced seasonality that investors should build into their financial models. The summer months (June–August) remain solid in the $2,350–$2,511 range, with a secondary bump in October at $2,499 likely tied to fall events and football season.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Waco

The supply is concentrated in 1- to 3-bedroom properties, which together account for roughly 82% of all 424 listings, while 4-bedroom (47 listings) and 5+ bedroom (23 listings) homes are notably underrepresented. This scarcity at the larger end, combined with their stronger revenue metrics, may signal an opportunity for investors willing to acquire bigger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Waco

ADR scales steeply with size in Waco — from $100 for studios to $662 for 6+ bedroom homes — reflecting strong group and family demand willing to pay a premium. The jump from 3-bedroom ($220) to 4-bedroom ($270) represents a compelling price-per-bedroom increase that may offer the best return on incremental investment.

Average RevPAN by property size in Waco

Revenue per available night climbs sharply with property size, from $26 for studios to $218 for 6+ bedroom listings, confirming that larger homes not only charge more but also convert bookings efficiently. Four-bedroom properties deliver $94 in RevPAN — over twice the market average of $58 — making them a strong middle-ground option for investors.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Waco

Occupancy rates are relatively compressed across property sizes, ranging from 25% for 1-bedrooms to 35% for 4-bedrooms, suggesting that demand is present across the spectrum but favors mid-to-large configurations slightly. The 4-bedroom category's 35% occupancy — the highest of any size — paired with its strong ADR makes it particularly attractive for consistent cash flow.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Waco

Monthly revenue differences are dramatic: studios and 1-bedrooms average around $1,265–$1,284, while 5-bedroom properties bring in $4,549 and 6+ bedrooms reach $6,012 per month. For investors seeking meaningful monthly income, 3-bedroom properties at $2,558 per month represent a practical sweet spot between acquisition cost and revenue generation.

Average annual revenue by property size in Waco

Annual revenue ranges from roughly $15,200 for studios and 1-bedrooms up to $72,147 for 6+ bedroom properties, illustrating how dramatically returns scale with size in Waco. Properties with 4 or more bedrooms clearing $39,599–$72,147 annually present the strongest gross revenue potential, though investors should weigh these figures against higher acquisition and operating costs.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Waco

Parking (98%) and kitchens (95%) are near-universal, while self check-in (89%) has become a clear guest expectation in Waco — listings without these basics risk significant competitive disadvantage. Outdoor living features like backyards (66%), patios (64%), and BBQ grills (47%) are highly prevalent, reflecting a market where guests value space and outdoor entertaining, particularly given Waco's climate.

Understanding Waco's ROI Score: 68/100

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

Waco's ROI Score of 68 out of 100 places it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects how well property income stacks up against acquisition costs here. Occupancy stability, market growth, and supply/demand balance all register as average — solid fundamentals without red flags, but also without exceptional outperformance in those areas. Pairing this score with local regulatory research and a property-level financial analysis will give investors the clearest picture of whether Waco fits their portfolio goals.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Waco

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Waco, Texas may be required to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Waco and consult McLennan County regulations to ensure full compliance.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Texas STR markets can include occupancy limits, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and minimum stay rules. HOA covenants may also restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Texas are generally subject to state hotel occupancy tax and may owe additional local occupancy taxes to the City of Waco. Major booking platforms often collect and remit state-level taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm local obligations and filing requirements with the appropriate tax authority.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Waco's short-term rental market is expected to maintain steady fundamentals, with occupancy likely hovering in the 28–32% range and modest ADR growth of 2–4% as the listing base matures. March through August should continue to drive the bulk of annual revenue, while winter months may see softer performance. The 115% year-over-year growth in active listings signals strong investor interest, so new entrants should watch supply closely — though the market's tourism appeal and affordable home prices provide a solid cushion against oversaturation. Investors who differentiate through amenities and target larger properties are best positioned to capture above-average returns."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Waco, TX

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Waco?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Waco is currently 29%, which sits slightly below the Texas state average of 33%. Occupancy varies by property size — 4-bedroom properties lead at 35%, while studios and 1-bedrooms hover around 25–26%. Investors can improve occupancy by targeting the right property size and optimizing pricing strategy for seasonal demand shifts.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Waco?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Waco earn approximately $2,173 per month or $26,077 annually based on trailing 12-month data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: 1-bedroom listings average around $15,185 per year, while 5-bedroom properties pull in roughly $54,589 annually. Larger homes with group-friendly amenities tend to command the strongest returns in this market.

Is Waco a good market for Airbnb investment?

Waco scores 68 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market's above-average revenue-to-price ratio is a standout factor, meaning investors can generate meaningful cash flow relative to what they pay for property. Average home values around $308,454 keep acquisition costs manageable, though the 29% occupancy rate means effective pricing and seasonal strategy are important for maximizing returns.

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

The average daily rate across all Waco Airbnb listings is $199, compared to a Texas state average of $276. ADR scales substantially with property size — studios average $100 per night, while 6+ bedroom properties command $662. This pricing structure makes larger homes particularly compelling for investors targeting higher per-night revenue.

Are short-term rentals legal in Waco?

Short-term rentals do operate in Waco, TX, with 424 active Airbnb listings currently in the market. However, regulations can change, and hosts may need to obtain permits or meet specific requirements set by the City of Waco. We recommend checking directly with local government offices for the most current rules on STR licensing, zoning, and operational standards before investing.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Waco?

March is the highest-earning month for Waco Airbnb hosts, with average revenue reaching $2,753. The broader peak season extends from March through August, with monthly revenues consistently above $2,300. January and December are the softest months at $1,431 and $1,615 respectively, so investors should budget for seasonal dips during winter.

How many Airbnbs are there in Waco?

Waco currently has 424 active Airbnb listings. The supply is distributed fairly evenly across 1-bedroom (107 listings), 2-bedroom (121 listings), and 3-bedroom (118 listings) properties, with fewer options in the 4+ bedroom range. The market has seen significant listing growth, with a 115% year-over-year increase in active listings.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Waco?

The annual and monthly revenue figures shown for Waco 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 up the results 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 data. 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 Waco and surrounding areas
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue benchmarks based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Supply growth and market composition data to help gauge competitive dynamics

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 performance and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permit requirements may change — investors should verify current rules with the City of Waco and relevant Texas authorities before purchasing.