Harris County Airbnb Market Analysis 2026: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Texas, United States
Is Airbnb profitable in Harris County in 2026? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Harris County, Texas, United States to uncover income potential. This 2026 STR market report for Harris County, based on AirROI data from February 2025 to January 2026, reveals key trends in the niche market of 28 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Harris County, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Harris County Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Harris County Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Harris County (2026)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Harris County is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Harris County is typically November, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Harris County across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $6,373+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,772 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,453 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $589, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Harris County
Harris County Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2026)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Harris County STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Harris County:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 70%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 48% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 31%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 18% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Harris County
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Harris County (2026)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Harris County involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Harris County typically peaks in September and dips lowest during February. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $395+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $252 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $125 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $47 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Harris County
Get Live Harris County Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Harris County (2026)
Peak Season (November, June, March)
- Revenue averages $2,918 per month
- Occupancy rates average 41.1%
- Daily rates average $171
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,479 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 33.1%
- Daily rates hold near $177
Low Season (January, February, May)
- Revenue drops to average $1,662 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 36.4%
- Daily rates adjust to average $166
Seasonality Insights for Harris County
- The Airbnb seasonality in Harris County shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Harris County's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,173, occupancy reaching a high of 54.1%, and ADRs peaking at $205.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,297, occupancy could drop to 22.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $147.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Harris County.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Harris County seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Harris County (2026)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Harris County? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Houston | The bustling economic and cultural center of Houston, featuring a mix of business, entertainment, and sports venues. Perfect for both business and leisure travelers looking for convenience and vibrancy. | Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston Theater District, Buffalo Bayou Park |
| The Heights | A historic neighborhood known for its charm, unique architecture, and local boutiques. Attracts families and young professionals who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere with access to parks and local eateries. | Heights Hike and Bike Trail, The Heights Mercantile, Historic homes, Local coffee shops, Restaurants and breweries |
| Midtown | A vibrant area filled with restaurants, bars, and nightlife, appealing to younger visitors and professionals. Offers a lively atmosphere with easy access to downtown. | Midtown Park, Local breweries, Restaurants and cafes, Nightclubs and bars, Metro Rail access to downtown |
| Galleria | Houston's premier shopping district featuring luxury stores and high-end dining options. Attracts shoppers and business travelers looking for an upscale experience. | The Galleria, Uptown Park, Post Oak Boulevard, High-end restaurants, Westin Galleria |
| West University Place | Known for its affluent residents and peaceful neighborhoods. Offers a suburban feel with proximity to Houston's urban attractions, appealing to families and professionals. | West University Parks, Local boutiques, Restaurants, Beautiful homes and architecture, Herman Park nearby |
| Katy | A growing suburban area popular with families due to its excellent schools and community facilities. Ideal for long-term stays and family travel. | Katy Mills Mall, Typhoon Texas Waterpark, Parks and Recreation areas, Local restaurants, Katy Boardwalk |
| Cypress | A suburban area that offers a mix of residential and recreational options. It is appealing for families and those looking for a quiet retreat while still being close to Houston. | Cypress Towne Center, Local parks, Golf courses, Community amenities, Shopping and dining options |
| Clear Lake | A vibrant area near the NASA Johnson Space Center, attracting space enthusiasts and families. Combines a suburban feel with access to lakes and outdoor activities. | NASA Johnson Space Center, Clear Lake Park, Baybrook Mall, Waterfront dining, Outdoor recreation areas |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Harris County (2026)
While Harris County, Texas, United States currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Harris County to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Harris County (2026)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Harris Countybased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Bayfront Getaway with Large Deck and Scenic Views
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Modern Entertainer's Dream: Pool | Cabana | Games
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Spacious Cypress Getaway | 4BR + 3BA w/ Workspace!
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Full House/Back Yard/Wifi/Garage
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Katy/Cypress Spacious 3BR w/ Loft & Patio
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Cozy Private Apartment w/ Yard
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Harris County (2026)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Harris County based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam | 1 | $102,387 | 45 | 4.56/5.0 |
| Lindsey | 1 | $67,219 | 25 | 4.48/5.0 |
| Cypress Nest | 1 | $36,127 | 23 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Arjun | 1 | $32,957 | 54 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Evolve | 2 | $27,147 | 3 | Not Rated |
| Avril | 1 | $25,446 | 7 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Perla | 1 | $25,165 | 72 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Maria | 1 | $17,380 | 15 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Xavier | 1 | $16,257 | 18 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Tracy | 1 | $15,412 | 1 | Not Rated |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Harris County.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Harris County STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Harris County. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsHarris County Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2026): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Harris County
- The Harris County Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 64.3% of the 28 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- However, a notable 35.7% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Harris County, House properties are the most common (96.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 96.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique (combined 3.6%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Harris County Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Harris County
- The dominant room capacity in Harris County is 4 bedrooms listings, making up 25% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 4 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms properties represent 50.0% of the active Airbnb listings in Harris County, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 60.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Harris County.
Harris County Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Harris County
- The most common guest capacity trend in Harris County vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (42.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Harris County STR market, accounting for 57.2% of listings.
- 60.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Harris County.
- On average, properties in Harris County are equipped to host 4.8 guests.
Harris County Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Harris County
- The most common availability pattern in Harris County falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 75% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 92.9% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Harris County (50%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 10.7% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Harris County Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
8 listings
28.6% of total
2 Nights
10 listings
35.7% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
3.6% of total
7-29 Nights
5 listings
17.9% of total
30+ Nights
4 listings
14.3% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Harris County is 2 Nights, adopted by 35.7% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (64.3%) of the Harris County Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (14.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Harris County, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 35.7% of Harris County hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 28.6% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 14.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Harris County.
Harris County Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
3.6% of total
Limited
1 listings
3.6% of total
Flexible
10 listings
35.7% of total
Moderate
7 listings
25% of total
Firm
6 listings
21.4% of total
Strict
3 listings
10.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Harris County
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Harris County is Flexible, used by 35.7% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (60.7%) and stricter (32.1%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 35.7% market standard in Harris County.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 10.7% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Harris County.
Harris County STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2026)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Harris County
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Harris County is 14 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during November (average 36 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in May (average 4 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (27 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (10 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (14 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Harris County.
- For November stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 36 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- During May, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (4 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 27 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Harris County averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Harris County (2026)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Harris County
- Essential amenities in Harris County that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, TV, Carbon monoxide alarm are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Harris County: Air conditioning, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Smoke alarm, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or TV to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Harris County to stay competitive.
Harris County Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Harris County
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Harris County consists of primarily domestic travelers (94%), often arriving from nearby Houston, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 93.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (93.5%) and Mexico (2.2%).
- Top languages spoken are English (64.8%) followed by Spanish (29.6%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Houston and San Antonio.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Harris County Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield | 10 | $4,761 | $360.96 | 42% |
| Midfield | 10 | $4,574 | $539.57 | 23% |
| Jamaica Beach | 199 | $3,774 | $394.20 | 37% |
| Crystal Beach | 143 | $3,768 | $408.48 | 35% |
| Bolivar Peninsula | 913 | $3,311 | $396.49 | 34% |
| Columbus | 17 | $3,218 | $413.88 | 29% |
| Deer Park | 14 | $3,208 | $228.63 | 51% |
| Schulenburg | 25 | $3,157 | $349.06 | 31% |
| Chappell Hill | 11 | $2,947 | $509.72 | 31% |
| Seabrook | 54 | $2,872 | $263.19 | 39% |