Abilene

As of May 2026, Abilene, San Angelo, Lubbock have 1,794 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Abilene generates $36K per year. High-performing properties earn $82K/year, while low-performing properties earn $14K/year. This significant revenue spread highlights a bifurcated market where top-tier listings capture a disproportionate share of demand, while the bottom tier struggles to maintain viability amidst flat supply growth.

Average home prices in Abilene vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $104K, 2-bedroom homes average $132K, 3-bedroom properties are around $229K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $341K. These prices reflect median home values across the Abilene, San Angelo, Lubbock area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Abilene, with an average gross yield of 14% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 33%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. Such high yield potential suggests that operational efficiency or unique asset positioning allows elite units to thrive despite the broader 8% year-over-year revenue decline.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Abilene is 36%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $253, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $69 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Abilene, with an average gross yield of 18% and annual revenue of $72K. These properties balance purchase price ($341K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Abilene market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Abilene area. Abilene: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general zoning and business rules. Minimal enforcement. San Angelo: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license and tax compliance expected. Light enforcement, hosts operate freely. Lubbock: Moderate. Business license required, zoning compliance necessary, some neighborhood restrictions. Complaint-driven enforcement, generally permissive outside residential zones. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Abilene Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 8%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue per available room suggests that even with minimal new inventory, existing listings are facing increased pressure on pricing or utilization.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -1% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Abilene listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (95%), Tv (91%), Washing Machine (75%), Heating (73%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Washing Machine, Hot Tub, with Pool properties earning approximately 58% more ($76K/year vs $48K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Abilene over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $3K, July: $3K, August: $2K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Abilene is $253, up 19% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $145/night, 2-bedroom properties average $191/night, 3-bedroom properties average $254/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $507/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in Abilene book an average of 25 days in advance, down 14% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 23 days, 2-bedroom: 24 days, 3-bedroom: 26 days, 4+ bedroom: 31 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Abilene Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 1%, revenue per listing decreased 8%, occupancy fell 0%, average nightly rates increased 19%, and lead time decreased 14%. The combination of higher rates and shorter lead times indicates a shift toward shorter, more spontaneous booking patterns as hosts attempt to offset declining overall revenue.

In Abilene, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 51% higher occupancy than weekdays.