Harlingen

As of May 2026, South Padre Island, Harlingen, Brownsville have 1,922 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 1% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Harlingen generates $22K per year. High-performing properties earn $52K/year, while low-performing properties earn $7K/year. This wide revenue spread indicates that top listings capture a disproportionate share of the market, likely due to specific amenities or positioning that separates them from the underperforming majority.

Average home prices in Harlingen vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $97K, 2-bedroom homes average $130K, 3-bedroom properties are around $194K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $283K. These prices reflect median home values across the South Padre Island, Harlingen, Brownsville area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Harlingen, with an average gross yield of 12% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 29%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The variance between average and high yields highlights that profitability is highly sensitive to operational efficiency and revenue management strategies.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Harlingen is 33%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $172, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $40 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Harlingen, with an average gross yield of 17% and annual revenue of $51K. These properties balance purchase price ($283K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Harlingen market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Harlingen area. South Padre Island: Lenient. Registration and permit required, occupancy tax collection. Minimal enforcement, tourism-dependent economy encourages STRs. Harlingen: Lenient. Business license and hotel occupancy tax required. Light enforcement, few active restrictions on residential STRs. Brownsville: Lenient. Business permit and tax registration needed. Minimal enforcement, limited STR activity due to lower tourism demand. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Harlingen Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 1% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 19%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous drop in supply and revenue suggests that market contraction is driven by lower demand rather than an oversupply of inventory.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak winter season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -8% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (September-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Harlingen listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (92%), Washing Machine (86%), Heating (75%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Bbq, Hot Tub, with Pool properties earning approximately 56% more ($42K/year vs $27K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Harlingen over the last 12 months: May: $1K, June: $1K, July: $2K, August: $1K, September: $990, October: $1K, November: $1K, December: $1K, January: $962, February: $832, March: $2K, April: $1K. 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 Harlingen is $172, up 23% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $88/night, 2-bedroom properties average $129/night, 3-bedroom properties average $184/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $364/night. Rates peak in March and are lowest in May.

Guests in Harlingen book an average of 20 days in advance, down 20% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 17 days, 2-bedroom: 17 days, 3-bedroom: 21 days, 4+ bedroom: 27 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Harlingen Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 1%, revenue per listing decreased 19%, occupancy fell 14%, average nightly rates increased 23%, and lead time decreased 20%. These figures reflect a tightening environment where higher pricing attempts may be failing to offset broader softening in demand.

In Harlingen, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 42% higher occupancy than weekdays.