Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Harlingen market averaged 2,105 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 14% from a year earlier and up 72% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

An average Harlingen listing earns $23K/year. High-performing listings earn $57K, while low-performing listings earn $7K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

Median Harlingen home prices by size are 1-bedroom $96K, 2-bedroom $129K, 3-bedroom $193K, and 4+ bedroom $285K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Harlingen is 33%, producing RevPAR of $45 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Harlingen. South Padre Island: Lenient. Registration required, occupancy tax collection. Minimal enforcement, tourism-focused economy encourages STRs.
Harlingen: Lenient. Business license and hotel tax required. Light enforcement, few active STRs due to limited tourism demand rather than restrictions.
Brownsville: Lenient. Business permit and hotel occupancy tax collection required. Minimal enforcement, small STR market with little regulatory scrutiny. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Harlingen Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Harlingen Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 14% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 5%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and June; it is lowest in February and January.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (100%), Internet (99%), TV (98%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Pool (+60%), Bbq (+31%), Hot Tub (+26%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Harlingen is $181, up 20% year-over-year. Rates peak in July and are lowest in November.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Harlingen book an average of 21 days in advance, down 2% from last year. Booking windows range from 16 days for 1-bedroom listings to 29 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Harlingen?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Tuesday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 49% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Brownsville	$26.0K 317 listings	14.6% 317 listings
2.Weslaco	$17.4K 59 listings	13.7% 59 listings
3.Harlingen	$24.5K 90 listings	13.6% 90 listings
4.McAllen & Pharr	$19.5K 373 listings	13.0% 373 listings
5.Mission	$20.4K 115 listings	12.6% 115 listings
6.Edinburg	$17.7K 169 listings	11.4% 169 listings
7.Laguna Vista & Port Isabel	$30.3K 81 listings	10.6% 81 listings