Lubbock

As of May 2026, Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene have 1,068 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 4% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Lubbock generates $29K per year. High-performing properties earn $52K/year, while low-performing properties earn $11K/year. This wide disparity suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to specific asset positioning, as revenue volatility currently exceeds the modest 4% supply expansion.

Average home prices in Lubbock vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $0, 2-bedroom homes average $111K, 3-bedroom properties are around $182K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $281K. These prices reflect median home values across the Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Lubbock, with an average gross yield of 16% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 29%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The gap between average and top-tier yields highlights a market where significant capital efficiency remains possible despite recent revenue softening.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lubbock is 36%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $189, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $60 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Lubbock, with an average gross yield of 21% and annual revenue of $24K. These properties balance purchase price ($111K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Lubbock market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Lubbock area. Lubbock: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permits required. Operates under general zoning and business rules. Minimal enforcement. Amarillo: Lenient. No dedicated STR ordinance. Standard business license and hotel tax collection required. Light enforcement, mostly complaint-driven. Abilene: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or registration system. Subject to general zoning and tax requirements. Minimal proactive enforcement. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Lubbock Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 12%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in revenue relative to supply growth reflects a market absorbing new inventory, signaling a shift toward more competitive pricing pressures.

Launch around August, 2-3 months before peak fall season (November 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 (March-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Lubbock listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (97%), Washing Machine (92%), Tv (91%), Heating (79%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Hot Tub, Washing Machine, with Pool properties earning approximately 60% more ($57K/year vs $36K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Lubbock over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, 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 Lubbock is $189, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $112/night, 2-bedroom properties average $142/night, 3-bedroom properties average $184/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $320/night. Rates peak in October and are lowest in February.

Guests in Lubbock book an average of 24 days in advance, down 19% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 22 days, 2-bedroom: 23 days, 3-bedroom: 22 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 Lubbock Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 4%, revenue per listing decreased 12%, occupancy fell 10%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 19%. These metrics reveal a market experiencing compressed booking windows and lower utilization, forcing owners to rely on higher rates to sustain value.

In Lubbock, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 76% higher occupancy than weekdays.