South Padre Island

As of June 2026, South Padre Island, Port Isabel have 3,325 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in South Padre Island generates $47K per year. High-performing properties earn $104K/year, while low-performing properties earn $18K/year. Despite declining supply year-over-year, total revenue has contracted faster, suggesting demand weakness outpacing inventory reduction. The wide performance gap—with top properties earning 2.2x average—indicates significant operational differentiation in a market where 32% occupancy leaves substantial unutilized capacity.

Average home prices in South Padre Island vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $243K, 2-bedroom homes average $389K, 3-bedroom properties are around $641K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $965K. These prices reflect median home values across the South Padre Island, Port Isabel area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in South Padre Island, with an average gross yield of 11% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 23%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. Declining supply and revenue alongside modest 32% occupancy suggest a contracting market where the substantial gap between high and average performers indicates significant competitive differentiation among listings.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in South Padre Island is 32%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $318, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $93 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in South Padre Island, with an average gross yield of 11% and annual revenue of $110K. These properties balance purchase price ($965K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the South Padre Island market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the South Padre Island area. South Padre Island: Lenient. Registration and permit required, occupancy tax collection, basic safety standards. Light enforcement, many operate without full compliance. Port Isabel: Lenient. Business permit and hotel occupancy tax registration required. Minimal specific STR regulations, light enforcement of existing rules. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The South Padre Island Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 10%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The significant gap between average revenue ($47,374) and top performers ($103,993) suggests competition is intensifying, with market share concentrating among higher-performing properties as overall demand softens.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 52% 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 South Padre Island listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (93%), Pool (78%), Balcony (78%), Washing Machine (73%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Pool, Pets Allowed, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 33% more ($64K/year vs $48K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in South Padre Island over the last 12 months: May: $3K, June: $5K, July: $7K, August: $4K, September: $2K, October: $1K, November: $1K, December: $1K, January: $1K, February: $2K, March: $4K, April: $3K. 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 South Padre Island is $318, up 10% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $184/night, 2-bedroom properties average $235/night, 3-bedroom properties average $379/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $721/night. Rates peak in July and are lowest in January.

Guests in South Padre Island book an average of 44 days in advance, down 11% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 32 days, 2-bedroom: 43 days, 3-bedroom: 50 days, 4+ bedroom: 51 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the South Padre Island Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 6%, revenue per listing decreased 10%, occupancy fell 11%, average nightly rates increased 10%, and lead time decreased 11%. The combination of rising rates alongside declining occupancy and revenue suggests hosts are competing in a contracting market where rate increases cannot offset lost bookings. The wide gap between average revenue ($47,374) and top performers ($103,993) indicates significant performance stratification.

In South Padre Island, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 49% higher occupancy than weekdays.