Is Albany, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Albany, Texas combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a unique opportunity, largely due to its rural charm and seasonal tourism.
• Current market conditions indicate average monthly earnings ranging from $800 to $2,200, with most properties bringing in $1,200 to $1,800, depending on size and amenities.
• Tourism trends are significantly influenced by spring and fall outdoor activities and hunting seasons, which can boost demand by 25-40%.
• Summer sees moderate performance due to the heat, while winter is the lowest earning period.
• Key investment potential factors include proximity to Fort Griffin State Historic Site and local lakes, unique amenities like hunting access.
• Properties offering specialized experiences such as ranch stays or hunting lodges command premium rates of $150-250 per night, with standard residential properties earning $75-120 nightly.

$800–$2,200 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, average Airbnb earnings in Albany, Texas typically range from $800 to $2,200 per month.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during spring and fall months when outdoor activities and hunting seasons drive demand up by approximately 25-40%.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to Fort Griffin State Historic Site and local lakes, property condition and unique amenities like outdoor spaces or hunting access, competitive pricing strategies.
• Properties offering specialized experiences such as ranch stays or hunting lodges command premium rates of $150-250 per night, while standard residential properties typically earn $75-120 nightly.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods ranging from 8-12 years depending on property acquisition costs and occupancy rates.
• The small town's proximity to outdoor recreation areas and hunting ranches drives seasonal demand, particularly during fall hunting seasons and summer lake activities.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals in Albany that yield approximately 6-8% ROI with more stable but lower monthly income of $800-1,200, short-term rentals can outperform by 2-4 percentage points annually but require significantly more active management and face higher vacancy risks during off-peak periods.
• Properties within 10 miles of Fort Griffin State Historic Site or near Hubbard Creek Lake command premium rates, while downtown Albany properties benefit from proximity to the restored courthouse square and local events.

Albany, Texas averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Albany, Texas, a small city in Shackelford County with approximately 2,000 residents, experiences Airbnb occupancy rates averaging around 45-55% annually.
• The city sees its peak occupancy during late spring and early fall months (April-May and September-October) when rates can reach 65-70%, driven by favorable weather conditions and hunting seasons.
• Winter occupancy remains moderate at around 50% as the area attracts hunters during deer season from November through January.
• The relatively lower occupancy rates compared to state and national averages reflect Albany's rural location, limited tourist attractions beyond outdoor activities, and smaller visitor market.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The downtown Albany Historic District offers excellent Airbnb potential due to its proximity to the Old Jail Art Center, historic courthouse, and walkable antique shops.
• The residential area near Albany Country Club provides upscale accommodations for business travelers and golf enthusiasts.
• Neighborhoods surrounding Fort Griffin State Historic Site capitalize on history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the fort ruins and Clear Fork of the Brazos River.
• The area near Albany High School and civic center benefits from sports tournaments, graduation events, and local gatherings, providing steady weekend revenue from visiting families.
• Properties close to the Shackelford County Courthouse attract legal professionals, government workers, and genealogy researchers, ensuring reliable weekday occupancy.
• The residential streets near Albany General Hospital serve medical professionals, patient families, and healthcare workers needing temporary housing, offering stable demand year-round.
• Finally, the neighborhoods along the Clear Fork Brazos River provide scenic locations for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Property owners typically do not need specific city permits for short-term rentals, though they must comply with standard business licensing requirements and collect applicable state and local taxes through the Texas Comptroller's office.
• Occupancy limits generally follow standard residential building codes, usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, though specific limits may vary by property size and zoning.
• There are no owner-occupancy requirements mandating hosts to live on-site.
• Zoning restrictions primarily limit short-term rentals to residential and some mixed-use areas, with potential restrictions in purely commercial zones.
• Registration processes are minimal at the city level, though operators should register with the Texas Comptroller for tax collection purposes and may need to obtain a general business license.
• As of 2023-2024, Albany has not enacted significant regulatory changes specifically targeting short-term rentals, maintaining a relatively permissive approach compared to larger Texas cities like Austin or Dallas.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Albany, Texas are subject to several fees and taxes including the state hotel occupancy tax of 6% on gross rental receipts.
• Property owners must obtain a short-term rental permit which generally costs between $150-300 annually, along with an initial registration fee of $50-100.
• Additional requirements may include a business license fee of $25-75, fire safety inspection fees of $100-200, and potential homeowner association fees if applicable.
• Some jurisdictions also impose a tourism promotion tax of 1-2% and may require liability insurance with minimum coverage of $500,000-1,000,000, costing approximately $500-1,200 annually.
• Depending on the rental's location and local regulations established around 2018-2022, there may be additional administrative fees of $25-50 for permit processing and renewal.