Is Aransas Pass, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Aransas Pass, Texas, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Aransas Pass Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically restrict rentals to certain residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a short-term rental license from the city (approximately $100-200 annually), register for Texas state and local occupancy taxes with the Texas Comptroller, and secure proper insurance coverage for short-term rentals. Find a suitable property in permitted zones, focusing on areas near the harbor, fishing attractions, or beach access points that appeal to tourists visiting for fishing charters and coastal activities. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning (crucial for Texas heat), fishing equipment storage, and outdoor spaces for cleaning fish or relaxing. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with high-quality photos highlighting proximity to fishing spots, boat launches, and local attractions like the Aransas Pass Harbor and nearby Mustang Island. Market to fishing enthusiasts, families visiting the coast, and birders attracted to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge area. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with coastal property challenges like salt air corrosion, and consider hiring a local property management company experienced with Aransas Pass's seasonal tourism patterns that peak during fishing seasons and summer months.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Aransas Pass, Texas, focus on waterfront or water-view locations within walking distance of fishing piers, marinas, and the Conn Brown Harbor, as this coastal town attracts fishing enthusiasts and beach visitors year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with boat parking, fish cleaning stations, outdoor spaces, and updated kitchens, as guests often prefer to cook their catch and need functional amenities for extended fishing trips. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in the $100-250 per night range, considering seasonal fluctuations with peak rates during summer months and major fishing tournaments like the Deep Sea Roundup in June. Study competition by examining occupancy rates and reviews of existing STRs near popular areas like Ropes Park, the Aransas Pass Aquatic Center, and Highway 361 corridor leading to Port Aransas. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce for event calendars, San Patricio County appraisal district for property values, and Facebook groups like "Aransas Pass Community" for local insights on neighborhood desirability and upcoming developments that could impact rental demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Aransas Pass, Texas, you must first contact the City of Aransas Pass Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 600 W Cleveland Blvd to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has specific regulations for STRs particularly in residential areas. You'll need to submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit or Special Use Permit along with required documents including a site plan, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage), parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, waste management plan, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. The application fee typically ranges from $150-300 for the permit plus additional fees for inspections and administrative processing. You must also register with the Texas Comptroller for state hotel occupancy tax collection and obtain a sales tax permit. The city requires compliance with occupancy limits (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), noise ordinances, and parking requirements (usually 1 space per bedroom). The approval process generally takes 30-60 days including public notice periods and potential Planning Commission review, followed by required inspections for fire safety, building code compliance, and zoning verification before final permit issuance.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Aransas Pass, Texas, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on vacation rentals, though property owners must comply with standard zoning regulations and obtain proper business licenses. The city operates under Texas state law which generally permits STRs unless specifically prohibited by local ordinance, and Aransas Pass has not enacted restrictive regulations like some other Texas coastal communities. Properties used as STRs must comply with residential zoning requirements and basic safety standards, with most single-family homes in residential areas permitted to operate as vacation rentals. There are no specific prohibited zones for STRs within city limits, though properties must meet standard occupancy limits and parking requirements. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and collect applicable hotel occupancy taxes, with rates typically around 7% for the city portion plus additional county and state taxes. Recent legal changes have been minimal, with the city maintaining a relatively permissive stance compared to other Texas Gulf Coast destinations like Galveston or South Padre Island that have implemented more restrictive STR ordinances in recent years.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Aransas Pass, Texas are the Conn Brown Harbor district near the marina and fishing piers, which attracts year-round fishing enthusiasts and boaters visiting for red drum and speckled trout fishing tournaments, particularly during peak seasons from March through November. The downtown historic district along Highway 35 offers proximity to local restaurants, shops, and the Aransas Pass Aquatic Center, appealing to families and tourists exploring the area's maritime heritage. Properties near Ropes Park and the Aransas Pass beaches provide direct waterfront access, making them highly desirable for vacation rentals targeting tourists seeking coastal experiences, swimming, and water sports. The area around the Aransas Pass Community Park attracts visitors attending local events, youth sports tournaments, and RV travelers who prefer nearby accommodations. Additionally, properties within walking distance of the ferry landing to San José Island are particularly valuable as they serve tourists heading to the pristine beaches and nature preserve, especially during spring break and summer months when ferry traffic peaks.

Airbnb properties in Aransas Pass, Texas are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Texas state hotel occupancy tax of 6%, San Patricio County hotel occupancy tax of 2%, and the City of Aransas Pass hotel occupancy tax of 7%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 15% on gross rental receipts. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits the state portion directly to the Texas Comptroller's office, while hosts may need to register separately with San Patricio County and the City of Aransas Pass to remit local portions monthly or quarterly depending on volume. The city requires registration within 30 days of beginning operations and remittance by the 20th of the month following collection, while the county follows similar procedures with quarterly filing for smaller operators collecting less than $500 per quarter. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings, though hosts must maintain proper documentation and may need to apply exemptions manually since Airbnb's system typically collects taxes on all bookings regardless of exemption status.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Aransas Pass, Texas would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $180,000-$200,000 based on median home prices in this coastal area near Corpus Christi. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and coastal-themed decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials would be $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and city registration would total $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection would cost $2,500-$4,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable would be $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($3,600), property management software ($300), maintenance reserves ($2,000), and marketing ($1,000) would total approximately $8,700. Additional costs for welcome amenities, initial supplies, and contingency funds would add another $2,000-$3,000 to the startup investment.

Airbnb properties in Aransas Pass, Texas, typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties near the waterfront or fishing areas, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of fishing piers or boat launches achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% compared to 45-60% for inland properties, with peak seasons during spring and fall fishing periods driving premium pricing. A typical 3-bedroom waterfront property purchased for $180,000 in 2021 generated approximately $38,000 in gross revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding a 47% profit margin and 11% return on investment. Success factors include proximity to fishing attractions, boat parking availability, fish cleaning stations, and targeting the Houston metropolitan area market which represents 65% of visitors to the region. Properties offering fishing guides partnerships or boat rental coordination have reported 15-20% higher revenues than standard vacation rentals, with some hosts like those managing properties near Conn Brown Harbor achieving occupancy rates exceeding 80% during peak fishing seasons.

Based on Aransas Pass, Texas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location proximity to fishing areas and the Gulf Coast. Properties within 2-3 blocks of waterfront or fishing charters command premium rates of $120-180 per night during peak season (March-September), while inland properties average $80-120 nightly. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with full investment recovery expected in 6-8 years. The seasonal nature of this coastal fishing community means 60-70% of annual revenue concentrates in spring and summer months, requiring careful cash flow management during slower winter periods. Properties targeting fishing enthusiasts and families visiting nearby Mustang Island State Park show strongest performance, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually and average daily rates 15-25% above traditional rental market comparables.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Aransas Pass, Texas. Local real estate agents like Coastal Bend Realty and Port Bay Realty have experience with vacation rental properties in the area, while Century 21 Action Realty and Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel serve the broader Corpus Christi Bay region including Aransas Pass. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and investment property data, AirDNA for short-term rental market analysis, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. RedAwning and Awning.com offer vacation rental market insights, while local property management companies like Coastal Vacation Rentals and Texas Coast Vacation Rentals can provide market expertise for investors. Additional national platforms include Roofstock, which occasionally features short-term rental properties, and local investment groups through the Real Estate Investors Association of South Texas that focus on coastal vacation rental markets.