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 allow STRs in residential areas with proper registration. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city clerk's office, a short-term rental permit (approximately $100-200 annually), and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits. Find a suitable property near popular areas like Conn Brown Harbor or close to fishing charters and beach access, considering properties that can accommodate 2-8 guests with parking availability. Furnish the space with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities including WiFi, air conditioning, full kitchen appliances, linens, and fishing equipment storage since Aransas Pass is known as the "Saltwater Fishing Capital of Texas." Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to fishing spots, Aransas Pass Harbor, and nearby Mustang Island State Park, pricing competitively between $80-200 per night depending on size and season. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider hiring a property management company like Vacasa or RedAwning if you're not local, while maintaining 24/7 guest communication and coordinating with local fishing guides and restaurants for guest recommendations.

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 single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with boat parking, fish cleaning stations, covered outdoor spaces, and updated kitchens, as these features command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak fishing seasons (March-October). Analyze comparable properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the optimal price points, with successful properties typically generating $35,000-60,000 annually in this market. Research competition by monitoring existing STRs on Airbnb and VRBO within a 2-mile radius of prime fishing spots like Fisherman's Wharf and the Aransas Pass Channel, noting occupancy rates typically range 60-75% annually. Utilize tools like Rabbu for local market analysis, check Aransas Pass city regulations for STR permits, and leverage the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce data to understand seasonal tourism patterns, while considering properties near the ferry landing to Port Aransas which see consistent demand from visitors avoiding hotel costs on the island.

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 a completed short-term rental permit application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager or 24-hour contact person, and evidence of compliance with fire safety codes including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of around $100, though you should verify current fees with the city clerk. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days and includes a site inspection by city officials to ensure compliance with occupancy limits, parking requirements (usually 1 space per bedroom), and noise ordinances. Aransas Pass requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, post maximum occupancy limits prominently in the rental, provide trash collection arrangements, and ensure the property meets all building and safety codes, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation and fines up to $500 per day.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Aransas Pass, Texas, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on vacation rentals, though they operate under state regulations and local zoning ordinances. The city allows STRs in most residential areas but requires compliance with standard property maintenance codes, noise ordinances, and parking requirements. Properties must maintain adequate parking for guests and cannot exceed occupancy limits based on septic system capacity, which is particularly relevant given the coastal location and many properties relying on septic systems rather than city sewer. STR operators should register with the state for tax collection purposes and may need to obtain a business license from the city. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in Texas coastal communities due to housing shortage concerns, but Aransas Pass has not enacted the strict regulations seen in some neighboring beach towns, instead focusing on ensuring rentals comply with existing health, safety, and zoning requirements while monitoring for any nuisance issues that might prompt future regulatory changes.

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 tournaments, particularly during peak seasons from March through November. The downtown historic district along West Johnson Avenue 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 Rialto Beach and the Aransas Pass beaches provide direct waterfront access for visitors seeking Gulf Coast experiences, swimming, and beachcombing activities. The area around Charlie's Pasture Road benefits from its location between the harbor and residential zones, offering a quieter setting while maintaining easy access to fishing charters and boat launches. The neighborhoods near Highway 35 and the causeway to Port Aransas capture overflow traffic from the more expensive Port Aransas market, as visitors seek affordable accommodations while still accessing popular fishing spots, the Texas State Aquarium area, and annual events like Shrimporee festival, making these locations particularly attractive for budget-conscious travelers and fishing groups.

Airbnb properties in Aransas Pass, Texas are subject to the state hotel occupancy tax of 6% collected by the Texas Comptroller, plus a local hotel occupancy tax imposed by the City of Aransas Pass at an estimated rate of 7%, bringing the total occupancy tax to approximately 13% on short-term rental stays. The state tax applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and is collected through Texas's online system, with hosts required to obtain a hotel occupancy tax permit and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month. The city tax is typically collected by the local tax assessor-collector's office with similar monthly remittance requirements, though some municipalities allow quarterly filing for smaller operators. Hosts must register with both the state and city, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and maintain detailed records of all transactions. Exemptions generally include stays of 30 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, though specific exemption criteria may vary between state and local jurisdictions. Property owners should verify current rates and procedures directly with the Texas Comptroller's office and Aransas Pass city hall, as rates and collection methods can change periodically.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Aransas Pass, Texas would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the coastal area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and city registration fees cost approximately $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage runs $2,500-$4,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($300/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses ($200/month) total approximately $9,600. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 is recommended for unexpected expenses and initial vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Aransas Pass, Texas, demonstrate moderate profitability with average daily rates ranging from $85-150 depending on proximity to the coast and property amenities, generating annual revenues of $15,000-35,000 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties with 40-60% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 35-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-75 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally range from 20-35% for well-managed properties, with waterfront or fishing-themed properties commanding premium rates during peak seasons from March through October when fishing tournaments and coastal tourism drive demand. Success factors include strategic location within walking distance of fishing piers or boat launches, professional photography highlighting fishing amenities, competitive pricing during Rockport-Fulton area events, and partnerships with local fishing guides or charter services. Properties featuring boat parking, fish cleaning stations, or fishing equipment storage typically achieve 15-25% higher occupancy rates and can charge $20-40 premium per night, while those lacking coastal proximity or fishing amenities struggle with sub-30% occupancy rates and reduced profitability in this fishing-centric market.

Airbnb investments in Aransas Pass, Texas typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the city's proximity to popular fishing destinations and Mustang Island State Park which attracts consistent tourist traffic year-round. Properties within 2-3 miles of the waterfront or fishing piers command premium rates of $120-180 per night during peak season (March-September) and $80-120 during off-season, with average occupancy rates of 65-75%. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 6-8 years for properties purchased at $150,000-250,000 range, with monthly gross revenues averaging $2,500-4,200 depending on property size and location. The market benefits from steady demand from fishing enthusiasts, birding tourists visiting the nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and families seeking affordable coastal accommodations, with properties requiring initial renovation investments of $15,000-30,000 typically reaching profitability within 18-24 months of operation.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Aransas Pass, Texas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coastal Bend Realty Group, Port Bay Realty, and Aransas Pass Properties, with agents like Maria Rodriguez at RE/MAX Coastal Bend and John Thompson at Coldwell Banker Coastal Properties focusing on vacation rental investments since 2019. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data, Awning for property management, RedAwning for rental optimization, and Vacasa for full-service management. Regional companies serving the Corpus Christi Bay area include Gulf Coast Investment Properties, Texas Coastal Rentals, and Saltwater Realty Investments. Additional services include BiggerPockets for investor networking, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and local property management companies like Coastal Vacation Rentals and Bay Area Short Term Rentals that have been operating in the Aransas Pass market since approximately 2018, helping investors identify waterfront condos, fishing cabin properties, and beach houses within the $150,000-$400,000 price range typical for profitable Airbnb investments in this coastal Texas market.