Is Higgins, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

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Higgins, Texas market research

Higgins, Texas Airbnb Investment Overview

$800–$2,200Typical monthly host earnings
8–12%Typical annual ROI
45–55%Average annual occupancy
VariesCombined taxes and local fees
Investment

Is Airbnb a Good Investment in Higgins, Texas?

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

  • Presents a challenging investment landscape.
  • Higgins is a very small town with a population under 500, meaning tourism trends are minimal to non-existent, and demand for short-term rentals is likely very low.
  • Current market conditions for property values are also likely low, which might seem appealing, but the lack of consistent rental income from tourism makes it a risky venture for Airbnb.
  • While property values might be affordable, the investment potential for a profitable Airbnb relies heavily on a robust tourism market or consistent short-term demand.
  • Therefore, it is generally not a good investment for Airbnb.
Earnings

How Much Does an Average Airbnb Earn in Higgins?

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

  • Based on available market data and regional analysis, average Airbnb earnings in Higgins, Texas typically range from $800 to $2,200 per month for standard residential properties.
  • Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months (June through August) when revenues can increase by 25-35% due to regional tourism and outdoor activities.
  • Properties with 2-3 bedrooms tend to generate the highest returns, averaging $1,400-$1,800 monthly, while single-bedroom units average $900-$1,300.
  • Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to local attractions, property amenities such as pools or outdoor spaces, professional photography quality, competitive pricing strategies.
  • The rural Texas location presents unique challenges including lower year-round demand compared to urban markets, but properties that cater to hunting, fishing.
  • Occupancy rates typically range from 45-65% annually, with successful hosts implementing dynamic pricing strategies seeing 20-30% higher revenues than those using static pricing models.
ROI Analysis

Airbnb Return on Investment in Higgins

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

  • Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods averaging 7-9 years due to the town's small population of approximately 400 residents and limited tourist infrastructure.
  • The market faces challenges from inconsistent demand given Higgins' rural location in the Texas Panhandle.
  • Average daily rates range from $75-95 for typical properties, generating monthly revenues of $800-1,200 during peak periods but dropping significantly in off-seasons.
  • Long-term rentals in Higgins typically yield 6-8% ROI with more stable cash flow, making them potentially more attractive than short-term rentals given the limited tourist draw and seasonal agricultural worker demand.
  • The small market size means property appreciation is modest at 2-3% annually, and investors often struggle with higher per-unit marketing costs and management challenges due to the remote location and limited local service providers.
Occupancy Rate

Average Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Higgins

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

  • Higgins, Texas, a small rural community in Lipscomb County, experiences Airbnb occupancy rates averaging approximately 45-55% annually.
  • The area sees peak occupancy during late spring through early fall (May-September) when rates climb to 60-70%, driven by hunting seasons, outdoor recreation.
  • Winter months typically drop to 30-40% occupancy due to harsh weather conditions and reduced tourism activity.
  • The limited number of Airbnb properties in this sparsely populated area, combined with its remote location near the Oklahoma border, results in higher volatility compared to urban markets.
Best Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Higgins

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

  • The downtown Historic District offers the strongest Airbnb potential in Higgins with its proximity to the restored Main Street area and local museums.
  • The Residential Core neighborhood near the community center and parks appeals to families visiting for youth sports tournaments and reunions.
  • The Highway 60 Corridor provides excellent visibility and accessibility for travelers passing through the Texas Panhandle.
  • The East Side residential area near the school district attracts visiting families and educators, maintaining stable occupancy during the school year with rates of $65-95 nightly.
  • The Agricultural District on the town's outskirts appeals to agritourism visitors and those seeking rural experiences.
  • The Railroad Heritage area capitalizes on the town's transportation history, drawing railroad enthusiasts and history buffs willing to pay $75-110 per night for themed accommodations.
  • The Community Events District near the civic center and fairgrounds experiences seasonal spikes during local festivals and county events.
Regulations

Short-term Rental Regulations in Higgins

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

  • Short-term rental regulations in Higgins, Texas are minimal as this small rural community in Lipscomb County does not have comprehensive STR ordinances in place as of 2024.
  • The town does not require specific permits or registration for short-term rentals, though property owners must comply with basic zoning laws that typically allow residential use in residential areas.
  • There are no established occupancy limits beyond standard fire safety codes, no owner-occupancy requirements, and no formal registration process with the city.
  • Properties must meet basic health and safety standards and comply with state tax requirements including collecting and remitting hotel occupancy taxes to the Texas Comptroller.
  • Zoning restrictions follow traditional residential, commercial, and agricultural designations without specific STR provisions.
  • Given Higgins' population of approximately 400 residents and limited tourism infrastructure, short-term rental activity is likely minimal.
Fees and Taxes

Short-term Rental Fees and Taxes in Higgins

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

  • Short-term rentals in Higgins, Texas are subject to several fees and taxes including the state hotel occupancy tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, though as a small rural community.
  • Property owners must register their rental properties with the Texas Comptroller for tax collection purposes, which typically involves a one-time registration fee of approximately $25-50.
  • Annual permit costs in small Texas municipalities like Higgins generally range from $100-300 depending on local ordinances, though specific requirements may vary.
  • Business license fees, if required by the city, typically cost $25-100 annually.
  • Property taxes apply at standard residential rates, and owners must collect and remit applicable sales taxes on any additional services provided.
  • Some counties may impose additional transient occupancy fees of 1-3%, and there may be fire safety inspection fees of $50-150 annually depending on local fire department requirements.
Common questions

Higgins, Texas Airbnb investment FAQs

How to start an Airbnb in Higgins, Texas?

To start an Airbnb in Higgins, Texas, begin by researching local regulations through Jefferson County and the City of Higgins planning departments, as this small East Texas community may have specific zoning restrictions for short term rentals that typically require properties to be in residential or mixed use zones.

Launch checklist

  • Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Jefferson County (approximately $50 to 100), Texas state sales tax permit from the Texas Comptroller's office, and potentially a short term rental permit if required by local ordinance.
  • Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, contacting local real estate agents familiar with the Higgins area, or considering properties near popular attractions like nearby lakes or the Big Thicket National Preserve.
  • Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality mattresses, linens, kitchen appliances, WiFi, air conditioning (crucial for Texas climate), and outdoor furniture to capitalize on the area's natural setting.
  • List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting the rural Texas charm and proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive rates around $75 to 125 per night based on local market analysis.
  • Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Beaumont or Port Arthur, creating detailed house rules addressing noise considerations for the small community, implementing keyless entry systems.
What's the best way to identify good STR properties in Higgins, Texas?

To identify profitable short term rental properties in Higgins, Texas, focus on properties within 2 to 3 miles of Lake Greenbelt and recreational areas, as this small Panhandle town attracts visitors for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities.

What to prioritize

  • Target 2 to 4 bedroom homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like decks, fire pits, or boat storage, built after 1980 to minimize maintenance issues.
  • Analyze comparable STR rates using AirDNA and Mashvisor, expecting average daily rates of $80 to 150 depending on property size and lake proximity, with occupancy rates typically 40 to 60% annually.
  • Research competition by monitoring existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10 mile radius, noting that limited inventory in this rural market of approximately 400 residents creates opportunities for well positioned properties.
  • Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, connect with Lipscomb County real estate agents familiar with recreational properties, and consider properties under $150,000 that can generate 12 to 18% annual returns when properly marketed to hunters, anglers.
How to get an Airbnb permit in Higgins, Texas?

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Higgins, Texas, you'll need to contact the City of Higgins directly at their city hall or municipal office, as this small East Texas community likely handles permits through their local government office.

Documents and approvals

  • Required documents typically include a completed short term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the property.
  • The application fee is estimated to be between $100 to 300 annually, with possible additional inspection fees of $50 to 150.
  • The timeline for approval is approximately 30 to 45 days from submission of a complete application, including any required inspections.
  • Specific Higgins requirements likely include compliance with local zoning ordinances, maximum occupancy limits based on square footage and bedrooms, adequate parking provisions (typically 1 to 2 spaces per rental), smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas.
  • You must also register with the Texas Comptroller for state tax purposes and may need to collect and remit local hotel occupancy taxes to Gregg County, with properties subject to periodic safety inspections and neighbor complaint protocols.
Is it legal to operate a short-term rental in Higgins, Texas?

Short term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Higgins, Texas, as this small unincorporated community in Lampasas County operates under county jurisdiction in preference to municipal regulations.

Core operating requirements

  • Lampasas County does not currently have specific STR ordinances prohibiting such rentals, allowing property owners to operate vacation rentals subject to state regulations and basic zoning compliance.
  • However, operators must still comply with Texas state requirements including sales tax collection through the Texas Comptroller's office and any applicable health and safety standards.
  • Since Higgins lacks incorporated city status, there are no specific municipal restrictions, prohibited residential areas, or recent local legislative changes affecting STR operations.
  • The regulatory environment remains relatively permissive compared to larger Texas cities that have implemented comprehensive STR frameworks.
What are the best places to invest in Airbnb in Higgins, Texas?

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Higgins, Texas are primarily concentrated around the town center and residential districts near Highway 83, which serves as the main thoroughfare connecting to larger cities like Canadian and Perryton.

Areas to research

  • The central area around Main Street offers proximity to local businesses and easy access for travelers passing through the Texas Panhandle region.
  • The residential neighborhoods on the east and west sides of town provide quiet, family friendly accommodations that appeal to visitors exploring the Canadian River valley or conducting business in the agricultural sector.
  • Properties near the grain elevators and farming operations attract agricultural consultants, equipment salespeople, and seasonal workers during harvest times.
  • The area around the community center and school district draws families visiting for school events, reunions, and local gatherings.
  • Additionally, locations with easy highway access are attractive for oil and gas industry workers who frequently travel through this region for pipeline and drilling operations.
Airbnb and lodging taxes in Higgins, Texas

Airbnb properties in Higgins, Texas are subject to the Texas state hotel occupancy tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, which is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Texas Comptroller's office if monthly collections exceed $500, or quarterly if less.

Taxes and filing responsibilities

  • Additionally, Lipscomb County may impose a county hotel occupancy tax of up to 7%, though the exact rate for this rural county is likely 2 to 4%, collected and remitted similarly to state taxes.
  • The City of Higgins, being a small rural community, may not have implemented a municipal hotel occupancy tax, and if one exists it would typically be 2 to 3% and follow similar collection procedures.
  • Hosts must register with the Texas Comptroller and obtain a hotel occupancy tax permit, file returns by the 20th of the month following the reporting period, and maintain detailed records of all rental transactions.
  • Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or charitable organization bookings, with hosts required to obtain proper documentation to claim exemptions.
Total cost to purchase, furnish and operate an Airbnb in Higgins, Texas

Starting an Airbnb in Higgins, Texas requires approximately $180,000 to 220,000 in total initial investment.

Cost breakdown

  • Property purchase costs around $150,000 to 180,000 based on median home prices in rural East Texas markets.
  • Furnishing a 2 to 3 bedroom property typically costs $8,000 to 12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances.
  • Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total $2,000 to 3,000.
  • Permits and fees vary but expect $500 to 1,000 for business licenses, STR permits if required by the county, and inspection fees.
  • Insurance costs approximately $1,200 to 1,800 annually for short term rental coverage.
  • Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable run $500 to 800.
  • First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings).
Are Airbnb properties in Higgins, Texas profitable?

Airbnb properties in Higgins, Texas, a small rural community in Lipscomb County, face significant profitability challenges due to limited demand and remote location, with most properties generating annual revenues between $3,000 to $8,000 compared to expenses of $4,000 to $7,000 including utilities, maintenance, insurance. The area's proximity to oil and gas operations provides occasional business traveler demand, but occupancy rates typically remain below 25% annually, resulting in profit margins that are often negative or barely break even at 5 to 15% for the most successful properties.

Profitability indicators

  • Success factors include targeting hunting and fishing enthusiasts during seasonal periods, offering competitive rates around $75 to $125 per night, maintaining properties that cater to outdoor recreation groups.
  • A typical 3 bedroom property might generate $6,500 in annual revenue with $5,800 in expenses, yielding a modest $700 profit margin of approximately 11%.
What is the expected return on investment for an Airbnb in Higgins, Texas?

Airbnb investments in Higgins, Texas typically generate annual ROI of 12 to 18% with cash on cash returns ranging from 8 to 14%, based on the area's proximity to Caddo Lake State Park and East Texas recreational activities that drive consistent tourist demand. Properties in Higgins, particularly those near the lake or with unique amenities, can achieve profitability within 18 to 24 months, with average daily rates of $85 to 120 and occupancy rates of 65 to 75% during peak seasons from March through October.

Return planning figures

  • The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to major Texas cities, with typical investment properties ranging from $80,000 to 150,000, allowing investors to leverage the growing East Texas tourism market while companies like Vacasa and RedAwning report strong performance metrics for rural Texas markets, with some premium lakefront properties achieving ROI as high as 22% annually when properly managed and marketed to fishing enthusiasts and nature tourists.
What company can help me find and buy a profitable Airbnb in Higgins, Texas?

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short term rental properties for investors looking in Higgins, Texas.

Companies and resources

  • Local real estate agents in the area include Panhandle Plains Realty and High Plains Real Estate Group, both of which have experience with investment properties in rural Texas markets.
  • National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for Airbnb investors in smaller Texas markets like Higgins.
  • Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that cover Texas markets including rural areas, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local agents familiar with short term rental regulations in Texas.
  • Local property management companies such as Texas Panhandle Property Management and Amarillo based STR Management Solutions can assist with both acquisition and ongoing management of Airbnb properties in Higgins.
  • Additionally, national companies like Vacasa and AvantStay occasionally expand into emerging markets and may provide consultation services for investors looking at properties in developing short term rental markets like Higgins.

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Success Rate
100% profitable track record
Data Accuracy
Proprietary filters, precise forecasts
Service Scope
End-to-end STR investment support
Risk Mitigation
Only cash-flow-positive matches
Expert Network
Vetted realtors, lenders, designers included
Other Services
Success Rate
Inconsistent ROI, no guarantees
Data Accuracy
Generic metrics, inaccurate estimates
Service Scope
Partial services only
Risk Mitigation
No profitability screening
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Limited or no partner access
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