Is Longview, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

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

• Presents a moderate investment opportunity.
• Current market conditions indicate a stable, smaller urban market with affordable property values compared to major Texas cities.
• Tourism trends in Longview are primarily driven by local events, business travel, and its position as a regional hub for East Texas, rather than a significant tourist destination.
• This can lead to less volatile but also lower peak season demand.
• The investment potential lies in the relatively lower entry costs for properties, which can lead to a decent cash-on-cash return if occupancy rates are consistently maintained through targeting specific niches like contract workers, visiting medical professionals, or families visiting relatives.
• However, the lack of major tourism draws means investors must carefully analyze local demand and ensure their properties cater to specific segments to achieve profitability.

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

• Based on available market data, Airbnb hosts in Longview, Texas typically earn between $800 to $2,200 per month.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during spring and fall months when oil industry activity increases and weather is favorable.
• Winter months generally see the lowest occupancy rates at approximately 45-55%, while peak seasons can reach 70-80% occupancy.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to major employers like the Longview Regional Medical Center and industrial facilities, property amenities such as parking and WiFi quality.
• Properties located within 10 miles of downtown Longview or near major highways tend to command premium rates of $85-120 per night, while more remote locations average $60-85 per night.

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

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods averaging 7-9 years for properties purchased in the $150,000-$250,000 range that characterizes much of Longview's housing market.
• Short-term rental properties in Longview can command $80-$120 per night with occupancy rates around 60-70%.
• The market benefits from Longview's position as an East Texas hub with steady demand from business travelers, medical visitors to local healthcare facilities, and tourists exploring the region.

Longview, Texas averages 55–65% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Airbnb occupancy rates in Longview, Texas typically average around 55-65% annually, with peak seasons occurring during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when rates can reach 70-75% due to favorable weather and local events, while summer months see moderate occupancy of 60-65% and winter experiences the lowest rates at 45-55%.
• Longview's occupancy rates generally align closely with the Texas state average of approximately 60-65% but fall slightly below the national average of 65-70%.

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

• The best Airbnb investment neighborhoods in Longview, Texas include the Historic Downtown District which offers proximity to cultural attractions, restaurants.
• The Eastgate area near Eastgate Shopping Center provides excellent access to retail, dining, and major roadways while maintaining affordable property prices with good rental demand from visiting families and shoppers.
• The neighborhoods surrounding LeTourneau University attract parents visiting students, prospective families touring the campus, and academic conference attendees.
• The areas near Good Shepherd Medical Center and Trinity Mother Frances Hospital provide strong demand from medical professionals, patients' families, and healthcare workers needing temporary housing.
• The Pine Tree Country Club vicinity appeals to golf enthusiasts and upscale visitors willing to pay higher rates for luxury accommodations near recreational facilities.
• The neighborhoods around Longview Regional Airport offer convenience for business travelers and provide easy highway access while maintaining lower property acquisition costs.
• Finally, the areas near Longview Lake and surrounding parks attract outdoor enthusiasts, families seeking recreational activities, and weekend visitors.

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

• Longview, Texas currently requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their properties with the city.
• Properties must comply with standard residential occupancy limits typically based on square footage and bedroom count, generally allowing 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants.
• The city does not currently mandate owner-occupancy requirements, allowing both hosted and non-hosted rentals in most residential zones.
• Zoning regulations permit STRs in single-family residential areas with some limitations on commercial-style operations.
• Registration involves submitting property details, contact information, and proof of liability insurance, with annual renewal required.
• Recent discussions have focused on implementing stricter noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential caps on the number of STR permits in certain neighborhoods.

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

• Short-term rentals in Longview, Texas are subject to several fees and taxes including the state hotel occupancy tax of 6%, local hotel occupancy tax of 7% (totaling 13% combined).
• Property owners must also pay standard property taxes which average approximately 2.1% of assessed value in Gregg County.
• Additional costs may include inspection fees of $75-$125 for initial permits, and some properties may be subject to homeowners association fees if applicable.
• Tourism promotion assessments may apply at 1-2% in certain designated areas, and owners should budget for potential fire safety inspection fees of $50-$100 annually depending on property type and local requirements.