South Central8.9% avg cap rate

Port Aransas, TX

Texas Gulf Coast island escape - beach STR with strong cap rates

Port Aransas on Mustang Island is the premier Texas island beach destination - a ferry-accessed barrier island with 18 miles of Gulf beach drawing visitors from San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley. The market has been one of the fastest recovering Gulf Coast STR markets post-storm, and cap rates remain among the strongest of any Texas coastal property.

8.9%
Avg Cap Rate
Net operating income / price
66%
Avg Occupancy
Annual average
$305
Avg Nightly Rate
All property types
$495K
Avg List Price
STR-viable properties

Estimated Annual Performance

Gross rental revenue
66% occ × $305/night
$73,475
Est. operating expenses
Mgmt, cleaning, supplies, insurance (~40%)
- $29,390
Est. net operating income
Before mortgage & depreciation
$44,085
At $495K avg price
Implied cap rate
8.9%

* Estimates based on market averages. Individual property performance varies. Always run a full underwriting analysis.

Why Investors Choose Port Aransas

Only island beach accessible via ferry from mainland Texas
Spring break and summer draw from five major Texas metros
Rebuilt post-Harvey inventory is newer and commands premium rates
No Texas income tax on STR rental income
Peak season: Spring break, Memorial Day - Labor Day
Top property types: Beach House, Condo, Single Family, Gulf-front Home
Primary zip: 78373

Port Aransas STR investing, answered

Is Port Aransas, TX a good short-term rental market?

Port Aransas is a South Central STR market averaging a 8.9% cap rate, 66% annual occupancy, and $305/night across STR-viable listings. Port Aransas on Mustang Island is the premier Texas island beach destination - a ferry-accessed barrier island with 18 miles of Gulf beach drawing visitors from San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley. The market has been one of the fastest recovering Gulf Coast STR markets post-storm, and cap rates remain among the strongest of any Texas coastal property.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Port Aransas?

STR-viable properties in Port Aransas average about 66% occupancy across the year. Peak season is Spring break, Memorial Day - Labor Day. Occupancy here reflects availability-adjusted booking performance, not raw calendar occupancy, so it represents what a full-time operated rental can realistically achieve.

How much do short-term rentals earn in Port Aransas?

At $305/night and 66% occupancy, a typical Port Aransas STR grosses roughly $73,475 per year before expenses, leaving an estimated $44,085 in net operating income against a $495K average price, an implied 8.9% cap rate. Individual results depend on property, amenities, and management.

What types of properties work best for STR in Port Aransas?

The strongest-performing STR property types in Port Aransas are Beach House, Condo, Single Family, Gulf-front Home. Only island beach accessible via ferry from mainland Texas. Matching the local guest profile and the amenities that drive bookings in this market matters more than raw square footage.

What is the median STR-viable home price in Port Aransas?

STR-viable listings in Port Aransas average around $495K. Primary STR ZIP codes include 78373. Combined with the market's 8.9% average cap rate, that price level sets the return baseline you'd underwrite against.

Market averages, not guarantees. Cap rates, occupancy, and nightly rates are market-wide averages based on active STR listings and historical data. Individual property performance depends on location, amenities, management, and listing quality. Always run a full underwriting analysis before purchasing.

Run a live analysis in Port Aransas

Search active MLS listings in Port Aransas and instantly see cap rates, cash flow projections, and STR comp-backed nightly rates - all in one underwriting report.