Stephenville, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Stephenville, TX?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Stephenville, Texas. The city officially recognized and defined short-term rentals in its municipal code through Ordinance No. 2020-O-__, which amended Chapter 36, Article II of the City Code of Ordinances. The ordinance became effective January 1, 2021, and specifically includes short-term rentals within the definition of "Hotel" for hotel occupancy tax purposes.

Stephenville maintains a low regulation environment for short-term rentals compared to many Texas cities, with no additional licensing requirements beyond tax compliance. This creates a relatively straightforward path for investors to operate STRs in the market.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Stephenville?

Stephenville hosts earn a median $23,937/year with $169 ADR and 50% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $35,954+ per year.

See the full Stephenville market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Stephenville

Market Opportunity Assessment

Stephenville offers a compelling STR investment opportunity driven by:

Tarleton State University Influence

The city is home to Tarleton State University, creating consistent demand from students, visiting families, and university-related events
Occupancy peaks align with the academic calendar: semester start/end, graduations, homecoming weekends
University events provide predictable booking cycles

Tourism and Cultural Attractions

Stephenville is known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," attracting rodeo enthusiasts and Western culture tourists
Local rodeo events, particularly the annual Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo, draw regional visitors
Historic downtown district and cultural attractions provide additional tourism appeal

Property Performance Metrics (2025 Market Data)

Average Daily Rate (ADR): $222
Average Annual Revenue: $26,593 per listing
Current Active Listings: 90 properties
Occupancy Rate: 39.2%
Revenue Growth Year-over-Year: 4.2%

Market Positioning Strategy

Optimal Property Types

Houses represent 64.4% of the market, indicating strong demand for entire-home rentals
3-bedroom properties dominate (31.1%), serving families and small groups
Properties accommodating 8+ guests represent 26.7% of listings, serving larger groups

Target Guest Demographics

99% domestic travelers, primarily from Texas (San Antonio and Fort Worth as top origins)
50% of guests belong to Post-2000s generation (Gen Z/Alpha)
Peak booking periods: October (78-day lead time), May (peak revenue month)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State Requirements

Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)

Rate: 6% of gross rental receipts
Threshold: Applies to all reservations of 29 nights or fewer
Reporting: Monthly filing required with Texas Comptroller
Scope: Includes base rental rate plus all cleaning fees and additional charges
Due Date: 20th day of the month following collection

Local Requirements

Stephenville Compliance

No additional city-level permits or licenses required beyond state tax compliance
No local hotel occupancy tax imposed by the city
No specific zoning restrictions for STR operations identified

Documentation Requirements

Register with Texas Comptroller's office for HOT collection
Maintain records of all rental transactions
Collect and remit 6% state HOT monthly
Coordinate with tax professionals for compliance setup

Recommended Business Structure

Professional Management Considerations

Consider engaging local property management companies for operational efficiency
Ensure compliance with state tax requirements regardless of management structure
Maintain separate business records for tax compliance

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Stephenville Regulations

Municipal Code Amendments (Ordinance No. 2020-O-__)

Definition: Short-term rentals are defined as "consideration for occupancy of all or part of a residential structure/residential property, whether or not permanently occupied by others"
Tax Classification: STRs are subject to the same hotel occupancy tax framework as traditional hotels
Effective Date: January 1, 2021
Compliance: Required to comply with hotel occupancy tax collection and remittance

No Additional City Requirements

No separate STR registration process
No local licensing requirements
No zoning restrictions specifically for short-term rentals
No property inspection requirements beyond standard residential codes

County Level (Erath County)

Limited County Oversight

No specific county-level STR regulations identified
Standard county business licensing may apply for operating any business
Property taxes apply under standard residential/commercial classifications

State Level Regulations (Texas)

Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Requirements

Mandatory collection for stays under 30 days
6% tax rate on gross receipts
Monthly filing requirement with state comptroller
Potential penalties for non-compliance

General Business Requirements

Standard Texas business registration if operating as a business entity
Insurance requirements as standard for rental property operations
Compliance with all applicable state landlord-tenant laws for short-term stays

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Stephenville

Municipal Government

City Manager: Allen L. Barnes (per ordinance review)
City Secretary: Staci L. King
City Attorney: Randy Thomas
Mayor: Doug Svien

Note: Contact information for specific tax or business licensing departments was not provided in the source materials. Investors should contact the city directly for current department contacts.

State Tax Authority

Texas Comptroller - Hotel Occupancy Tax

Website: comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/
Phone: Contact through main comptroller office
Filing: Online portal available for monthly tax remittance

Recommended Initial Contacts

City Hall (Stephenville)

Purpose: Confirm no additional local requirements or recent ordinance changes
Approach: Request to speak with planning/zoning or tax department regarding STR operations

Erath County

Purpose: Verify no county-level business licensing requirements
Approach: Contact county clerk or tax assessor-collector office

Links to Source Pages

Investment Considerations and Recommendations

Risk Assessment

Regulatory Risk: Low in Stephenville due to minimal specific regulations
Market Risk: Moderate due to university-dependent demand cycles
Tax Compliance: Primary operational requirement for legal operation

Revenue Optimization Strategies

Peak Season Pricing: Capitalize on university events and rodeo weekends
Dynamic Pricing: Adjust rates based on demand cycles (peak: May, low: January)
Minimum Stay Flexibility: 45.6% of market uses 1-night minimum, but consider longer stays during peak periods

Due Diligence Checklist

[ ] Confirm current state and local tax rates
[ ] Verify no HOA restrictions on STR operations
[ ] Review property insurance requirements for commercial rental use
[ ] Establish tax collection and remittance procedures
[ ] Consider professional property management for operational efficiency

Stephenville presents a favorable environment for short-term rental investment with its combination of institutional demand drivers, tourist attractions, and minimal regulatory burden, making it an attractive market for investors seeking to enter the Texas STR landscape.

Next step

Found a property in Stephenville?

Paste any address and get estimated revenue, cash-on-cash return, and comparable STR performance in under 5 minutes. 3 free analyses per day.

Ask the AI Advisor about Stephenville

Stephenville, Texas is the county seat of Erath County, set in the rolling Cross Timbers region of north-central Texas. With a population of roughly 21,000 residents, the city has long carried the unofficial title of "Cowboy Capital of the World," a nod to its deep ranching traditions, working cattle operations, and storied rodeo culture. It is also home to Tarleton State University, a member of the Texas A&M University System and one of the largest employers and cultural anchors in the area. Stephenville sits approximately 100 miles southwest of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, about an hour and a half to two hours by car, giving it easy access to a major urban population while preserving a distinct small-town Western character.

One of the most-visited natural attractions within easy reach is Dinosaur Valley State Park, located in Glen Rose roughly 40 minutes to the southeast. The park is famous for the remarkably preserved dinosaur tracks embedded in the limestone bed of the Paluxy River, and visitors can camp, hike, swim, and fish in the surrounding Hill Country landscape. Just a few miles from the park, the nearby town of Glen Rose also offers additional draws such as the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and the Creation Evidence Museum, making the area a full day-trip destination for families and outdoor travelers staying in Stephenville.

Within the city itself, the Western and ranching identity remains the central draw. Seasonal rodeos and stock shows are held at the local arena, and the surrounding Erath County countryside is dotted with working ranches, wide pastures, and country roads that invite visitors to slow down. The walkable downtown centers on the historic Erath County Courthouse square, where locally owned shops, diners, and cafés reflect the community's tight-knit character. A small local historical museum preserves artifacts and stories from the region's pioneer and ranching past, giving visitors a sense of how the town earned its cowboy reputation.

A short drive in any direction opens up the broader Cross Timbers landscape of post oaks, mesquite savannas, and quiet farm country, with lakes, wildlife management areas, and rural byways suited for cycling, birding, and casual sightseeing. Tarleton State University brings a steady calendar of college sports, performing arts, and commencement events that fill rooms year-round. For short-term rental owners, this blend of university-driven demand, regional rodeo and Western-heritage tourism, and proximity to one of Texas's most distinctive state parks makes Stephenville a versatile and consistently visited destination.