Is Altus, Oklahoma Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Altus, Oklahoma, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Altus Planning Department, as the city may require short-term rental permits or business licenses, though specific STR regulations are limited compared to larger cities. Contact Altus City Hall at 580-481-2200 to verify current requirements and obtain necessary permits, which typically include a general business license costing around $25-50 annually. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate markets where median home prices range from $80,000-120,000, focusing on areas near Altus Air Force Base or downtown for higher occupancy rates. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting unique features and proximity to the Air Force base, setting competitive rates around $60-90 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, and considering hiring local cleaning services like those found through Jackson County service providers, while ensuring compliance with Oklahoma state tax requirements including collecting and remitting applicable lodging taxes to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Altus, Oklahoma, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Altus Air Force Base, as military personnel and visiting families represent the primary demand driver, along with properties near downtown areas and major highways like US-283 and US-62 for business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with modern amenities, reliable HVAC systems, and parking for 2+ vehicles, as military families often travel with multiple cars. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against the limited existing STR inventory, aiming for rates 15-20% below Oklahoma City levels while maintaining 60-70% occupancy, with average daily rates likely ranging $80-120 depending on property size and proximity to the base. Research competition through Airbnb, VRBO, and local Facebook groups, noting that Altus has relatively few STRs compared to larger Oklahoma markets, creating opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like STR Helper for market analysis, connect with Altus Board of Realtors for property data, monitor Jackson County economic development reports, and engage with local property management companies familiar with military housing allowances and seasonal demand patterns driven by training schedules at the air base.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Altus, Oklahoma, contact the Altus City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 222 W Commerce Street or call (580) 481-2200 to begin the application process. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a signed affidavit acknowledging compliance with city ordinances. Submit a zoning compliance verification form to ensure your property is in an area that permits short-term rentals, as some residential zones may have restrictions. The application fee is approximately $50-75 for the initial permit plus an annual renewal fee of $25-50. You'll need to schedule a safety inspection with the Altus Fire Department (estimated $75 inspection fee) to verify smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and proper egress windows. The timeline is typically 2-4 weeks from application submission to permit approval, assuming all documents are complete and the property passes inspection. Altus requires STR operators to collect and remit city sales tax (currently 4.125%), maintain a guest registry, post emergency contact information prominently in the rental, and ensure parking doesn't violate city ordinances. Properties must comply with occupancy limits based on square footage and bedroom count, and quiet hours are typically enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Altus, Oklahoma, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements, zoning regulations that may restrict commercial activities in residential areas, and state tax obligations including Oklahoma's lodging tax. The city follows typical residential zoning rules where STRs in single-family residential zones may face restrictions if they create nuisances or violate occupancy limits, while properties in commercial or mixed-use areas typically have fewer restrictions. Altus has not implemented the comprehensive STR regulations seen in larger Oklahoma cities like Oklahoma City or Tulsa, meaning operators primarily need to ensure compliance with existing business license requirements, fire safety codes, and neighborhood compatibility standards. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary business permits before operating STRs, as local regulations can change and enforcement may vary based on neighborhood complaints or city policy updates.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Altus, Oklahoma include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the city's heritage and local events, and neighborhoods close to Altus Air Force Base, which generates consistent demand from military families, visiting personnel, and contractors. The area around Western Oklahoma State College draws parents visiting students and academic conference attendees. Properties near the Altus City Reservoir and Lake Altus-Lugert (about 20 miles north) appeal to fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and outdoor recreation visitors, particularly during spring and summer months. The residential areas along East Broadway and near the Altus Municipal Airport can capture business travelers and those attending events at the Jackson County Expo Center. These locations benefit from Altus's position as a regional hub for agriculture, military operations, and outdoor recreation, with steady demand from military-related travel, college visits, hunting and fishing tourism, and business travelers serving the agricultural sector.

In Altus, Oklahoma, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Oklahoma state lodging tax is 5.5% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days. Jackson County, where Altus is located, imposes an additional 2% county lodging tax, bringing the total lodging tax rate to approximately 7.5%. The City of Altus may impose an additional municipal lodging tax of up to 5%, though the current rate is estimated at 3%, making the combined rate around 10.5%. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the Oklahoma Tax Commission for state taxes and to Jackson County for county taxes, with returns due by the 20th of the following month. Airbnb may collect and remit some of these taxes automatically depending on agreements with local jurisdictions, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Rentals of 30 days or longer are typically exempt from lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for certain types of accommodations or guests, such as government employees on official business, though specific exemption details vary by locality.

To start an Airbnb in Altus, Oklahoma, expect total costs around $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $65,000-$75,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Oklahoma generally cost $300-$800 depending on local requirements and business license needs. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $1,200-$2,000 annually, with six months costing $600-$1,000. Utility setup and deposits total approximately $500-$800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150-$200 monthly), cleaning supplies, maintenance, platform fees, and marketing average $2,500-$3,500. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add another $1,000-$2,000 to initial costs.

Airbnb properties in Altus, Oklahoma typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $45-75 and occupancy rates around 40-55% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $6,500-15,000 per year for a standard 2-3 bedroom property. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs typically consume 50-65% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins between 35-50% for well-managed properties. Success factors in this market include proximity to Altus Air Force Base which drives consistent military personnel demand, competitive pricing below $70/night, professional photography, and maintaining high cleanliness standards, with properties near the base or downtown area performing 20-30% better than rural locations. A case example would be a renovated 3-bedroom home purchased for $85,000 generating approximately $12,000 annual gross revenue with $6,500 in expenses, yielding $5,500 net profit annually or roughly 6.5% return on investment, though properties targeting extended stays for military families or contractors can achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% and improved profitability.

Airbnb investments in Altus, Oklahoma typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the city's proximity to Altus Air Force Base which creates consistent demand from military personnel, contractors, and visiting families. Properties in Altus generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $75-95 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and steady military-related travel, though seasonal fluctuations occur during training cycles and PCS moves. Investment properties typically require $25,000-40,000 in initial capital for purchase and setup, with monthly gross revenues averaging $1,200-1,800 for well-positioned 2-3 bedroom homes near the base. The relatively low property acquisition costs ($80,000-120,000 for suitable investment properties) combined with stable demand from Altus AFB operations contribute to the favorable returns, though investors should account for property management costs of 15-25% and maintain 10-15% vacancy buffers in financial projections.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Altus, Oklahoma. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors and Century 21 Judge Fite Company have experience with investment properties in the Altus market and understand the local rental dynamics near Altus Air Force Base. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data analysis, and Awning for short-term rental investment guidance. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while Roofstock focuses on turnkey rental properties. Local property management companies like Altus Property Management and Southwest Oklahoma Property Services can assist with identifying investment opportunities and managing Airbnb operations. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors maximize their returns, and local mortgage brokers familiar with investment properties include First National Bank & Trust and American National Bank who understand the Altus market dynamics influenced by the military presence and agricultural economy.