Is Beebe, Arkansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Beebe, Arkansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Beebe City Hall (501-882-3001) as the city may require business licenses or special permits for short-term rentals, though Arkansas generally has fewer restrictions than larger cities. Contact White County's planning department to verify any county-level requirements and check if your property is zoned for commercial or residential use that allows rentals. Obtain necessary permits including a general business license from Beebe City Hall (estimated $25-50 annually) and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Highway 67/167 or downtown Beebe, considering proximity to Little Rock (30 minutes away) for business travelers, with average property costs ranging $80,000-150,000 for a 2-3 bedroom home. Furnish the space with essential amenities including WiFi, basic kitchen supplies, linens, and local touches highlighting Arkansas culture, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with competitive pricing around $60-90 per night based on local market rates, emphasizing proximity to Little Rock, Searcy, and outdoor activities at nearby state parks. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, maintaining the property regularly, and considering hiring local cleaning services in Beebe or nearby Searcy for turnovers, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes as Arkansas requires sales tax collection on short-term rental income.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Beebe, Arkansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Camp Robinson military base and along Highway 67/167 corridors for consistent military and business traveler demand. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, reliable WiFi, and parking, as these appeal to extended-stay guests and families visiting the area. Analyze comparable nightly rates in nearby Little Rock suburbs ($75-150/night) and adjust 10-15% lower for Beebe's smaller market, while calculating potential 50-65% occupancy rates based on military training schedules and regional business patterns. Research competition using Airbnb and VRBO searches within 15-mile radius, noting that limited inventory in Beebe creates opportunity but requires competitive pricing against Little Rock options 30 minutes south. Utilize AirDNA for market data, contact Beebe Chamber of Commerce for local event calendars and economic development plans, monitor Camp Robinson training schedules through military community boards, and analyze White County tourism patterns while considering proximity to Greers Ferry Lake (45 minutes) for seasonal demand fluctuations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Beebe, Arkansas, you must first contact the Beebe City Hall at 201 West Center Street or call (501) 882-3001 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain the necessary application forms. Required documents typically include a completed STR permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, and payment of applicable fees. The permit fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-100. You must also register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for state tax collection purposes and obtain a business license from White County if required. The property must comply with local zoning ordinances, fire safety codes, and building requirements, including working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Submit all documentation to the City Clerk's office and schedule a required safety inspection with the local fire department. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days from submission of complete application, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st with updated insurance documentation and compliance verification.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Beebe, Arkansas, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals or short-term accommodations. Arkansas state law does not broadly restrict STRs, leaving regulation primarily to local municipalities. Beebe, a small city in White County with approximately 8,000 residents, has not implemented comprehensive STR ordinances as of 2023, meaning property owners can typically operate vacation rentals under existing residential use provisions. However, operators must still comply with standard business licensing requirements, collect and remit state and local taxes including Arkansas's 6.5% sales tax and any applicable local hotel/motel taxes, and ensure properties meet basic safety and zoning requirements. The city may require STRs to operate within residential zoning districts and maintain compliance with noise ordinances and occupancy limits. Unlike larger Arkansas cities such as Little Rock or Fayetteville that have enacted specific STR regulations with registration requirements and operational restrictions, Beebe's smaller size and limited tourism infrastructure have resulted in less regulatory oversight, though this could change as the STR market grows and the city considers more formal regulatory frameworks.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Beebe, Arkansas include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like the annual Badger Days festival, and neighborhoods close to Arkansas State University-Beebe campus that cater to visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees. Properties near Centennial Park and the recreational areas around Harris Brake Lake are attractive for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking weekend getaways, while areas along Highway 67/167 corridor benefit from business travelers and those visiting nearby Little Rock who prefer more affordable accommodations outside the city. The residential neighborhoods near the Beebe Healthcare system also present opportunities for medical tourism and families of patients seeking extended-stay options, particularly given the growing healthcare sector in the region and Beebe's position as a regional medical hub serving White County.

In Beebe, Arkansas, Airbnb hosts are subject to Arkansas state sales tax of 6.5% on gross rental receipts, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect tax from guests at the time of booking, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for most taxpayers. White County, where Beebe is located, does not impose additional local lodging taxes on short-term rentals as of 2023. The city of Beebe itself does not currently levy specific occupancy or lodging taxes on Airbnb properties. Hosts must file Form ST-1 for sales tax returns and maintain records of all rental transactions. Exemptions are limited and typically apply only to rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term leases rather than taxable accommodations. Collection occurs through the booking platform when Airbnb has agreements with the state, or directly by the host when no such agreement exists, requiring manual collection and remittance of the 6.5% state sales tax.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Beebe, Arkansas is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on the median home price in this small Arkansas city. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property requires $15,000-$20,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and city registration fees cost approximately $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,500-$2,500 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO (3% each), and marketing total $8,000-$12,000. Property taxes and HOA fees if applicable add another $2,000-$3,000 for the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Beebe, Arkansas typically generate modest returns with average nightly rates ranging from $65-85 for standard 2-3 bedroom homes, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,200-2,100 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates common in smaller Arkansas markets. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-150 monthly), and maintenance ($200-400 monthly) typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue. Properties near Beebe's proximity to Little Rock (30 miles) and Camp Robinson perform better, with some hosts like those operating renovated historic homes reporting 15-25% net profit margins after mortgage payments. Success factors include competitive pricing below Little Rock rates, targeting military families and business travelers, maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, and offering amenities like high-speed internet and pet-friendly policies. A typical $150,000 investment property generating $18,000 annual revenue with $12,000 in total expenses (including mortgage) can yield 4-8% cash-on-cash returns, though seasonal fluctuations and Arkansas's relatively low tourism demand compared to major metropolitan areas limit scalability potential.

Airbnb investments in Beebe, Arkansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on average property acquisition costs of $120,000-180,000 and monthly rental income of $1,200-1,800 for 2-3 bedroom properties. The market benefits from proximity to Little Rock (45 minutes) and Searcy, attracting business travelers and families visiting Harding University, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs including furnishing ($15,000-25,000), marketing, and property management expenses. Properties near downtown Beebe or with unique amenities like pools or large outdoor spaces command premium rates of $80-120 per night, while standard homes average $60-85 nightly, with seasonal variations showing 20-30% higher rates during university events and summer months.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Beebe, Arkansas. Local real estate agents in the area who focus on investment properties include Century 21 Arkansas Properties and Coldwell Banker Arkansas Properties, both of which have agents experienced in analyzing rental potential for vacation properties. RE/MAX Real Estate Partners in nearby Searcy also serves the Beebe market with investment-focused services. National companies like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for Airbnb investors looking at Arkansas markets. Roofstock and Arrived Homes offer turnkey short-term rental investment opportunities that may include properties in the greater Little Rock area encompassing Beebe. Local property management companies such as Arkansas Vacation Rentals and White County Property Management can assist with both acquisition advice and ongoing management of Airbnb properties in the region.