Is Belgrade, Missouri Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Belgrade, Missouri, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Washington County Planning and Zoning Department, as Belgrade falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Contact Washington County at (573) 438-3221 to verify short-term rental requirements, which typically include business license registration and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Obtain necessary permits including a Missouri business license through the Secretary of State's office and register for state and local tax collection with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Belgrade's residential areas, focusing on properties zoned for residential use that allow commercial activities, with typical home prices ranging from $80,000-$150,000 in the area. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $5,000-$10,000 for initial furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions highlighting Belgrade's proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the St. Francois State Park, and competitive pricing around $60-$100 per night based on local market rates. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries and bookings, maintaining the property regularly, and ensuring compliance with Missouri's 4.225% state sales tax plus Washington County's local taxes on short-term rental income.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Belgrade, Missouri, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Mark Twain Lake and the surrounding recreational areas, as this drives primary tourism demand from April through October. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with lake views, boat access, fishing amenities, and outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, as these command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak season compared to $80-150 for standard properties. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, noting that waterfront properties typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates versus 45-55% for inland properties. Research competition by identifying the 20-30 existing STR properties in the area, focusing on their amenities, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to find market gaps. Utilize AirDNA for Belgrade market data, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local Facebook groups like "Mark Twain Lake Community" for insider knowledge, while also consulting with Ralls County planning department regarding STR regulations and connecting with local property management companies like Lake Area Property Services for operational insights and potential partnership opportunities.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Belgrade, Missouri, contact the Belgrade City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 101 Main Street or call (573) 766-5251 to begin the application process. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a $150 application fee plus $75 annual renewal fee. Submit your application along with all required documentation and fees to the City Clerk, then schedule a property inspection with the Belgrade Building Department which costs an additional $50. The inspection will verify compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, parking requirements, and that the property meets residential building standards. Once approved after the inspection (typically 2-3 weeks processing time), you'll receive your STR permit valid for one year. Belgrade requires all short-term rentals to maintain a guest registry, display the permit number in all advertisements, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate off-street parking, and ensure quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM are enforced.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Belgrade, Missouri, as the small unincorporated community in Washington County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them, falling under Missouri state law which permits STRs unless locally restricted. However, operators must comply with state tax requirements including collecting and remitting sales tax and tourist tax to the Missouri Department of Revenue, and properties must meet basic safety and health standards. Since Belgrade lacks formal city incorporation and zoning authority, STR regulations would primarily fall under Washington County jurisdiction, which has not implemented significant restrictions on short-term rentals as of recent years. Property owners should ensure compliance with any homeowners association rules if applicable, maintain proper insurance coverage, and register with the state for tax purposes, while being mindful that rural areas like Belgrade may have septic and well water systems that require proper maintenance for rental use.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Belgrade, Missouri include the downtown historic district near the town square, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like the annual Belgrade Days festival, and properties near the recreational areas around the nearby lakes and parks that draw outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, boating, and camping activities. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of local businesses and restaurants on Main Street offer good potential due to their proximity to the town's limited commercial amenities, making them convenient for business travelers visiting local agricultural operations or small manufacturing facilities. Areas near the school district and community center also show promise as they accommodate visitors attending local sporting events, graduations, and community gatherings, while properties on the outskirts of town with larger lots appeal to guests seeking rural retreats and family reunions who want more space and privacy while still being close to Belgrade's small-town amenities.

Belgrade, Missouri does not have specific municipal lodging or occupancy taxes that apply to Airbnb properties as of 2024, since it is a small unincorporated community in Washington County with limited municipal tax infrastructure. However, Airbnb hosts in Belgrade are subject to Missouri state sales tax of 4.225% on short-term rental income, which must be collected from guests and remitted monthly to the Missouri Department of Revenue if gross receipts exceed $3,000 annually. Washington County may impose a local sales tax of approximately 1-2% that would also apply to short-term rentals, bringing the total tax rate to roughly 5-6%. Hosts must register for a Missouri sales tax license, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, with payments due simultaneously. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and rentals to tax-exempt organizations with proper documentation. Since Belgrade lacks a formal municipal government structure, there are no additional city-specific lodging taxes, registration requirements, or business licenses required beyond state obligations.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Belgrade, Missouri would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Missouri markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor typically runs $15,000-$20,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, occupancy permits, and potential zoning approvals range from $500-$1,500. Insurance including liability and property coverage specifically for short-term rentals costs $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing total approximately $6,000-$8,000, assuming 50-60% occupancy rates typical for rural Missouri markets.

Airbnb properties in Belgrade, Missouri show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue assuming 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-3,500 yearly). Net profit margins generally fall between 25-35% for well-managed properties, translating to $4,500-9,800 annual profit per unit. Success factors include proximity to Kansas City attractions (30-minute drive), competitive pricing against local hotels averaging $85-110 nightly, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining 4.7+ star ratings. Properties near recreational areas like Truman Lake or historic downtown Belgrade command premium rates, with some hosts reporting 15-20% higher revenues. The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to urban centers, with investment properties available for $120,000-180,000, though seasonal demand fluctuations during winter months can reduce occupancy to 45-55%, requiring hosts to adjust pricing strategies and focus on longer-term stays to maintain profitability.

Airbnb investments in Belgrade, Missouri can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the rural Missouri market dynamics, with cash-on-cash returns typically ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and financing structure. Properties in Belgrade, located in Washington County, generally require initial investments of $80,000-$150,000 for suitable vacation rental properties, with average daily rates of $75-$120 generating monthly revenues of $1,200-$2,400 during peak seasons. The timeframe to profitability is typically 18-24 months, considering the seasonal nature of tourism in rural Missouri and the need to establish market presence. Market data from 2022-2024 indicates occupancy rates of 45-65% annually, with higher performance during hunting seasons, local festivals, and summer months when visitors explore the Missouri countryside and nearby attractions like Washington State Park.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Belgrade, Missouri and surrounding areas. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Lake of the Ozarks, RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks, and Century 21 Advantage Real Estate specialize in investment properties in the Belgrade area, with many agents having specific expertise in vacation rental markets around the Lake of the Ozarks region. National services include AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors evaluate potential Airbnb properties in the area. Local property management companies like Lake Ozark Vacations and Fun Lake Vacations provide insights into the short-term rental market performance in Belgrade and nearby lake communities. Additional national platforms like Roofstock, HomeUnion, and Awning focus specifically on investment properties suitable for Airbnb conversions, while local mortgage brokers and real estate investment groups in the Lake of the Ozarks area can provide financing and market expertise for Belgrade properties.