Is Ben Lomond, Arkansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Ben Lomond, Arkansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Newton County's planning department, as Ben Lomond falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control, and contact the Arkansas Department of Health for any required lodging permits or inspections. Obtain necessary business licenses from Newton County Clerk's office and register with the Arkansas Secretary of State if operating as a business entity, while also checking with your insurance provider about short-term rental coverage requirements. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through agents familiar with the Buffalo National River area, focusing on cabins or homes near outdoor attractions like the Buffalo River or Ozark Mountains that appeal to tourists seeking nature experiences. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing rustic or outdoor themes appropriate for the area's tourism market, including essential amenities like Wi-Fi, full kitchen equipment, linens, and outdoor furniture for porches or decks. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting proximity to floating, fishing, hiking, and scenic drives along Highway 7, using professional photos that showcase both interior comfort and natural surroundings. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Jasper or Harrison, creating detailed house rules about noise and outdoor activities, implementing a reliable key exchange system possibly through lockboxes given the rural location, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while providing local activity recommendations and emergency contact information for the remote area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Ben Lomond, Arkansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Buffalo National River access points and scenic overlooks, as this area attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes with rustic charm, outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, and covered porches, plus modern conveniences including reliable WiFi and updated kitchens. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO in the $80-150 nightly range, accounting for seasonal fluctuations with peak rates during fall foliage season (October-November) and summer months. Competition research should examine properties within a 10-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, guest reviews, and amenities offered by successful listings near Ponca, Jasper, and other nearby river towns. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources like Newton County tourism data, Arkansas State Parks information, and Buffalo River outfitter websites to understand visitor patterns and demand drivers in this rural market that primarily serves nature tourists, fishing enthusiasts, and weekend getaway seekers from Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas metropolitan areas.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Ben Lomond, Arkansas, you'll need to contact the Newton County Clerk's office at 100 Court Square, Jasper, AR 72641, as Ben Lomond falls under Newton County jurisdiction. Begin by submitting a business license application along with a completed short-term rental registration form, providing your property deed or lease agreement, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate if applicable, and fire safety inspection report. The application fee is typically $150 for the business license plus $75 for the STR permit, with annual renewal fees of $100. Required documents also include a completed Arkansas sales tax permit from the Department of Finance and Administration, as you'll need to collect and remit state and local lodging taxes. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days after submission of complete documentation. Ben Lomond specific requirements include maintaining a maximum occupancy of 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking for all guests, ensuring the property meets Arkansas fire safety codes with working smoke detectors in each bedroom and common area, and designating a local contact person available 24/7 for emergency situations. You must also register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for tax collection purposes and maintain detailed guest records for inspection upon request.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Ben Lomond, Arkansas are generally legal but operate under state regulations since this small unincorporated community in Sevier County lacks specific municipal ordinances governing STRs. Arkansas state law permits short-term rentals with basic requirements including business registration, tax collection, and compliance with health and safety standards. Property owners must collect and remit state and local taxes, obtain proper business licenses, and ensure properties meet basic habitability standards. Sevier County may impose additional zoning restrictions or permit requirements, particularly regarding septic systems and rural property use. There are no specific prohibited areas within Ben Lomond itself, but properties must comply with county zoning laws and any homeowners association restrictions if applicable. Recent changes at the state level since 2019 have streamlined STR regulations and prevented municipalities from completely banning short-term rentals, though local governments can still impose reasonable regulations regarding safety, taxation, and zoning compliance.

Ben Lomond, Arkansas offers limited but focused Airbnb investment opportunities primarily centered around the downtown historic district and areas near the Ouachita River waterfront, which attract visitors interested in outdoor recreation, fishing, and small-town charm. The most promising area would be properties within walking distance of local landmarks and the river access points, as these locations appeal to weekend tourists from Little Rock and Hot Springs (approximately 1-2 hours away) seeking quiet retreats and fishing expeditions. Properties near any local parks or recreational facilities would also be attractive to families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting for camping, hiking, and water activities, particularly during spring and summer months when Arkansas's natural attractions draw the most visitors. The limited commercial development in Ben Lomond means competition would be minimal, but demand would also be seasonal and modest, making this market suitable for investors seeking low-cost entry points with steady but not high-volume returns.

Airbnb properties in Ben Lomond, Arkansas are subject to Arkansas state sales tax of 6.5% on lodging accommodations, 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 taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for properties generating over $200 in monthly tax liability. Pope County, where Ben Lomond is located, imposes an additional 2% county lodging tax on accommodations, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 8.5%. Local municipalities may impose additional occupancy taxes ranging from 1-3%, though specific rates for Ben Lomond are not readily available and would need verification with Pope County tax authorities. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically through their platform in some jurisdictions, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and some exemptions may exist for certain government or charitable organization bookings.

Starting an Airbnb in Ben Lomond, Arkansas requires an estimated total investment of $185,000-$225,000. Property purchase costs average $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Arkansas communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor runs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations costs $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees total $500-$1,200 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,500-$2,500 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, internet, and cable cost $800-$1,500. First six months operating expenses including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $7,500. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 is recommended for unexpected repairs, guest refunds, and initial vacancy periods while building reviews and bookings.

Airbnb properties in Ben Lomond, Arkansas show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, generating approximately $18,000-35,000 in annual gross revenue for properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), property management (10-15%), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally fall between 15-25% after expenses, with successful properties leveraging Arkansas's outdoor recreation appeal, particularly proximity to Buffalo National River and Ozark Mountains attractions. Properties featuring hot tubs, fire pits, and scenic views command premium rates, with some hosts like those operating cabin rentals near nearby Ponca and Jasper reporting 25-30% higher revenues than basic accommodations. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, local activity partnerships, and seasonal pricing strategies that capitalize on peak tourism months from April through October, though winter bookings remain challenging with occupancy dropping to 30-40% during December-February periods.

Based on Ben Lomond, Arkansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near outdoor recreation areas like the Ozark National Forest tend to perform at the higher end of this range, with vacation rentals achieving occupancy rates of 65-75% annually at average daily rates of $85-120. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, with properties requiring approximately $15,000-25,000 in upfront investment beyond the purchase price. The market benefits from consistent demand from outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and weekend travelers from Little Rock and Memphis, with peak seasons during fall foliage and spring months driving premium rates 20-30% above baseline pricing.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment opportunities in Ben Lomond, Arkansas, providing comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents in the area include Arkansas Mountain Properties and Ozark Realty Group, both established around 2015-2018, who have developed expertise in vacation rental investments throughout the Arkansas mountain regions. National services like Awning (founded 2020), RedAwning Property Management (2019), and AirDNA (2015) offer market analytics, property management, and investment guidance specifically for Airbnb properties in smaller Arkansas markets. Regional companies such as Arkansas Vacation Rentals (2017) and Ozark Mountain Property Management (2016) provide localized expertise in Ben Lomond's unique market conditions, while national platforms like Mashvisor (2014), BiggerPockets (2004), and Roofstock (2015) offer investment analysis tools and property sourcing services that cover the Ben Lomond area. Additional specialized services include Short Term Rental University for education, Hostfully for property management software, and local property management companies like Newton County Rentals (2018) that understand the specific regulations and seasonal patterns affecting Airbnb profitability in Ben Lomond, Arkansas.