Is Bixby, Oklahoma Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bixby, Oklahoma, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Bixby Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that typically allow rentals in single-family residential areas with proper registration. Contact Tulsa County for any additional county-level requirements and obtain necessary permits including a business license from Bixby City Hall (costing approximately $25-50 annually), ensure your property meets fire safety codes, and verify homeowner's insurance covers short-term rentals or purchase additional coverage. Find a suitable property in residential neighborhoods like The Estates or near Bixby High School area, ensuring it's zoned for short-term rentals and has good access to Highway 75 for guest convenience. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local amenities information, budgeting around $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos highlighting proximity to Tulsa (15 minutes), local attractions like Bixby Green Corn Festival venues, and competitive pricing around $75-150 per night based on local market rates. Manage bookings by maintaining quick response times, providing local recommendations for restaurants like Nelson's Buffeteria, ensuring cleanliness between guests, and staying compliant with Bixby's noise ordinances and occupancy limits while collecting and remitting applicable Oklahoma state taxes of 4.5% plus local hotel/motel taxes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bixby, Oklahoma, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Tulsa's downtown area, near Gathering Place, or close to corporate centers like those housing companies such as QuikTrip and ONEOK, as business travelers frequently visit this region. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built after 2000 with modern amenities, pools, and outdoor spaces that appeal to families visiting nearby attractions or attending events at venues like the BOK Center in Tulsa. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for average daily rates between $120-180 depending on size and amenities, while analyzing seasonal demand patterns around Tulsa events and corporate travel cycles. Research competition by examining existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing strategies, and monitor occupancy rates of similar properties using tools like AllTheRooms or STR analytics platforms. Utilize Zillow, Realtor.com, and local MLS data to identify undervalued properties, while leveraging STR-specific tools like Rabbu, AirDNA, and Mashvisor for market analysis, and consider partnering with local real estate agents familiar with Bixby's neighborhoods like Bentley Park or Forest Ridge who understand which areas attract the most short-term rental demand from Tulsa spillover traffic.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bixby, Oklahoma, you must first contact the Bixby Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 116 West Needles Avenue to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city requires compliance with residential zoning regulations. Submit an application for a business license through the City Clerk's office, providing required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. Pay the business license fee of approximately $50-75 annually, along with any zoning compliance fees of around $100-200. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks for review and approval, during which city staff will conduct a zoning compliance review and may require a site inspection. Bixby requires STR operators to maintain current business licenses, collect and remit local occupancy taxes, provide 24/7 contact information to neighbors, limit occupancy to posted maximums, ensure adequate parking, and comply with noise ordinances and residential character requirements, with properties subject to periodic inspections and renewal requirements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Bixby, Oklahoma, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with standard zoning regulations, business licensing requirements, and safety codes that apply to residential properties used for commercial purposes. The city typically requires STR operators to obtain a business license and ensure compliance with fire safety, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Properties in residential zones may face restrictions on the number of guests, noise levels, and frequency of rentals to maintain neighborhood character. Recent trends in Oklahoma municipalities have shown increased regulation of STRs, with some cities implementing registration requirements, tax collection mandates, and specific operational standards. Bixby follows Tulsa County regulations where applicable, and operators should verify current zoning compliance and may need to register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission for lodging tax purposes. The legal landscape for STRs in Oklahoma continues to evolve, with local municipalities increasingly adopting their own regulatory frameworks to balance tourism benefits with residential community concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bixby, Oklahoma include the neighborhoods near the Arkansas River waterfront, particularly around Riverside Park and the River Parks Trail system, which attract outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking recreational activities year-round. The historic downtown Bixby area offers charm for visitors exploring local shops, restaurants, and community events like the annual Green Corn Festival. Properties near the Tulsa Hills shopping district benefit from proximity to major retail and dining options that draw both leisure and business travelers. The residential areas around Bixby High School and along Memorial Drive are attractive due to their family-friendly atmosphere and easy access to Tulsa's business district, making them ideal for extended-stay business travelers and families visiting the region. Additionally, neighborhoods near the Gathering Place in nearby Tulsa (easily accessible from Bixby) capitalize on the significant tourism this world-class park generates, while areas close to major employers like Saint Francis Health System and various energy companies in the Tulsa metropolitan area provide steady demand from business travelers and temporary workers.

In Bixby, Oklahoma, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Oklahoma state lodging tax is 5.5% on gross rental receipts, while Tulsa County (where Bixby is located) typically imposes an additional 6% hotel/motel tax, bringing the combined rate to approximately 11.5%. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for most properties, with Airbnb remitting payments directly to the Oklahoma Tax Commission on a monthly basis. However, hosts may still need to register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and file returns even when Airbnb collects taxes, and should verify their specific obligations since some properties or rental durations may not be covered by automatic collection. Exemptions typically apply to rentals of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term residential rather than transient lodging, and certain properties used for permanent residence purposes may also be exempt from occupancy taxes.

To start an Airbnb in Bixby, Oklahoma, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $500-$1,500. Permits and fees vary but expect $200-$800 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and city registration requirements. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,400 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total around $500-$1,000 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$250 monthly), cleaning supplies and services ($100-$300 monthly), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $3,000-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Bixby, Oklahoma typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the Bixby area achieving higher margins by targeting corporate travelers visiting nearby Tulsa businesses and oil industry professionals. Properties within 15 minutes of Tulsa International Airport and those offering family-friendly amenities near Bixby's recreational areas tend to maintain 65-80% occupancy rates. Success factors include competitive pricing 10-15% below Tulsa rates, professional photography, rapid guest communication, and leveraging Bixby's appeal as a quieter alternative to urban Tulsa while maintaining easy highway access. A typical 3-bedroom home generating $28,000 annually with $16,000 in expenses yields approximately $12,000 net profit, representing a 43% profit margin, though seasonal fluctuations and Oklahoma's weather patterns can impact consistency throughout the year.

Airbnb investments in Bixby, Oklahoma typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on the area's proximity to Tulsa and growing suburban appeal. Properties in Bixby's established neighborhoods near the Arkansas River and quality school districts command nightly rates of $80-120, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months for well-positioned properties, considering Bixby's median home prices around $180,000-250,000 and relatively low property taxes. The market benefits from consistent demand from Tulsa business travelers, families visiting local attractions, and guests attending events at nearby venues, with seasonal peaks during spring and fall months driving higher returns of up to 15% ROI for optimally managed properties.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Bixby, Oklahoma. Local real estate agents in the Tulsa metro area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents specializing in rental properties, RE/MAX professionals with STR experience, and Coldwell Banker agents familiar with Bixby's vacation rental market. National services like Mashvisor (founded 2014) provide data analytics for Airbnb investments, while AirDNA offers market analysis and revenue projections for Bixby properties. Roofstock, established in 2015, occasionally features turnkey rental properties in the Oklahoma market. Local property management companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa can assist with both acquisition advice and ongoing management of Airbnb properties in Bixby. Investment-focused real estate groups like BiggerPockets connect investors with local professionals, and companies like Awning provide financing specifically for short-term rental properties. Local Tulsa-area real estate investment groups and meetups often have members experienced in the Bixby Airbnb market who can provide referrals to specialized agents and service providers.