Is Bixby, Oklahoma Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bixby, Oklahoma, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Bixby Planning Department, as Oklahoma generally allows short-term rentals but municipalities may have specific zoning requirements and occupancy limits. Contact Bixby City Hall at (918) 366-4430 to verify if your property is zoned for short-term rentals and obtain any required business licenses or permits, which typically cost $25-100 annually. Find a suitable property in residential areas like The Bentley or Stone Canyon neighborhoods, ensuring it meets safety standards and has good access to Tulsa attractions since Bixby is a suburb. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable beds, full kitchen amenities, high-speed internet, and local touches highlighting Oklahoma culture, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos showcasing the property's proximity to Gathering Place, downtown Tulsa (15 minutes away), and local Bixby attractions like Bentley Park, setting competitive rates around $75-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, providing local recommendations for Bixby restaurants like Nelson's Buffeteria, and ensuring compliance with Oklahoma's 5.5% state sales tax plus any applicable Tulsa County lodging taxes, while considering property management services if you live out of area.

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 major corporate centers like those along the Arkansas River corridor, as Bixby serves as a suburban alternative for Tulsa visitors. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built after 2000 with modern amenities, pools, or unique features like game rooms, as these appeal to families and business travelers seeking space and comfort. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in Bixby and surrounding areas like Jenks and South Tulsa, aiming for properties that can generate $150-250 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates to achieve 12-15% annual returns. Conduct competition research using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess market saturation, noting that Bixby has limited STR inventory compared to central Tulsa, creating opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, STR-specific platforms like Awning or Roofstock for investment analysis, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with Bixby's zoning regulations and HOA restrictions, while monitoring the city's STR ordinances which may require permits or have occupancy limitations.

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 review process typically takes 2-4 weeks, during which city staff will conduct a property inspection to ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Bixby requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), and ensure the property manager responds to complaints within 2 hours, with the rental being located only in areas zoned for residential use and meeting all building and safety codes.

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 requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and ensure compliance with fire safety, building codes, and occupancy limits. Bixby follows Oklahoma state regulations regarding taxation of short-term rentals, requiring operators to collect and remit state and local taxes. While there are no specific prohibited residential areas for STRs, operators must ensure their properties comply with existing zoning ordinances, particularly in residential neighborhoods where homeowner associations may have additional restrictions. Recent trends in Oklahoma municipalities show increasing regulation of STRs, and Bixby may implement more specific ordinances in the future, but currently operates under general business and zoning compliance frameworks rather than STR-specific legislation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bixby, Oklahoma include the neighborhoods near the Arkansas River waterfront, particularly around Redbud Valley Nature Preserve and RiverWalk Crossing, which attract outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting for recreational activities and events at the amphitheater. The historic downtown Bixby area offers charm for visitors attending local festivals and exploring antique shops, while properties near Bixby High School and the sports complex can capitalize on tournament travel and visiting families. Areas close to Tulsa Hills shopping district benefit from overflow demand from Tulsa visitors seeking more affordable accommodations, and neighborhoods near major employers like Saint Francis Hospital South campus attract business travelers and medical professionals. The residential areas around Charley Young Park and near the planned developments along 151st Street and Memorial Drive are emerging as attractive options due to their proximity to both Tulsa amenities and Bixby's small-town appeal, making them ideal for longer-term stays and corporate housing needs.

Airbnb properties in Bixby, Oklahoma are subject to Oklahoma state sales tax of 4.5% and Tulsa County sales tax of approximately 1.367%, totaling around 5.867% on lodging rentals, as Bixby does not impose a separate municipal lodging tax but follows the county structure since it's located in Tulsa County. The state requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit through the Oklahoma Tax Commission and collect taxes from guests at the time of booking, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for properties with regular bookings. Airbnb can collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts who opt into their tax collection service, which began around 2018 in Oklahoma. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from transient lodging taxes, and some agricultural or educational exemptions may apply for specific guest categories, though hosts must verify exemption certificates and maintain proper documentation for all transactions.

To start an Airbnb in Bixby, Oklahoma, the total initial costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $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 home including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees vary but generally include business license ($50-$200), short-term rental permit if required ($100-$500), and potential HOA approval processes. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services typically cost $500-$800 initially, with monthly costs around $200-$350. First six months of operating expenses including utilities, cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing would total approximately $3,000-$5,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial launch period.

Airbnb properties in Bixby, Oklahoma typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for whole-home listings, 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), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue if outsourced), insurance ($800-1,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the Tulsa metro area (including Bixby) achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% annually. Success factors include proximity to Tulsa attractions, competitive pricing against local hotels ($80-140/night), professional photography, responsive communication, and targeting business travelers and families visiting the area. Properties near Bixby Green Corn Festival venues or with unique amenities like pools or large outdoor spaces tend to outperform average metrics, with some hosts reporting $25,000-40,000 annual profits on properties valued at $200,000-300,000, representing solid 8-15% returns on investment when factoring in property appreciation and tax benefits.

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 established neighborhoods near Bixby High School and downtown areas command nightly rates of $80-120, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months, assuming proper property management and competitive pricing strategies. 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% during optimal periods.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bixby, Oklahoma by providing market analytics and property recommendations. Local real estate agents in the Tulsa metro area who specialize in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents who focus on Airbnb investments, RE/MAX professionals with short-term rental expertise, and Coldwell Banker agents experienced in vacation rental properties. National services include Awning which offers full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance, RedAwning's investment property search platform, AirDNA for market data and property analysis, and Mashvisor's real estate investment analytics platform. Local property management companies like Tulsa Airbnb Management and Oklahoma Short-Term Rental Services provide acquisition consulting alongside their management offerings. Additional national resources include BiggerPockets' marketplace for connecting with local investors and agents, Roofstock's platform for turnkey rental properties, and specialized Airbnb investment consultants who work remotely with Bixby-area investors to identify high-performing properties near Tulsa's attractions and business districts.