Is Blevins, Arkansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Blevins, Arkansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Hempstead County's planning department, as Blevins typically falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal short-term rental ordinances. Contact the Arkansas Department of Health for any required lodging permits and ensure compliance with state tax requirements by registering with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for sales tax collection on rental income. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or consider converting an existing residence, ensuring it meets basic safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress routes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like Crater of Diamonds State Park. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos, competitive pricing research based on similar properties within a 50-mile radius including Hope and Texarkana, and detailed descriptions emphasizing the rural Arkansas experience. For ongoing management, establish a cleaning schedule between guests, maintain responsive communication through the Airbnb platform, stock basic supplies regularly, and consider partnering with local cleaning services in Hope or Texarkana since Blevins has limited service providers due to its small population of approximately 300 residents.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Blevins, Arkansas, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of Crater of Diamonds State Park, as this unique attraction drives significant tourism to the area. Look for 2-4 bedroom homes with outdoor spaces, parking, and rustic or modern farmhouse appeal that can accommodate families visiting the diamond mine. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs within a 30-mile radius including Nashville and Murfreesboro, Arkansas, targeting nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and amenities. Competition research should examine existing Airbnb and VRBO listings in Pike County, noting occupancy patterns peak during spring and summer months when diamond hunting is most popular. Property features should emphasize proximity to outdoor activities, with considerations for homes near Little Missouri River for fishing enthusiasts or properties offering easy highway access via US-70. Utilize AirDNA for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local real estate platforms like Arkansas MLS data, while connecting with Pike County tourism boards and Crater of Diamonds State Park visitor statistics to understand seasonal demand patterns and average visitor stay durations in the region.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Blevins, Arkansas, you will need to contact the Blevins City Hall or municipal office directly as this small town likely handles permits through their general business licensing process. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, and Arkansas state tax registration. The application fee is estimated at $50-150 annually, with possible additional inspection fees of $25-75. Submit your application to the City Clerk's office at Blevins City Hall, located on Main Street, along with all required documentation and fees. The approval timeline is typically 2-4 weeks, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Blevins-specific requirements likely include compliance with local fire safety codes, adequate parking provisions (minimum 2 spaces per unit), proper waste management arrangements, and maintaining the property in accordance with residential zoning standards. You may also need to register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for state tax purposes and ensure compliance with any county-level regulations in Hempstead County.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Blevins, Arkansas are generally legal as the small town in Hempstead County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating vacation rentals as of 2024. Arkansas state law allows STRs unless local municipalities opt to restrict them, and Blevins has not enacted comprehensive STR regulations like larger cities such as Little Rock or Fayetteville have done. Property owners in Blevins can typically operate STRs subject to basic zoning compliance, state tax requirements including the collection of Arkansas sales tax and local lodging taxes, and standard property maintenance codes. However, operators should verify current zoning restrictions as residential areas may have limitations on commercial activities, and the town could potentially implement new regulations in the future as STR activity increases. The lack of specific STR ordinances means properties are generally governed by existing residential use regulations and state-level requirements for short-term rental operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Blevins, Arkansas would be properties near the downtown core along Highway 32 and the residential neighborhoods surrounding the Blevins School District, as these locations offer convenient access to local amenities and attract visitors coming for school events, family gatherings, and small-town tourism. The area near Blevins City Park and recreational facilities would be particularly attractive for families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the region. Properties along the main corridors connecting to nearby Prescott (15 miles north) and Hope (20 miles southeast) would capture business travelers and visitors attending events at those larger towns while seeking more affordable, quiet accommodations. The residential areas near local churches and community centers could attract guests attending weddings, reunions, and religious gatherings that are common in small Arkansas communities. Additionally, properties with easy access to hunting and fishing areas would appeal to outdoor recreation tourists, as this region of Arkansas is known for its rural outdoor activities and seasonal hunting, making it attractive for weekend getaways and extended stays during hunting seasons.

In Blevins, 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, and this tax is typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration on behalf of hosts through their voluntary collection agreement established in 2018. Hempstead County, where Blevins is located, does not impose additional county-level lodging taxes, and the small municipality of Blevins itself does not have specific occupancy or tourism taxes beyond the state requirement. Hosts must register for an Arkansas sales tax permit if they collect taxes independently, file monthly returns if gross receipts exceed $200 per month, and maintain records of all rental transactions, though rentals of 30 days or longer are exempt from sales tax as they're considered long-term residential rentals rather than transient accommodations. The state tax applies to the total rental amount including cleaning fees but excludes separately stated security deposits that are refundable.

To start an Airbnb in Blevins, Arkansas, the total estimated costs would be approximately $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase costs around $65,000-$75,000 based on median home prices in rural Arkansas communities like Blevins in Hempstead County. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Arkansas rural areas are minimal, approximately $200-$500 for business licenses and short-term rental permits. Insurance costs around $1,200-$1,800 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility deposits and connections total approximately $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) would total approximately $3,600. Additional considerations include internet setup ($200), security systems ($300-$500), and emergency fund reserves ($2,000-$3,000) bringing the comprehensive startup investment to the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in Blevins, Arkansas face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 300 residents and limited tourism infrastructure. Properties in this rural area typically generate $200-400 monthly revenue with occupancy rates around 15-25%, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning, and maintenance average $800-1,200 monthly, resulting in negative profit margins of -60% to -80%. The lack of major attractions, limited internet connectivity, and distance from metropolitan areas like Texarkana (45 minutes away) severely restrict demand. Success factors for the few profitable properties include targeting hunting and fishing enthusiasts visiting nearby Millwood Lake, offering extremely competitive pricing ($35-50 per night), and marketing to workers involved in timber or agricultural projects in the region. Most property owners in Blevins who attempt short-term rentals typically convert back to long-term rentals or sell within 12-18 months due to unsustainable losses, with only properties owned outright and managed personally showing potential for modest profitability during peak hunting seasons.

Airbnb investments in Blevins, Arkansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are conservative due to the small rural market size of approximately 300 residents. Properties in this Drew County location, primarily single-family homes priced between $60,000-$120,000, can expect 40-60% occupancy rates given limited local attractions and distance from major cities like Little Rock (130 miles) and Shreveport (80 miles). Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $75-$95 during peak hunting and fishing seasons, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations and potentially longer vacancy periods during off-peak months. The market benefits from proximity to outdoor recreation areas and hunting grounds, but limited tourism infrastructure and small population base constrain higher returns compared to more established Arkansas markets like Eureka Springs or Hot Springs.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment opportunities across markets including Blevins, Arkansas. For local expertise in the Blevins area, investors can work with Arkansas-based real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette, RE/MAX Real Estate Partners, and Century 21 Parker & Associates who have experience with investment properties in southern Arkansas. National services that assist with Airbnb property acquisition include Awning (formerly RedAwning), which provides market analysis and property management services, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and AirDNA for short-term rental market data. Local property management companies like Arkansas Vacation Rentals and Southern Hospitality Property Management can provide insights into profitable markets in the region. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Arkansas properties, while platforms like BiggerPockets connect investors with local professionals. Regional brokerages including Crye-Leike Realtors and United Country Real Estate have agents familiar with investment properties in rural Arkansas markets like Blevins, and services like Rabbu and Vacasa offer market analysis tools to help identify profitable short-term rental opportunities in emerging markets throughout Arkansas.