Is Branson, Missouri Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Branson, Missouri, begin by researching local regulations as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow vacation rentals in residential areas with proper permits. Contact Branson City Hall at 110 W Maddux Street to obtain the necessary business license (approximately $50-100 annually) and ensure your property meets fire safety codes and occupancy limits. Find a suitable property by searching areas near popular attractions like the Strip, Table Rock Lake, or Silver Dollar City, with average property prices ranging from $150,000-400,000 depending on size and location. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, cable TV, and air conditioning, budgeting approximately $10,000-25,000 for a complete setup. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting Branson-specific attractions nearby, competitive pricing (typically $80-200 per night depending on season and property size), and detailed descriptions of amenities. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and considering hiring local property management companies like Sunset Nightly Rentals or Red Apple Inn Management if you live out of area, which typically charge 15-25% of rental income for full-service management.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Branson, Missouri, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Silver Dollar City, the Branson Strip entertainment district, and Table Rock Lake, as these areas command premium nightly rates of $150-300 during peak season. Target properties with 3-4 bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, hot tubs, game rooms, and scenic views, as families and groups comprise 70% of Branson visitors seeking entertainment-focused accommodations. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating $40,000-80,000 annually, with optimal purchase prices under $300,000 to maintain healthy cash-on-cash returns above 12%. Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 1-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy rates typically range 60-75% annually with higher rates during March-November peak season. Utilize Branson-specific resources including the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce market reports, STR Data for local performance metrics, and connect with property management companies like Sunset Nightly Rentals and Amazing Views Vacation Rentals who understand seasonal demand patterns, with properties near Showboat Branson Belle dock and Dolly Parton's Stampede consistently outperforming the market average.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Branson, Missouri, you must first contact the Branson Planning and Development Department at City Hall located at 110 West Maddux Street to submit a Conditional Use Permit application, as short-term rentals require special approval in residential zones. Required documents include a completed CUP application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking areas, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of property insurance, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a $350 application fee payable to the City of Branson. Additionally, you'll need to obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for approximately $25 annually and register for Missouri state sales tax with the Department of Revenue since you'll be collecting lodging taxes. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks and includes a public hearing before the Planning Commission, during which neighboring property owners are notified and may provide input. Branson-specific requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces per unit), ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and providing guests with a information packet containing local emergency contacts, trash collection schedules, and city ordinances regarding noise and parking.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Branson, Missouri, but operate under specific city regulations that were updated around 2019-2020. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions, with most STRs permitted in residential areas but subject to occupancy limits typically capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while operators must provide 24/7 contact information and respond to complaints within 30 minutes. Branson prohibits STRs in certain historic districts and areas zoned specifically for single-family residential use, and the city has implemented noise ordinances and parking requirements to address neighborhood concerns. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, with the city conducting regular inspections and requiring annual license renewals, reflecting Branson's effort to balance its tourism economy with residential community interests.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Branson, Missouri include the Branson Strip (Highway 76) which offers prime proximity to major theaters like Andy Williams Moon River Theatre and Dolly Parton's Stampede, making it ideal for tourists attending the 50+ live shows year-round. Table Rock Lake area, particularly near State Park Marina and Moonshine Beach, attracts water sports enthusiasts and families seeking lakefront accommodations during peak summer months. The Hollister area, just south of Branson, provides more affordable investment opportunities while still being within 10 minutes of main attractions and offers access to both Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. Downtown Branson Landing district is excellent for upscale rentals due to its shopping, dining, and entertainment complex plus the scenic boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo. The Thousand Hills Golf Resort area caters to golf tourists and offers year-round appeal with multiple championship courses nearby. Silver Dollar City vicinity, particularly properties within 2-3 miles of the theme park, sees consistent demand from families visiting Missouri's top tourist attraction, especially during their seasonal festivals and events that draw over 2 million visitors annually.

In Branson, Missouri, Airbnb properties are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state tourism tax of 3.225%, Taney County lodging tax of 5%, and the City of Branson tourism tax of 1%, totaling approximately 9.225% in combined occupancy taxes as of 2023. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began in Missouri around 2018, and the platform remits these taxes quarterly to the appropriate state and local tax authorities including the Missouri Department of Revenue and Taney County Collector. Property owners must register with local tax authorities and may need to file periodic returns even when Airbnb collects taxes, with remittance typically due monthly or quarterly depending on the jurisdiction. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though documentation may be required. Additionally, some properties may be subject to personal property taxes on furnishings and equipment, and owners should verify current rates with the Taney County Collector and City of Branson as tax rates and collection procedures can change annually.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Branson, Missouri is approximately $285,000-$350,000. Property purchase costs around $200,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the Branson area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, occupancy permits, and city registration fees range from $500-$1,500 depending on property size and local requirements. Insurance including liability and property coverage specifically for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$4,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $500-$1,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($1,000) total approximately $6,300. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which can add $10,000-$20,000 to initial capital requirements.

Airbnb properties in Branson, Missouri demonstrate strong profitability potential due to the city's robust tourism industry centered around entertainment venues like Silver Dollar City, Dolly Parton's Stampede, and numerous theaters along the famous 76 Strip. Properties typically generate $150-300 per night during peak season (April-October) with occupancy rates averaging 65-75%, resulting in annual gross revenues of $35,000-65,000 for well-positioned 2-3 bedroom properties. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($75-100 per turnover), property management (20-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-300 monthly), insurance ($1,500-2,500 annually), and maintenance typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 25-35% for successful operators. Properties within 5 miles of the entertainment district and those offering amenities like hot tubs, game rooms, or scenic lake views command premium rates and achieve higher occupancy. A case study of a 3-bedroom cabin near Table Rock Lake purchased for $280,000 in 2019 generated $58,000 in gross revenue with $22,000 in operating expenses, yielding a 12.8% return on investment while also appreciating 15% in property value. Success factors include strategic location near attractions, professional photography, responsive guest communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and seasonal pricing optimization that capitalizes on Branson's peak tourist months and special events.

Airbnb investments in Branson, Missouri typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the city's strong tourism market driven by entertainment venues like Silver Dollar City and numerous theaters along the 76 Strip. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Table Rock Lake and downtown entertainment districts performing at the higher end of this range. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with peak earning potential during summer months (May-September) when occupancy rates reach 75-85% and average daily rates range from $120-180 for well-appointed 2-3 bedroom properties. Properties purchased in 2022-2023 for $200,000-350,000 have shown gross rental yields of 15-22%, with net yields after expenses typically settling around 10-15% depending on property management costs and financing structure.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Branson, Missouri. Local real estate agents like Branson Real Estate Group and Table Rock Lake Properties have extensive knowledge of the area's vacation rental market and can help identify properties near Silver Dollar City and the entertainment district. Roofstock and Awning are national companies that focus specifically on investment properties suitable for Airbnb, with Awning providing end-to-end services from property acquisition to management. RedAwning and Vacasa also offer investment property identification services while providing property management solutions. Local firms such as Branson Vacation Rentals and Sunset Nightly Rentals not only manage properties but can assist in finding investment opportunities. AirDNA provides market analysis and data for short-term rental investments in the Branson area, helping investors identify the most profitable neighborhoods and property types. BiggerPockets, while primarily an educational platform, connects investors with local agents and wholesalers who specialize in vacation rental properties in tourist markets like Branson.