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 permits and compliance with zoning ordinances, particularly in residential areas where some neighborhoods may restrict commercial activities. Contact Branson's Planning and Zoning Department to obtain the necessary business license and short-term rental permit, which typically costs around $100-200 annually and requires property inspections for safety compliance including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Find a suitable property by focusing on 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 comfortable, durable furniture emphasizing the Ozarks theme that appeals to tourists, including essentials like quality bedding, kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi, and entertainment systems, budgeting approximately $15,000-25,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO with professional photos highlighting lake views, proximity to attractions, and outdoor amenities, setting competitive rates between $80-200 per night based on seasonality and local events. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, and maintaining the property regularly, or consider hiring local property management companies like Sunset Nightly Rentals or Branson Vacation Rentals who typically charge 15-25% of rental income for full-service management including marketing, guest communication, and maintenance coordination.

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 generate the highest tourist demand year-round. 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 STR data showing Branson's average daily rates range from $120-280 depending on season and proximity to attractions, with peak seasons during summer months and October-December holiday shows generating 40-60% higher rates. Research competition by analyzing occupancy rates of similar properties within a 5-mile radius using tools like Mashvisor and AllTheRooms, noting that properties near Branson West and Indian Point typically achieve 65-75% annual occupancy compared to 45-55% for distant locations. Utilize Branson-specific resources including the Branson Chamber of Commerce tourism data, Missouri STR licensing requirements, and local property management companies like Sunset Nightly Rentals and Branson Vacation Rentals to understand market dynamics, with successful properties typically generating 8-12% annual returns when purchased under $300,000 and located within the primary tourist corridor.

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 your application, as the city requires all short-term rentals to be licensed as conditional use permits. Required documents include a completed conditional use permit application, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and property layout, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and neighbor notification forms. The application fee is approximately $350 for the conditional use permit plus $150 for the business license, with additional fees for inspections totaling around $100. The timeline typically takes 60-90 days as your application must go through staff review, Planning Commission approval, and potentially City Council review depending on any objections. Branson-specific requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces per unit), ensuring the property meets all fire safety codes with proper egress windows and smoke detectors, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM, and having a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond to the property within 30 minutes. You must also register for city sales tax collection and remit the required lodging taxes, and the permit must be renewed annually with the city.

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 and parking requirements. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while operators must provide emergency contact information and maintain noise control measures. Branson prohibits STRs in certain historic districts and areas near Table Rock Lake due to environmental concerns, and the city limits the number of guests based on bedroom count plus two additional occupants. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of noise ordinances, mandatory registration with the city's tourism department, and requirements for local property management if owners live more than 50 miles away. The city also implemented a complaint tracking system in 2021 that can result in license revocation for repeat violations, particularly regarding noise, parking, and occupancy limits.

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 during peak summer months from May through September. The Hollister area, just south of Branson near the lake, provides a quieter alternative while maintaining easy access to attractions and typically commands premium rates due to waterfront properties. Downtown Branson Landing district is excellent for business travelers and upscale tourists, featuring shopping, dining, and the famous fountain show, with consistent occupancy from corporate retreats and conferences. The Thousand Hills area offers proximity to golf courses and family resorts like Big Cedar Lodge, attracting golf groups and family reunions throughout the year. Silver Dollar City vicinity performs exceptionally well during the theme park's operating season (March through December), with properties often booked months in advance during peak periods like Christmas and harvest festivals.

Airbnb properties in Branson, Missouri are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Missouri state sales tax of 4.225%, Taney County lodging tax of 3%, and the City of Branson lodging tax of 5%, totaling approximately 12.225% in combined taxes on short-term rental accommodations. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2018-2019 for most Missouri jurisdictions. Airbnb remits these collected taxes monthly to the appropriate state and local tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts should verify their registration requirements with the Missouri Department of Revenue and Branson's Finance Department. The city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and may require separate registration for tax collection purposes. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may offer exemptions for stays by government employees or certain non-profit organizations, though specific exemption criteria vary by locality and hosts should confirm current requirements with local tax authorities as rates and procedures can change.

Starting an Airbnb in Branson, Missouri requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $165,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home suitable for short-term rentals in the area. Furnishing costs typically range $12,000-18,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and décor to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup expenses of $2,500-4,000 cover professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees total approximately $800-1,200 including business license, short-term rental permit, and any required inspections from the City of Branson. Insurance costs run $1,800-2,400 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits require $500-800 for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services. First six months of operating costs average $8,000-12,000 covering utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning services ($75-100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($150-250/month), Airbnb service fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for established Branson vacation rentals.

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 $25,000-45,000 annually in gross revenue, with 2-3 bedroom cabins and condos near Table Rock Lake or downtown entertainment districts commanding $80-150 per night during peak season (April-October) and $50-90 during off-season. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance typically consume 40-55% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to major attractions within 5 miles, amenities like hot tubs or lake access, professional photography, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and guest communication. Properties in popular subdivisions like Pointe Royale or Thousand Hills have shown occupancy rates of 65-80% annually, with some lakefront cabins achieving 85%+ occupancy and generating $50,000+ in annual revenue, while properties further from attractions or poorly managed typically see 40-55% occupancy and significantly lower returns.

Airbnb investments in Branson, Missouri typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15%, driven by the city's robust tourism industry centered around entertainment venues like Silver Dollar City and numerous theaters along the famous Strip. Properties within 5 miles of major attractions command premium nightly rates of $120-200, while those further out average $80-140 per night, with occupancy rates reaching 65-75% annually due to Branson's year-round appeal including summer lake activities and fall foliage tourism. Initial investments for suitable 2-3 bedroom properties range from $180,000-350,000, with investors typically achieving profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for furnishing, marketing, and operational expenses. The market benefits from consistent demand from visitors to attractions operated by companies like Herschend Family Entertainment, with peak seasons generating 85-90% occupancy rates during summer months and holiday periods, making break-even achievable within the first 12-18 months for well-positioned properties with proper management and marketing strategies.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Branson, Missouri, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local Branson real estate agents who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Tri-Lakes serving the area since 2005, Coldwell Banker First Choice Realtors established in 1998, and RE/MAX Associated Brokers which has been operating in the Ozarks region since 1985. National services that assist Airbnb investors in Branson include Mashvisor (founded 2014) for property analytics, BiggerPockets for networking and deal sourcing since 2004, and Awning which provides short-term rental investment analysis services launched in 2017. Local property management companies specializing in Airbnb operations include Branson Vacation Rentals established in 2010, Sunset Nightly Rentals founded in 2015, and Ozark Mountain Property Management which began serving STR investors in 2012. Additional services include AirDNA for market data analysis since 2015, RedAwning for vacation rental management founded in 2009, and local investment groups like Branson Real Estate Investors Association which has been connecting investors since 2008.