Is Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Broken Arrow Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that may limit rentals to primary residences or specific zones. Contact the Broken Arrow Business License Division at City Hall (220 S 1st Street) to obtain the necessary business license, which typically costs around $25-50 annually, and verify if additional permits are required through the Building Safety Department. Find a suitable property by searching areas near popular attractions like the Broken Arrow Historical Museum or Rose District, ensuring the property meets city fire safety codes and has adequate parking as required by local ordinances. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to meet both city requirements and guest expectations. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos, competitive pricing based on local market rates (typically $60-120 per night in Broken Arrow), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to Tulsa attractions since many guests use Broken Arrow as a base for exploring the greater Tulsa area. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest communications, and ensuring compliance with Oklahoma state tax requirements including collecting and remitting applicable occupancy taxes to both the state and potentially Tulsa County, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and monitoring any changes to local short-term rental regulations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of downtown Tulsa, near major attractions like the Rose District, Gathering Place, or close to corporate centers and medical facilities that generate business travel demand. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, updated kitchens and bathrooms, outdoor spaces, and reliable WiFi infrastructure, as these appeal to families and business travelers visiting the Tulsa metro area. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates ($80-150 typical for the market) and occupancy rates (aim for 65%+ annually), while analyzing seasonal trends around local events and business cycles. Research competition by studying existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing strategies, and monitoring properties managed by companies like RedAwning or local property management firms. Utilize tools specific to the Broken Arrow market including the Tulsa Regional MLS for property data, City of Broken Arrow's short-term rental licensing requirements and zoning maps, STR Helper for market analysis, and local Facebook groups like "Broken Arrow Real Estate Investors" for insider market knowledge and networking opportunities.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, you must first contact the City of Broken Arrow Planning Department at 220 S 1st Street or call (918) 259-2400 to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has been developing regulations since 2019-2020. You'll need to submit an application through the Planning Department along with required documents including a completed STR application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, contact information for a local property manager (if you live more than 50 miles away), proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-200. You must also obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for around $25-50 annually and register for sales tax collection with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required public hearings. Broken Arrow specific requirements likely include occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, mandatory 24-hour local contact person, noise restrictions particularly during evening hours, parking requirements of at least two spaces per unit, and compliance with all fire safety and building codes including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit short-term rentals to certain residential areas while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods to preserve residential character. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, and operators are required to provide emergency contact information to neighbors and the city. Broken Arrow has implemented occupancy limits based on property size and requires adequate parking for guests. The city has been actively updating its STR ordinances since around 2020-2022 to address noise complaints and neighborhood concerns, with recent changes including stricter enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties for violations. Properties in historic districts or areas with homeowners association restrictions may face additional limitations, and operators must collect and remit applicable taxes including state and local lodging taxes.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma include the Rose District downtown area, which attracts visitors for its antique shops, restaurants, and annual Rose Festival events, plus proximity to business travelers visiting local corporate offices. The neighborhoods near Nienhuis Park and Ray Harral Nature Park are attractive for families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area's recreational facilities and sports tournaments. Areas close to the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center draw guests attending concerts and theatrical performances throughout the year. The residential districts near 71st and Yale, and around 101st and Elm offer convenient access to shopping at Woodland Hills Mall and business centers, making them ideal for corporate travelers and weekend shoppers from surrounding areas. Properties near the Broken Arrow Sports Complex benefit from youth sports tournaments and events that bring families from across the region, while neighborhoods close to Nienhuis Golf Course attract golf enthusiasts and tournament participants seeking nearby accommodations.

In Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes that must be collected from guests and remitted to tax authorities. The Oklahoma state lodging tax is 5.5% on gross rental receipts, while Broken Arrow imposes an additional local hotel/motel tax of approximately 6%, bringing the total lodging tax rate to around 11.5% for short-term rentals under 30 days. These taxes are collected by the host at the time of booking or check-in and must be remitted monthly to the Oklahoma Tax Commission for state taxes and to the City of Broken Arrow for local taxes, with returns typically due by the 20th of the following month. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some jurisdictions through their platform, but hosts should verify this arrangement and register with both state and local tax authorities to ensure compliance. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from lodging taxes and may instead be subject to regular sales tax, and some exemptions may apply for certain types of guests such as government employees or long-term medical patients, though documentation is required to claim these exemptions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-$12,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees in Broken Arrow include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval costs totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run approximately $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings estimated at $300/month), and marketing budget ($100/month) total around $4,500-$5,100. Property taxes and initial maintenance buffers add another $3,000-$4,000 to startup costs.

Airbnb properties in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma typically generate average monthly revenues of $1,800-$2,500 for entire homes and $800-$1,200 for private rooms, with occupancy rates ranging from 45-65% depending on location and property quality. Operating expenses generally include mortgage payments averaging $1,200-$1,800 monthly, utilities ($150-$250), cleaning fees ($75-$100 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($100-$200), and maintenance costs ($200-$400 monthly). Properties near attractions like the Broken Arrow Rose District or close to Tulsa's business centers achieve higher occupancy rates and can command premium pricing of $120-$180 per night compared to suburban locations at $80-$120 per night. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating renovated 3-bedroom homes near Highway 169 reporting annual profits of $8,000-$15,000 after all expenses. Key success factors include professional photography, competitive pricing strategies, proximity to Tulsa International Airport or downtown Tulsa (20-minute drive), modern amenities like high-speed internet and updated kitchens, and maintaining super-host status through consistent 4.8+ ratings. Properties purchased specifically for Airbnb investment in 2022-2023 with acquisition costs around $180,000-$250,000 have shown positive cash flow within 6-12 months when properly managed and marketed to both business travelers visiting Tulsa and leisure guests exploring the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Based on Broken Arrow, Oklahoma market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near Broken Arrow's recreational areas and business districts can achieve occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with average daily rates between $85-$125 depending on property size and amenities. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months after launch, factoring in startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The market benefits from proximity to Tulsa's corporate demand, local events at venues like Broken Arrow Events Park, and recreational tourism from nearby attractions, with seasonal peaks during spring and fall months driving higher revenue periods that can boost annual returns to the upper range of 16-18% for well-positioned properties.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Local real estate agents who focus on investment properties in the area include Keller Williams Realty professionals and RE/MAX agents who understand the Tulsa metro market dynamics. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for Airbnb investors in Broken Arrow. Local property management companies such as Tulsa Property Management Group and Oklahoma Property Solutions offer turnkey Airbnb setup services. BiggerPockets marketplace connects investors with local wholesalers and agents familiar with Broken Arrow's rental regulations. Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature short-term rental opportunities in the Oklahoma market. Local mortgage brokers like First National Bank of Oklahoma and Arvest Bank provide specialized financing for investment properties. Additionally, companies like Vacasa and AvantStay help investors identify and manage profitable Airbnb properties in emerging markets like Broken Arrow, which benefits from proximity to Tulsa's attractions and business district.