Is Clarksville, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Clarksville, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Clinton County Planning Commission and Clarksville Village Council, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning restrictions. Contact the Ohio Department of Commerce for state lodging requirements and obtain necessary business licenses from Clinton County, including a general business license and potentially a transient vendor's license. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Clarksville's residential areas, focusing on properties near attractions like Caesar Creek State Park or historic downtown areas that appeal to visitors. Once you secure a property, furnish it with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, ensuring compliance with Ohio's residential building codes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting local attractions and amenities, setting competitive rates based on similar properties in the Dayton-Cincinnati corridor. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, maintain responsive communication, coordinate key exchanges or install smart locks, handle booking inquiries promptly, and ensure compliance with Ohio's 7% lodging tax requirements while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and potential local occupancy tax obligations that may apply in Clinton County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Clarksville, Ohio, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and near Interstate 71 corridors for business traveler accessibility, while targeting properties close to Caesar Creek State Park and Little Miami Scenic Trail for recreational guests. Seek 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and outdoor spaces like decks or patios that appeal to both military families and weekend visitors. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties in nearby Dayton and Cincinnati suburbs, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can generate $100-150 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 5-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, identifying gaps in amenities or guest services, and monitoring seasonal demand patterns tied to base operations and state park activities. Utilize local resources including the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau for tourism data, connect with Clarksville real estate agents familiar with investment properties, and leverage tools like Rabbu and Rentometer for rental yield calculations while monitoring the village's STR regulations and permit requirements through their municipal offices.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Clarksville, Ohio, you must first contact the Clarksville Village Office at 937-289-2371 or visit their office at 201 North Second Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small village may not have formal STR ordinances established yet. If permits are required, you'll typically need to submit a completed application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a floor plan of the rental property, obtain a business license from the village clerk, and provide proof of liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000. Required documents generally include a valid Ohio driver's license, property deed or lease, tax identification number, emergency contact information for guests, and a safety inspection certificate from the local fire department. Application fees are estimated at $50-150 for the initial permit plus $25-75 for annual renewals, with additional costs for inspections around $75-100. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days from submission of a complete application, though this may vary depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Clarksville-specific requirements likely include maintaining the property's residential character, providing adequate parking spaces, ensuring compliance with local noise ordinances, and potentially limiting the number of overnight guests to maintain neighborhood compatibility, though you should verify current regulations directly with village officials as requirements may have changed or been newly implemented.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Clarksville, Ohio are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state requirements. As a small unincorporated community in Clinton County, Clarksville falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal STR ordinances. Property owners must comply with Ohio's basic lodging requirements including safety standards, tax collection (5.75% state sales tax plus local taxes), and business registration. The county typically allows STRs in residential areas but may require conditional use permits or special approvals depending on the specific zoning district. There are generally no outright prohibited areas, though properties must meet fire safety codes and may face restrictions on occupancy limits and parking requirements. Recent changes at the state level in 2022-2023 have streamlined some registration processes while maintaining local authority over zoning decisions, meaning Clarksville STR operators should verify current Clinton County zoning compliance and obtain proper state tax identification numbers before operating.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Clarksville, Ohio include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and antique shopping, particularly during seasonal festivals and community events. The residential neighborhoods surrounding Clarksville Elementary and near the Clinton County fairgrounds offer excellent potential due to proximity to the annual Clinton County Fair (typically held in July) and other agricultural events that draw visitors from across southwestern Ohio. Properties near the Little Miami River corridor are highly desirable for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking, especially during spring and summer months. The areas close to Caesar Creek State Park, approximately 15 minutes away, benefit from spillover tourism as visitors seek more affordable accommodations than those directly at the park, making these neighborhoods attractive for weekend getaways and extended outdoor recreation stays. Additionally, properties within a 10-mile radius of Wilmington College see consistent demand from visiting families during graduation ceremonies, sporting events, and academic conferences throughout the year.

Airbnb properties in Clarksville, Ohio are subject to Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days and is collected by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing through quarterly remittance by hosts or property managers. Additionally, properties may be subject to local transient occupancy taxes imposed by the county or municipality, typically ranging from 2-4%, though specific rates for Clarksville would need verification with local authorities. The state tax is collected either directly by hosts who must register with the state and file quarterly returns, or automatically through Airbnb's collection service in participating jurisdictions, with remittance due by the last day of the month following each quarter. Exemptions generally apply to rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and certain properties used for medical treatment or government business, while hosts earning less than $1,000 annually may qualify for simplified reporting procedures.

To start an Airbnb in Clarksville, Ohio, the total costs would be approximately $175,000-$200,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in rural Ohio communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees would total $500-$800. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would be $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) would total approximately $6,300. Additional costs for emergency repairs, guest amenities, and working capital should add another $3,000-$5,000 to ensure smooth operations during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Clarksville, Ohio typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 depending on property size and location, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 for whole homes and $45-$75 for private rooms. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), 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 achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest experiences, and efficient operations. Properties near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and those offering unique amenities like hot tubs or game rooms command premium rates, while success factors include maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, rapid response times under 1 hour, professional photography, and dynamic pricing strategies that adjust for local events and seasonal demand. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $120,000 with a $25,000 renovation investment can generate $28,000 annual revenue with $16,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $12,000 net profit annually, representing a 10% return on investment before considering property appreciation.

Based on Clarksville, Ohio market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the market. Properties near Lake Clarksville and recreational areas tend to perform at the higher end of this range, achieving 15-18% annual ROI, while standard residential properties average 12-15%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months of operation, with full investment recovery typically achieved in 6-8 years. The market benefits from seasonal tourism patterns with peak performance during summer months (May-September) when occupancy rates reach 70-85% and average daily rates of $85-120 are achievable. Off-season performance drops to 40-55% occupancy with rates of $65-90 per night. Total startup costs including property acquisition, furnishing, and initial marketing typically range from $80,000-150,000 for a standard 2-3 bedroom property, with monthly operating expenses averaging $800-1,200 including utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and platform fees.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Clarksville, Ohio. Local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker King Thompson, RE/MAX Results, and Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty have experience with investment properties in the area and understand the local market dynamics for vacation rentals. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning for turnkey Airbnb investment opportunities. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals and market insights, while Roofstock and Arrived Homes offer curated investment property platforms. Local property management companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa can assist with both property identification and ongoing management services. Additional national platforms like RentSpree, LoopNet for commercial properties that could be converted, and local investment groups through the Cincinnati Real Estate Investors Association (serving the broader Ohio region) provide networking and deal flow opportunities for investors seeking profitable Airbnb properties in the Clarksville market.