Is Clinton, Mississippi Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Clinton, Mississippi, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Clinton Planning Department, as the city may require short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue to obtain a sales tax permit since you'll need to collect and remit state sales tax (currently 7% plus local taxes). Find a suitable property by searching residential areas that allow short-term rentals, focusing on neighborhoods near downtown Clinton or within proximity to Jackson attractions, with properties typically ranging from $80,000-$200,000 for purchase or $800-$1,500 monthly for rental arbitrage. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-$8,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting unique features, competitive pricing around $60-$120 per night based on local market rates, and detailed descriptions emphasizing proximity to Jackson, local attractions, and Mississippi College. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, implementing keyless entry systems, and ensuring compliance with Mississippi innkeeper laws and local noise ordinances while building positive reviews to increase bookings in this smaller market that benefits from overflow demand from nearby Jackson.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Clinton, Mississippi, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Mississippi College and near the Natchez Trace Parkway for tourist access, targeting 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, parking, and outdoor spaces that can command $80-150 per night based on seasonal demand. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 5-mile radius, noting that Clinton's limited STR inventory creates opportunity but requires competitive pricing 10-15% below Jackson metro rates to attract budget-conscious travelers and visiting families. Research competition by monitoring occupancy rates of existing listings near downtown Clinton and the college campus, identifying gaps in mid-range accommodations that serve both business travelers and weekend visitors to the area's recreational attractions. Utilize AirDNA for market data specific to Hinds County, STRAnalytics for Clinton occupancy trends, and the City of Clinton's planning department for zoning regulations, while leveraging BiggerPockets forums and local real estate agents familiar with investment properties to identify undervalued homes in established neighborhoods like Eastside and areas near Clinton Boulevard that offer strong rental potential.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Clinton, Mississippi, you must first contact the Clinton City Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 100 Monroe Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as many residential areas may have restrictions. You'll need to submit an application for a business license through the City Clerk's office, providing required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (typically $1 million minimum), floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing on-site. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. You must also register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and obtain a sales tax permit. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days from submission of complete application, during which the city will conduct zoning compliance review and safety inspections. Clinton requires STR operators to maintain occupancy limits based on bedrooms (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide 24/7 contact information to neighbors and city officials, maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and ensure adequate trash collection and parking that doesn't impact neighboring properties.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Clinton, Mississippi, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals or short-term accommodations. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements, zoning regulations that may restrict commercial activities in residential areas, and state tax obligations including Mississippi sales tax and local occupancy taxes. The city follows typical zoning enforcement where STRs in residential zones may face restrictions if they create nuisance issues or violate single-family residential use requirements. Property owners should verify their specific zoning district allows transient accommodations and obtain proper business licenses from the city, while also registering with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes. Recent trends in Mississippi municipalities show increasing regulation of STRs, though Clinton has not implemented comprehensive STR-specific ordinances as of 2024, leaving regulation primarily to existing zoning and business licensing frameworks.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Clinton, Mississippi include the Historic Downtown District near the Olde Towne area, which attracts visitors interested in local charm and walkability to restaurants and shops. The neighborhoods around Mississippi College are prime for investment due to consistent demand from visiting families during graduation ceremonies, prospective student visits, and academic events throughout the year. Areas near the Natchez Trace Parkway entrance points offer strong potential as this scenic route draws tourists year-round for recreational activities and historical exploration. The residential districts along Old Vicksburg Road and Springridge Road provide attractive options due to their proximity to Jackson's business district, making them ideal for business travelers seeking quieter accommodations outside the capital city while maintaining easy highway access. Properties near the Clinton Community Nature Center and recreational facilities appeal to families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting for sports tournaments and nature activities, while the established neighborhoods around Clinton High School benefit from sports-related travel and school events that generate consistent short-term rental demand.

In Clinton, Mississippi, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Mississippi state sales tax of 7% applies to short-term rental accommodations, along with a state tourism tax of 2%, bringing the total state obligation to 9%. Hinds County, where Clinton is located, imposes an additional 2% tourism tax on lodging facilities. The City of Clinton may impose its own municipal lodging tax of approximately 2-3%, though specific rates can vary. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system for properties that qualify, or hosts must collect and remit taxes directly to the Mississippi Department of Revenue on a monthly basis if gross receipts exceed $200 per month. Remittance is due by the 20th of the following month, and hosts must register for a sales tax permit through the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are generally considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and for certain government or non-profit travelers with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Clinton, Mississippi, the total initial investment would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property completely would cost $8,000-$12,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration cost approximately $300-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $500-$800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($900), cleaning supplies ($300), maintenance reserves ($1,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) amount to approximately $3,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add another $2,000-$4,000 to the initial investment.

Airbnb properties in Clinton, Mississippi typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $65-85 for entire homes and $35-50 for private rooms, resulting in monthly revenues of $800-1,500 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($80-120 monthly), property management (15-25% if outsourced), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $100-200 monthly. Properties near the Natchez Trace Parkway or within 15 minutes of Jackson tend to perform better, with some hosts reporting annual profit margins of 15-25% after mortgage payments. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $120,000-150,000 in Clinton's established neighborhoods can generate $10,000-18,000 in annual gross revenue, with net profits of $3,000-6,000 after all expenses including mortgage service, making it a supplemental income opportunity rather than a primary investment strategy. Success factors include proximity to Jackson's business district, consistent 5-star ratings, competitive pricing during peak travel seasons (spring and fall), and targeting business travelers and families visiting nearby attractions, though the market remains relatively small compared to major tourist destinations.

Based on Clinton, Mississippi market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near the Natchez Trace Parkway or downtown Clinton area tend to perform better, with average daily rates of $75-$120 and occupancy rates of 60-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The market benefits from proximity to Jackson (10 miles) and Mississippi College, creating steady demand from business travelers, visiting families, and event attendees. Conservative estimates suggest a $150,000 property investment could generate $12,000-$18,000 in annual net income after expenses, with break-even typically achieved by month 20-26 when factoring in mortgage payments, property management fees (10-15%), cleaning costs, and maintenance reserves.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Clinton, Mississippi. Local real estate agents in the Clinton area who focus on investment properties include Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty, RE/MAX Real Estate Partners, and Crye-Leike Realtors, with agents like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate often having experience with Airbnb investment properties. National services that can assist Clinton investors include Mashvisor for market analysis and property identification, BiggerPockets for networking and deal sourcing, AirDNA for short-term rental market data, and Awning for full-service Airbnb property management. RedAwning and Vacasa also provide property management services that can help investors maximize their returns in the Clinton market. Local property management companies such as Jackson-area firms often extend services to Clinton for investors seeking hands-off Airbnb operations. Investment-focused real estate companies like HomeVestors and local wholesalers in the Jackson metropolitan area frequently have properties suitable for short-term rental conversion in Clinton and surrounding Hinds County communities.