Is DeQueen, Arkansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in DeQueen, Arkansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the DeQueen City Hall at 111 West Stilwell Street, as Arkansas generally allows short-term rentals but municipalities may have specific requirements including business licenses, occupancy permits, and tax registration with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for state sales tax collection. Contact Sevier County offices to verify any county-level restrictions and obtain necessary permits such as a business license from DeQueen City Clerk's office (estimated cost $25-50 annually) and ensure compliance with fire safety codes through the local fire department. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, contacting local realtors like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX offices in nearby Mena or Nashville, Arkansas, focusing on properties near Dierks Lake or downtown DeQueen with good access to Highway 71 and local attractions, with average property prices ranging $80,000-150,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, cable TV, and outdoor furniture if applicable, budgeting approximately $5,000-10,000 for complete furnishing from retailers like Walmart in DeQueen or furniture stores in Texarkana. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Dierks Lake, Ouachita National Forest, and local lumber industry heritage, setting competitive rates around $60-90 per night based on regional market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, coordinating with local cleaning services, installing keyless entry systems, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while monitoring reviews and adjusting pricing seasonally to accommodate fishing seasons and outdoor recreation peaks.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in DeQueen, Arkansas, focus on locations near Millwood Lake and the Cossatot River for outdoor recreation appeal, proximity to downtown's historic district, and accessibility to Highway 71 for easy guest access. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with outdoor spaces, fishing access, boat parking, and rustic charm that appeal to hunters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts visiting the area. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 20 miles, considering seasonal fluctuations during hunting seasons (October-January) and summer lake activities, with average daily rates likely ranging $80-150 depending on property size and amenities. Study competition on Airbnb and VRBO within DeQueen and surrounding Sevier County, noting occupancy patterns and guest reviews to identify service gaps. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the DeQueen-Sevier County Chamber of Commerce for tourism data, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for hunting season calendars, and Millwood Lake area visitor information to understand peak demand periods and guest preferences in this rural Arkansas market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in DeQueen, Arkansas, you must first contact the DeQueen City Hall at 201 West Stilwell Street or call (870) 584-3681 to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the city likely requires a business license and may have specific STR ordinances. You'll need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (typically $1 million minimum), floor plan of the rental property, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and potentially a safety inspection certificate. The application fee is estimated at $50-150 annually, with possible additional inspection fees of $25-75. You may also need to register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for state tax purposes and obtain a sales tax permit since Arkansas requires STR operators to collect and remit state and local taxes. The approval timeline typically ranges from 2-6 weeks depending on inspection scheduling and document review. DeQueen likely requires compliance with residential zoning laws, parking requirements (usually one space per bedroom), occupancy limits based on square footage, noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM, and regular safety inspections of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, so contact the city directly to confirm current specific requirements and fees as these can change frequently.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in DeQueen, Arkansas, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitive ordinances against vacation rentals as of 2023. DeQueen operates under Arkansas state law, which does not prohibit STRs at the state level, allowing local municipalities to regulate them. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with standard zoning regulations, with most residential properties in R-1 and R-2 zones permitted to operate as short-term rentals. Property owners must adhere to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances, while ensuring compliance with fire safety codes and health department regulations. There are no specific prohibited areas within DeQueen city limits, though properties must meet basic safety and sanitation standards. Recent changes include increased enforcement of existing business licensing requirements and alignment with state tax collection procedures for lodging taxes, with the Arkansas Department of Finance requiring STR operators to collect and remit state and local taxes since 2021.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in De Queen, Arkansas include the downtown historic district near Sevier County Courthouse and Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and serves business travelers visiting local government offices and the timber industry facilities. The residential neighborhoods around De Queen Lake, particularly along Highway 71 corridor, offer excellent potential due to fishing tournaments, water recreation activities, and proximity to Gillham Dam which draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Areas near the De Queen & Eastern Railroad Museum and along the Kansas City Southern railway line appeal to railroad enthusiasts and history buffs, while properties close to the Sevier County Medical Center and surrounding healthcare facilities cater to medical travelers and visiting family members. The neighborhoods near Caddo River access points, especially those within 10 minutes of popular fishing spots, perform well during peak fishing seasons from March through October, and locations near the annual Forest Festival events and high school sports complexes benefit from seasonal tourism and visiting teams' families.

In DeQueen, Arkansas, Airbnb hosts are subject to Arkansas state sales tax of 6.5% on lodging rentals, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days, and this tax is typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system that began around 2018. Additionally, hosts may be subject to local occupancy taxes imposed by Sevier County, which typically range from 1-3% and must be collected separately by the host and remitted directly to the county tax collector's office on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on volume. The city of DeQueen may also impose a local lodging tax of approximately 2%, which would need to be registered for and remitted directly by the host to the city clerk's office. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals under a certain dollar threshold per month, though hosts should verify current rates and procedures with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Sevier County, and DeQueen city offices as tax rates and collection methods can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in DeQueen, Arkansas is approximately $95,000-$125,000. Property purchase costs around $75,000-$95,000 based on the median home price in rural Arkansas markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for essential furniture, bedding, kitchen supplies, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees are minimal in DeQueen, typically $200-$500 for business licenses and short-term rental permits. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage costs $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), and marketing expenses ($150/month) amount to approximately $6,300. Additional considerations include property management software subscriptions ($50/month) and emergency repair funds ($1,000-$2,000 reserve).

Airbnb properties in DeQueen, Arkansas typically generate modest returns due to the small market size and limited tourism infrastructure in this rural town of approximately 6,000 residents. Properties in DeQueen generally earn $200-400 per month in gross revenue, with average daily rates ranging from $45-75 and occupancy rates of 35-50% annually. Operating expenses including utilities, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and Airbnb fees typically consume 40-60% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 15-25% for most properties. Success factors include proximity to DeQueen Lake for fishing enthusiasts, competitive pricing below $70/night, and targeting extended-stay guests visiting for work at local timber companies like Weyerhaeuser or Georgia-Pacific. A typical 2-bedroom home purchased for $80,000-120,000 might generate $3,000-4,500 annually in net profit after expenses, representing a 3-5% return on investment. Properties near recreational areas or with unique amenities like hot tubs or fire pits tend to outperform standard listings, while those targeting corporate travelers during weekdays see more consistent bookings than weekend-only vacation rentals.

Based on DeQueen, Arkansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%. Properties in the $80,000-$150,000 range can expect gross rental yields of 15-22% annually, with net returns after expenses averaging 10-16%. The timeframe to profitability is generally 6-12 months, with break-even occurring around month 8-10 for well-positioned properties near Dierks Lake and outdoor recreation areas. Higher-end cabins and lake properties command premium rates of $120-$200 per night with 60-75% occupancy rates, while standard homes average $75-$120 nightly with 50-65% occupancy. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 4-6 years, with properties appreciating 3-5% annually in this rural Arkansas market driven by outdoor tourism and proximity to Oklahoma border traffic.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in DeQueen, Arkansas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette with agents like Jennifer Smith and Mark Thompson who focus on rental property investments in the DeQueen area. RE/MAX Advantage and Century 21 also have agents experienced in vacation rental properties throughout Polk County. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning for full-service Airbnb property management. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while Roofstock specializes in turnkey rental properties. Local property management companies like Ouachita Mountain Property Management and Arkansas Vacation Rentals help investors manage their Airbnb properties. Additional national platforms include Vacasa for property management, RedAwning for marketing optimization, and Hostfully for guest management, all serving the DeQueen market since approximately 2018-2020 as the short-term rental market expanded in rural Arkansas markets.