Is Escatawpa, Mississippi Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Escatawpa, Mississippi, begin by researching local regulations through Jackson County's planning and zoning department, as Escatawpa falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control, and verify that short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning area while checking for any required business licenses or permits from Jackson County. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Jackson County (approximately $25-50), ensure compliance with Mississippi Department of Revenue requirements for collecting state sales tax (7%) and local taxes, and verify your property meets basic safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress routes. Find a suitable property by researching areas near Pascagoula River access points, proximity to Pascagoula and Moss Point for guest convenience, and consider properties with 2-3 bedrooms that can accommodate families visiting the Gulf Coast region, with average property prices ranging $80,000-150,000 in the area. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, air conditioning (crucial for Mississippi's humid climate), and outdoor seating to take advantage of the area's natural setting, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting proximity to Gulf Coast attractions, fishing opportunities, and peaceful rural setting, with competitive pricing around $75-125 per night based on local market conditions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors in the Pascagoula area to ensure smooth operations.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Escatawpa, Mississippi, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like Pascagoula River activities, casinos in nearby Biloxi (45 minutes), and industrial facilities that attract business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, waterfront or water-view access, boat parking, fishing pier access, and outdoor entertainment spaces, as the area attracts fishing and boating enthusiasts. Pricing analysis should benchmark against comparable properties in Pascagoula and Moss Point, typically ranging $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, with seasonal adjustments for peak fishing seasons (spring/fall) and summer tourism. Competition research reveals limited STR inventory in Escatawpa proper, creating opportunity, but analyze nearby markets including Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, and Biloxi for pricing and occupancy trends. Utilize AirDNA for market data, STR Helper for revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local tools like Jackson County property records, Mississippi Gulf Coast tourism data, and Facebook groups for Pascagoula River fishing communities to understand demand patterns. Consider proximity to Chevron Pascagoula Refinery and Ingalls Shipbuilding for corporate housing opportunities, while ensuring properties meet Mississippi STR regulations and Jackson County zoning requirements.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Escatawpa, Mississippi, you'll need to contact the Jackson County Planning and Zoning Department since Escatawpa is an unincorporated community in Jackson County. Start by calling Jackson County at (228) 769-3063 or visiting their office at 2902 Canty Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567 to inquire about short-term rental regulations. You'll likely need to submit a business license application through the Mississippi Secretary of State's office, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan showing parking and occupancy details, obtain liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage, and complete a fire safety inspection if required. Required documents typically include a completed application form, property deed or lease, floor plan, parking diagram, insurance certificate, and Mississippi tax ID number. Application fees generally range from $100-300 for the county permit plus $50 for state business license, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. The timeline is usually 30-60 days for approval, depending on inspection scheduling and application completeness. Jackson County may require compliance with residential zoning restrictions, adequate parking spaces (typically 1-2 per bedroom), proper signage limitations, noise ordinance compliance, and registration with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Escatawpa, Mississippi are generally legal under state law, as Mississippi does not prohibit STRs at the state level, but regulation occurs primarily at the local municipal and county levels. Escatawpa, located in Jackson County, falls under Jackson County's jurisdiction for zoning and rental regulations. Jackson County has implemented some restrictions on STRs, typically requiring business licenses and compliance with local zoning ordinances, with some areas potentially restricted in residential zones depending on specific zoning classifications. Property owners must generally obtain proper permits, maintain safety standards, and may face occupancy limits and parking requirements. Recent changes in Mississippi since 2020-2022 have seen increased local regulation as communities balance tourism revenue with neighborhood concerns, with some coastal counties like Jackson County implementing stricter oversight due to proximity to Gulf Coast tourism areas. Specific prohibited areas may include certain residential subdivisions with HOA restrictions or areas zoned exclusively for single-family use, and property owners should verify current regulations with Jackson County planning and zoning departments as local ordinances can change frequently.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Escatawpa, Mississippi are primarily along the Escatawpa River waterfront district where properties can capitalize on fishing tourism and water recreation activities, particularly during spring and summer months when bass fishing tournaments draw visitors from across the Gulf Coast region. The historic downtown area near Highway 63 offers potential due to its proximity to the Singing River Trail system and serves business travelers working at nearby industrial facilities including shipyards and chemical plants in neighboring Pascagoula. Properties near the Escatawpa Community Center and recreational facilities attract families visiting for youth sports tournaments and local events throughout the year. The residential areas closest to Interstate 10 provide convenient access for travelers heading to Gulf Coast beaches, casinos in Biloxi, or conducting business in Mobile, Alabama, making them attractive for short-term stays. Additionally, neighborhoods within a 10-minute drive of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge can appeal to eco-tourists and nature photographers, especially during migration seasons when birdwatching activities peak.

Airbnb properties in Escatawpa, Mississippi are subject to Mississippi state sales tax of 7% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. Jackson County, where Escatawpa is located, may impose an additional local sales tax of up to 1%, bringing the total potential tax rate to approximately 8%. These taxes are typically collected by the host at the time of booking and must be remitted to the Mississippi Department of Revenue monthly if gross sales exceed $200 per month, or quarterly for smaller operators. Hosts must register for a sales tax permit through the Mississippi Department of Revenue and file returns using Form 72-001. The city of Escatawpa does not appear to have a separate municipal lodging tax as of recent years, though hosts should verify current local ordinances. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these lodging taxes, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees or extended-stay medical patients, though documentation is required for such exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Escatawpa, Mississippi, the total costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Mississippi markets. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and local registration requirements. Insurance costs run $2,000-$3,500 annually for comprehensive coverage including liability and property protection specific to short-term rentals. Utility setup and deposits total approximately $1,000-$2,000 covering electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash services. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($800-$1,200 monthly), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves, property management software subscriptions, and marketing expenses typically total $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial launch period.

Airbnb properties in Escatawpa, Mississippi show modest profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue based on 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-3,500 yearly). Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% after expenses, translating to $3,000-6,000 annual profit per property. Success factors in this rural Mississippi market include proximity to Pascagoula's industrial facilities and shipyards, competitive pricing below regional averages, and targeting extended-stay business travelers working at Huntington Ingalls Industries or Chevron Pascagoula Refinery. Properties within 15-20 minutes of these major employers perform better, with some hosts reporting 75-80% occupancy rates. The market benefits from limited hotel options in the immediate area, though seasonal fluctuations occur with lower demand during winter months, and hosts must account for Mississippi's 7% sales tax on short-term rentals.

Airbnb investments in Escatawpa, Mississippi typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the rural market dynamics and proximity to Pascagoula's industrial corridor. Properties averaging $80,000-120,000 purchase price can expect gross rental yields of $8,000-15,000 annually, with occupancy rates around 45-60% due to limited tourism infrastructure but steady demand from industrial workers and visitors to nearby Gulf Coast attractions. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for renovation costs of $15,000-25,000 for most properties, with break-even cash flow achievable by month 12-18. The market benefits from lower property taxes and operating costs compared to coastal Mississippi markets, though seasonal fluctuations and limited year-round demand cap the upper ROI potential at around 12-14% for well-positioned properties near major employers like Chevron and Ingalls Shipbuilding.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Escatawpa, Mississippi, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty and RE/MAX Real Estate Partners in nearby Pascagoula serve the Escatawpa area and can assist with Airbnb investment properties. National services include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analysis tools, AirDNA for short-term rental market data, and Awning for full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while companies like RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services for short-term rentals in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region. Local property management companies such as Gulf Coast Property Management and Coastal Mississippi Rentals can help manage Airbnb properties in Escatawpa, and real estate investment firms like Keller Williams Realty have agents experienced in vacation rental investments throughout Jackson County, Mississippi.