Is Greenville, Mississippi Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Greenville, Mississippi, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Greenville Planning Department and Washington County offices, as the city typically requires short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning restrictions and may require a business license from City Hall. Obtain necessary permits including a Mississippi sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue, liability insurance coverage, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes through the local fire marshal's office. Find a suitable property by researching neighborhoods like the historic downtown area or residential districts near the Mississippi River, considering factors like proximity to attractions such as the Greenville History Museum and local casinos. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi, air conditioning (crucial for Mississippi's humid climate), and local guidebooks highlighting Delta blues heritage and nearby Winterville Mounds. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, setting competitive rates based on local market research (typically $60-120 per night in Greenville), and create an attractive listing with professional photos showcasing unique Delta region features. Manage your Airbnb by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and collecting required Mississippi state sales tax of 7% plus any local hotel/motel taxes that may apply to short-term rentals in Washington County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Greenville, Mississippi, focus on locations near the Mississippi River waterfront, downtown historic district, and proximity to major employers like the Mississippi Department of Corrections and regional medical facilities, while targeting properties within 10-15 minutes of Highway 82 and Highway 1 for accessibility. Seek 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, reliable HVAC systems, and outdoor spaces like porches or patios that appeal to business travelers and river tourism visitors. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against the limited STR competition, targeting properties under $150,000 that can generate $75-120 per night during peak seasons (spring/fall river activities and hunting season). Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting that Greenville's small market typically has fewer than 20 active STRs, creating opportunity for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Rabbu and STR Helper for market analysis, partner with local real estate agents familiar with flood zone maps since Delta flooding is a concern, and leverage resources from the Greenville-Washington County Chamber of Commerce to understand seasonal demand patterns driven by river commerce, agricultural cycles, and regional business travel.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Greenville, Mississippi, contact the Greenville City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 316 Main Street or call (662) 378-1515 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, and pay the required fees which typically include a $50 business license fee and $100 short-term rental permit fee. The city requires properties to meet fire safety codes, have working smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas, provide adequate parking for guests, maintain the property in good condition, and limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Submit your application with all documents and fees to the City Clerk, after which the Fire Department and Building Inspector will conduct property inspections within 10-14 business days. Once inspections are passed and all requirements are met, the permit is typically issued within 21-30 days of the initial application, and permits must be renewed annually by December 31st with the same fee structure and updated insurance documentation.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Greenville, Mississippi operate in a largely unregulated environment at the municipal level, with the city not having implemented comprehensive STR-specific ordinances as of 2023. Property owners can generally operate vacation rentals and short-term accommodations under existing residential and commercial property regulations, though they must comply with standard zoning requirements, building codes, and obtain necessary business licenses. The Mississippi state government has not enacted statewide STR legislation, leaving regulation primarily to local municipalities. Greenville's current approach allows STRs in most residential areas without specific permit requirements, though operators should ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits based on property size, and standard tax obligations including state sales tax and local hotel/motel taxes where applicable. There are no specifically prohibited areas for STRs within city limits, though properties must meet basic habitability standards and zoning compliance. Recent legal changes have been minimal, with the city focusing more on economic development initiatives rather than STR restrictions, reflecting the community's general openness to tourism and rental income opportunities that could benefit the local economy.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Greenville, Mississippi include the Historic Downtown District near Washington Avenue and Main Street, which attracts visitors to the Mississippi Blues Trail markers, antique shops, and cultural events at the Greenville History Museum. The Warfield Point area along the Mississippi River offers scenic waterfront appeal for tourists interested in river activities and casino gaming at nearby establishments. The Medical District surrounding Delta Regional Medical Center presents opportunities for medical tourism and visiting family members of patients. The area near the Greenville Municipal Airport caters to business travelers and those attending events at the Washington County Convention Center. The neighborhoods around Leland Speed Library and the Arts Council building benefit from cultural tourism and visitors to literary events, as Greenville has a rich writing heritage. Properties near Highway 82 and Highway 1 intersection capture travelers passing through the Delta region and those visiting for agricultural business meetings, as this area serves as a regional hub for cotton and soybean industries.

Airbnb properties in Greenville, Mississippi are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Mississippi state sales tax of 7% applies to short-term rental accommodations, along with an additional state tourism tax of 2% on lodging, bringing the state portion to 9% total. Washington County, where Greenville is located, typically imposes a local hotel/motel tax of approximately 2-3%, while the City of Greenville adds its own lodging tax of around 2-4%, resulting in a combined tax rate of approximately 13-16% on Airbnb stays. These taxes are generally collected at the time of booking through Airbnb's platform for participating jurisdictions, with Airbnb remitting payments directly to the Mississippi Department of Revenue and local tax authorities on a monthly basis. For properties not covered by Airbnb's automatic collection, hosts must register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue and local tax offices, collect taxes from guests, and remit payments monthly or quarterly depending on volume. Stays of 30 days or longer are typically exempt from tourism taxes but may still be subject to regular sales tax, and some jurisdictions offer exemptions for government employees or certain business travelers with proper documentation.

Starting an Airbnb in Greenville, Mississippi requires approximately $85,000-$95,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $65,000 based on the median home price in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor typically runs $8,000-$12,000. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Mississippi include business license ($50), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential city registration fees totaling approximately $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run about $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $3,600. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add another $2,000-$4,000 to the startup budget.

Airbnb properties in Greenville, Mississippi typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and location, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and maintenance ($200-400 monthly) typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue. Properties near the Mississippi River or downtown areas command premium rates, with a renovated 3-bedroom Victorian home on Main Street reportedly earning $2,800 monthly with 65% occupancy in 2023, achieving a 35% profit margin after expenses of $1,820. Success factors include proximity to Delta State University (8 miles away), Mississippi River attractions, and casino tourism from nearby Greenville casinos, though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact winter bookings. Most profitable properties are unique historic homes or riverfront locations, with investors typically seeing 8-15% annual returns on investment, though the limited tourism infrastructure compared to larger Mississippi markets like Jackson or Biloxi constrains overall profitability potential.

Airbnb investments in Greenville, Mississippi typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on average property acquisition costs of $80,000-$120,000 and monthly rental income of $800-$1,200 per property. The market shows moderate demand driven by business travelers visiting the Mississippi River port facilities and tourists exploring Delta blues heritage sites, with occupancy rates averaging 45-60% annually. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, factoring in initial renovation costs of $15,000-$25,000 for older properties common in the area. Properties near downtown or the riverfront command premium rates of $75-$95 per night, while suburban locations average $55-$75 nightly, with seasonal peaks during spring and fall months when weather is favorable for outdoor activities and cultural events.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Greenville, Mississippi. Locally, Century 21 Greenville and Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty have agents experienced in investment properties, while RE/MAX Delta and Crye-Leike Realtors offer specialized investor services. National companies like Awning, RedAwning, and AvantStay provide full-service Airbnb investment solutions including property acquisition and management. Roofstock and Mashvisor offer online platforms for analyzing rental property investments with Airbnb potential in the Mississippi Delta region. Local property management companies such as Delta Property Management and Mississippi River Property Services can assist with identifying suitable investment properties, while national firms like Vacasa and RedAwning Property Management provide turnkey Airbnb investment services. Real estate investment groups like the Mississippi Real Estate Investors Association and local meetups in the Jackson-Greenville corridor often feature agents and services specializing in short-term rental investments.