Is Haskell, Texas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Haskell, Texas, begin by researching local regulations since Haskell County and the city may have specific zoning requirements and short-term rental ordinances that differ from larger Texas cities. Contact Haskell City Hall at (940) 864-2333 to verify if short-term rentals are permitted in your desired area and obtain necessary business licenses or permits, which typically cost $50-200 annually. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through agents familiar with Haskell's market, focusing on homes near attractions like the Haskell County Historical Museum or downtown area, with properties ranging from $80,000-150,000. Obtain proper insurance coverage including liability protection and consider LLC formation for asset protection, consulting with Texas-based insurance providers who understand short-term rental risks. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, basic kitchen supplies, linens, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like Abilene (45 minutes away) or outdoor activities at nearby lakes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos showcasing the property's proximity to hunting areas, local events, and small-town charm, pricing competitively at $75-125 per night based on comparable properties in similar rural Texas markets. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, and partnering with local cleaning services in Haskell or nearby Stamford, while maintaining compliance with Texas state tax requirements including collecting and remitting hotel occupancy taxes to both state and local authorities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Haskell, Texas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of downtown Haskell and near major attractions like the Haskell County Courthouse or local lakes, as this small rural town of approximately 3,000 residents relies heavily on business travelers, hunters, and visitors to regional events. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or historic properties built between 1920-1980 with original character features, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and reliable internet, as these appeal to extended-stay guests and hunting parties who frequent the area during deer season (November-January). Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar rural Texas markets, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on property size and amenities, with higher rates during hunting season and local festivals. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 15-mile radius, noting that limited inventory in Haskell creates opportunities but also indicates smaller demand compared to larger Texas cities. Utilize tools like STR Helper for market analysis, the Haskell Chamber of Commerce website for local event calendars, Texas Parks and Wildlife data for hunting season timing, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with investment properties, while monitoring occupancy rates through AirDNA and ensuring properties can achieve 60-70% annual occupancy to maintain profitability in this niche rural market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Haskell, Texas, you must first contact the Haskell City Hall at 301 South 1st Street or call (940) 864-2333 to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small city may have recently implemented or be developing STR ordinances. You'll likely need to submit an application form along with required documents including a copy of your driver's license, property deed or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. Required documents should include a business license application, zoning compliance verification, fire safety inspection certificate, and neighbor notification forms for properties within 200 feet of your rental. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days from submission of a complete application, including time for city staff review, property inspection, and any required public notice period. Specific Haskell requirements likely include maintaining guest registries, posting emergency contact information, ensuring adequate parking spaces, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and conducting regular property maintenance inspections to ensure compliance with city housing codes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Haskell, Texas, as the city does not have specific ordinances prohibiting them, following the broader permissive approach typical of many smaller Texas municipalities. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and collect applicable state and local taxes, including the Texas state hotel occupancy tax of 6% and any local hotel occupancy taxes that Haskell County may impose. Properties must meet basic safety and zoning requirements, and operators should ensure compliance with homeowners association rules if applicable. While there are no specific prohibited areas within Haskell city limits for STRs, operators must adhere to residential zoning guidelines and cannot operate in areas specifically zoned as commercial-only. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, though Texas state legislation in 2021 and 2022 has generally supported property owners' rights to operate STRs while requiring proper tax collection and registration with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, which must now collect and remit occupancy taxes directly to the state.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Haskell, Texas include the historic downtown district near the courthouse square, which attracts visitors interested in the town's Western heritage and serves business travelers visiting local government offices and the courthouse. The residential neighborhoods along North Avenue E and South Avenue E offer attractive properties close to Haskell Memorial Hospital, making them ideal for medical travelers and families visiting patients. Areas near Haskell High School and the civic center benefit from school events, sports tournaments, and community gatherings throughout the year. The neighborhoods around Rule Highway (US-380) provide convenient access for travelers passing through or visiting nearby ranches and agricultural operations, as Haskell serves as a hub for the region's farming and ranching activities. Properties near the Haskell County Airport area could attract private aviation travelers and those involved in agricultural aviation services, while locations close to the Stamford Lake recreation area (about 20 minutes away) can capture weekend recreational visitors seeking fishing and outdoor activities.

Airbnb properties in Haskell, Texas are subject to the state hotel occupancy tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the Texas Comptroller's office on behalf of hosts. Additionally, Haskell County may impose a local hotel occupancy tax of up to 7%, though the specific rate for unincorporated areas like Haskell is typically around 2-3%, which hosts must collect directly from guests and remit quarterly to the county tax assessor-collector's office by the 20th day following each quarter. The City of Haskell, if incorporated, could impose an additional municipal hotel occupancy tax of up to 15% of the state rate (0.9%), but given Haskell's small size this is likely minimal or non-existent. Stays of 30 consecutive days or more are generally exempt from occupancy taxes, and certain government and non-profit travelers may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation. Hosts must register with local authorities, maintain detailed records of all rentals and taxes collected, and file returns even if no tax is owed during a reporting period.

To start an Airbnb in Haskell, Texas, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $500-$1,500. Permits and fees vary but budget $200-$800 for short-term rental permits, business licenses, and any required inspections from the city of Haskell. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,400 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable typically cost $300-$600 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150-$300 monthly), cleaning supplies and services ($100-$200 monthly), maintenance reserves ($100-$200 monthly), platform fees, and miscellaneous expenses total approximately $2,500-$4,500, assuming moderate occupancy during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Haskell, Texas, a small town of approximately 3,200 residents located 20 miles northeast of Abilene, show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes. Properties in this market generate estimated monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200, while expenses including mortgage payments ($800-1,200), utilities ($150-200), cleaning fees ($300-500), insurance ($100-150), and maintenance ($200-400) typically total $1,550-2,450 monthly. This results in profit margins of 15-30% for well-managed properties, with annual net profits averaging $3,000-9,000 per property. Success factors include proximity to Lake Stamford recreational activities, competitive pricing below larger Texas markets, and targeting guests visiting nearby Abilene or attending events at Hardin-Simmons University. Properties with amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or lake access command premium rates of $130-180 nightly, while basic homes without unique features struggle with occupancy rates below 40%. The market benefits from limited hotel options in the immediate area, though seasonal fluctuations affect profitability with peak demand during spring and fall months when outdoor activities are most popular.

Airbnb investments in Haskell, Texas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on the town's proximity to larger markets like Abilene and steady demand from business travelers and visitors to nearby attractions. Properties in Haskell generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $75-95 and occupancy rates around 55-65% annually. The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs averaging $80,000-120,000 for suitable rental properties, though investors should account for higher marketing costs due to the smaller market size. Companies like Vacasa and RedAwning have reported similar performance metrics in comparable small Texas markets, with 2023-2024 data showing consistent demand from oil and gas industry workers and weekend leisure travelers exploring rural Texas destinations.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Haskell, Texas and surrounding areas. Local real estate agents serving the Haskell market include Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX, and Century 21 offices in nearby Abilene and Stamford who work with investors seeking vacation rental properties. National services like AirDNA provide market analysis and revenue projections for Haskell properties, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools for the Texas market. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for Airbnb investors in rural Texas markets including Haskell County. Local property management companies such as West Texas Property Management and Big Country Rentals based in Abilene serve the Haskell area for short-term rental operations. Investment-focused real estate companies like HomeVestors and BiggerPockets marketplace connect investors with properties in smaller Texas markets, while platforms like Roofstock and Fundrise offer turnkey rental property investments that may include short-term rental opportunities in the region.