Is Hollister, Missouri Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Hollister, Missouri, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Hollister Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact the city clerk's office at (417) 334-3253 to obtain necessary business licenses and occupancy permits, and register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for state tax collection requirements. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Hollister's tourist areas near Table Rock Lake and Branson, focusing on properties that allow short-term rentals and are zoned appropriately. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities that appeal to tourists visiting the Branson entertainment district, ensuring you meet Missouri's safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City, and Branson attractions, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand (peak summer and fall months). Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating with local cleaning services, and ensuring compliance with Taney County health regulations and Missouri's 4.225% state lodging tax plus any applicable local tourism taxes that Hollister may impose on short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Hollister, Missouri, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Table Rock Lake, Branson attractions, and College of the Ozarks, as these areas see consistent tourist traffic year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with lake views, outdoor amenities like decks or fire pits, and modern kitchens, as families and groups visiting Silver Dollar City and Branson shows prefer spacious accommodations. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in the $100-250 nightly range, considering seasonal fluctuations with peak rates during summer lake season and Branson's entertainment calendar. Study competition density using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify undersaturated pockets, particularly focusing on properties near Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and away from oversaturated Branson core areas. Utilize STR-specific tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for Hollister market data, monitor Taney County vacation rental regulations, and leverage local real estate agents familiar with STR investments like Murney Associates and ReeceNichols who understand the unique dynamics of the Branson-Hollister tourism corridor.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Hollister, Missouri, contact the Hollister City Hall at 421 Main Street or call (417) 334-3253 to begin the application process, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with local zoning ordinances. Submit a completed business license application along with proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance documentation showing minimum $1 million 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 typically $50-75 for the business license plus any applicable zoning permits which may cost an additional $25-50. Required documents also include a signed affidavit agreeing to comply with occupancy limits (generally 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), noise ordinances, and parking requirements of at least one space per bedroom. The approval timeline is usually 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application, though this may extend to 6 weeks if zoning review is required. Hollister specifically requires STR properties to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods, provide adequate trash collection arrangements, and ensure the property manager responds to complaints within 2 hours, with annual license renewal required each January along with payment of renewal fees.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Hollister, Missouri, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on such properties. However, STR operators must comply with local zoning regulations and obtain proper business licenses, with most residential areas allowing STRs as accessory uses to primary residences. The city requires STR properties to meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while also mandating that operators maintain liability insurance and collect applicable occupancy taxes. Hollister has implemented noise ordinances and parking requirements that specifically affect STR operations, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced complaint procedures for neighbors, though the city has avoided the more restrictive measures seen in larger Missouri municipalities. Properties in certain commercial districts face fewer restrictions, while those in purely residential zones may have occupancy limits and require conditional use permits depending on the frequency of rentals and number of guests.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Hollister, Missouri are primarily concentrated around Table Rock Lake waterfront properties, particularly the Branson West corridor and Indian Point area, which attract year-round tourists seeking lakefront accommodations for fishing, boating, and water sports activities. The downtown Hollister historic district offers potential for visitors wanting authentic small-town charm while being close to Branson's entertainment venues just minutes away. Properties near the Hollister Golf Club and Country Club area appeal to golf tourists and provide a quieter alternative to busy Branson accommodations. The Highway 65 corridor between Hollister and Branson captures overflow tourism from Branson's peak seasons, especially during summer lake season and fall foliage periods when Branson hotels are at capacity. Areas near Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and conservation areas attract outdoor enthusiasts and nature tourists seeking hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing experiences, making these neighborhoods particularly attractive for Airbnb investments targeting the growing eco-tourism and outdoor recreation market.

In Hollister, Missouri, Airbnb hosts are subject to state and local lodging taxes that must be collected from guests and remitted to tax authorities. The Missouri state tourism tax is 3.225% on gross receipts from transient accommodations, while Taney County imposes an additional 3% lodging tax, bringing the combined rate to approximately 6.225% for short-term rentals in Hollister. Hosts must register with the Missouri Department of Revenue and obtain a Certificate of Registration to collect state tourism tax, with monthly remittance required by the 20th of the following month if collections exceed $100. The Taney County lodging tax must be remitted quarterly to the Taney County Collector's office, with returns due by the last day of the month following each quarter. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform in some jurisdictions, but hosts should verify this arrangement and ensure compliance. There are generally no exemptions for stays under 30 days, though stays of 30 days or longer may be exempt from transient occupancy taxes as they are considered long-term rentals rather than temporary lodging.

To start an Airbnb in Hollister, Missouri, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase will be the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the Branson-Hollister area. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $500-$1,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $200-$500 for business licenses and potential short-term rental permits required by Taney County. Insurance will cost $1,200-$2,000 annually for landlord/short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total approximately $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$250/month), cleaning supplies ($50-$100/month), maintenance reserves ($100-$200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management if outsourced (15-25% of revenue) will range $3,000-$6,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in this popular Lake Taneycomo tourism area.

Airbnb properties in Hollister, Missouri, demonstrate moderate profitability with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 depending on proximity to Table Rock Lake and Branson entertainment district. Properties within 5 miles of Silver Dollar City typically generate $2,800-4,200 monthly revenue during peak season (May-October), while off-season months drop to $1,200-2,000. Operating expenses average 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance reserves. Successful properties near Branson Landing or lakefront locations achieve 65-75% occupancy rates with profit margins of 25-35% after expenses. A typical 3-bedroom cabin purchased for $180,000-220,000 can generate $35,000-45,000 annual gross revenue with net profits of $12,000-18,000. Success factors include strategic location within 15 minutes of major attractions, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and seasonal pricing optimization that capitalizes on Branson's tourism peaks during summer months and holiday seasons.

Airbnb investments in Hollister, Missouri typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the city's proximity to Branson entertainment district and Table Rock Lake recreational activities. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the lake or entertainment venues achieving higher returns. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, particularly those targeting 2-4 bedroom properties priced between $150,000-$300,000. The market benefits from consistent tourist traffic year-round, with peak seasons during summer lake activities and fall tourism, allowing average daily rates of $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities. Properties within 10 miles of Branson or lakefront locations typically see occupancy rates of 65-75%, while standard residential properties achieve 45-60% occupancy, making the timeframe to break-even approximately 2-3 years for most investment scenarios.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research tools for investors seeking profitable short-term rental opportunities in Hollister, Missouri. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments include Branson-area specialists like Table Rock Realty, Sunset Realty, and White River Realty who understand the vacation rental market dynamics around Table Rock Lake. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance, Mashvisor for property analysis and market data, and AirDNA for short-term rental market analytics. Local property management companies like Branson Vacation Rentals and Table Rock Lake Properties offer investor services and market insights. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Missouri vacation rental properties, while local mortgage brokers like First Community Bank and Great Southern Bank provide financing expertise for investment properties in the Branson-Hollister tourism corridor, capitalizing on the area's proximity to Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake, and Branson's entertainment district.