Is Hurley, Mississippi Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Hurley, Mississippi, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Harrison County's planning department, as Hurley typically falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental permits which may require a business license and occupancy permit costing approximately $50-150 annually. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or considering your existing home, ensuring it meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and adequate egress routes as mandated by Mississippi fire codes. Obtain necessary permits by contacting Harrison County's building department for any required inspections and the Mississippi Department of Revenue for tax registration, while also checking if Hurley has specific STR ordinances that may require neighbor notification or parking requirements. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, towels, basic kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to the Gulf Coast (about 30 minutes), local attractions, and unique features, setting competitive rates based on similar properties in the area which typically range from $75-150 per night. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and ensuring compliance with Mississippi's 7% sales tax on short-term rentals while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and potential local occupancy taxes that Harrison County may implement.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Hurley, Mississippi, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of major attractions like the Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches, casinos in Biloxi and Gulfport, and outdoor recreation areas along the Pascagoula River. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or condos with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these appeal to families and groups visiting the coast. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO within a 30-mile radius, aiming for properties that can generate $100-200 per night during peak summer and casino event seasons. Competition research should examine occupancy rates and pricing strategies of existing rentals in nearby coastal areas like Ocean Springs and Pascagoula, as Hurley serves as a more affordable alternative to beachfront properties. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment property evaluation, and local MLS data through Mississippi Gulf Coast Realtors, while considering properties under $200,000 that can achieve 60-70% annual occupancy rates to maximize ROI in this emerging market that benefits from proximity to major Gulf Coast destinations without premium coastal pricing.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Hurley, Mississippi, you must first contact the Hurley City Hall at 228-588-3031 or visit their office at 15045 Highway 613 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain application forms. Required documents typically include a completed STR permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy ($1 million minimum coverage), floor plan of the rental property, contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner, and payment of applicable fees. The permit fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with potential additional inspection fees of $50-100. Submit your complete application package to the City Clerk's office along with payment, after which the city will schedule a safety inspection of the property to ensure compliance with fire codes, occupancy limits, and zoning requirements. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days from submission of a complete application, though this may vary based on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Hurley requires STR operators to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, limit occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, provide adequate parking spaces, and display the permit number in all advertising materials, with renewals required annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Hurley, Mississippi are generally legal but operate under a complex regulatory framework involving state, county, and local jurisdictions. Mississippi state law does not prohibit STRs, and Jackson County, where Hurley is located, has not implemented county-wide bans on short-term rentals. However, Hurley as a small municipality may have specific zoning restrictions or permit requirements that limit where STRs can operate, particularly in residential neighborhoods. Property owners typically need to comply with state tax requirements, including collecting and remitting sales and tourism taxes, and may need business licenses or special use permits depending on local ordinances. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in coastal Mississippi communities due to concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character, though no major legal changes have specifically targeted Hurley. The regulatory landscape remains fluid, with some coastal municipalities implementing stricter registration requirements, occupancy limits, and parking restrictions, so STR operators in Hurley should verify current local requirements with city officials and ensure compliance with both Jackson County and Mississippi state regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Hurley, Mississippi are primarily concentrated around the Pascagoula River waterfront district and the historic downtown core near Highway 613. The waterfront area attracts tourists seeking fishing charters, boating activities, and scenic river views, particularly during spring and summer months when outdoor recreation peaks. The downtown district benefits from business travelers visiting nearby industrial facilities including Chevron's Pascagoula Refinery and Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding, both major employers driving consistent weekday demand. The residential neighborhoods along Old Highway 63 offer attractive investment opportunities due to proximity to both recreational areas and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, drawing visitors who prefer quieter accommodations while remaining within 30 minutes of Biloxi's casinos and beaches. Additionally, properties near the Hurley Community Center and local parks capture family travelers attending youth sports tournaments and regional events, while the area's affordability compared to coastal markets allows for competitive nightly rates with strong profit margins.

Airbnb properties in Hurley, Mississippi are subject to Mississippi state sales tax of 7% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. The Mississippi Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect this tax from guests, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for properties generating over $200 in monthly tax liability. Stone County, where Hurley is located, does not impose additional local lodging taxes as of 2023, though hosts should verify current local ordinances as municipalities can implement tourism or occupancy taxes ranging from 2-5% in other Mississippi jurisdictions. Airbnb may collect and remit state sales tax on behalf of hosts through their platform in Mississippi since 2019, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance and may need to register separately if they use multiple platforms or have properties generating significant revenue. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than taxable accommodations, and some agricultural or educational purposes may qualify for exemptions under specific circumstances.

To start an Airbnb in Hurley, Mississippi, the total estimated costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Mississippi markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees would total $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable would be $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) would total approximately $5,800. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add another $8,000-$12,000 to the initial investment.

Airbnb properties in Hurley, 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 at 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 averaging $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 include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like De Soto National Forest, competitive pricing below nearby Biloxi and Gulfport markets, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. Properties within 30 minutes of casinos or beaches perform better, with some hosts reporting 20-30% higher occupancy rates. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory in the immediate area, though seasonal fluctuations affect winter bookings. Hosts who invest in property upgrades, maintain 4.8+ star ratings, and offer amenities like hot tubs or fire pits typically achieve occupancy rates 10-15% above market average, with several local properties generating $25,000-35,000 annually in markets serving both leisure travelers and workers in the nearby industrial corridor.

Based on Hurley, Mississippi market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location proximity to recreational areas along the Gulf Coast. Properties within 30 minutes of beaches or fishing destinations tend to achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% annually, while inland properties average 45-60% occupancy. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties priced under $200,000, with renovation costs averaging $15,000-25,000 for basic updates. The market benefits from consistent demand from fishing enthusiasts, casino visitors traveling to nearby Biloxi, and workers in the petrochemical industry, supporting average daily rates of $85-120 for 2-3 bedroom properties. Break-even typically occurs in months 12-18 after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-20%, and maintenance costs averaging 8-10% of gross rental income annually.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Hurley, Mississippi. Local real estate agents like Century 21 J. Carter & Company and Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty Group have experience with investment properties in the Gulf Coast region, while RE/MAX agents in nearby Pascagoula and Biloxi often work with investors seeking vacation rental opportunities. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Vacasa and RedAwning provide property management services for short-term rentals in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area, while local property managers like Gulf Coast Property Management and Coastal Mississippi Rentals offer hands-on management for Airbnb investments. Investment-focused real estate companies such as Roofstock and Awning (now part of RedAwning) have historically served investors looking for turnkey rental properties, though their specific inventory in Hurley may be limited given the town's small size and proximity to larger markets like Biloxi and Gulfport.