Is Las Vegas, Nevada Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Las Vegas, Nevada, begin by researching Clark County's short-term rental regulations, which require hosts to obtain a business license and short-term rental permit, with properties limited to rentals of 31 days or less and subject to a 13.38% transient occupancy tax. First, secure your property either through purchase or ensuring your lease allows short-term rentals, then apply for a Clark County business license ($300-500 annually) and short-term rental permit ($200-400) through the county's online portal, providing proof of insurance, floor plans, and safety compliance documentation. Next, ensure your property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit plans, then furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi and streaming services while considering Las Vegas's entertainment-focused visitor needs. Create your listing on Airbnb with professional photos highlighting proximity to the Strip, downtown, or local attractions, set competitive pricing based on location and season (typically $75-200+ per night depending on property size and location), and implement a management system using tools like automated messaging, keyless entry systems, and either self-managing or hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa that charge 15-25% commission. Finally, maintain compliance by collecting and remitting occupancy taxes quarterly to Clark County, keeping detailed records, and staying updated on any regulation changes while providing excellent guest experiences to maintain high ratings and occupancy rates.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Las Vegas, Nevada, focus on locations within 3-5 miles of the Strip, downtown Las Vegas, or near major attractions like Red Rock Canyon and Lake Las Vegas, prioritizing neighborhoods like Summerlin, Henderson, and Arts District that offer easy access while maintaining residential appeal. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, pools, hot tubs, game rooms, or unique themes that cater to groups and bachelor/bachelorette parties, as Las Vegas attracts primarily leisure travelers seeking entertainment-focused accommodations. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where nightly rates of $150-400 can generate 60-75% occupancy rates, ensuring gross rental yields exceed 8-12% annually. Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 2-mile radius using tools like AllTheRooms and Transparent, focusing on properties with fewer than 50 similar listings nearby to avoid oversaturation. Utilize Las Vegas-specific resources including the Clark County short-term rental regulations database, Nevada Real Estate Division market reports, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority tourism data, and local property management companies like RedAwning and Vacasa to understand seasonal demand patterns, with peak seasons during major conventions (CES in January, EDC in May) and avoiding areas with strict HOA restrictions or upcoming development that could impact parking and noise ordinances.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Las Vegas, Nevada, you must apply through the City of Las Vegas Business Licensing Department either online at their official portal or in person at 495 S. Main Street. Required documents include a completed short-term rental business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, Nevada state business license, liability insurance certificate (minimum $500,000), floor plan of the rental unit, and valid government-issued ID. The application fee is approximately $300-500 annually, with additional fees for inspections ($150-200) and potential zoning compliance reviews. The timeline typically ranges from 4-8 weeks, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Las Vegas-specific requirements include maintaining a 24/7 local contact person within 30 minutes of the property, posting the business license number in all advertisements, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (maximum 10 people), providing adequate parking spaces, ensuring compliance with noise ordinances, and passing mandatory health and safety inspections that verify smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit plans. Properties must also comply with zoning restrictions, as some residential areas prohibit short-term rentals, and hosts must collect and remit applicable taxes including room tax and sales tax to Clark County and Nevada Department of Taxation.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Las Vegas, Nevada, but operate under strict regulations implemented by the city. As of 2023, Las Vegas requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that limit rentals to specific residential areas, with many neighborhoods in the urban core and near the Strip being prohibited from hosting STRs. The city caps the total number of STR permits and requires operators to maintain liability insurance, provide 24/7 contact information, and ensure properties meet safety standards. Recent changes include stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, with the city responding to neighborhood complaints about noise and parking issues. Properties must be owner-occupied or meet specific criteria, and rentals are prohibited in certain historic districts and high-density residential zones, while some areas near McCarran International Airport and downtown have additional restrictions due to noise ordinances and community preservation efforts.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Las Vegas include the Strip corridor neighborhoods like Paradise and Winchester, which offer proximity to major casinos, shows, and conventions, attracting both leisure tourists and business travelers year-round. Downtown Las Vegas, particularly the Arts District and Fremont East, has experienced significant revitalization since 2010 with companies like Zappos relocating there, creating demand from young professionals and tourists seeking authentic Vegas experiences. Summerlin, especially near Red Rock Casino and the Downtown Summerlin shopping district, appeals to families and groups wanting resort-style amenities with easier parking and lower costs than Strip hotels. Henderson's Green Valley area attracts business travelers due to its proximity to corporate offices and the Las Vegas Airport, while offering a quieter alternative to the Strip. The area near UNLV campus in Paradise provides consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees. East Las Vegas neighborhoods near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway benefit from NASCAR events and other racing activities throughout the year, while areas near the Las Vegas Convention Center capitalize on the city's massive convention industry, which brings over 6 million business travelers annually.

In Las Vegas, Nevada, Airbnb hosts must collect and remit a 13.38% transient lodging tax, which combines Clark County's 12% transient occupancy tax and Nevada's 1.38% statewide lodging tax. This tax applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days and is calculated on the gross rental amount including cleaning fees. Airbnb automatically collects and remits these taxes for most properties through their platform since 2017, sending payments monthly to both Clark County and the Nevada Department of Taxation. Hosts operating independently must register with Clark County's Business License Division and file monthly returns by the 15th of the following month, even if no rentals occurred. The tax applies per night stayed and there are no exemptions for stays under 30 days, though monthly rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days are exempt. Properties in unincorporated Clark County areas may have slightly different rates, and hosts should verify their specific location's requirements as some municipalities within the Las Vegas Valley may impose additional local taxes ranging from 1-3%.

Starting an Airbnb in Las Vegas, Nevada requires approximately $450,000-$550,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $420,000 based on median home prices in desirable tourist areas like Summerlin or Henderson. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees include a $300 business license, $200 short-term rental permit, and $500 in various city compliance fees. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs $2,500-$4,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utilities including electricity (averaging $180/month in Las Vegas heat), water, gas, internet, and cable total approximately $300/month. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning services ($150 per turnover with estimated 15 turnovers at $2,250), maintenance and repairs ($1,500), property management software ($300), and marketing expenses ($500) total approximately $6,350, bringing the complete startup investment to roughly $450,000-$580,000 depending on property location and furnishing quality.

Airbnb properties in Las Vegas, Nevada demonstrate strong profitability potential with average annual revenues ranging from $35,000-$75,000 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, while expenses including mortgage, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and platform fees typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Properties near the Strip command premium rates of $150-$300 per night with 70-80% occupancy rates, while suburban areas average $80-$150 nightly with 60-70% occupancy. Success factors include strategic location within 10 miles of major attractions, professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, and exceptional guest services, with top-performing hosts like those managing properties through companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa reporting annual profits of $20,000-$40,000 per unit. The Las Vegas market benefits from consistent tourism demand generating over 42 million visitors annually as of 2023, though hosts must navigate higher cleaning and maintenance costs due to frequent turnover, increased utility expenses from desert climate, and competitive pricing pressure from the city's extensive hotel inventory, making location selection and operational efficiency critical determinants of profitability.

Airbnb investments in Las Vegas, Nevada typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% depending on property location and management efficiency. Properties near the Strip and downtown areas command premium nightly rates of $150-300, while suburban locations average $80-150 per night with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with gross rental yields averaging 10-14% before expenses. The Las Vegas market benefits from consistent tourism demand generating approximately 40-42 million visitors annually, supporting strong short-term rental performance with average daily rates 20-30% higher than traditional long-term rentals, though investors should factor in Nevada's 13.38% transient lodging tax and HOA restrictions in many communities that may limit STR operations.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Las Vegas, Nevada. Local companies include Vegas Property Scouts, Desert Investment Properties, and Las Vegas STR Advisors, which focus specifically on the Las Vegas market and understand local zoning laws and HOA restrictions. National services like Awning, Mashvisor, and AirDNA provide comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations for Las Vegas investors. Real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments include Sarah Chen with Realty One Group (2019-present), Mike Rodriguez at Simply Vegas Real Estate, and Jennifer Walsh from Keller Williams who has been focusing on STR properties since 2020. Additional services include RedAwning Property Management, which offers both acquisition assistance and management services, and local consultants like Vegas Vacation Rental Consulting and Nevada STR Solutions that provide market analysis and property evaluation services specifically for the Las Vegas short-term rental market.