Is Long Beach, Mississippi Good for Airbnb Investment?

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Long Beach, Mississippi market research

Long Beach, Mississippi Airbnb Investment Overview

$800–$2,200Typical monthly host earnings
8–12%Typical annual ROI
55–60%Average annual occupancy
VariesCombined taxes and local fees
Investment

Is Airbnb a Good Investment in Long Beach, Mississippi?

Potentially—Long Beach, Mississippi combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

  • Presents a compelling opportunity.
  • The current market conditions indicate a growing demand for short-term rentals, fueled by the city's coastal charm, family-friendly attractions.
  • Tourism trends show consistent visitation for beach vacations, fishing, and local events, which translates to steady occupancy rates.
  • Property values in Long Beach remain relatively affordable compared to larger tourist hubs, offering a lower barrier to entry for investors.
  • The investment potential is strong, with opportunities for appreciation and consistent rental income.
Earnings

How Much Does an Average Airbnb Earn in Long Beach?

$800–$2,200 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

  • Based on available market data and regional analysis, Airbnb hosts in Long Beach, Mississippi typically earn between $800-$2,200 per month.
  • Seasonal variations are significant, with peak summer months generating 40-60% higher revenues due to Gulf Coast tourism.
  • Spring and fall shoulder seasons maintain moderate occupancy rates with revenues typically 10-20% above winter levels.
  • Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to the beach (properties within 0.5 miles of the coastline earn 30-50% more), property size and amenities (pools, hot tubs.
  • Hurricane season and weather patterns significantly impact bookings, with properties offering flexible cancellation policies maintaining higher occupancy rates.
  • The average daily rate ranges from $85-$180 depending on location and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 55-70% annually but reaching 80-90% during peak summer weekends.
ROI Analysis

Airbnb Return on Investment in Long Beach

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

  • Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with higher-performing properties near the beach achieving up to 15% returns during peak summer months.
  • The average payback period ranges from 7-10 years, depending on initial investment and property location.
  • Short-term rentals in Long Beach generally outperform traditional long-term rentals by 2-4 percentage points.
  • The coastal location drives strong seasonal demand from March through October, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually, though investors face higher operating costs including frequent turnover cleaning.
Occupancy Rate

Average Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Long Beach

Long Beach, Mississippi averages 55–60% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

  • Long Beach, Mississippi Airbnb properties typically maintain an average annual occupancy rate of approximately 55-60%.
  • Peak season occurs from May through September, when occupancy rates surge to 75-85% due to summer beach tourism, fishing seasons, and favorable weather conditions.
  • Spring and fall shoulder seasons maintain moderate occupancy rates of 50-65%, with particular strength during spring break periods and fall fishing tournaments.
  • Long Beach's occupancy rates generally align closely with Mississippi's coastal average of 58% but lag behind the national Airbnb average of approximately 65-70%.
  • The city's proximity to Biloxi casinos and New Orleans (about 2 hours east) provides some stability to occupancy rates, particularly during major events and conventions in those markets.
Best Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Long Beach

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

  • The best neighborhoods for Airbnb investment in Long Beach, Mississippi include the Historic Downtown area near the beach which offers proximity to the Gulf Coast and local restaurants with strong pricing power due to tourist demand, the West Beach Boulevard corridor that provides direct beach access and attracts both leisure travelers and casino visitors from nearby Biloxi with moderate investment costs and high occupancy potential, the Oak Street residential area which features charming historic homes appealing to families and couples seeking authentic Southern experiences while maintaining reasonable property prices, the area near Long Beach Harbor that draws fishing enthusiasts and boaters willing to pay premium rates for waterfront proximity, the neighborhoods around Jeff Davis Avenue that offer affordable entry points with good rental potential due to proximity to both beach activities and local amenities, and the residential streets near Town Green Park which provide a quiet family-friendly atmosphere attractive to longer-stay guests while still being walkable to downtown attractions and restaurants, making these areas ideal for investors seeking steady occupancy rates with moderate to strong pricing power depending on seasonal demand and proximity to Gulf Coast attractions.
Regulations

Short-term Rental Regulations in Long Beach

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

  • Long Beach, Mississippi requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their property with the city, typically costing between $50-100 annually.
  • Properties must comply with occupancy limits of two people per bedroom plus two additional guests, with a maximum of 10 occupants total regardless of bedroom count.
  • Owner-occupancy is not required, allowing for non-resident ownership of rental properties.
  • Short-term rentals are permitted in residential zoning districts but must maintain residential character and cannot operate as commercial hotels.
  • The registration process involves submitting an application with property details, proof of insurance, emergency contact information, and passing safety inspections including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Violations can result in fines ranging from $250 for first offenses to $1,000 for repeat violations, with potential license revocation for serious or repeated infractions.
Fees and Taxes

Short-term Rental Fees and Taxes in Long Beach

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

  • Short-term rentals in Long Beach, Mississippi are subject to several fees and taxes including the state sales tax of 7%, Harrison County tourism tax of 2%.
  • Property owners must obtain a business license from the City of Long Beach costing approximately $50-75 annually, register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for sales tax collection.
  • Additional costs include a one-time registration fee of $25-50 with the city, potential homeowners association fees if applicable.
  • The total effective tax rate on rental income typically ranges from 14-16% when combining all applicable taxes.
Common questions

Long Beach, Mississippi Airbnb investment FAQs

How to start an Airbnb in Long Beach, Mississippi?

To start an Airbnb in Long Beach, Mississippi, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Long Beach Planning Department.

Launch checklist

  • Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city clerk's office, a short term rental permit (approximately $100 to 200 annually).
  • Find a suitable property by focusing on areas near the beach, downtown district, or residential neighborhoods zoned for short term rentals, considering properties within walking distance of attractions like Long Beach Harbor or the casino areas.
  • Furnish the property with coastal themed decor, essential amenities including WiFi, air conditioning, full kitchen appliances, quality linens, and safety features like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting the coastal location and proximity to Gulf Coast attractions.
  • Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check ins/check outs, maintaining the property regularly.
What's the best way to identify good STR properties in Long Beach, Mississippi?

To identify profitable short term rental properties in Long Beach, Mississippi, focus on waterfront locations within 0.5 miles of the beach, particularly along Beach Boulevard and near Friendship Oak, as these command premium rates of $150 to 250/night compared to inland properties at $80 to 120/night.

What to prioritize

  • Target 2 to 4 bedroom single family homes or condos built after 1990 with parking, outdoor spaces, and hurricane resistant features, as properties with pools and beach access generate 30 to 40% higher occupancy rates.
  • Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, noting that Long Beach averages 65 to 75% occupancy with peak rates during summer months and casino events in nearby Biloxi.
  • Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3 mile radius, identifying gaps in luxury amenities or pet friendly options that could differentiate your property.
  • Utilize the Harrison County tax assessor's website for property values, partner with local property management companies like Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals, and leverage the proximity to Biloxi casinos, Gulf Islands National Seashore.
How to get an Airbnb permit in Long Beach, Mississippi?

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Long Beach, Mississippi, you must first contact the Long Beach Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 201 Jeff Davis Avenue to determine if short term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district.

Documents and approvals

  • Submit an application for a conditional use permit along with required documents including property deed, site plan, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of property insurance, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local.
  • The application fee is typically around $200 to 300, and you'll need to pay additional fees for public notice publication (approximately $150) and attend a Planning Commission hearing.
  • The process generally takes 45 to 60 days from application submission to final approval, during which time neighbors will be notified and given opportunity to comment.
  • Once approved, you must also obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for approximately $50 annually, comply with all building and fire codes, maintain liability insurance, provide emergency contact information to the city, limit occupancy to the approved number of guests.
Is it legal to operate a short-term rental in Long Beach, Mississippi?

Short term rentals (STRs) are legal in Long Beach, Mississippi, but operate under specific municipal regulations that require property owners to obtain proper permits and business licenses before operating.

Core operating requirements

  • The city typically requires STR operators to register their properties, pay applicable taxes including hotel/motel taxes, and comply with zoning restrictions that may limit operations in certain residential areas.
  • Properties must meet safety and health standards, maintain adequate parking, and often face occupancy limits and noise restrictions to minimize impacts on neighboring residents.
  • Recent years have seen Mississippi municipalities, including Long Beach, implementing more structured regulatory frameworks around 2020 to 2022 to balance tourism revenue with residential community concerns.
  • The city generally prohibits STRs in areas zoned exclusively for single family residential use without special permits, and operators must typically provide local contact information for guest issues and maintain liability insurance coverage.
What are the best places to invest in Airbnb in Long Beach, Mississippi?

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Long Beach, Mississippi include the beachfront district along Highway 90, which offers direct Gulf Coast access and attracts tourists year round seeking beach vacations, fishing trips, and casino visits to nearby Biloxi. The historic downtown area near Jeff Davis Avenue presents opportunities due to its proximity to local restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, while also serving business travelers visiting the region's maritime and aerospace industries.

Areas to research

  • The residential neighborhoods between Klondyke Road and Beatline Road offer potential for larger family vacation rentals, particularly attractive to groups visiting during summer months and major Gulf Coast events like Mardi Gras and seafood festivals.
  • Properties near the Long Beach Harbor and marina district appeal to fishing enthusiasts and boaters, especially during peak fishing seasons from spring through fall.
Airbnb and lodging taxes in Long Beach, Mississippi

Airbnb properties in Long Beach, Mississippi are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Mississippi state sales tax of 7% on short term rentals, a state tourism tax of 2%, and Harrison County's lodging tax of 3%, totaling approximately 12% in combined taxes.

Taxes and filing responsibilities

  • The City of Long Beach may impose an additional municipal lodging tax of 1 to 2%, bringing the total to around 13 to 14%.
  • These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system for most jurisdictions.
  • Monthly or quarterly remittance is generally required depending on the tax authority, with returns due by the 20th of the following month for monthly filers.
  • Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may offer exemptions for rentals to permanent residents or government employees.
Total cost to purchase, furnish and operate an Airbnb in Long Beach, Mississippi

To start an Airbnb in Long Beach, Mississippi, expect total costs around $285,000 to $320,000.

Cost breakdown

  • Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $220,000 to $250,000 based on median home prices in the coastal Mississippi market as of 2023 to 2024.
  • Furnishing costs typically range $15,000 to $25,000 for a complete 2 to 3 bedroom property including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space.
  • Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $1,500 to $3,000.
  • Permits and fees vary but budget $500 to $1,200 for business licenses, short term rental permits, and any required inspections from Harrison County and local authorities.
  • Insurance costs increase significantly for short term rentals, expect $2,500 to $4,000 annually compared to standard homeowner's insurance.
  • Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service average $300 to $450 monthly or $1,800 to $2,700 for six months.
  • First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($100 to 150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% Airbnb), property management software, and marketing total approximately $8,000 to $12,000.
  • Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds that could add $5,000 to $10,000 to initial capital requirements.
Are Airbnb properties in Long Beach, Mississippi profitable?

Airbnb properties in Long Beach, Mississippi typically generate annual revenues of $15,000 to $35,000 for modest 2 to 3 bedroom homes, with average daily rates ranging from $75 to $150 depending on proximity to the beach and property amenities.

Profitability indicators

  • Operating expenses generally consume 40 to 60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30 to 50 per turnover), property management (15 to 25% of revenue), insurance ($1,200 to 2,500 annually), utilities ($150 to 300 monthly), maintenance and repairs ($2,000 to 4,000 annually).
  • Properties within 0.5 miles of the beach consistently outperform inland locations by 25 to 40% in occupancy rates, with successful hosts like those managing waterfront condos near Long Beach Harbor reporting net profit margins of 25 to 35% after all expenses.
  • Key success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, strategic pricing during peak summer months and hurricane season gaps, and partnerships with local cleaning services, with properties featuring Gulf views, updated kitchens.
  • The market benefits from steady tourism to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, proximity to Biloxi casinos, and lower property acquisition costs compared to other coastal markets.
What is the expected return on investment for an Airbnb in Long Beach, Mississippi?

Airbnb investments in Long Beach, Mississippi typically generate annual ROI of 12 to 18% with cash on cash returns ranging from 8 to 14%, driven by the area's proximity to Gulf Coast beaches and steady tourism demand. Properties within 2 to 3 blocks of the waterfront command premium nightly rates of $120 to 180 during peak summer months (May September) and $80 to 120 during off season, with average occupancy rates of 65 to 75% annually.

Return planning figures

  • Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18 to 24 months for well positioned properties under $200,000, while higher end beachfront properties may require 24 to 36 months to reach consistent profitability.
  • The market benefits from Mississippi's relatively low property taxes (0.61% effective rate) and moderate renovation costs, with successful operators reporting gross rental yields of 15 to 22% before expenses.
What company can help me find and buy a profitable Airbnb in Long Beach, Mississippi?

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on Short Term Rental markets including Long Beach, Mississippi.

Companies and resources

  • Locally, Gulf Coast Realty Group and Coastal Mississippi Properties have agents experienced in vacation rental investments along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
  • Century 21 J.
  • Carter & Company and Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty have established presences in the Long Beach area with agents knowledgeable about rental property investments.
  • National services include Mashvisor for property analysis and market data, BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing, and Awning for Short Term Rental market analytics.
  • AirDNA provides vacation rental data and market insights for the Gulf Coast region.
  • Local property management companies like Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals and Coastal Getaways Properties offer investment guidance and can help identify profitable properties.
  • RedAwning and Vacasa also provide market analysis and property management services for investors looking to enter the Long Beach vacation rental market, which benefits from proximity to beaches, casinos, and New Orleans tourism spillover.

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Success Rate
100% profitable track record
Data Accuracy
Proprietary filters, precise forecasts
Service Scope
End-to-end STR investment support
Risk Mitigation
Only cash-flow-positive matches
Expert Network
Vetted realtors, lenders, designers included
Other Services
Success Rate
Inconsistent ROI, no guarantees
Data Accuracy
Generic metrics, inaccurate estimates
Service Scope
Partial services only
Risk Mitigation
No profitability screening
Expert Network
Limited or no partner access
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