Is Marshfield, Missouri Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Marshfield, Missouri, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Marshfield City Hall, as the city may require short-term rental permits or business licenses, though specific STR regulations may be limited given the smaller municipality size. Contact Webster County offices to verify any county-level requirements and check if you need a sales tax permit through the Missouri Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Murney Associates or Century 21, focusing on homes near attractions like Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (30 minutes away) or properties with easy access to Highway 38 for Springfield visitors. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby Fantastic Caverns and Bass Pro Shops in Springfield. Create your listing on Airbnb with professional photos, competitive pricing around $75-120 per night based on regional comparisons, and highlight proximity to Springfield (20 miles) and outdoor activities. For management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, stock basic supplies, and consider using local cleaning services from Springfield if needed. Ensure compliance with Missouri's 4.225% state sales tax plus local taxes, and maintain proper insurance coverage by contacting your homeowner's insurance provider about short-term rental coverage additions.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Marshfield, Missouri, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Missouri State University's West Plains campus and near Table Rock Lake recreational areas, as these drive consistent demand from students, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, reliable WiFi infrastructure, outdoor spaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as lake visitors often bring boats and recreational equipment. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 20-mile radius, noting that properties near the lake command $80-150 per night while in-town locations average $60-100, with peak seasons during summer months and university events driving 20-30% premium rates. Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to analyze occupancy rates, average daily rates, and seasonal trends, while monitoring local Facebook groups and tourism boards for emerging attractions that could impact demand. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with Marshfield-area real estate agents familiar with STR regulations and Webster County's zoning requirements, and consider properties near the upcoming Highway 38 improvements that may increase accessibility and tourist traffic.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Marshfield, Missouri, contact the Marshfield City Hall at 417-468-2123 or visit their offices at 317 North Clay Street to inquire about short-term rental licensing requirements, as the city likely requires a business license and may have specific STR regulations. You'll typically need to submit a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with liability coverage of at least $1 million, floor plan of the rental property, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. The application fee is estimated to be between $50-150 annually, with possible additional inspection fees of $25-75. Submit your complete application package to the City Clerk's office, schedule any required property inspections with the building department, and ensure compliance with zoning requirements (STRs may be restricted in certain residential zones). The approval timeline is typically 2-4 weeks after submission of complete documentation and successful inspection. You must also register for Missouri state tax collection, obtain a sales tax license from the Missouri Department of Revenue, and comply with any homeowner association restrictions. Annual renewal is required with updated insurance documentation and payment of renewal fees, and you must maintain guest registries and comply with occupancy limits typically set at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Marshfield, Missouri are generally legal but operate under local zoning regulations and city ordinances that may restrict their operation in certain residential areas. The city typically requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Most STRs are permitted in commercial zones and some residential districts, though specific neighborhoods may have restrictions or prohibitions, particularly in areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STR operations in many Missouri municipalities, with some implementing registration requirements, noise ordinances, and neighbor notification processes. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits from the Marshfield city clerk's office, as regulations can vary by property location and type, and enforcement has become more stringent since approximately 2020-2022 as communities balance tourism revenue with residential neighborhood character preservation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Marshfield, Missouri include the downtown historic district near the town square, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Properties near Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (approximately 15 minutes south) are highly desirable due to Civil War tourism and educational visits, with steady demand from history enthusiasts and school groups year-round. The area around Missouri State University's West Plains campus extension and nearby educational facilities draws parents visiting students and academic travelers. Neighborhoods close to the Finley River and local fishing spots appeal to outdoor recreation tourists, particularly during spring and summer months. Properties within walking distance of antique shops, local restaurants, and the historic courthouse benefit from weekend tourists exploring the Ozarks region. The residential areas near Highway 38 and Highway 125 intersection offer convenient access for business travelers visiting local manufacturing facilities and agricultural businesses, while still maintaining the quiet, rural atmosphere that attracts city dwellers seeking weekend retreats in southwest Missouri's scenic countryside.

Airbnb properties in Marshfield, Missouri are subject to Missouri state sales tax of 4.225% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 31 days. The state requires hosts to register for a sales tax license and collect tax from guests, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for most businesses. Webster County may impose an additional local sales tax, though specific lodging tax rates vary by jurisdiction and would need verification with county authorities. The City of Marshfield does not appear to have a specific transient guest tax or tourism tax beyond standard local sales tax applications. Airbnb may collect and remit Missouri state taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform since approximately 2019, but hosts should verify their registration status and compliance requirements with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Properties rented for 31 days or longer are typically exempt from transient lodging taxes, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees or other qualifying guests as defined by Missouri tax code.

To start an Airbnb in Marshfield, Missouri, the total initial costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees would total $500-$800. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utilities setup and deposits would be $300-$500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200-$1,800), maintenance ($800-$1,200), platform fees on bookings ($1,500-$2,500), and marketing ($500-$800) would total approximately $4,600-$7,200. Property taxes for six months would add another $1,500-$2,200 depending on assessed value.

Airbnb properties in Marshfield, Missouri typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and maintenance ($200-400 monthly) typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue. Properties near Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and those offering unique amenities like hot tubs or fire pits achieve higher occupancy rates and premium pricing, with successful hosts like those operating renovated farmhouses reporting net profit margins of 25-35% annually. The market benefits from Marshfield's proximity to Springfield (30 minutes) and Branson (45 minutes), attracting both business travelers and tourists, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak demand during spring and fall months when outdoor activities and Civil War tourism drive bookings, making properties with 3+ bedrooms and outdoor spaces most profitable with annual net returns of $8,000-15,000 after all expenses.

Based on Marshfield, Missouri market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near Missouri State University's West Plains campus or close to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield tend to perform at the higher end of this range, achieving 15-18% annual ROI. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months for well-positioned properties priced between $120,000-$180,000, with average daily rates of $85-$125 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Properties requiring significant renovations may extend the profitability timeframe to 18-24 months, while turnkey properties in prime locations can achieve positive cash flow within 6-10 months, particularly those targeting medical professionals visiting Cox Monett Hospital or business travelers to local manufacturing facilities like Tracker Marine Group operations in the region.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Marshfield, Missouri. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Realty agents in Springfield (serving the Marshfield area), RE/MAX agents with vacation rental expertise, and Keller Williams agents focused on investment properties in Webster County. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) for turnkey Airbnb investments, Roofstock for rental property investments, BiggerPockets marketplace connections, and Mashvisor for property analysis. Local property management companies that assist investors include Ozark Mountain Property Management and Springfield-based STR management firms like Airbnb Automated and local vacation rental management services. Real estate investment groups in the Springfield-Branson corridor often have agents familiar with Marshfield's tourism market near Wilson Park and the area's recreational attractions, while companies like Vacasa and RedAwning provide property management services for investors purchasing in the region.