Is Medicine Park, Oklahoma Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, begin by researching local regulations through the Medicine Park City Hall and Comanche County offices, as this small resort town near Lawton may have specific zoning restrictions and occupancy limits for short-term rentals. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city, sales tax permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and health department requirements. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or rental properties, focusing on areas near Treasure Lake or the historic cobblestone streets that attract tourists visiting the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Furnish the property with comfortable, durable furniture emphasizing the rustic Oklahoma charm, including essentials like quality bedding, kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi, and outdoor furniture for the patio areas that guests expect in this lakeside community. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with high-quality photos showcasing lake views or mountain proximity, competitive pricing around $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, and detailed descriptions highlighting nearby attractions like Medicine Creek and local restaurants. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries and bookings, coordinating key exchanges or lockbox systems, maintaining the property regularly, and building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors to ensure smooth operations year-round.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, focus on properties within walking distance of Medicine Creek and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, as this tourist destination attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes with rustic charm, outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or large decks, and ensure properties have strong WiFi and modern kitchens since many guests seek a blend of nature and comfort. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in the area, noting that peak seasons (spring through fall) can command $150-300 per night for well-appointed properties, while winter rates typically drop 30-40%. Study your competition by examining occupancy rates, guest reviews, and amenities offered by existing STRs within a 5-mile radius, paying attention to properties near popular attractions like the Medicine Park Aquarium and Cobblestone Festival venues. Utilize tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, and STR Helper to analyze market data, while leveraging local resources such as the Medicine Park Chamber of Commerce for tourism trends, Comanche County property records for acquisition costs, and platforms like BiggerPockets for networking with local investors who understand seasonal demand patterns driven by the area's reputation as Oklahoma's premier mountain resort community.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, contact the Medicine Park Town Hall at 5 N Main Street or call (580) 529-2489 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, general liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental property, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and pay the required fees which typically range from $100-300 annually. Medicine Park requires STR properties to maintain occupancy limits based on bedrooms (generally 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensure proper trash collection arrangements, and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. The property must pass a safety inspection checking smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit routes. Submit your application with all documents and fees to the town clerk, schedule the required inspection once approved, and upon passing inspection, you'll receive your permit which must be renewed annually. The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application submission to permit issuance, and you must display your permit number in all online listings and prominently post it at the property.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on vacation rentals. Medicine Park, a small resort town in Comanche County known for its cobblestone architecture and proximity to the Wichita Mountains, allows STRs but requires operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with local zoning regulations. The city typically requires STR operators to register their properties, maintain liability insurance, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits. Properties must generally be located in areas zoned for commercial or mixed-use activities, with some residential zones having restrictions. Recent years have seen Medicine Park refine its regulations to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood character preservation, including requirements for local contact persons and noise ordinances. The city has not designated specific prohibited areas for STRs but enforces stricter oversight in purely residential neighborhoods. As of 2023-2024, Medicine Park continues to welcome vacation rentals as part of its tourism-dependent economy while maintaining reasonable regulatory oversight to address parking, noise, and safety concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Medicine Park, Oklahoma are the Historic Downtown District near the cobblestone streets and original 1908 buildings, which attracts tourists year-round due to its unique architecture and proximity to restaurants and shops; the Lakefront area along Medicine Creek and Lake Lawtonka offering waterfront properties that appeal to fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and families seeking recreational activities; the Bath House District near the historic bathhouse and spa facilities which draws wellness tourists and couples on romantic getaways; and properties within walking distance of Medicine Park's main strip along Highway 49, providing easy access to the town's festivals, live music venues, and seasonal events like the New Year's Eve celebration and summer concerts that bring thousands of visitors annually to this resort town established as Oklahoma's first resort community.

Airbnb properties in Medicine Park, Oklahoma are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Oklahoma state sales tax of 4.5%, Oklahoma lodging tax of 5.5%, and Comanche County sales tax of approximately 1.5%, totaling roughly 11.5% in combined taxes on short-term rental stays. The City of Medicine Park may impose an additional municipal lodging or occupancy tax of 2-4% though specific rates vary by local ordinance. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automatic tax collection system, which then remits payments quarterly to the Oklahoma Tax Commission and applicable local jurisdictions. Property owners must register with the Oklahoma Tax Commission for a sales tax permit and may need to file monthly or quarterly returns depending on revenue thresholds, with stays of 30 days or longer generally exempt from lodging taxes but still subject to regular sales tax. Local business licenses are required in Medicine Park, and hosts should verify current municipal tax rates with the city clerk as these can change annually through city council ordinances.

Starting an Airbnb in Medicine Park, Oklahoma requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $150,000-180,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home suitable for short-term rental in this small resort town near Lawton. Furnishing costs range $15,000-25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, furniture, and decor to create an attractive vacation rental. Initial setup expenses total $3,000-5,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees include Oklahoma sales tax permit ($20), Medicine Park business license ($100-300), and potential HOA approval costs totaling $500-1,000. Insurance requires specialized short-term rental coverage costing $1,500-2,500 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $800-1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), platform fees on bookings, and marketing expenses total approximately $8,000-12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Medicine Park, Oklahoma typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for well-positioned cabins and lake houses, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on proximity to Medicine Creek and seasonal demand. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of Medicine Park's cobblestone streets and Meers Store area command premium rates during peak summer months (June-August) and fall foliage season, with occupancy rates reaching 70-85% compared to 45-60% for more remote locations. Success factors include rustic cabin aesthetics that match the area's historic charm, hot tubs or fire pits for evening entertainment, and marketing that emphasizes outdoor activities like fishing, hiking the Wichita Mountains, and visiting nearby attractions like the Holy City of the Wichitas. Net profit margins typically range from 25-40% for owner-operated properties, with the most successful hosts reporting annual profits of $8,000-$15,000 on properties purchased in the $80,000-$150,000 range, though properties requiring significant renovations or those lacking distinctive character often struggle to achieve occupancy rates above 40% in this competitive rural market.

Based on Medicine Park, Oklahoma's tourism-driven market as a resort town near Lawton and the Wichita Mountains, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%. Properties within walking distance of Medicine Creek or near the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge command premium rates of $120-180 per night during peak seasons, while standard properties average $80-120 nightly. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, with full ROI recovery expected in 6-8 years. The market benefits from consistent weekend tourism, outdoor recreation visitors, and Lawton military personnel seeking short-term accommodations, though seasonal fluctuations can reduce winter occupancy to 40-50% compared to 70-85% during spring and summer months. Investment properties in the $150,000-250,000 range typically generate $18,000-35,000 in annual gross rental income after accounting for Oklahoma's relatively low property taxes and operational costs.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Medicine Park, Oklahoma. Local real estate agents in the Lawton-Medicine Park area who work with Airbnb investors include Coldwell Banker Select and RE/MAX Property Place, with agents like those at Lawton Realty Group having experience in vacation rental properties since around 2018. National services that help investors find profitable Airbnb properties include Mashvisor, which provides rental analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, and Awning for full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance. BiggerPockets also offers resources and networking for short-term rental investors, while companies like RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services that can help investors maximize returns on Medicine Park properties. Local property management companies such as Oklahoma Property Management and regional firms serving the Wichita Mountains area also assist investors with Airbnb operations, though the market in Medicine Park has grown significantly since 2019 due to its proximity to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and recreational activities.