Is Moore, Oklahoma Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Moore, Oklahoma, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Moore Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that may limit rentals to primary residences or specific zones. Contact Moore City Hall at 405-793-5000 to verify current STR ordinances and obtain necessary permits, including a business license ($25-50 annually) and potentially a special use permit depending on your property's zoning classification. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings, Zillow, or working with local realtors familiar with Moore's neighborhoods like Eastmoor, Westmoor, or areas near the Moore Warren Theatre, ensuring the property meets city safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows. Furnish the space with quality furniture from local stores like Ashley HomeStore or online retailers, focusing on comfortable beds, essential kitchen appliances, high-speed internet, and local touches showcasing Oklahoma culture. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Oklahoma City (20 minutes), Tinker Air Force Base, and local attractions like the Moore War Memorial or Orr Family Farm, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties ($60-120/night depending on size and amenities). Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges through lockboxes or smart locks, maintaining the property regularly, and ensuring compliance with Moore's noise ordinances and occupancy limits while building positive reviews to increase bookings in this growing Oklahoma City suburb.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Moore, Oklahoma, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like the National Weather Center, University of Oklahoma campus in nearby Norman, and Tinker Air Force Base, as these drive consistent demand. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 2000 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated parking, and storm shelters (crucial in tornado-prone Moore), as these features command premium rates of $80-150 per night compared to basic accommodations at $50-80. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against the 15-25 existing STR properties in Moore, focusing on occupancy rates of 60-75% and average daily rates that exceed long-term rental yields by 40-60%. Research competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within 5-mile radius, noting that properties near I-35 corridor and Moore Medical Center typically outperform due to business traveler demand. Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and connect with Moore Economic Development Authority for local insights, while ensuring compliance with Moore's STR regulations requiring business licenses and adherence to residential zoning restrictions that limit rentals to owner-occupied or specifically zoned properties.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Moore, Oklahoma, you must first contact the Moore Planning Department at City Hall located at 301 N Broadway Street to determine current short-term rental regulations, as many Oklahoma municipalities have been updating their STR ordinances since 2020-2022. You'll likely need to submit a business license application through the City Clerk's office, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, submit a site plan or floor plan of the rental property, obtain a certificate of occupancy if required, and provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum coverage). Required documents generally include a completed STR permit application, Oklahoma sales tax permit, fire safety inspection certificate, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. Application fees typically range from $100-300 for the initial permit plus annual renewal fees of $50-150, with additional inspection fees of $75-125. The approval timeline usually takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, though initial inspections may add 1-2 weeks. Moore-specific requirements may include parking provisions for guests, occupancy limits based on bedrooms (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), quiet hours enforcement between 10 PM and 7 AM, and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that may limit STRs in certain neighborhoods.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Moore, Oklahoma, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against them, though they must comply with standard zoning regulations and business licensing requirements. Moore operates under Oklahoma state law, which does not prohibit STRs at the state level, leaving regulation primarily to local municipalities. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with residential zoning restrictions, meaning STRs are typically permitted in residential areas but must not violate neighborhood covenants or homeowners association rules. There are no specific prohibited areas designated by the city, though operators must ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and noise ordinances. Moore has not implemented recent major legal changes specifically targeting STRs like some larger Oklahoma cities have, maintaining a relatively permissive approach while requiring basic regulatory compliance. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits through the city's planning department, as enforcement typically occurs through complaint-driven processes rather than proactive monitoring.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Moore, Oklahoma include the neighborhoods near the Moore Warren Theatre and Central Moore around 4th Street and Broadway, which attract visitors attending events and dining at local establishments. The areas close to the Moore Medical Center on South Telephone Road offer potential for medical tourism and family visits to patients. Properties near Westmoore High School and the Moore Public Schools district headquarters draw parents visiting for school events, graduations, and sports tournaments. The residential areas around Orr Family Farm benefit from seasonal agritourism, especially during fall festivals and summer camps. Neighborhoods near the Moore Business District along South Santa Fe Avenue attract business travelers and contractors working with local companies. Areas close to the National Weather Center and University of Oklahoma research facilities in nearby Norman (within 15 minutes) appeal to visiting researchers, meteorologists, and storm chasers, particularly during peak tornado season from March to June when Moore's historical significance as a tornado corridor draws weather enthusiasts and media personnel.

In Moore, Oklahoma, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Oklahoma state lodging tax is 5.5% on gross rental receipts, while Moore imposes a local occupancy tax of approximately 6% on short-term rental accommodations. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Oklahoma Tax Commission and Moore's municipal tax office on a monthly basis. Hosts must register with both the state and city tax authorities, obtain proper permits, and file quarterly returns even when using Airbnb's collection service to ensure compliance. The combined effective tax rate is approximately 11.5% on rental income. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are generally considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and for certain government or military personnel on official business. Hosts should also be aware that Moore requires short-term rental permits and business licenses, with annual fees ranging from $100-200, and failure to comply with tax obligations can result in penalties of up to 25% of unpaid taxes plus interest.

To start an Airbnb in Moore, Oklahoma, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on Moore's median home prices as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees in Moore include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit if required ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually for landlord/short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800 initially, with monthly costs around $200-$300. First six months operating expenses including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($600-$1,200), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing costs ($300-$600), and platform fees total approximately $3,500-$5,000, bringing the complete startup investment to roughly $185,000-$220,000 depending on property size and furnishing quality chosen.

Airbnb properties in Moore, Oklahoma typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% annually. Key success factors include proximity to Tinker Air Force Base (major demand driver), competitive pricing during tornado season recovery periods, and targeting business travelers and displaced residents. Properties near the Moore Medical Center and along I-35 corridor perform best, with some hosts like those operating 3-bedroom homes near Westmoore High School reporting net profits of $8,000-$12,000 annually after all expenses. The market benefits from consistent demand due to the military base, medical facilities, and ongoing reconstruction activities, though seasonal fluctuations occur with lower occupancy during winter months and higher rates during spring storm season when temporary housing needs spike.

Airbnb investments in Moore, Oklahoma typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in Moore, located in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, benefit from steady demand from business travelers, medical professionals visiting nearby healthcare facilities, and visitors to the National Weather Center. Average daily rates range from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 7-10 years, with monthly cash flow positive within 12-18 months after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-25%, cleaning costs, and maintenance expenses. Properties near Lake Thunderbird and newer developments in south Moore tend to perform better, achieving the higher end of ROI ranges, while older properties closer to the 2013 tornado path may require additional renovation investment but offer lower entry costs that can still yield competitive returns of 8-9% annually.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Moore, Oklahoma. In the Oklahoma City metro area, which includes Moore, investors can work with real estate agents like those at Keller Williams Realty who specialize in investment properties, RE/MAX First agents with STR experience, and Coldwell Banker Select agents familiar with the Moore market. Local property management companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa operate in the Oklahoma market and can provide insights on profitable Airbnb locations. National services like AirDNA provide market data and analytics for Moore's short-term rental potential, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools for the area. BiggerPockets connects investors with local Oklahoma real estate professionals experienced in Airbnb investments. Local Moore-based real estate investors and agents like those at McGraw Realtors and Sage Sotheby's International Realty often have expertise in identifying properties suitable for short-term rentals in desirable Moore neighborhoods near Tinker Air Force Base and the Oklahoma City metro area.