Is Moss Point, Mississippi Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Moss Point, Mississippi, begin by researching local regulations through the Moss Point City Hall (228-475-9361) as the city currently has minimal specific short-term rental restrictions but may require a business license and compliance with zoning ordinances for residential areas. Contact Jackson County for any county-level requirements and ensure compliance with Mississippi state tax obligations including 7% sales tax registration through the Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property in neighborhoods like downtown Moss Point or near the Pascagoula River, with average home prices around $80,000-$150,000, focusing on 2-3 bedroom homes that can accommodate families visiting nearby Ingalls Shipbuilding or tourists exploring the Gulf Coast. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Moss Point City Hall (approximately $50-100), ensure the property meets fire safety codes, and verify homeowner's insurance covers short-term rentals or purchase additional coverage. Furnish the property with coastal-themed décor, essential amenities, high-speed internet, and appliances, budgeting $8,000-$15,000 for a complete setup. List the property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $75-125 per night based on local market rates, highlighting proximity to Gulf Coast attractions, Pascagoula River activities, and easy access to Biloxi casinos 30 minutes away. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, and maintaining the property regularly while building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors in the Moss Point area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Moss Point, Mississippi, focus on waterfront locations along the Pascagoula River or properties within 10 minutes of Shepard State Park, as these areas attract fishing enthusiasts and nature tourists year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like decks, fire pits, or boat access, as the market caters primarily to fishing groups and families seeking outdoor recreation. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby Pascagoula and Ocean Springs (typically $80-150/night), then price competitively at 10-15% below established properties initially. Competition research should include monitoring the 15-20 existing STR properties in the area through AirDNA and noting their occupancy rates, which average 45-60% annually due to seasonal fishing patterns. Utilize tools like Mashvisor for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Moss Point Chamber of Commerce for tourism data and Jackson County permit requirements, while considering that properties near industrial areas should be avoided despite lower purchase prices due to reduced tourist appeal.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Moss Point, Mississippi, contact the Moss Point City Hall at 4605 Amoco Boulevard or call (228) 475-6033 to inquire about short-term rental licensing requirements, as the city may require a business license and zoning compliance verification. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, and Mississippi sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue. Application fees generally range from $50-150 for the business license plus potential zoning review fees of $25-75, with annual renewal fees of $25-100. The approval timeline is typically 2-4 weeks after submitting complete documentation, though zoning reviews may extend this to 4-6 weeks. Moss Point specific requirements likely include compliance with residential zoning ordinances, maximum occupancy limits based on square footage and bedrooms, adequate parking spaces (typically 1-2 per unit), smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, and adherence to noise ordinances particularly in residential neighborhoods. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall to confirm current regulations, as short-term rental ordinances are frequently updated, and ensure compliance with Jackson County health department requirements for rental properties.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Moss Point, Mississippi operate in a largely unregulated environment at the municipal level as of 2024, with the city not having implemented comprehensive STR-specific ordinances or licensing requirements. The legal status defaults to being generally permissible under existing residential and commercial property use regulations, though operators must comply with standard business licensing, tax collection requirements, and basic safety codes. Mississippi state law does not prohibit STRs, and Jackson County has minimal restrictions, allowing Moss Point property owners to operate vacation rentals and short-term accommodations without specific municipal permits or registration processes. However, operators should ensure compliance with standard hotel/motel tax collection (approximately 7-9% combined state and local), basic fire safety requirements, and any applicable homeowners association restrictions in residential areas. There are no designated prohibited zones for STRs within Moss Point city limits, and recent legal changes have been minimal, with the city focusing more on post-Hurricane Katrina recovery and industrial development rather than tourism regulation. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and may need standard business licenses, but face fewer regulatory hurdles compared to larger Mississippi cities like Biloxi or Gulfport that have implemented more structured STR frameworks.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Moss Point, Mississippi include the Historic Downtown District near the Pascagoula River waterfront, which attracts visitors interested in the area's maritime heritage and proximity to fishing charters and boat tours. The Escatawpa River corridor offers appeal for nature tourism and outdoor recreation enthusiasts visiting for hunting, fishing, and kayaking activities. Properties near the Gulf Coast beaches, particularly those within 10-15 minutes of Gautier and Ocean Springs, benefit from overflow tourism during peak summer seasons and major events like the Biloxi Shrimp Festival and Mardi Gras celebrations. The industrial corridor near Chevron Pascagoula Refinery and Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in nearby Pascagoula provides opportunities for business traveler accommodations, as these major employers frequently host contractors, inspectors, and temporary workers. Areas close to the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge attract eco-tourists and bird watchers, while properties with easy access to Interstate 10 capture travelers seeking affordable alternatives to more expensive coastal accommodations in Biloxi and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

In Moss Point, Mississippi, Airbnb hosts are subject to Mississippi state sales tax of 7% on rental income, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. Jackson County imposes an additional 2% tourism tax on lodging accommodations, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 9%. The City of Moss Point may also levy a local occupancy tax of 2-3%, though specific rates should be verified with city officials. Airbnb typically collects and remits state and local taxes automatically for hosts in Mississippi through their platform since 2019, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance and may need to register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue if collecting taxes independently. Monthly or quarterly remittance is required depending on volume, with returns due by the 20th of the following month. Rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days to the same guest are generally exempt from these occupancy taxes and are treated as long-term leases rather than short-term rentals.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Moss Point, Mississippi is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees range from $500-$1,500 depending on local requirements. Insurance for short-term rental coverage costs $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility deposits and setup fees for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $1,000-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses total approximately $6,000-$8,000, bringing the complete startup investment to $146,500-$191,000 plus the property purchase price.

Airbnb properties in Moss Point, Mississippi typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and proximity to the Gulf Coast, approximately 30 miles south. A typical 2-3 bedroom property can expect 40-60% occupancy rates annually, generating gross revenues of $15,000-25,000 per year. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), property management (20-25% of revenue if outsourced), maintenance, and supplies typically consume 50-65% of gross revenue. Net profit margins generally range from 15-35% before taxes and mortgage payments. Success factors include proximity to Pascagoula's industrial facilities and shipyards which drive business traveler demand, competitive pricing against limited hotel options, and marketing the area's fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities. Properties within 10 miles of Ingalls Shipbuilding perform better due to contractor and business travel demand. A case example would be a renovated 3-bedroom home purchased for $85,000 generating $22,000 gross revenue with $14,000 in expenses yielding $8,000 annual profit, representing approximately 9.4% return on investment before financing costs.

Airbnb investments in Moss Point, Mississippi typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to Gulf Coast attractions and industrial facilities like Chevron Pascagoula Refinery. Properties in Moss Point generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $75-$110 and occupancy rates of 45-60% annually. The market benefits from consistent demand from business travelers, fishing enthusiasts, and tourists visiting nearby Pascagoula and Gulf Islands National Seashore, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak performance during spring and summer months. Initial investment costs are relatively low compared to other Gulf Coast markets, with median property prices around $120,000-$180,000, allowing investors to enter the market with lower capital requirements while achieving steady returns through a combination of rental income and modest property appreciation of 2-4% annually.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Moss Point, Mississippi, offering market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents like Century 21 J. Carter & Company and Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty have experience with investment properties in the Gulf Coast area and can assist with Airbnb acquisitions in Moss Point. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services, AirDNA for market data and analytics, and Mashvisor for investment property analysis in Mississippi markets. Local property management companies such as Gulf Coast Property Management and Coastal Mississippi Rentals can help investors manage their Airbnb properties once purchased. Additional national platforms like BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay offer full-service short-term rental management that can make properties more attractive to investors in the Moss Point market.