Is Oneida, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Oneida, Tennessee, begin by researching local regulations through Scott County's planning and zoning department, as Oneida typically follows county guidelines for short-term rentals which may require a business license and compliance with residential zoning laws. Contact the Scott County Clerk's office to obtain necessary permits, including a general business license (approximately $25-50) and potentially a transient occupancy permit if required. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and other tourist attractions, with average property prices ranging $80,000-150,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and outdoor furniture to appeal to visitors exploring the area's natural attractions, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for initial furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing the property and nearby outdoor activities, set competitive rates based on local market research (typically $75-125 per night in the area), and write detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to hiking, fishing, and scenic areas. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, coordinating key exchanges or lockbox systems, and ensuring compliance with Tennessee's 9.25% state sales tax plus any local occupancy taxes that Scott County may impose.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Oneida, Tennessee, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, near Pickett State Park, or along scenic waterfront areas of the Big South Fork River, as these attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or large decks, rustic cabin aesthetics, and modern conveniences including high-speed internet for remote workers seeking nature retreats. Analyze comparable STR rates using AirDNA and Mashvisor, targeting properties that can achieve $80-150 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates, while keeping acquisition costs under $200,000 to maintain healthy profit margins. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 20-mile radius, noting gaps in amenities or property types, and use tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Realtor.com to identify undervalued properties. Leverage Tennessee-specific resources including the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development data, Scott County tourism information, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with the Big South Fork recreation market to understand seasonal demand patterns and upcoming area developments that could impact profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Oneida, Tennessee, you must first contact the Oneida City Hall at 19841 Alberta Street or call (423) 569-8591 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain the necessary application forms. Required documents typically include a completed STR permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, liability insurance documentation (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental property, and a valid Tennessee business license. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. Submit your complete application package to the City Clerk's office along with payment, then schedule required inspections with the fire department and building inspector. The approval timeline is typically 30-60 days from submission of a complete application. Oneida-specific requirements likely include compliance with local zoning ordinances (STRs may be restricted to certain residential zones), maximum occupancy limits based on property size, designated parking spaces for guests, proper waste management arrangements, and maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 for emergencies. You must also register for and collect applicable local occupancy taxes, display your permit number in all advertising, and renew your permit annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Oneida, Tennessee, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rentals, though operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and state tax obligations including Tennessee's transient occupancy tax. The city follows Scott County's broader zoning regulations, which typically allow STRs in residential areas with some basic operational standards such as maintaining property conditions and parking requirements. There are no specific prohibited zones within Oneida city limits for STRs, though properties must meet standard safety and occupancy codes. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, with most regulatory updates occurring at the state level around 2019-2021 when Tennessee clarified tax collection responsibilities for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, requiring them to collect and remit state and local taxes on behalf of hosts, while local municipalities retained authority to establish their own additional regulations or licensing requirements for short-term rental operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Oneida, Tennessee are downtown Oneida near the historic courthouse square which attracts visitors exploring the town's heritage and serves as a hub for local events and festivals, the areas surrounding Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (particularly properties within 10-15 minutes of the park entrance) which capitalize on the heavy outdoor recreation tourism from hiking, camping, and whitewater activities that draw visitors year-round, neighborhoods near Frozen Head State Park which offer additional outdoor recreation opportunities and attract nature enthusiasts, properties along or near the Big South Fork Scenic Railway route which benefit from tourist traffic using this popular attraction, and residential areas close to the Daniel Boone National Forest access points which serve hunters, hikers, and outdoor adventure seekers. These locations are attractive because Oneida serves as a gateway community to major outdoor recreation destinations, experiences consistent tourism from the Big South Fork area which sees over 750,000 annual visitors, benefits from its position along scenic byways that attract road trip travelers, and offers proximity to both natural attractions and small-town charm that appeals to visitors seeking authentic Tennessee mountain experiences.

Airbnb properties in Oneida, Tennessee are subject to Tennessee state sales tax of 7% and state lodging tax of 3%, totaling 10% in state-level taxes on short-term rental accommodations. Scott County, where Oneida is located, may impose an additional local occupancy tax of up to 5%, though the exact rate varies by municipality and would need verification with local authorities. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began operating in Tennessee around 2019, and the platform remits these taxes directly to the Tennessee Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. Property owners who collect taxes independently must register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, obtain a sales tax permit, and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, remitting collected taxes electronically through the state's online system. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than short-term accommodations, and certain government or nonprofit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with state and local tax authorities as regulations can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Oneida, Tennessee is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Tennessee markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees depending on local regulations. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage costs $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), platform fees on bookings, and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Oneida, Tennessee, typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for whole-home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($800-1,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties near Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area or Pickett State Park command premium rates, with some lakefront cabins achieving 65-75% occupancy rates and profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation areas, unique amenities like hot tubs or fire pits, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. A typical 3-bedroom cabin purchased for $180,000 and generating $28,000 annually in revenue with $16,000 in expenses would yield approximately $12,000 net profit, representing a 6.7% return on investment before considering property appreciation. Properties targeting outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting state parks tend to outperform urban listings, with seasonal peaks during summer months and fall foliage season driving higher occupancy and rates.

Airbnb investments in Oneida, Tennessee typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's proximity to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Pickett State Park, which drive consistent tourist demand. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $85-120 per night during peak seasons (April through October) and $60-85 during off-peak months. Investment properties in Oneida usually reach profitability within 18-24 months, with cabin-style properties and homes near outdoor recreation areas performing strongest due to the region's appeal to nature enthusiasts and families seeking vacation rentals. The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to major Tennessee markets like Nashville or Gatlinburg, with average purchase prices for suitable rental properties ranging $150,000-$280,000, while occupancy rates typically maintain 65-75% annually for well-managed properties with proper marketing and amenities targeting outdoor recreation visitors.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Oneida, Tennessee, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents serving the Oneida area include Coldwell Banker McMahan Co. and Century 21 Cumberland Realty, both of which have experience with investment properties in the region. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa provide end-to-end Airbnb investment solutions including property identification, purchase assistance, and management services for the Tennessee market. AirDNA and Mashvisor offer data analytics platforms that help investors analyze Airbnb profitability potential in Oneida and surrounding Scott County areas. Local property management companies such as East Tennessee Vacation Rentals and Smoky Mountain Retreat Realty can assist with both finding investment properties and managing them post-purchase. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock also feature short-term rental investment opportunities in Tennessee markets including smaller cities like Oneida, while companies like Awning and AvantStay focus specifically on identifying and optimizing Airbnb investment properties in emerging markets throughout the Southeast.