Is Pass Christian, Mississippi Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Pass Christian, Mississippi, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Pass Christian Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to no more than 30% of units in certain areas. Contact Harrison County for additional permit requirements and tax obligations, including the 7% Mississippi sales tax and local occupancy taxes. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Pass Christian's coastal market, focusing on areas near the beach or historic downtown that attract tourists, with average property prices ranging from $200,000-$500,000 depending on proximity to the Gulf. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Pass Christian City Hall, short-term rental permit, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and ADA requirements if applicable. Furnish the property with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities, and hurricane-preparedness supplies given the Gulf Coast location, budgeting approximately $15,000-$25,000 for a complete furnishing package. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting the coastal location and proximity to attractions like Pass Christian Beach and nearby Biloxi casinos. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, coordinating with local cleaning services, implementing keyless entry systems, and maintaining relationships with local contractors for maintenance issues, while setting competitive rates typically ranging from $100-$300 per night depending on season and property size, with peak demand during summer months and special events along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Pass Christian, Mississippi, focus on waterfront or near-beach locations within walking distance of the Gulf Coast, particularly properties along the scenic Highway 90 corridor or in historic downtown areas near the harbor and marina. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, parking, and hurricane-resistant features, as these appeal to families and groups visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STR properties on Airbnb and VRBO in Pass Christian and nearby Bay St. Louis, aiming for properties that can command $150-300 per night during peak summer and festival seasons while maintaining 60-70% occupancy rates. Study competition by examining existing listings within a 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and noting seasonal demand patterns around events like Mardi Gras and summer beach season. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce for event calendars, Harrison County property records for ownership and tax information, and local property management companies like Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals for market insights and operational support.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Pass Christian, Mississippi, you must first contact the Pass Christian City Hall at 201 West Scenic Drive or call (228) 452-3301 to obtain a short-term rental permit application. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, contact information for a local property manager or 24-hour contact person, and payment of applicable fees. The permit fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $50-100. You must also register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and obtain a business license from Harrison County if operating as a business entity. The property must comply with Pass Christian's zoning ordinances, which may restrict STRs in certain residential areas, and meet all building and fire safety codes including proper egress windows, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. The approval timeline is typically 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, pending inspection and zoning compliance verification. Pass Christian requires STR operators to maintain guest registries, limit occupancy to posted maximums, provide adequate parking, and ensure quiet hours compliance between 10 PM and 7 AM, with violations subject to permit revocation and fines up to $500.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Pass Christian, Mississippi, but operate under municipal regulations that require proper permitting and compliance with zoning ordinances. The city typically requires STR operators to obtain a business license and may have restrictions on the number of guests, parking requirements, and noise ordinances to maintain neighborhood character in residential areas. Pass Christian, like many Gulf Coast communities, has seen increased STR activity due to its proximity to beaches and tourist attractions, leading the city to implement moderate oversight measures around 2018-2020 to balance tourism revenue with resident concerns. Properties must generally comply with fire safety codes, maintain adequate parking, and operators are usually required to provide local contact information for guest issues, though enforcement tends to focus on complaint-driven violations rather than proactive monitoring.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Pass Christian, Mississippi include the Historic Downtown District along Second Street and Scenic Drive, which attracts tourists with its antebellum architecture, art galleries, and proximity to the beach. The beachfront area along Highway 90 offers prime vacation rental potential due to direct Gulf access, stunning sunset views, and proximity to Pass Christian Harbor and marina activities. The Henderson Point area provides a quieter, upscale option popular with families and couples seeking peaceful retreats while remaining close to casinos and attractions in nearby Biloxi and Gulfport. The area near Pass Christian Harbor is ideal for fishing enthusiasts and boating tourists, especially during peak fishing seasons and summer months. Properties near the Pass Christian Yacht Club and golf courses attract affluent visitors participating in sailing events, tournaments, and business retreats, while the proximity to New Orleans (about 45 minutes) makes these areas attractive for visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the French Quarter with easy access to major attractions and business centers.

Pass Christian, Mississippi imposes a 2% municipal lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days. Additionally, Mississippi state sales tax of 7% applies to lodging services, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 9% on rental fees. Harrison County may impose an additional 2-3% tourism or occupancy tax, potentially raising the total to 11-12%. These taxes are typically collected by the host at the time of booking or payment and must be remitted monthly to the Mississippi Department of Revenue for state taxes and quarterly to Pass Christian city offices for municipal taxes. Hosts must register for a sales tax permit with the state and obtain a business license from the city. Remittance is due by the 20th of the month following collection for state taxes and within 30 days of the quarter end for municipal taxes. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and may include certain government or military personnel stays, though specific exemption criteria should be verified with local tax authorities as of 2024.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Pass Christian, Mississippi is approximately $285,000-$350,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $200,000-$275,000 based on median home prices in the coastal area. Furnishing costs range from $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, furniture, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees cost approximately $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$4,000 annually, significantly higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total around $1,000-$2,000. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management if used (20-30% of revenue) range from $8,000-$15,000 assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-60% in the Gulf Coast market.

Airbnb properties in Pass Christian, Mississippi typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for modest 2-3 bedroom homes, with oceanfront properties commanding $40,000-$65,000 annually based on average daily rates of $85-$180 depending on proximity to the beach and property amenities. Operating expenses generally run 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$6,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 25-40% for well-managed properties, with beachfront homes achieving higher margins due to premium pricing during peak summer months and hurricane-free periods. Success factors include strategic pricing during Mardi Gras season, summer beach periods, and casino events in nearby Biloxi, with top-performing properties featuring updated interiors, outdoor spaces, and proximity to the beach within 2-3 blocks. Properties purchased around $180,000-$280,000 and generating $25,000-$45,000 in net annual income demonstrate cash-on-cash returns of 8-16%, though success heavily depends on effective marketing, consistent maintenance, and navigating seasonal demand fluctuations in this Gulf Coast market.

Airbnb investments in Pass Christian, Mississippi typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Gulf Coast beaches and casino destinations like Biloxi. Properties within walking distance of the beach command premium nightly rates of $150-250, while inland properties average $80-120 per night, with occupancy rates of 60-75% during peak summer months and 40-50% in off-season. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors seeing break-even on renovations and furnishing costs by month 20-30. The market benefits from consistent demand from New Orleans visitors (45 minutes away), casino tourists, and fishing enthusiasts, with properties purchased at $200,000-350,000 generating gross rental income of $35,000-55,000 annually after accounting for seasonal fluctuations, cleaning fees, and platform commissions.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty and Century 21 J. Carter & Company have experience with vacation rental properties along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and can help identify properties suitable for Airbnb investments in the Pass Christian area. Mashvisor and AirDNA provide national data analytics services to help investors analyze rental potential and market performance for short-term rentals in coastal Mississippi markets. RE/MAX agents in the Gulfport-Biloxi area often work with investors seeking beachfront and near-beach properties in Pass Christian that could generate strong Airbnb returns. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals who understand the Pass Christian vacation rental market, while Awning offers property management services for Airbnb investments throughout Mississippi's Gulf Coast region. Local property management companies like Gulf Coast Property Management and Coastal Mississippi Rentals can assist with the operational aspects of running profitable Airbnb properties in Pass Christian's tourist-focused market.