Is Radcliff, Kentucky Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Radcliff, Kentucky, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Radcliff City Hall (270-351-4477) as the city may require business licenses or special permits for short-term rentals, though Kentucky generally has fewer restrictions than larger cities. Contact Hardin County Planning and Development Commission to verify zoning compliance for your intended property location. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Radcliff City Clerk's office (estimated $25-50 annually) and ensure compliance with fire safety codes through the local fire department. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Fort Knox or downtown Radcliff, with average property prices ranging $80,000-150,000 for starter homes, focusing on 2-3 bedroom properties that appeal to military families and travelers. Furnish the space with essential amenities including WiFi, basic kitchen supplies, linens, and military-friendly features given the proximity to Fort Knox, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $60-120 per night based on local market rates, highlighting proximity to Fort Knox, Louisville (45 minutes), and Mammoth Cave National Park. Manage bookings through automated systems, maintain cleaning schedules between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, and consider hiring local cleaning services in Radcliff area, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and potentially earning $1,500-4,000 monthly depending on occupancy rates and seasonal military training schedules at Fort Knox.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Radcliff, Kentucky, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Fort Knox military base, as this drives consistent demand from military personnel and their families seeking temporary housing during relocations and training. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, washer/dryer, parking, and outdoor spaces, as military families often travel with children and prefer home-like accommodations. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in the $80-150 per night range, considering seasonal fluctuations tied to military training schedules and PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves typically occurring in summer months. Study competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and direct Airbnb searches to identify occupancy rates, average daily rates, and market saturation in neighborhoods like Vine Grove, Elizabethtown, and central Radcliff. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for investment analysis, Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with military housing allowances (BAH rates) which averaged $1,200-1,500 monthly for the area as of 2023. Consider properties near other attractions like the General George Patton Museum, Lincoln Trail, and easy highway access to Louisville (45 minutes) to capture both military and tourist markets while maintaining purchase prices under $200,000 to ensure positive cash flow after expenses.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Radcliff, Kentucky, you must first contact the Radcliff City Hall at 104 West Lincoln Trail or call (270) 351-4477 to inquire about their short-term rental ordinance requirements, as the city implemented regulations around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, general liability insurance policy (typically $1 million minimum), floor plan of the property, and a completed background check. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-150. You must also obtain a business license from the city clerk's office for an additional $25-50 fee. The property must comply with zoning requirements (typically allowed in residential zones with restrictions), maintain adequate parking spaces, provide emergency contact information to neighbors, and pass safety inspections including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas. The approval process typically takes 30-45 days from submission of complete application, and you may need to attend a city council meeting if there are any objections from neighbors. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings and maintain compliance with occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and quarterly reporting requirements to the city.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Radcliff, Kentucky are generally legal but operate under local zoning regulations and business licensing requirements established by the city. As of 2023, Radcliff allows STRs in most residential zones but requires operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits. The city prohibits STRs in certain residential areas where homeowner associations have specific restrictions, and properties must meet parking requirements with adequate off-street parking for guests. Recent changes in 2022-2023 included stricter noise ordinances and requirements for local contact persons available 24/7 to address neighbor complaints, reflecting the city's effort to balance tourism revenue with residential quality of life. Operators must also comply with Kentucky state tax requirements and register with the Department of Revenue, while the city has implemented a complaint-based enforcement system rather than proactive inspections, making neighbor relations crucial for successful STR operations in Radcliff.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Radcliff, Kentucky are primarily concentrated around the Fort Knox vicinity, particularly the neighborhoods along Dixie Avenue and North Dixie Boulevard, which attract military families, visiting personnel, and contractors due to the base's proximity. The downtown Radcliff area near Lincoln Trail and West Lincoln Trail offers potential for business travelers and visitors to local events, while properties near Saunders Springs Nature Preserve appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking recreational activities. The residential areas around Radcliff Elementary and North Middle School are attractive for extended military stays and relocating families, and neighborhoods close to the Radcliff Civic Center benefit from event-related bookings including conferences, weddings, and community gatherings. Properties within a 10-15 minute drive to Fort Knox gates, particularly those in established subdivisions like Country Club Estates or areas near US-31W, command premium rates due to convenience for military personnel and defense contractors who frequently need temporary housing during training periods, deployments, or permanent change of station moves.

Airbnb properties in Radcliff, Kentucky are subject to Kentucky's state transient room tax of 1% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rental accommodations under 30 days. The state tax is collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the Kentucky Department of Revenue using Form 51A111. Hardin County, where Radcliff is located, imposes an additional 3% transient room tax on lodging rentals, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 4%. The county tax is also collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Hardin County Clerk's office by the 20th of the following month. Radcliff itself does not impose a separate municipal lodging tax as of 2023. Exemptions typically include rentals to permanent residents (30+ days), certain government employees on official business, and properties rented for more than 30 consecutive days to the same guest. Hosts are required to register with both state and county tax authorities, obtain the necessary permits, and maintain detailed records of all rental transactions and tax collections for audit purposes.

To start an Airbnb in Radcliff, Kentucky, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $300-$800 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and city registration requirements. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $1,200-$2,400 annually, with upfront costs around $600-$1,200. Utility deposits and connections cost approximately $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$250/month), cleaning services ($75-$125 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total roughly $3,000-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 50-60% during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Radcliff, Kentucky show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $65-$95 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $1,200-$2,400 monthly revenue at 50-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250/month), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-200/month), and maintenance costs ($200-400/month). Properties near Fort Knox military base demonstrate stronger performance due to consistent demand from military families and contractors, with some hosts reporting 15-25% net profit margins after all expenses. Success factors include proximity to Fort Knox (within 10 miles), competitive pricing below Louisville market rates, military-friendly amenities like flexible check-in/out times, and professional property management to handle frequent turnovers. Case studies from 2022-2023 show that well-managed properties in desirable neighborhoods like Lincoln Trail or near major highways can achieve annual net profits of $8,000-$15,000, while poorly located or managed properties may struggle to break even due to lower occupancy rates and higher vacancy periods during off-peak military rotation seasons.

Based on Radcliff, Kentucky market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near Fort Knox military base tend to perform better due to consistent demand from military personnel and their families, often achieving the higher end of these ranges. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates of $75-$120 and occupancy rates of 60-75% annually. The market benefits from steady military-related travel, proximity to Louisville attractions, and lower property acquisition costs compared to larger Kentucky cities, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak performance during spring and fall months when military training and PCS moves are most common.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Radcliff, Kentucky, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty and RE/MAX Properties East in nearby Elizabethtown serve the Radcliff area and have experience with investment properties. National services include Awning, which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services, and Mashvisor, offering rental property analysis tools for the Louisville-Elizabethtown metro area that includes Radcliff. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while companies like RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for short-term rentals in the region. Local property management companies such as Kentucky Lake Vacation Rentals and Louisville-based STR managers extend services to the Radcliff area. Investment-focused brokerages like eXp Realty have agents specializing in rental properties throughout Kentucky, and platforms like AirDNA provide market data specific to the Fort Knox/Radcliff area to help investors make informed decisions about Airbnb property purchases.