Is Reeds Spring, Missouri Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Reeds Spring, Missouri, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Reeds Spring and Stone County offices, as short-term rentals may require special permits or have restrictions in residential areas. Contact the Stone County Clerk's office to obtain necessary business licenses and check if you need a transient guest tax permit, as Missouri requires collection of state and local lodging taxes (typically 4.225% state sales tax plus local taxes). Find a suitable property by searching real estate listings in Reeds Spring, focusing on areas near Table Rock Lake or Branson attractions, with properties ranging from $150,000-$400,000 depending on size and location. Once you secure a property, furnish it with quality furniture, linens, and amenities that appeal to tourists visiting the Ozarks region, including lake gear, fishing equipment, and comfortable outdoor furniture. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting lake access, proximity to Branson (about 15 miles), and local attractions like fishing, boating, and hiking. Set competitive pricing based on similar properties in the area (typically $80-200 per night depending on season and property size), and implement a management system using Airbnb's tools or local property management companies like Ozark Mountain Property Management or similar services that operate in the Table Rock Lake area. Ensure compliance with safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and first aid kits, while maintaining regular communication with guests and prompt response to inquiries to achieve Superhost status.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Reeds Spring, Missouri, focus on locations within 5-10 minutes of Table Rock Lake and Branson attractions, prioritizing properties with lake views, private docks, or easy water access since this area thrives on lake tourism and outdoor recreation. Target 3-4 bedroom homes with 2+ bathrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, hot tubs, fire pits, and boat parking, as these features command premium rates from families and groups visiting the lake region. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify optimal pricing between $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities, with peak seasons during summer months (May-September) and holiday weekends driving the highest occupancy rates. Research competition by studying successful listings within a 10-mile radius, noting their pricing strategies, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps and differentiation opportunities. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtors familiar with the Branson-Table Rock Lake market, while connecting with local property management companies like Sunset Nightly Rentals or Branson-area STR managers who understand seasonal demand patterns, local regulations, and can provide insights on the most profitable neighborhoods near popular attractions like Top of the Rock, Dogwood Canyon, and various lake access points.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Reeds Spring, Missouri, you must first contact the Reeds Spring City Hall at 417-272-8281 or visit their office at 100 Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as the city likely requires a business license and may have specific STR ordinances enacted around 2020-2022. You'll need to submit an application including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (typically $1 million minimum), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, contact information for a local property manager within 30 minutes of the property, and proof of compliance with fire safety codes. Required documents also include a completed business license application, zoning compliance verification, and neighbor notification forms. The application fee is estimated at $100-200 for the business license plus potential STR permit fees of $150-300 annually. You must also register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and obtain any required Stone County permits. The approval timeline is typically 30-60 days after submitting a complete application, and you'll need to comply with occupancy limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and display your permit number in all listings. Annual renewal is required with updated insurance and compliance documentation.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Reeds Spring, Missouri are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. As a small city in Stone County, Reeds Spring likely follows county-level guidelines that typically require STR operators to obtain business licenses and comply with safety standards, though specific municipal ordinances may apply within city limits. The city, being near Table Rock Lake and Branson tourism areas, has seen increased STR activity since around 2018-2020, with most regulations focusing on occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances rather than outright prohibitions. Properties in residential zones may face stricter limitations compared to those in commercial or mixed-use areas, and operators typically must register with both local authorities and collect applicable taxes. Recent changes likely include enhanced enforcement of existing regulations and possible updates to address neighborhood concerns about parking and noise, though no major legal overhauls have occurred as of 2023-2024.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Reeds Spring, Missouri are primarily concentrated around Table Rock Lake waterfront properties, particularly along the Branson West corridor and near Silver Dollar City's northern access points. The lakefront districts offer year-round appeal with fishing, boating, and water recreation drawing visitors from April through October, while properties within 5-10 miles of Silver Dollar City benefit from the theme park's 2+ million annual visitors and seasonal events like the National Harvest Festival. The Highway 76 corridor connecting to Branson provides excellent rental potential due to proximity to entertainment venues, dinner theaters, and music shows that operate March through December. Areas near Indian Point and the James River arm of Table Rock Lake are particularly attractive for larger group rentals and family reunions, as these locations offer private lake access while remaining within 15 minutes of Branson's attractions. Properties in the Kimberling City border area also perform well due to their position between multiple entertainment districts and outdoor recreation opportunities, making them ideal for guests seeking both adventure tourism and family entertainment during peak seasons from May through September and holiday periods.

Airbnb properties in Reeds Spring, Missouri are subject to Missouri state sales tax of 4.225% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 31 days. Stone County, where Reeds Spring is located, may impose an additional local sales tax of approximately 1-3% on lodging, bringing the total tax rate to roughly 5-7%. The City of Reeds Spring does not appear to have a specific lodging or occupancy tax beyond standard local sales tax. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began in Missouri around 2018-2019, and Airbnb remits these taxes directly to the Missouri Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. Property owners may need to register for a Missouri sales tax license if they collect taxes independently or if Airbnb doesn't cover all applicable local taxes. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 31 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some exemptions may exist for government employees or certain non-profit organizations, though these vary by jurisdiction.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Reeds Spring, Missouri would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the Branson/Table Rock Lake area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $8,000-$12,000 including beds, living room furniture, kitchen essentials, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs $2,000-$3,000 covering professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees total $500-$800 including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance adds $1,200-$1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utility deposits and connections cost $300-$500 for electricity, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating expenses run $8,000-$12,000 covering utilities ($200/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), Airbnb fees (3% host fee), supplies and maintenance ($300/month), marketing ($100/month), and property management if outsourced (15-25% of revenue). Additional considerations include potential renovation costs if the property needs updates and emergency fund reserves of $5,000-$10,000 for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods during slower tourism seasons.

Airbnb properties in Reeds Spring, Missouri, typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for well-positioned properties near Table Rock Lake and Branson attractions, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within 10 miles of Silver Dollar City and featuring lake access or scenic views achieve the highest occupancy rates of 60-75% during peak season (May-October), while standard properties average 45-55% annually. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for hands-on owners, with successful properties like lakefront cabins near Kimberling City generating $20,000+ in annual profit on $50,000+ revenue streams. Key success factors include strategic location within 15 minutes of major attractions, professional photography showcasing outdoor amenities, competitive pricing during Branson's peak entertainment seasons, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and guest communication, with properties managed by companies like Vacasa or RedAwning often achieving higher occupancy but lower net margins due to management fees.

Based on Reeds Spring, Missouri market conditions near Table Rock Lake and Branson tourism corridor, Airbnb investments typically generate 12-18% annual ROI with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location proximity to lake access. Properties within 2 miles of Table Rock Lake or Silver Dollar City attractions command premium rates of $120-180 per night during peak season (May-September) versus $80-120 for standard locations. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with full investment recovery expected in 6-8 years. Seasonal occupancy rates average 65-75% annually, with summer months reaching 85-90% occupancy while winter drops to 40-50%. Properties requiring $20,000-40,000 in renovations for short-term rental standards typically see break-even on improvements within 2-3 years, while turnkey properties begin generating positive cash flow within 6-12 months of operation.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Reeds Spring, Missouri. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments in the Branson-Table Rock Lake area include Keller Williams Realty Branson Tri-Lakes, Coldwell Banker First Choice Realtors, and RE/MAX Associated Brokers who have experience with vacation rental properties since 2018. National services like BiggerPockets, Awning (formerly RedAwning), AirDNA, and Mashvisor provide market analysis and property identification tools for the Ozarks region. Vacasa and RedAwning offer property management services for investors, while companies like RentSpree and Furnished Finder help identify properties suitable for short-term rental conversion. Local property management companies including Branson Vacation Rentals and Table Rock Lake Properties have been assisting investors since 2019 in maximizing rental income in the Reeds Spring area, which benefits from proximity to Silver Dollar City and Table Rock Lake tourism.