Is Reeds Spring, Missouri Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Reeds Spring, Missouri, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Reeds Spring and Stone County offices, as Missouri generally allows short-term rentals but local municipalities may have specific zoning requirements, occupancy limits, and registration processes. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city clerk, ensure your property meets fire safety codes, and verify compliance with any homeowners association restrictions if applicable. Find a suitable property by considering proximity to Table Rock Lake and Branson attractions, ensuring adequate parking and privacy for guests. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, towels, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like Silver Dollar City and outdoor activities. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing research based on similar properties in the Branson-Table Rock Lake area, and detailed descriptions emphasizing lake access and tourist attractions. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest communications, coordinating cleaning between stays, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes including Missouri state taxes and any applicable local lodging taxes that Stone County may require.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Reeds Spring, Missouri, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Table Rock Lake and Branson attractions, prioritizing properties with lake views, private docks, or easy water access since this area attracts tourists seeking lakefront experiences. Target 3-4 bedroom homes with 2+ bathrooms, outdoor amenities like decks, fire pits, and boat parking, as families and groups comprise the primary market visiting for fishing, boating, and Branson entertainment. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates ($80-150 typical for the area), occupancy rates (50-70% seasonal average), and revenue potential, while researching competition within a 5-mile radius to identify gaps in amenities or pricing strategies. Study existing STR listings on Airbnb and VRBO to understand what features command premium rates, such as hot tubs, game rooms, or proximity to boat launches, and use tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data to analyze purchase prices versus projected rental income. Consider properties near popular fishing spots like Long Creek or areas with easy highway access to Branson (15-20 minutes), and factor in Missouri's relatively STR-friendly regulations while ensuring compliance with Taney County and local zoning requirements for maximum profitability in this lake-tourism driven market.

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. You'll need to submit a completed business license application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or property survey, obtain liability insurance documentation (typically $1 million minimum), and pass a safety inspection that includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Required documents include a completed application form, property deed or lease, insurance certificate, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, emergency contact information, and parking plan. The business license fee is approximately $50-100 annually, with potential additional STR permit fees of $100-200, plus inspection fees of $75-150. The timeline typically takes 30-60 days from application submission, including a 2-3 week review period, scheduling and completing the safety inspection, and final permit issuance. Reeds Spring specific requirements likely include maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, designated parking spaces (usually 1-2 per unit), 24/7 local contact person within 30 minutes of the property, quiet hours enforcement (typically 10 PM to 7 AM), and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that may limit STRs in certain neighborhoods.

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 typically allows STRs in residential areas but may require business licenses, occupancy permits, and compliance with health and safety codes. The city likely restricts STRs in certain residential zones to preserve neighborhood character and may limit the number of guests or require parking accommodations. Property owners must typically register their rentals, collect local taxes, and ensure compliance with fire safety and building codes. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in Missouri lake communities like Reeds Spring due to concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts, leading some municipalities to implement stricter permitting processes and operational requirements. The city may also require compliance with Stone County regulations and state tax collection requirements, with potential restrictions on advertising platforms and rental duration minimums.

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 theme park access points. The lakefront districts offer year-round appeal with fishing, boating, and water sports attracting visitors from April through October, while properties within 10-15 minutes of Silver Dollar City capitalize on the park's 2+ million annual visitors and seasonal events like the Harvest Festival. The Highway 76 corridor connecting to Branson provides excellent rental potential due to proximity to entertainment venues, theaters, and attractions, with many tourists preferring quieter accommodations outside Branson's busy strip. Areas near Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and Top of the Rock golf course attract outdoor enthusiasts and corporate retreat groups, especially during spring and fall seasons. Properties along State Park Marina Road and near the Table Rock State Park marina benefit from consistent boat traffic and fishing tournaments throughout the warmer months, while neighborhoods within walking distance of local restaurants and the Reeds Spring town center offer convenience for families and groups seeking a more residential feel while maintaining access to Branson's attractions.

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 currently impose a separate lodging or occupancy tax specific to short-term rentals as of 2023. Airbnb typically collects and remits Missouri state sales tax automatically for hosts through their platform, but hosts remain responsible for registering with the Missouri Department of Revenue and ensuring compliance with local Stone County tax requirements. Hosts must obtain a Missouri sales tax license, collect applicable taxes from guests, and file monthly or quarterly returns depending on their volume. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 31 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than taxable lodging. Local business license requirements may also apply through Stone County or Reeds Spring municipal offices, and hosts should verify current local tax obligations as regulations can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Reeds Spring, Missouri is approximately $185,000-$225,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area near Table Rock Lake. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs include $1,500-$2,500 for professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations or deep cleaning. Permits and fees total $500-$1,200 including business license, short-term rental permit, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance runs $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utilities average $150-$250 monthly including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service. First six months operating costs include $4,000-$6,000 for utilities, cleaning services at $75-$100 per turnover, maintenance supplies, guest amenities, platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO, marketing, and emergency repairs, assuming 60-70% occupancy rate during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Reeds Spring, Missouri, typically generate annual revenues between $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 ($25-$40 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 owner-operated properties, with successful hosts like those managing lakefront cabins near Kimberling City reporting annual profits of $8,000-$18,000 on properties valued at $150,000-$300,000. Key success factors include strategic location within 15 minutes of major attractions, professional photography showcasing outdoor amenities, competitive pricing during Branson's peak entertainment season, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings through consistent cleanliness and guest communication, with properties meeting these criteria often achieving 20-25% higher revenue than market averages.

Based on Reeds Spring, Missouri market conditions near Table Rock Lake and Branson tourism area, Airbnb investments typically generate 12-18% annual ROI with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% 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) and $80-120 during off-season, with average occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with full investment recovery typically achieved in 6-8 years. Lakefront or lake-view properties in Reeds Spring can achieve the higher end of ROI ranges at 16-18% annually, while standard residential properties converted to short-term rentals typically see 12-14% returns, factoring in property management costs of 15-25%, maintenance, utilities, and local lodging taxes of 4.5%.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Reeds Spring, Missouri. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Branson-area agents from Coldwell Banker First Choice Realty, RE/MAX Associated Brokers, and Murney Associates Realtors who understand the Table Rock Lake vacation rental market. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA offer property management and market analysis specifically for short-term rentals in the Ozarks region. Vacasa and Evolve provide full-service Airbnb management for investors purchasing properties near Table Rock Lake and Branson attractions. Local property management companies such as Branson Vacation Rentals and Table Rock Lake Properties specialize in managing STR investments in Reeds Spring and surrounding Stone County areas. Investment-focused real estate companies like BiggerPockets-affiliated agents and Roofstock (though primarily single-family focused) occasionally feature Ozarks properties suitable for Airbnb conversion, while local mortgage brokers at First State Bank of Purdy and Great Southern Bank offer financing options for investment properties in the Reeds Spring market.