Is Rogers, Arkansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Rogers, Arkansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Rogers Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental properties to comply with residential zoning restrictions and may require a business license from the Rogers City Clerk's office. Contact Rogers Building Services at (479) 636-4020 to determine if you need permits for any property modifications, and ensure compliance with Arkansas state tax requirements by registering with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for sales tax collection. Find a suitable property in residential zones that allow short-term rentals, focusing on areas near Pinnacle Hills Promenade, downtown Rogers, or near the Razorback Greenway for tourist appeal. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, kitchen supplies, linens, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by Arkansas fire codes. Create your listing on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting proximity to attractions such as Crystal Bridges Museum (20 minutes away), Beaver Lake, and Northwest Arkansas Mall. Set competitive pricing by researching similar properties in Rogers and surrounding Bentonville area, typically ranging $75-150 per night depending on size and amenities. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols, guest communication systems, and consider hiring local cleaning services or property management companies like Northwest Arkansas Vacation Rentals if needed, while maintaining compliance with Rogers' noise ordinances and parking requirements for guests.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Rogers, Arkansas, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like Crystal Bridges Museum, downtown Bentonville, or Lake Atalanta, as these areas command higher nightly rates of $80-150 compared to $50-80 in outlying areas. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these generate 15-20% higher occupancy rates than older properties without these features. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds traditional rental income by at least 30-40%, typically requiring purchase prices under $200,000 in Rogers' market. Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 3-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, looking for gaps in amenities or underpriced listings that indicate market opportunity. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Northwest Arkansas Regional MLS, while connecting with Rogers-specific Facebook groups and consulting with local property managers like Vacasa or RedAwning who understand city regulations and seasonal demand patterns driven by corporate travel to Walmart headquarters and outdoor recreation tourism.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Rogers, Arkansas, you must first contact the Rogers Planning Department at City Hall located at 308 West Walnut Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as Rogers requires STR operators to obtain a conditional use permit through the Planning Commission. You'll need to submit an application including a site plan, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance documentation (typically $1 million minimum), contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a floor plan showing maximum occupancy. The application fee is approximately $500-750, with additional fees for Planning Commission review around $200-400. The process typically takes 6-8 weeks, requiring you to attend a Planning Commission meeting where neighbors can provide input. Rogers requires STRs to maintain off-street parking for each bedroom, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, display the permit number in all advertisements, maintain a complaint log, and ensure 24/7 contact availability for issues. After approval, you must also obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for approximately $50 annually and register with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for state tax collection, with some properties also requiring health department inspection depending on size and amenities.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Rogers, Arkansas, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Rogers requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit short-term rentals to certain residential districts while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that STR properties must follow. Property owners must also ensure their rentals meet safety standards and may face restrictions on the number of guests and vehicles allowed. Rogers has been actively updating its STR regulations in recent years, around 2020-2022, to balance the growing vacation rental market with neighborhood concerns about noise, traffic, and community character. The city requires registration of all STR properties and has established complaint procedures for residents, with potential penalties for non-compliance including fines and license revocation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Rogers, Arkansas include downtown Rogers near the Walmart AMP amphitheater which attracts major concerts and events year-round, the Pinnacle Hills area which benefits from proximity to major corporate headquarters including Walmart, JB Hunt, and Tyson Foods bringing consistent business travelers, and neighborhoods near Beaver Lake offering waterfront recreation appeal to tourists seeking outdoor activities like fishing and boating. The War Eagle Creek corridor provides scenic natural settings attractive to visitors exploring the Buffalo National River region, while areas near the Northwest Arkansas Mall and Promenade shopping districts capture retail tourists and conference attendees visiting the region's growing business sector. Properties within 10-15 minutes of Bentonville capitalize on overflow demand from Crystal Bridges Museum visitors and mountain biking enthusiasts, while locations near Rogers Executive Airport serve corporate travelers and private aviation clients visiting the area's Fortune 500 companies.

In Rogers, Arkansas, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Arkansas state sales tax of 6.5% applies to short-term rental accommodations, along with the state tourism tax of 2% on lodging stays. Rogers imposes a local hotel/motel tax of approximately 3% on short-term rentals, bringing the total occupancy tax burden to around 11.5%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and local tax authorities on behalf of hosts. Hosts may need to register for a sales tax permit with the state and potentially with Rogers city offices, depending on their rental volume and local requirements. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or nonprofit organization bookings may qualify for tax exemptions with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Rogers, Arkansas, expect total costs around $275,000-$325,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in Rogers as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Rogers include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs run $1,500-$2,500 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total approximately $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($200/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($300/month), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total roughly $4,000-$6,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for the Northwest Arkansas market.

Airbnb properties in Rogers, Arkansas typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities, achieving occupancy rates of 45-65% annually. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near Pinnacle Hills Promenade and the Razorback Sports complexes command premium rates, with some hosts reporting net profit margins of 25-35% after all expenses. Success factors include proximity to Walmart headquarters (major business travel driver), University of Arkansas sporting events, and outdoor recreation areas like Devil's Den State Park. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000-$220,000 in Rogers can generate $8,000-$15,000 in annual net profit, representing ROI of 4-7% on property value, though properties with unique amenities like hot tubs or game rooms near entertainment districts have achieved profit margins exceeding 40% with gross revenues reaching $45,000 annually.

Based on Rogers, Arkansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near Beaver Lake and downtown Rogers command higher nightly rates of $80-150, while suburban properties average $60-100 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates throughout the year. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with vacation rentals near outdoor recreation areas like Devil's Den State Park and Lake Atalanta achieving the higher end of ROI projections at 16-18% annually. The Rogers market benefits from consistent demand from business travelers visiting Walmart headquarters in nearby Bentonville and outdoor enthusiasts, supporting sustainable cash flows with break-even typically reached in months 8-12 of operation.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Rogers, Arkansas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Market Pro Realty agents who focus on vacation rental investments, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette agents with STR expertise, and RE/MAX Real Estate Results professionals experienced in rental property acquisitions. National services like AirDNA offer market analytics and revenue projections for Rogers properties, while Mashvisor provides investment property analysis tools and rental income estimates. Local property management companies such as NWA Short Term Rentals and Ozark Mountain Vacation Rentals assist with both acquisition consulting and post-purchase management. Investment-focused firms like Roofstock and Awning (now part of RedAwning) help investors identify and purchase turnkey short-term rental properties in the Northwest Arkansas market. Additionally, local mortgage brokers like First Security Bank and Arvest Bank offer specialized financing for investment properties, while companies like Furnishr and RedAwning provide furnishing and setup services for new Airbnb acquisitions in the Rogers area.