Is Rogersville, Missouri Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Rogersville, Missouri, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Rogersville City Hall (417-753-2214) as the city may require business licenses or have specific short-term rental ordinances, though many smaller Missouri towns have minimal restrictions as of 2023. Contact Webster County offices to verify any county-level requirements and check if you need a sales tax license through the Missouri Department of Revenue since you'll collect occupancy taxes. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings on Zillow, Realtor.com, or contacting Rogersville-area realtors, focusing on homes near attractions like Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (20 minutes away) or properties with easy access to Springfield (30 minutes south). Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Rogersville City Hall, register for Missouri sales tax collection, and ensure your property meets fire safety codes and has working smoke detectors. Furnish the space with quality basics from nearby stores like Walmart in Republic or Springfield, focusing on comfortable beds, clean linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby Fantastic Caverns and Bass Pro Shops. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing around $75-120/night based on local market rates, and highlight proximity to Springfield attractions and outdoor activities. Manage bookings through Airbnb's platform, maintain quick response times, coordinate cleaning between guests (consider hiring local cleaning services), and provide excellent customer service to earn positive reviews in this growing Missouri tourism market.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Rogersville, Missouri, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Table Rock Lake, Branson attractions, or Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, as these drive tourism demand in the area. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like decks, fire pits, or lake access, built after 1990 to minimize maintenance issues. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 20 miles, aiming for properties that can generate $100-200 per night during peak season (May-October) with 60-70% occupancy rates. Study competition using AirDNA or Mashvisor to identify gaps in the market, particularly focusing on properties near Fantastic Caverns or serving the Springfield metropolitan area overflow. Utilize local resources like Greene County property records, work with realtors familiar with the Ozarks tourism market, and consider properties along Highway 60 or Highway 125 for accessibility, while ensuring compliance with any Webster County or local Rogersville zoning regulations that may affect short-term rental operations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Rogersville, Missouri, contact the Rogersville City Hall at 105 West Commercial Street or call (417) 753-2214 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and permit requirements. You will likely need to submit a completed business license application, 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 if you live more than 50 miles away, and pay applicable fees which typically range from $50-200 annually. Required documents may also include a fire safety inspection certificate, occupancy permit, and signed affidavit agreeing to comply with noise ordinances and parking restrictions. The application process generally takes 2-4 weeks for approval once all documents are submitted, and you must ensure the property meets zoning requirements as some residential areas may restrict short-term rentals. Rogersville likely requires STR operators to maintain guest registries, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking spaces, and respond to complaints within 2 hours, with annual permit renewal required each January.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Rogersville, Missouri are generally legal but operate under local zoning regulations and state oversight. As a small city in Webster County, Rogersville follows Missouri state law which allows STRs but permits local municipalities to establish their own regulations. The city likely requires STR operators to comply with standard zoning ordinances, which may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals in certain residential zones, particularly single-family residential areas, while potentially allowing them in commercial or mixed-use districts. Property owners must typically obtain proper business licenses and may need to register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in Missouri communities, with some cities implementing stricter regulations around parking, occupancy limits, noise ordinances, and safety requirements including smoke detectors and emergency exits. Rogersville may have specific restrictions on the number of guests, parking requirements, and operational standards, though enforcement and specific prohibited areas would depend on local zoning maps and city ordinances that are subject to change through city council decisions.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Rogersville, Missouri include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's heritage and local events, and properties near Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (approximately 15 minutes away), capitalizing on Civil War history tourism and educational visits. The areas around Rogersville City Park and near the James River access points are attractive for outdoor enthusiasts, fishing, and recreational activities. Properties within walking distance of local festivals and the annual Rogersville Wildwood Days celebration perform well seasonally. The residential neighborhoods near Highway 125 and Highway 60 intersection offer good accessibility for business travelers visiting nearby Springfield (20 minutes away) who prefer quieter, more affordable accommodations outside the city, while areas near local schools can capture visiting families for sports tournaments and academic events at nearby universities like Missouri State University.

Airbnb properties in Rogersville, Missouri are subject to Missouri state sales tax of 4.225% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 31 days. Webster County imposes an additional local sales tax that varies but typically ranges from 1-3% on lodging services. The City of Rogersville may impose local lodging taxes of approximately 2-5%, though specific rates should be verified with city officials as they can change annually. These taxes are generally collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for state and some local taxes, though hosts may need to register separately with the Missouri Department of Revenue and local tax authorities to ensure compliance. Remittance is typically required monthly or quarterly depending on volume, with hosts needing to file returns even if no tax was collected. Properties rented for 31 days or longer are generally exempt from transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may offer exemptions for certain types of accommodations or extended stays, though specific exemption criteria vary by local ordinance.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Rogersville, Missouri would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, occupancy permits, and potential HOA approvals would cost $500-$1,200. Insurance including short-term rental coverage would be $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility deposits and setup for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would cost $800-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing would total approximately $4,500-$7,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 50-60% during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Rogersville, Missouri typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and maintenance ($200-400 monthly) typically consume 45-60% of gross revenue. Properties near Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and those offering rural retreats with outdoor amenities tend to perform better, with net profit margins averaging 15-25% for experienced hosts. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 in 2022 and generating $2,400 monthly revenue with $1,500 in expenses would yield approximately $10,800 annual profit, representing a 6% return on investment before mortgage considerations. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak seasons (spring through fall), maintaining high cleanliness standards, responding quickly to guest inquiries, and leveraging Rogersville's proximity to Springfield attractions while highlighting the area's peaceful rural setting and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Based on Rogersville, Missouri market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14% depending on property type and location within the market. Properties near Table Rock Lake and Branson tourism corridor generally achieve higher returns, with lakefront or cabin-style properties reaching the upper end of these ranges. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months of operation, factoring in seasonal tourism patterns that peak during summer months and fall foliage season. Average daily rates in the area range from $85-150 for standard properties, with occupancy rates typically running 65-75% annually. Properties requiring significant renovation may see extended profitability timelines of 18-24 months, while turnkey properties in prime locations can achieve positive cash flow within 4-6 months. The market benefits from proximity to Branson entertainment district and outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting consistent demand from both leisure travelers and family groups throughout most of the year.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Rogersville, Missouri. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty of the Ozarks, Century 21 Integrity Group, and RE/MAX Integrity who have experience with vacation rental properties in the area since 2018. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AvantStay offer property management and investment guidance for STR properties, while AirDNA and Mashvisor provide market analytics specifically for short-term rental investments. Local property management companies such as Ozark Mountain Vacation Rentals and Branson-area STR managers extend services to the Rogersville market. Investment-focused platforms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with profitable Airbnb opportunities, and companies like Vacasa and Evolve provide full-service management for new STR investments in the Missouri market.