Is St. Martin, Mississippi Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in St. Martin, Mississippi, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Jackson County's planning department, as St. Martin falls under their jurisdiction, and contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue for tax requirements including the 7% state sales tax and potential local occupancy taxes. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Jackson County (approximately $25-50), ensure your property meets fire safety codes, and verify homeowner's insurance covers short-term rentals or purchase additional coverage. Find a suitable property by researching the local market where average nightly rates range $80-150, focusing on areas near the Gulf Coast or Pascagoula River for tourist appeal, and consider properties with 2-4 bedrooms that typically perform best in the region. Furnish the space with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning (crucial for Mississippi's humid climate), quality linens, and kitchen basics, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photos highlighting outdoor spaces and proximity to Gulf Coast attractions, setting competitive pricing based on seasonal demand with higher rates during summer months and hurricane season considerations. Manage your listing by responding to inquiries within an hour, coordinating cleaning services between guests (budget $50-75 per turnover), maintaining the property regularly due to high humidity, and consider hiring a local property management company like Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals if you're not local, which typically charges 15-25% of booking revenue.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in St. Martin, Mississippi, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like the Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches, casinos in Biloxi (20 minutes away), and outdoor recreation areas along the Pascagoula River, with properties offering 2-4 bedrooms, modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking being most desirable for family and group travelers. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Jackson County and neighboring coastal areas, targeting properties that can command $80-150 per night during peak seasons (summer and casino events) while maintaining 60-70% occupancy rates. Research competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and local MLS data to identify supply gaps, particularly focusing on properties near Shepard State Park and along scenic waterways where inventory may be limited. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for investment analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Mississippi Gulf Coast tourism data to understand seasonal demand patterns, with successful properties typically generating 12-18% annual returns when purchased below $200,000 and properly managed through platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and local property management companies familiar with Mississippi's STR regulations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in St. Martin, Mississippi, you must first contact the St. Martin City Hall at 228-392-2812 or visit their office at 13031 Lamey Bridge Road to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small coastal community may have recently implemented or be developing STR ordinances following Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts. You'll likely need to submit a business license application ($50-75), provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy ($1 million minimum coverage), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, contact information for a local property manager if you're non-resident, and pass a safety inspection covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit plans. Additional requirements may include parking compliance (typically 1-2 spaces per unit), septic system certification for properties not on municipal sewer, and adherence to residential zoning restrictions that may limit STRs in certain neighborhoods. The application process typically takes 30-45 days including inspection scheduling, with total fees ranging from $150-300 annually, and you must also register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for sales tax collection and remittance at 7% plus local taxes, while ensuring compliance with Jackson County building codes and any applicable homeowners association restrictions.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in St. Martin, Mississippi, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that limit rentals primarily to commercial and mixed-use districts, while residential areas have more stringent requirements including neighbor notification processes. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and occupancy limits, with parking requirements of at least two spaces per unit. St. Martin prohibits STRs in certain residential neighborhoods to preserve community character, and operators must collect and remit local occupancy taxes. Recent changes in 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for non-compliance, with the city implementing a registration system that requires annual renewal and property inspections. Violations can result in fines ranging from $500 to $2,500, and repeat offenders may face license revocation, reflecting the city's effort to balance tourism revenue with residential quality of life concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in St. Martin, Mississippi are concentrated around the Gulf Coast waterfront districts, particularly the beachfront neighborhoods near Henderson Point and the historic downtown area along the Biloxi Bay shoreline, which attract tourists year-round due to proximity to casinos like Beau Rivage and IP Casino Resort, fishing charters, and water recreation activities. The areas near the St. Martin Marina and boat launch facilities are highly desirable for fishing enthusiasts and boating tourists, especially during peak seasons from March through October. Neighborhoods within walking distance of local seafood restaurants and the scenic coastal highway offer strong rental potential due to the area's reputation for Gulf Coast cuisine and sunset views. Properties near the industrial corridor may attract business travelers working with local maritime and energy companies, while homes close to community event venues benefit from seasonal festivals and local celebrations that draw visitors to the Mississippi Gulf Coast region.

St. Martin, Mississippi imposes a 2% municipal lodging tax on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which is collected directly from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the city by the 20th of the following month. Additionally, the state of Mississippi levies a 3% state sales tax on lodging that applies to all rental periods under 30 days, with Airbnb typically collecting this automatically through their platform and remitting it directly to the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Jackson County, where St. Martin is located, adds an additional 2% county occupancy tax that must be collected by hosts and remitted quarterly to the county tax collector's office. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these occupancy taxes, and some municipalities may provide exemptions for rentals under $15 per night, though this varies by local ordinance. Hosts are required to register with both state and local tax authorities, obtain appropriate permits, and maintain detailed records of all rental transactions and tax collections for audit purposes.

To start an Airbnb in St. Martin, Mississippi, the total costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Mississippi markets. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and local registration requirements. Insurance costs run $2,000-$3,500 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility deposits and connections typically cost $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150-$200 monthly), cleaning supplies, maintenance, marketing, platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management tools total approximately $4,000-$6,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a recommended cash reserve of $5,000-$10,000 for unexpected repairs and vacancy periods during the initial launch phase.

Airbnb properties in St. Martin, Mississippi show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue assuming 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-3,500 yearly). Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% after expenses, with successful properties near outdoor recreation areas like lakes or hunting grounds performing better due to Mississippi's tourism patterns. Properties within 30 minutes of larger cities like Jackson or near Mississippi River access points command premium rates, with some waterfront cabins achieving $150+ nightly rates during peak hunting and fishing seasons (October-March). Success factors include strategic location near outdoor activities, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining 4.5+ star ratings, with top-performing hosts in the region reporting annual net profits of $8,000-15,000 per property through consistent bookings and efficient cost management.

Based on St. Martin, Mississippi 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 area. Properties near recreational areas like the Pascagoula River or coastal access points tend to perform at the higher end of this range, while standard residential properties average closer to 8-9% annual returns. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even on cash investment typically achieved in 10-12 years. The market benefits from proximity to Gulf Coast attractions and fishing destinations, though seasonal fluctuations mean summer months (May-September) generate 60-70% of annual revenue. Average daily rates range from $85-140 depending on property size and amenities, with occupancy rates averaging 45-55% annually for established listings.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties including in St. Martin, Mississippi. Local real estate agents in the Jackson metro area such as Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty, RE/MAX Real Estate Partners, and Crye-Leike Realtors have experience with investment properties in the Gulf Coast region including St. Martin. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property management specifically for Airbnb investments in Mississippi markets. Local property management companies such as Gulf Coast Property Management and Mississippi Vacation Rentals offer services for short-term rental properties in coastal areas. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Mashvisor analyze rental yields and occupancy rates for properties in Mississippi beach communities. Local agents specializing in investment properties include firms like Century 21 Busch Realty and Latter & Blum which have operated in the Mississippi Gulf Coast market since the 1990s and 2000s respectively, helping investors navigate zoning regulations and tourism patterns in areas like St. Martin.