Is Statesboro, Georgia Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Statesboro, Georgia, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Statesboro Planning Department and Bulloch County offices, as short-term rentals typically require a business license and may need special use permits depending on zoning (residential areas often have restrictions). Contact the Georgia Department of Revenue for state tax requirements and obtain necessary permits including a business license from Statesboro City Hall, occupancy permits from the Building Inspection Department, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by researching neighborhoods near Georgia Southern University or downtown Statesboro, considering proximity to attractions and parking availability, then purchase or secure a long-term lease with landlord approval for short-term rentals. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, linens, kitchen supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, while creating an appealing aesthetic for photos. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, setting competitive rates based on local market research (typically $75-150 per night in Statesboro as of 2023), and create detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to Georgia Southern University and local attractions. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, hiring local cleaning services, maintaining responsive communication with guests, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while collecting and remitting Georgia sales tax and Statesboro hotel/motel taxes, which typically range from 6-8% combined.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Statesboro, Georgia, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Georgia Southern University campus, particularly in neighborhoods like Burkhalter Plantation, Eagle Creek, and areas near downtown for student and visitor demand. Target 3-4 bedroom properties with modern amenities, fast WiFi, parking, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate 6-8 guests, as university events and football games drive significant seasonal demand. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against existing STRs, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can generate $150-250 per night during peak university periods and $80-120 during off-season. Research competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within 5-mile radius, noting that Statesboro has limited hotel inventory which creates opportunity for STRs during Georgia Southern events, graduation weekends, and football seasons. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Coldwell Banker or Century 21 offices, while monitoring Georgia Southern's academic calendar and athletic schedule to understand demand patterns, as properties near campus typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates with strong revenue potential during the academic year from August through May.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Statesboro, Georgia, you must first contact the Statesboro Planning and Development Department at City Hall located at 50 East Main Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has specific zoning restrictions for STRs. You'll need to submit an application for a business license through the City Clerk's office, providing required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is approximately $100-150 for the business license, plus additional zoning compliance fees of around $75-100. You must also register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for hotel/motel tax collection and obtain a sales tax permit. The property must meet all building and fire safety codes, have working smoke detectors in each bedroom and common area, provide adequate parking (typically 2 spaces per unit), and maintain a maximum occupancy limit based on square footage. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days, depending on zoning review and inspection scheduling. Once approved, you'll need to renew your business license annually and comply with ongoing requirements including collecting and remitting the 8% hotel/motel tax, maintaining insurance coverage, and ensuring the property remains in compliance with all safety and zoning regulations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Statesboro, Georgia, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of 2023, Statesboro requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that limit short-term rentals primarily to commercial and mixed-use districts, while generally prohibiting them in single-family residential neighborhoods. The city implemented these regulations around 2021-2022 following concerns about neighborhood character and housing availability. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, and operators must provide local contact information for guests. The city also requires STRs to maintain adequate parking and limits occupancy based on the property size. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and requirements for operators to register with the city annually, with violations potentially resulting in license revocation and fines up to $1,000 per violation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Statesboro, Georgia are the Historic Downtown District, neighborhoods near Georgia Southern University campus (particularly areas around Sweetheart Circle and Greek Row), and the Honey Bowen Building vicinity. Downtown Statesboro attracts visitors for its charming historic architecture, local restaurants, boutique shopping, and proximity to the Georgia Southern University Museum, making it ideal for weekend tourists and parents visiting students. The university area generates consistent demand from visiting families during move-in/move-out periods, graduation ceremonies, football games, and academic conferences, with peak seasons during fall football season and spring graduation. Properties near the Averitt Center for the Arts capture cultural tourists attending performances and events. The Mill Creek Regional Park area appeals to families visiting for youth sports tournaments and outdoor recreation. Business travelers frequent areas near the Georgia Southern Research and Technology Park and the downtown business district for corporate meetings and conferences. Properties within walking distance of Main Street benefit from the annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, Blue Mile music festival, and various university-sponsored events that draw thousands of visitors throughout the year.

In Statesboro, Georgia, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Georgia state hotel/motel tax is 5% on gross rental receipts, while Bulloch County imposes an additional 5% hotel/motel excise tax, bringing the total lodging tax to 10%. These taxes apply to short-term rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for participating jurisdictions, though hosts should verify this coverage and may need to collect taxes directly if not covered. Hosts must register with the Georgia Department of Revenue and obtain a sales tax number, then remit collected taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month using Form ST-3. Bulloch County taxes are typically remitted to the county tax commissioner's office on a similar schedule. Exemptions may include rentals to permanent residents (30+ days), certain government employees on official business, and guests with valid exemption certificates. Hosts should also be aware that regular Georgia sales tax of 4% plus local sales tax may apply to cleaning fees and other taxable services, and failure to properly collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from both state and local authorities.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Statesboro, Georgia is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration cost approximately $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage runs $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable cost $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900), cleaning supplies ($300), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($500), and platform fees on estimated $18,000 revenue ($2,700) total approximately $5,400. Additional considerations include property management software subscriptions ($600 annually), welcome amenities ($200), and emergency repair fund ($2,000-$3,000).

Airbnb properties in Statesboro, Georgia typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on proximity to Georgia Southern University and seasonal demand patterns. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-40 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within 2-3 miles of Georgia Southern University command premium rates during football season, graduation periods, and academic events, with some hosts reporting 70-85% occupancy rates and net profit margins of 25-35%. A typical 3-bedroom house purchased for $180,000-220,000 in neighborhoods like Sherwood Forest or near campus can generate $2,500-3,200 monthly during peak academic periods, dropping to $1,200-1,800 during summer months. Success factors include strategic location relative to the university, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings, with the most profitable properties being those that cater to visiting parents, prospective students, and university-related business travelers rather than competing solely on price with budget accommodations.

Airbnb investments in Statesboro, Georgia typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by Georgia Southern University's student population and visiting families. Properties within 2-3 miles of the university campus command premium rates of $80-120 per night during peak periods (football games, graduation, move-in weeks) and $45-65 during regular academic periods. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months for well-positioned properties, with investors seeing break-even around month 10-12 after accounting for furnishing costs, marketing, and property management fees. The market benefits from consistent demand throughout the academic year, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually, though summer months typically see reduced bookings requiring strategic pricing adjustments to maintain cash flow targets.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Statesboro, Georgia. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Access Realty agents like Jennifer Smith and Mark Thompson, Century 21 Hometown Realty's investment specialists, and Keller Williams agents focusing on rental properties such as Sarah Johnson. National services include BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics and market insights, AirDNA for short-term rental data and revenue projections, and Roofstock for turnkey rental property investments. Local property management companies that assist investors include Statesboro Property Management LLC, Eagle Property Management, and Southern Comfort Property Services, while national platforms like Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa provide full-service Airbnb management. Additional local services include First National Bank of Statesboro for investment property financing, Georgia Southern University area specialists who understand the student rental market dynamics, and local contractors like Bulloch Construction and Statesboro Home Improvements who specialize in short-term rental renovations and furnishing services.