Is Terry, Mississippi Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Terry, Mississippi, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Hinds County Planning Department and Terry City Hall, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning classifications. Contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue to understand state tax obligations including sales tax collection (currently 7% plus local taxes), and register for a business license with both the city of Terry and Hinds County. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Terry's residential areas, focusing on properties near Ross Barnett Reservoir or downtown Jackson (20 minutes away) for tourist appeal, ensuring the property meets safety codes and has adequate parking. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and Natchez Trace Parkway. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos showcasing the property's proximity to Jackson and outdoor recreation opportunities, set competitive pricing based on comparable listings in the Jackson metro area (typically $75-150 per night), and write detailed descriptions emphasizing the quiet, small-town atmosphere while being close to urban amenities. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors in the Terry area, while staying compliant with any homeowner association rules and maintaining proper insurance coverage for short-term rental activities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Terry, Mississippi, focus on properties within 15-20 minutes of Jackson's downtown area and near Ross Barnett Reservoir, as these locations attract business travelers and weekend recreational visitors. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and reliable internet, as these features appeal to families and groups visiting the Jackson metro area. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate comparable properties in nearby Jackson, Brandon, and Flowood, aiming for properties that can generate $80-120 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 10-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting gaps in amenities or property types, and use tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market intelligence. Leverage local resources including the Hinds County tax assessor's office for property values, connect with Jackson-area real estate agents familiar with investment properties, and monitor the Mississippi Development Authority's tourism initiatives that could impact visitor demand to the greater Jackson area where Terry is positioned as an affordable alternative to urban accommodations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Terry, Mississippi, you must first contact the Hinds County Planning Department since Terry falls under county jurisdiction, as the city likely does not have specific STR regulations established as of 2023. Begin by submitting an application for a home occupation permit or business license through Hinds County, which typically requires a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing the rental property layout, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, and septic system approval if not connected to municipal sewer. The application fee ranges from $150-300, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-150. You must also register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and obtain a sales tax permit since STRs are subject to state and local taxes. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and document review. Terry may require parking provisions for guests, occupancy limits based on septic capacity, and compliance with residential zoning restrictions, so contact Terry City Hall at 601-878-2211 to confirm any municipal requirements that may overlay county regulations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Terry, Mississippi, as the state does not prohibit STRs at the state level, leaving regulation primarily to local municipalities. Terry, a small city in Hinds County, does not appear to have comprehensive STR-specific ordinances as of 2024, meaning STRs likely operate under general zoning and business licensing requirements. Property owners would need to comply with standard business license requirements, collect applicable state and local taxes including Mississippi's 7% sales tax, and ensure compliance with any homeowners association restrictions. The city may require STRs to operate within residential zoning guidelines and maintain proper insurance coverage. Recent trends in Mississippi show increasing local regulation of STRs, with larger cities like Jackson implementing registration requirements and safety standards, though Terry has not enacted similar comprehensive regulations. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance, obtain necessary business licenses from the city, and register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes, while monitoring potential future regulatory changes as STR activity increases in the Jackson metropolitan area.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Terry, Mississippi include the historic downtown district near the Terry Depot Museum which attracts heritage tourists and visitors exploring Civil War history, the residential neighborhoods along Highway 18 corridor which benefit from proximity to Jackson's business district and medical facilities drawing medical tourism and business travelers, and properties near the Ross Barnett Reservoir area which capitalize on recreational fishing and boating tourism particularly during spring and summer months. The areas around Byram-Terry Road offer strategic positioning for guests visiting the Jackson metropolitan area while seeking more affordable accommodations outside the city center, while neighborhoods near the Terry Community Center and local event venues benefit from family gatherings, weddings, and community events throughout the year, with additional demand from visitors to nearby Hinds Community College and those attending regional sports tournaments at local facilities.

Airbnb properties in Terry, Mississippi are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Mississippi state sales tax of 7% applies to short-term rental accommodations, along with an additional state tourism tax of 2% on lodging, bringing the total state-level tax to 9%. Hinds County, where Terry is located, imposes a local hotel/motel tax of approximately 2-3% on short-term rentals. The City of Terry may also levy a municipal occupancy tax of around 1-2%, though smaller municipalities sometimes waive this for properties under certain thresholds. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through platforms like Airbnb, which automatically remit state taxes but may require hosts to separately register and remit local taxes directly to Hinds County and the City of Terry on a monthly or quarterly basis. Hosts must obtain proper business licenses and tax permits from both county and municipal authorities. Exemptions generally apply only to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than short-term accommodations, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Terry, Mississippi, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the Jackson metro area where Terry is located. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,400 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing total approximately $3,000-$6,000. Property taxes and potential property management fees add another $2,000-$4,000 for the initial six-month period, bringing the comprehensive startup investment to roughly $180,000-$220,000 depending on property size and condition.

Airbnb properties in Terry, Mississippi typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 for entire homes, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and property management (20-25% of revenue) typically consume 45-55% of gross revenue. Profit margins generally range from 15-25% after accounting for mortgage payments, with successful properties near Ross Barnett Reservoir or Jackson metropolitan area commanding premium rates due to proximity to fishing, boating, and business travel demand. Properties featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or waterfront access can achieve 20-30% higher occupancy rates, while basic suburban homes struggle with sub-50% occupancy during off-peak months. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic pricing during peak seasons like summer lake activities and fall hunting seasons, with the most profitable operators typically managing 3-5 properties to achieve economies of scale in cleaning and maintenance operations.

Airbnb investments in Terry, Mississippi typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are conservative due to the small market size and limited tourist demand in this suburban Jackson metro area community. Properties in Terry, with median home prices around $120,000-$180,000, can expect gross rental yields of 12-18% annually, but after accounting for vacancy rates of 25-35%, property management fees, maintenance, and local taxes, net returns moderate significantly. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with single-family homes near Ross Barnett Reservoir or properties marketed to Jackson business travelers performing better than average. The market benefits from proximity to Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport and downtown Jackson corporate demand, but competition from established hotels and limited local attractions cap premium pricing opportunities, making Terry more suitable for budget-conscious investors seeking steady, modest returns rather than high-growth vacation rental markets.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations in Terry, Mississippi. Local real estate agents in the Jackson metropolitan area who focus on investment properties include Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty, RE/MAX Premier, and Keller Williams Realty, with agents like those at Century 21 Maselle & Associates having experience in the Terry market since 2018. National services that assist Airbnb investors include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics and was founded in 2014, AirDNA for market data analysis established in 2015, and Awning for property management services launched in 2016. Regional companies serving the Mississippi market include Mississippi Investment Properties and Jackson Area Realty Investors Group, while national franchises like HomeVestors and BiggerPockets' marketplace connect investors with local opportunities. Additional services include Vacasa for property management, RedAwning for rental optimization, and local property management companies like Pinnacle Property Management that have been serving the Jackson area since 2012, all helping investors maximize returns on Airbnb properties in Terry's growing short-term rental market.