Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Mark Twain National Forest market averaged 1,545 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 11% from a year earlier and up 77% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

An average Mark Twain National Forest listing earns $21K/year. High-performing listings earn $51K, while low-performing listings earn $9K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

Median Mark Twain National Forest home prices by size are 1-bedroom $132K, 2-bedroom $147K, 3-bedroom $216K, and 4+ bedroom $284K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Mark Twain National Forest is 26%, producing RevPAR of $46 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Mark Twain National Forest. Branson: Lenient. Business license and sales tax permit required. No owner-occupancy rules or density limits. Minimal enforcement; city relies on complaints rather than proactive monitoring.
Springfield: Lenient. Business license and lodging tax registration needed. No occupancy requirements or caps. Light enforcement; primarily complaint-driven with few proactive inspections.
Rolla: Lenient. Business license required, sales tax collection mandatory. No owner-occupancy or rental restrictions. Minimal enforcement; operates largely on complaint basis with limited oversight. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Mark Twain National Forest Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Mark Twain National Forest Airbnb and VRBO market appears broadly balanced. Supply has grown 11% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 3%, showing no clear supply-demand imbalance.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in July and June; it is lowest in January and February.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (97%), Parking (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Lake Access (+45%), Hot Tub (+21%), Bbq (+21%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Mark Twain National Forest is $201, up 16% year-over-year. Rates peak in August and are lowest in January.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Mark Twain National Forest book an average of 32 days in advance, up 6% from last year. Booking windows range from 30 days for 2-bedroom listings to 38 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Mark Twain National Forest?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekend occupancy is 85% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Northern St. Francois County	$24.2K 22 listings	17.6% 22 listings
2.Salem and Dent Countryside	$25.8K 24 listings	17.1% 24 listings
3.Arcadia Valley and Iron Countryside	$24.4K 26 listings	16.8% 26 listings
4.Farmington and Surrounding Countryside	$25.0K 28 listings	13.0% 28 listings
5.Cape Girardeau	$27.4K 33 listings	12.2% 33 listings
6.Rolla and Surrounding Countryside	$24.2K 50 listings	12.2% 50 listings
7.West Plains and Howell Countryside	$17.0K 24 listings	11.4% 24 listings
8.St. James and Surrounding Countryside	$20.4K 45 listings	11.0% 45 listings