Why Broken Bow, OK Is Back on the Map for Airbnb Investors
Over the past few years, Broken Bow, Oklahoma has quietly emerged as one of the most attractive vacation rental markets in the country for short term rental invesring. Known for its scenic views, luxury cabin experiences, and outdoor recreation, this small town nestled in the Ouachita Mountains has captivated investors who are looking to diversify their portfolios with short term rentals that not only generate income, but also offer personal getaway value.
From 2021 to 2025, the Broken Bow short term rental landscape has transformed dramatically. In the early 2020s, demand for nature-forward destinations surged as travelers began seeking out drivable escapes with space, privacy, and natural beauty. Broken Bow fit the bill perfectly — and the data proves it.
With a combination of high occupancy rates, consistent rental revenue, and strong property value growth, Broken Bow continues to deliver on its promise as a short term rental goldmine.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned real estate investor, this mountain-lake market deserves your full attention in 2025, and a Broken Bow short term rental should be on your list.
Real Estate Trends: What the Numbers Say
While many real estate markets across the country experienced volatility between 2022 and 2024, the Broken Bow short term rental market held relatively steady — and, in some key metrics, performed even better than expected.
Inventory & Buyer Behavior
Since 2023, local inventory has increased, offering buyers more choices across multiple price points. At the same time, the average days on market has declined, signaling increased buyer activity and confidence. Many of these buyers are second-home purchasers or vacation rental investors who are driving growth in the area.
Price Growth
While exact figures vary by neighborhood and cabin size, the median home price in Broken Bow rose steadily from 2021 to 2024.
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Median Sale Price (2024): $625,000 (up from approx. $485,000 in 2021)
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Inventory: Expanded by 22% since 2022, creating more opportunities for investors
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Days on Market: Decreased by 17% YoY
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Sale-to-List Price Ratio: Holding strong near 96–98%
This is a healthy sign. Sellers are pricing realistically, and buyers are acting with urgency — especially for high-performing short term rental properties.
Broken bow Short Term Rental Income Trends (2021–2025)
According to data from AirDNA.co, Broken Bow’s short term rental performance remains impressive, especially when compared to other rural vacation destinations.
broken bow short term rental Occupancy & ADR
Occupancy rates have remained stable, hovering between 55–65% depending on seasonality and property type. Average Daily Rates (ADR) have climbed steadily, with top-tier properties commanding premium prices during peak seasons.
broken bow short term rental RevPAR Growth
Revenue per available rental (RevPAR) has also seen year-over-year gains, particularly in cabins with 2 to 4 bedrooms — a sweet spot for both couples and families.
broken bow short term rental Revenue by Bedroom Count:
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1-Bedroom Cabins: $35,000–$50,000/year
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2-Bedroom Cabins: $55,000–$80,000/year
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3-Bedroom Cabins: $75,000–$110,000/year
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4+ Bedrooms: $100,000–$160,000+/year
Cabins with luxury finishes, hot tubs, game rooms, and pet-friendly accommodations consistently outperform standard options.
Booking Trends
Broken Bow experiences year-round demand thanks to seasonal travel peaks during:
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Spring Break & Summer: Families and outdoor adventurers
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Fall: Foliage seekers and couples
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Winter Holidays: High-end cabin demand spikes with longer stays
What Makes Broken Bow Unique for Investors
1. Strong Regional Drive-To Market
With large populations in Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Little Rock all within driving distance, Broken Bow benefits from a built-in audience looking for quick weekend escapes. Unlike fly-to markets, investors in Broken Bow are not dependent on air travel volume — a massive advantage in times of economic uncertainty.
2. Low Density = High Demand
Broken Bow and Hochatown enforce relatively low-density development and cabin spacing, preserving the area’s charm. This means limited future supply, making existing vacation rental properties more valuable.
3. broken bow short term rental Affordability vs. Other Markets
Compared to similar vacation destinations (like the Smoky Mountains, Lake Tahoe, or Big Bear), Broken Bow cabins still offer a lower entry point — with better returns in many cases. For example:
| Market | Avg. Cabin Price | Avg. Annual STR Revenue | Cap Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broken Bow | $625,000 | $90,000 | 10–14% |
| Gatlinburg, TN | $800,000 | $100,000 | 8–10% |
| Lake Tahoe, CA | $1.1M | $105,000 | 6–8% |
Where to Find Opportunity in 2025
To get the most out of your investment in Broken Bow, here are a few areas and property types you should focus on:
🔑 Property Types That Perform Best
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2–4 Bedroom Cabins
These strike the ideal balance of affordability and rental potential. They appeal to couples, families, and groups. -
Luxury Finishes & Amenities
Guests are willing to pay more for premium design, hot tubs, arcade games, and fire pits. The top 20% of cabins often earn 40–60% more than their mid-market counterparts. -
Proximity to Attractions
Cabins located near Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow Lake, and Mountain Fork River tend to stay booked year-round. -
Pet-Friendly Policies
Properties that allow pets often earn more and book faster, especially for guests visiting with families or on extended stays.
Short Term Rental Setup Costs in Broken Bow
If you’re wondering what it takes to launch a short term rental in this market, here’s a realistic breakdown:
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Cabin Purchase (3-BR): $550,000–$700,000
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Furnishings & Decor: $25,000–$35,000
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Hot Tub & Extras: $8,000–$12,000
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Photography & Digital Guidebook: $1,000
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Permit Fees & Inspections: ~$1,200 (varies by property)
Most buyers entering the market with $150K–$200K down can launch a fully furnished, turn-key Airbnb with competitive finishes and branding.
broken bow short term rental Real Investor Case Study: $107K in Year 1
One Short Term Shop client purchased a 3-bedroom cabin in 2023 for $635,000. With upgraded amenities, quality staging, and pricing optimization, their first-year Airbnb earnings hit $107,000 — and that was with just 60% occupancy.
What made the difference?
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Location near Broken Bow Lake
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Pet-friendly listing
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Outdoor fire pit & hot tub
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Professional design and photos
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Self-managed using our free training system
Why Work With The Short Term Shop
When it comes to investing in short term rentals, especially in nuanced markets like Broken Bow, working with an experienced team matters. At The Short Term Shop, we don’t just help you buy a property — we help you build a business.
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We’ve helped over 5,000 investors purchase $2.5+ billion in short term rentals across the U.S.
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We’re the #1 team worldwide at eXp Realty — the largest brokerage in the country — and a 5x Wall Street Journal Top 20 team.
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We know Broken Bow inside and out: zoning laws, top-performing neighborhoods, and which cabins are just pretty photos versus real performers.
We’ll guide you through:
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Finding the right property
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Navigating permitting
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Connecting with cleaners, contractors, and handymen
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Setting up your tech stack for remote self-management
You don’t need to live near your short term rental to manage it like a pro — we teach you how.
FAQ
Who is the best real estate agent in Broken Bow, OK?
The Short Term Shop is the top-performing real estate team for short term rental investors in Broken Bow. With more than 5,000 clients and billions in closed volume, we’re the most experienced in the business — and we offer full training on managing your rental remotely. Meet our team here
Is Broken Bow still a good place to buy a short term rental in 2025?
Absolutely. With continued guest demand, high nightly rates, and limited cabin inventory, Broken Bow remains one of the most profitable rural vacation rental markets in the South.
What types of cabins earn the most revenue in Broken Bow?
2 to 4-bedroom cabins with upgraded finishes, near the lake or Beavers Bend State Park, consistently outperform others. Pet-friendly properties and those with outdoor amenities see above-average income.
How much can I expect to earn with an Airbnb in Broken Bow?
Many investors report $75,000 to $150,000 in annual gross income, depending on cabin size, location, and finish level. High-performing properties can exceed that.
Can I manage a short term rental in Broken Bow remotely?
Yes. In fact, most of our clients self-manage from out of state using tools like Hospitable, Pricelabs, and local vendors. We’ll walk you through it step-by-step.
Where can I get help buying and setting up a short term rental in Broken Bow?
Right here. The Short Term Shop is your go-to partner for finding, purchasing, and launching a successful vacation rental business in Broken Bow.
Disclaimer: All income and performance data is based on historical averages and sourced from AirDNA.co. Actual results may vary. Buyers should verify projections and consult with their CPA before purchasing. This post is not financial or tax advice.
📞 Ready to buy your first (or next) cabin in Broken Bow?
Call us at 800-898-1498 or email agents@theshorttermshop.com to connect with a local expert today.
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