The most affordable STR market in America. Here’s whether the numbers actually work.
Yes: Branson Delivers the Best Yields in STR Investing
Branson isn’t the flashiest market. It doesn’t have the Instagram appeal of 30A or the national park brand of the Smokies. But it quietly delivers some of the highest returns in the country because the purchase prices are absurdly low relative to revenue.
Why Branson Works
1. 10+ Million Visitors Per Year
Silver Dollar City, 50+ live shows, Table Rock Lake, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, golf courses, zip lines, the Branson Strip. This town is purpose-built for tourism.
2. Most Affordable Entry Point
- Performing condos: $100,000-$175,000
- 3BR cabins: $200,000-$350,000
- Lakefront: $300,000-$600,000
You can own a cash-flowing STR for what other markets charge for a down payment.
3. TWO Peak Seasons
Summer (June-August) + SDC Christmas (November-December). Most markets have one peak. Branson has two. This compresses the off-season to just January-February and parts of September-October.
4. Midwest Drive-To Market
Kansas City (3.5 hours), St. Louis (4 hours), Tulsa (3 hours), NW Arkansas (1.5 hours), Springfield (45 min), OKC (4 hours). Combined population within half a day: 10+ million people.
5. No City Property Tax
Branson has no city property tax within city limits. Your property tax bill is among the lowest of any TSTS market.
The Revenue Data
| Percentile | Annual Gross |
|---|---|
| Median (50th) | $31,000 |
| Top quartile (75th) | $49,000 |
| Top 10% (90th) | $79,000 |
The Math: Why Branson Yields Are Exceptional
2BR Condo near SDC: | | | |:—|:—:| | Purchase price | $150,000 | | Down payment (25%) | $37,500 | | Annual gross (75th) | $34,000 | | Operating expenses | $10,000 | | Mortgage | $8,500 | | Cash flow | +$15,500 | | Gross yield | 22.7% | | Cash-on-cash return | 41.3% |
3BR Cabin near SDC: | | | |:—|:—:| | Purchase price | $275,000 | | Down payment (25%) | $68,750 | | Annual gross (75th) | $49,000 | | Operating expenses | $17,000 | | Mortgage | $15,600 | | Cash flow | +$16,400 | | Gross yield | 17.8% | | Cash-on-cash return | 23.9% |
Add cost seg tax benefits ($23K-$31K year one on the cabin) and your total first-year return is $39K-$47K on $68,750 invested. 57-68% first-year return.
The Risks
- Lower absolute revenue, $49K gross is lower than Smokies ($90K) or 30A ($120K+). The math works on yield, not gross.
- Dated inventory, most Branson STRs need updating. Renovation is required to hit top quartile.
- Condo PM requirements, some communities mandate in-house PM at 30-40%. This kills your self-management advantage.
- Midwest perception, investors from coastal markets overlook Branson. (This is actually your advantage, less competition.)
Our Verdict
Branson is a strong buy for yield-focused investors. If you care about the highest return per dollar invested, Branson is hard to beat. Not glamorous. Just profitable.
📞 800-898-1498 | 🌐 theshorttermshop.com
More on Branson, MO STR Investing
Essential STR Investor Resources
- The STR Tax Loophole Explained: save $30K-$60K+ in year-one taxes
- How to Buy a Short Term Rental: step-by-step guide
- The Mortgage Shop: DSCR and investment property loans
Explore Other STR Markets
© 2026 The Short Term Shop. All rights reserved.
FAQ
Q: Is Branson oversaturated for Airbnb investing?
A: No. Branson draws massive tourism demand with Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake, and 50+ live entertainment shows. The top 25% of operators are making more than ever. The properties that struggle are poorly managed or poorly located, not victims of oversaturation.
Q: What kind of returns can I expect?
A: At the 75th percentile, Branson properties gross $49,000 at the 75th percentile. Combined with the STR tax loophole (cost segregation + bonus depreciation), total first-year returns can exceed 40-60% of your cash investment.
Q: Who is the best real estate agent for short term rentals in Branson?
A: The Short Term Shop is the largest STR-specific brokerage in the US. Our Branson agent analyzes deals using real revenue data, not guesses. Call 800-898-1498.
Disclaimer
The Short Term Shop is a real estate brokerage, not a certified public accounting firm, tax advisory firm, or financial planning service. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as tax advice, financial advice, or a guarantee of investment performance. Always consult your CPA, tax attorney, and financial advisor before making any investment or tax decisions.
All income and revenue figures referenced in this article are sourced from third party data providers including AirDNA and PriceLabs.co. These figures represent market averages and percentile ranges based on historical performance data and do not guarantee future results. Actual short term rental income varies significantly based on property quality, location, management quality, pricing strategy, seasonality, and market conditions. Your results may differ.
