Independence, Missouri Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Independence Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Short-term rentals in the City of Independence are permitted and shall be limited to no more than one per eight residential structures on a block face in residential districts. A block face is defined as one side of a street, from one intersecting or intercepting street to the next, excluding alleys. Consult the 14-420 - LODGING ESTABLISHMENT ordinance for more details.Business License Requirements
All short-term rentals shall secure an occupation license. A single property owner shall be limited to operating no more than five separate short-term rentals.Building and Housing Standards
Independence has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Building Permits and Inspections for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county law.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Independence for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.4
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Competition
8.2 -
Real Estate Cost
9.4 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
7.6 -
Rental Rates
2.8
Independence, Missouri Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 123,011
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Jackson
- Airports
- Lee's Summit Municipal Airport (KLXT)
- Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC)
Want to learn more about Independence?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Independence rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Independence rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Independence.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Independence guests.
Interested in other Missouri cities?
Check out the Missouri Airbnb rules directory
What makes Independence a great place to invest?
- Harry S. Truman National Historic Site: Independence is the proud hometown of the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman. Visitors can delve into the history of this renowned figure by touring his beautifully preserved home and the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum. The library houses fascinating exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office, and offers interactive displays that chronicle Truman's life and presidency.
- Independence Square: At the heart of the city lies the vibrant Independence Square, where the historic courthouse, boutique shops, and charming restaurants create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Stroll through the picturesque streets and stop at the local businesses to shop for souvenirs, indulge in delectable dining, or attend seasonal events and festivals that celebrate the city's rich heritage.
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail: As an important location in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Independence offers a unique opportunity to retrace the footsteps of the Mormon pioneers along the 1,300-mile trail. Key sites include the Community of Christ Temple, the Church of Christ Temple Lot, and the Joseph Smith Historic Site. These locations provide insight into the early struggles and accomplishments of the Mormon settlers.
- Outdoor Recreation at George Owens Nature Park: This 86-acre park offers an escape from the city and a chance to connect with nature. With a variety of walking trails, fishing ponds, and wildlife observation areas, visitors can explore the park's diverse ecosystem while enjoying the fresh air. Educational programs and workshops are available for visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for families.
- National Frontier Trails Museum: Discover the captivating history of westward expansion in America at the National Frontier Trails Museum. This interactive museum provides a comprehensive overview of the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails and features exhibits that showcase artifacts, diaries, and maps from the era. Immerse yourself in the stories of the pioneers who braved these routes in search of a better life.
- Vaile Mansion: This beautifully restored 19th-century Victorian mansion is a must-see for architecture and history enthusiasts. The exquisite 31-room estate boasts intricate woodwork, hand-painted ceilings, and a collection of Victorian-era furnishings. Guided tours offer insight into the life of Colonel Harvey Vaile and his family, providing a glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of the period.
Independence Nearby Cities
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10 miles away
- Rating: 5.6
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12 miles away
- Rating: 5.7
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Independence?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Independence has increased 1% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $127, which is lower than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$190,843
1% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$127
9% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,203
4% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Independence, Missouri
Common terms for Independence short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Independence has a description approximately 1,294 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 401 listings in Independence, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Kansas City, KC, Fun, Family, Perfect, Yard, Place, Downtown, Game, and Spacious.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Independence?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Independence involve going to the Zoo, Water Parks, Museums, Theme Parks, and Casinos. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Zoo
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Water Parks
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Museums
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Theme Parks
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Casinos
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City Centre
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Health Spa
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Antiquing
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Outlet Shopping
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Winery Tours
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Adventure Activities
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Hiking
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Independence, including Arrowhead Stadium, T-Mobile Center, Harrah's Casino, Worlds of Fun, and Crown Center. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Well Known Attraction
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Arrowhead Stadium
Included on 63% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Worlds of Fun
Included on 63% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Kauffman Stadium
Included on 63% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Ameristar Casino Kansas City
Included on 63% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Harrah's Casino
Included on 61% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Crown Center
Included on 61% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Kansas City Zoo
Included on 61% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Included on 61% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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T-Mobile Center
Included on 52% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Kansas City Convention Center
Included on 52% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Included on 52% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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University of Kansas Medical Center
Included on 52% of listings
What’s the weather like in Independence, Missouri?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 66°, while the average low is about 48°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 35 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 11 inches per year. The humidity levels in Independence are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
26° Low 42° High
Spring
March through May
47° Low 66° High
Summer
June through August
69° Low 87° High
Fall
September through November
48° Low 67° High
Cities Near Independence
Independence, Missouri, is located in Jackson County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
